ORANGE COUNTY, NY — Shariff Gual, 38, of Deerpark, was sentenced to 10 years in state prison and five years of post-release supervision on December 6, 2023, for first-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. In a separate case, Eric Brown, 51, of Enfield, received a six-year prison sentence and two years of post-release supervision on December 4, 2023, for third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced these sentences following the guilty pleas of both defendants.
Gual’s conviction stems from a month-long investigation led by the City of Port Jervis Police Department and Orange County Drug Task Force, in collaboration with several law enforcement agencies. The investigation revealed Gual’s involvement in selling and possessing cocaine for resale across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. This operation led to the seizure of approximately 940 grams of cocaine, a loaded handgun, and around $1,200 in cash.
Brown’s sentencing follows a traffic stop by the New York State Police on February 1, 2023, where approximately 108 grams of cocaine were found in his vehicle, leading to the discovery of over a kilogram of the drug. Brown admitted to possessing the cocaine with the intent to sell.
District Attorney Hoovler highlighted the importance of long-term law enforcement investigations and the vigilance of officers in disrupting major drug trafficking operations. He commended the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and reiterated his commitment to prosecuting major drug dealers to ensure community safety and deter future criminal activities.