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Andre Smith, a 37-year-old from Poughkeepsie, pled guilty to the criminal sale of a firearm in the first degree in Orange County Court on Tuesday (October 21). As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors will recommend a sentence of 15 years in prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision. Smith's sentencing is scheduled for January 6, 2026.
The plea is a result of Operation Hot Lunch, a coordinated effort by multiple law enforcement agencies to tackle firearm and narcotics trafficking in Orange County. The operation, conducted on May 21, 2024, led to charges against 33 individuals for offenses related to narcotics, firearms, and conspiracy. During the investigation, authorities recovered 24 firearms and one kilogram of cocaine. On the day of the enforcement action, they seized over 11 kilograms of cocaine, 90 grams of fentanyl, seven guns, high-capacity magazines, ammunition, $45,000 in cash, and a food truck used in the crimes.
Smith admitted to selling three or more firearms between April 28 and May 8, 2024. District Attorney David M. Hoovler emphasized the importance of such long-term investigations in dismantling operations that traffic narcotics and guns. He commended the dedication of the law enforcement agencies involved in the operation, including the Orange County Drug Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and several local police departments.
The investigation revealed that Kirkland Salmon was central to four conspiracies to traffic narcotics and firearms in the area. Salmon received cocaine from suppliers Owen Beckford and Joshua Arnold and resold firearms supplied by Smith. The operation underscores the collaborative efforts of law enforcement to ensure community safety from drugs and illegal firearms.