SHERIFF’S OFFICE ARRESTS TWO FOR ILLEGAL DRUG ACTIVITY
Hudson, NY- Columbia County Sheriff David P. Bartlett reports that on Friday, March 8, 2018, two local individuals were arrested for their involvement in illegal drug activity after search warrants were executed.
Howard D. Mackey Jr., 41, and Tasha N. Rogers, 36, both of Hudson, were both charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree with intent to sell and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (Both Class B Felonies).
On March 8, 2019 at approximately 1:15pm, members of the Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement and Education Unit conducted a traffic stop with a 2003 BMW on Fairview Avenue in the Town of Greenport to make contact with Howard Mackey and Tasha Rogers, who were the subjects of an on-going drug investigation.
Following the traffic stop, Investigators from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Hudson Police Department, and the Capital District Drug Enforcement Task Force (DEA) executed a search warrant issued by Judge Richard Koweek for the first floor apartment at 340 State Street in the City of Hudson, which is the apartment of Mackey and Rogers, for the purpose of searching for and seizing items relative to the investigation into the sale and possession of heroin and fentanyl.
While executing the warrant, more than 20 grams of heroin, which can be equivalent to more than 400 doses was seized, along with a scale and packaging material. There was also $1,500 in cash recovered from Howard Mackey. The street value of the heroin recovered is worth about $3,000.
Mr. Mackey and Ms. Rogers were arraigned before Judge Connors in Hudson City Court. Mackey was remanded to the Columbia County Jail in lieu of $50,000 cash or $100,000 bond.
Rogers was remanded to the Columbia County Jail on $15,000 bail or $30,000 bond. Both defendants will appear back in Hudson City Court on March 12, 2019 at 8:30am.
As a result of this on-going investigation, a second search warrant signed by Judge Richard Koweek was executed on March 11, 2019 for a 2003 BMW SUV, owned by Tasha Rogers. Investigators seized $4,000 in cash and a electronic stun gun (Taser) from within the vehicle.
Howard Mackey was previously the subject of a Sheriff’s Office drug investigation in which he was arrested and charged on November 14, 2018 after being found in possession of approximately 40 grams of heroin, along with packaging material.
The Sheriff’s Office is being assisted by the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office.
Anyone with any information about illegal activity can contact the Sheriff’s Office tips line at 518-822-8477 and can remain anonymous.