Multi-agency crackdown nets dozens of arrests in Putnam  

Two Carmel residents were among multiple people arrested during a three-day, multi-agency enforcement operation targeting crime across Putnam County, authorities said. 

The operation, led by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office in coordination with New York State Police and the Westchester/Putnam Real-Time Crime Center, focused on auto theft, firearms trafficking, narcotics distribution and other criminal activity. Sheriff’s Office units, including the Special Investigations Unit, Conditions Unit and Patrol Division, carried out coordinated patrols using real-time intelligence and license plate reader technology. 

Among those arrested were: 

• Kristen Walsh, 41, of Carmel, charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree and criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree; released after arraignment.  

• Jeffrey Gottsfeld, 50, of Carmel, charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree; remanded to jail.  

• Anthony Luca, 47, of Patterson, charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; later turned over to Carmel police on an active warrant.  

• Rayquan Cumberbatch, 39, of Cortlandt, charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree; released.  

• Dielston Garcia De Matos Stefanis, 33, of West Hartford, Conn., charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree; released.  

• Taylor Piguave Poveda, 30, of Prospect, Conn., charged with criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree and aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree; released with an appearance ticket.  

• Raymundo Lopez, 40, of New York City, charged with false impersonation; released with an appearance ticket.  

• Gabriel Young, 36, of Yonkers, and Fabian Coke, 34, of the Bronx, charged in connection with counterfeit U.S. currency totaling approximately $10,000; both were remanded to jail.  

• Francisco Salgado, 55, of Dingmans Ferry, Pa., charged with petit larceny following a theft from a business.  

In total, authorities reported 45 arrests and the apprehension of eight fugitives during the operation. 

Officials said deputies conducted 849 traffic stops and issued 273 tickets. Investigators also recovered 23 stolen vehicles, valued at an estimated $812,020, seized more than 3 kilograms of narcotics, and recovered one firearm. 

The Sheriff’s Office said the enforcement effort was part of an ongoing initiative to target crime using coordinated, intelligence-driven policing strategies. 

Article provided by Putnam County Sheriff’s Office