Drug treatment counselor accused of selling narcotics

WAPPINGER FALLS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Police arrested a Wappinger Falls man on drug charges. Officials said he was working at a drug rehabilitation center as a drug counselor at the time.

Alvis Lewis, Jr., 54, was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, intent to sell, and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree.

The Dutchess County District Attorney's Office said its Drug Task Force was investigating the sale of narcotics in the Wappinger and Poughkeepsie areas when community members contacted the task force about a drug dealer who used multiple aliases.

Investigators identified Lewis as a potential suspect, and Drug Task Force agents purchased crack cocaine from Lewis on multiple occasions throughout the investigation. They also confirmed he worked overnight hours at an in-patient drug rehabilitation facility in Carmel, New York.

A search of his home and vehicles resulted in the seizure of crack cocaine that was packaged and ready for sale, according to the DA's office.

Lewis was arraigned and sent to jail without bail. Additional charges may be pending.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact the Drug Task Force confidential tip line at (845) 463-6040 or by sending an email to drugtaskforcetips@gmail.com.