Six people were arrested, 89 firearms seized ,and dozens of vehicles impounded during a one-day multi-agency law enforcement initiative targeting illegal license plates and related criminal activity across Sullivan County, authorities said.
The operation, dubbed “Operation Plate Check 2026,” was conducted May 7 by the New York State Police with assistance from the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, the Village of Liberty Police Department, the Village of Monticello Police Department, the Town of Fallsburg Police Department and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Field Investigations Division.
Investigators focused on fictitious, cloned, stolen and switched license plates allegedly used to conceal stolen vehicles, evade law enforcement or facilitate criminal activity. Authorities also targeted individuals connected to organized retail theft, auto theft investigations, firearms offenses, narcotics trafficking and gang-related activity.
Police said the operation resulted in 219 traffic citations, one seat belt citation and three obstructed plate citations. Authorities also impounded 25 vehicles.
The initiative led to two separate criminal investigations, according to state police.
During the operation, members of the Troop F Community Stabilization Unit conducted a traffic stop that led to the seizure of 89 firearms, several high-capacity magazines and ammunition. Three individuals were charged federally after the case was adopted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force.
In a separate investigation, the New York State Police Special Investigations Unit in Valhalla conducted a traffic stop that resulted in the seizure of about 20.9 grams of crack cocaine, police said.
Three people were arrested in connection with that investigation.
Malike J. Hayward, 52, of Woodbourne, was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, a class B felony; fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class C felony; second-degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia, a class A misdemeanor; and multiple traffic infractions.
Hayward was arraigned in Liberty Town Court and remanded to the Sullivan County Jail without bail. He was scheduled to return to Thompson Town Court on May 11 at 5 p.m.
A 17-year-old male from Ellenville was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, a class B felony; fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class C felony; fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class D felony; second-degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia, a class A misdemeanor; and a traffic infraction.
The teen was arraigned in Liberty Town Court and released on a Family Court appearance ticket for May 8 at 10:30 a.m. in Sullivan County Family Court Youth Part.
Andrew J. Porter-Jackson, 24, of Ellenville, was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, a class B felony; fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class C felony; second-degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia, a class A misdemeanor; and a traffic infraction.
Porter-Jackson was arraigned in Liberty Town Court and released on his own recognizance. He was scheduled to return to Thompson Town Court on May 11 at 5 p.m.
Image Credit: New York State Police