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Blooming Grove – Jack Punch pleaded guilty to a lightweight,
misdemeanor drug charge 18 months ago. But police say Punch never got out
of the cocaine retail business and now he's facing felony drug charges
and the loss of nearly $900,000 worth of condominiums that he owns.
The investigation that led to Punch's arrest Jan. 20 is continuing this
week,
according to court records.
Prosecutors have filed notice that they intend to seize four properties
owned by Punch,
including one that was most recently listed as his address, in the Rolling
Hills
condominium development off Route 208 in the Town of Blooming Grove,
according to records filed in the Orange County clerk's office.
Prosecutors contend that Punch, 33, plowed the money he made from selling
cocaine
into the purchase of the condos, according to court filings.
The seizures are permitted under state law, but are part of a civil action
that is separate from the criminal case against Punch.
In February 2002, Orange County sheriff's deputies and Blooming Grove
police
got information about a brisk walk-up cocaine business in the area and
arrested Punch
on felony drug charges. Punch eventually pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor
drug possession
charge and didn't do any jail time. After the plea, Punch got back into
the cocaine business,
said state police Lt. James Boylan. Punch is now being held in Orange
County Jail
without bail, pending a court appearance Feb. 5.
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