Pawling man arrested for allegedly selling drugs near school

A Pawling man has been arrested following a drug investigation into the sale of methamphetamine and fentanyl, according to the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office. William Frenza, 59, was arrested on Tuesday to multiple drug charges.

PAWLING, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- A Pawling man has been arrested following a drug investigation into the sale of methamphetamine and fentanyl, according to the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office. William Frenza, 59, was arrested on Tuesday for multiple drug charges.

The Dutchess County District Attorney's Office Drug Task Force has been investigating the sale of fentanyl and methamphetamine in Dutchess County. Agents reportedly purchased these drugs from Frenza, in his home on Reservoir Road near the entrance of the Pawling Middle and High Schools, multiple times.

As a result of the investigation, on Aug. 3, 2024, agents executed a search warrant for the residence and recovered methamphetamine, packing materials and scales. On Tuesday, agents apprehended Frenza, leaving his home where he allegedly possessed a quantity of fentanyl.

Charges:

• Criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, a class B felony
• Criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, a class B felony
• Criminal sale of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, a class D felony
• Criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, with the intent to sell, a class B felony
• Criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, with the intent to sell, a class D felony

"Dangerous drugs pose a significant threat to our youth, jeopardizing their health, development and future," District Attorney Anthony Parisi said. "The sale of these drugs near a school is disgraceful and unacceptable."

Frenza is being held in Poughkeepsie at the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office. He is pending an arraignment later this month.

The search warrant for Frenza was executed by the Drug Task Force, the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office Emergency Services Unit and the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office Patrol Bureau. The public is urged to contact the Drug Task Force with any information regarding the sale or manufacturing of methamphetamine in Dutchess County.

According to the Task Force, agents are making an effort to keep drugs like fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine out of the county. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the task force at 845-463-6040 or by an email to DrugTaskForceTips@gmail.com.