Police made a mark in their ongoing battle against heroin in the town/village of Harrison, as six individuals have been arrested for selling and possessing the drug that contributed to the recent deaths of two unidentified Harrison residents, ages 26 and 29, at the end of June.
In the aftermath of the drug-related fatalities police began an investigation on June 24 that led to the arrests of Rachael Brissett, 17, of Harrison, and Alexandra Derose, 22, of Mamaroneck. Both Brissett and Derose were charged with third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, a felony. Derose was additionally charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a misdemeanor.
“We believe at least one of the [local suspects] has been dealing for some time, and we’re going to do whatever we can to bring them to justice,” said Harrison Police Chief Anthony Marraccini.
The investigation also developed a case that led to the arrest of a prominent Bronx dealer, Jeffrey “Flee” McCaskill, 27, who had been observed in a grey Dodge Caravan conducting a drug transaction on Halstead Avenue on June 26. He was arrested alongside Diamond Samuels, 32, Deshaun Hardaway, 27, and Justice Sabina, 33, all Bronx residents.
Investigators were able to connect drug packaging found in McCaskill’s van with exact markings of the drugs that were obtained from the Harrison residents who overdosed. Police would not disclose any additional details regarding the two deaths.
Police also believe that the dealers were selling tainted drugs. “The heroin contributed to two deaths in our community [and] the dealer had a sense that the drug was no good and continued to supply it anyway,” Marraccini said.
McCaskill and Hardaway have been charged with felony counts of third-degree sale of a controlled substance as of press time, but police say their investigation will likely result in additional charges.
Samuels and Sabina have also been charged with felony counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.
With collaboration from other law enforcement agencies, the Harrison Police Department executed a search warrant of McCaskill’s home in the Bronx and was able to find $10,000 in drugs, forged U.S. currency and drug paraphernalia.
All six suspects were taken to the Westchester County Jail in Valhalla. Brissett has been released on $15,000 bail. McCaskill and Hardaway are currently being held on a $500,000 bail each; both Sabina and Samuels on a $75,000 bail; and Derose on a $40,000 bail.
“We need more people to come forward with information about drug dealers,” Marraccini said. “Although it’s frustrating and disheartening, people [also] need to take any available means to get their loved ones help that suffer from addictions.”
According to the Harrison police chief, the Police Department is hopeful to institute a program that will allow individuals to walk into police headquarters to seek addiction help.
Harrison Councilwoman Marlene Amelio, a Republican, said, “Certainly any program that works toward eradicating and helping people with addiction is something beneficial.”
As of press time, police will continue with the investigation, and anticipate further charges at a later date, as some suspects may be held responsible for the death of the two victims.
