Suspected drug dealer with violent past arrested in Dutchess County

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POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. — Authorities arrested a man with a history of violent crime on new drug-related charges following an investigation by the Dutchess County Drug Task Force.

Rakeem Paulin, previously indicted for attempted murder after a 2023 attack in Poughkeepsie, was taken into custody by Drug Task Force agents who allege he has been selling fentanyl in Poughkeepsie and southern Dutchess County. Paulin had been released pending trial on the attempted murder charge but was identified as a suspected narcotics dealer during his release.

Officials say the investigation led to Paulin’s arrest on multiple drug-related charges. The Drug Task Force was supported in its efforts by the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department and the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office.

Authorities have described Paulin as a significant threat to the community and noted his arrest as a crucial step in combating drug activity in the area.

Paulin is now back in custody, where he awaits legal proceedings on both the new charges and the prior attempted murder case.