DA’S PRESS RELEASE

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe on Friday announced that Dylan Lentini (DOB 11/10/96) of Vacaville, California was found guilty of Murder in the Second Degree, a class “A”Felony, in the killing of West Nyack resident Michael Wimbert.

“The defendant has been convicted of a violent and heinous crime,” said Zugibe. “This was an extremely brutal attack.”

On December 1, 2015, at approximately 1:45 a.m., while inside Michael Wimbert’s home, located at 68 Demarest Avenue, West Nyack, New York, Lentini violently attacked Michael Wimbert, stabbing him approximately thirty times; the wounds caused Michael Wimbert’s death.

Jury Selection on the trial began on September 13, 2016; testimony began on September 20, 2016.

Lentini has been held in the Rockland County Jail since his arrest. Sentencing is scheduled for November 29, 2016. His bail status continues as a remand. He faces a maximum of 25 years to life in state prison.

Executive Assistant District Attorney Dominic Crispino and Senior Assistant District Attorney Patrick Fischer prosecuted the case.

Orangetown

Burglary in Orangeburg

The Orangetown Police Department responded to a burglar alarm on Sherwood Lane Friday night around 8. They noticed the rear French door windows smashed in.

Video showed two men dressed in hoodies and gloves were dropped off in front of the house by an unknown vehicle. The men then walked to the back of the house and smashed the glass on the back front doors. Once the alarm sounded, the men left the scene. The homeowners were not home at the time of the incident.

Drug Arrest in Nyack

The Orangetown Police arrested 23 year-old man from Nyack, Dexter Fisher, for criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Police stopped a vehicle on North Franklin Street after committing a traffic violation. Fisher, who was the passenger in the car, was found with quantities of cocaine, pain medication and marijuana. Fisher was transported to Headquarters and processed with criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana both in the 7^th degree. He was released on bail but is due back in court of the 25^th of October.

Ramapo

Ramapo Police Still Searching for Fugitive

Ramapo Police are still on the lookout for Joel Zorilla who is wanted for menacing in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. This event occurred in Monsey in 2015. Police ask that anyone with information call this number immediately -845-357-2400.

DWI Arrest in Chestnut

On October 1, Ramapo police officer arrested a man in the Village of Chestnut for driving while intoxicated.

The police officer observed a man near a parked car on Chestnut Ridge Road begin to urinate. When the man noticed the officer, he got in his car and drove off. The officer followed the suspect and when police stopped him, the officer noticed an odor of alcohol on his breath. The officer then conducted sobriety tests which led to the conclusion that the suspect was in fact intoxicated. He will appear in court on the 26^th.

Pomona Woman Arrested for DWI

Ramapo Police received a call about a car on Chestnut Ridge Road on October 2. The driver, who was a 49-year-old woman from Pomona was arrested for driving while intoxicated.

Village of Airmont Domestic Dispute

On Tuesday night, Ramapo police responded to a resident with regards to a domestic violence incident. Upon further investigation, the 52 year-old suspect was arrested for harassment in the second degree and criminal mischief in the fourth degree.

Clarkstown

19-year-old wanted in Nyack

Jaquey Wilkes, a 19-year old from Nyack, is wanted for robbery, assault and larceny. He is a black male with black hair and brown eyes, about 5 foot, 9 inches. If you have any information please call 845-639-5880.

Suffern

Monsey Man Falsifies Sticker

A 62-year-old man from Monsey was charged with a falsifying an inspection sticker. He was arrested on Route 202 and is pending a future court date.

Suffern Man Charged for Harassment

A 19-year-old Suffern man was charged with having an active warrant on him for harassment and criminal mischief. He had a domestic dispute with family members where he slapped one person and damaged property in the house.

BY JOEL GROSSBARTH 

A murderer and rapist convicted by a Rockland County jury in 1980 will appear before a parole board this month to determine if he has served enough times for his crimes.

Franklin Morrison, one of the longest serving inmates currently incarcerated in New York State, may soon be freed by a board of three parole commissioners. Morrison was convicted for the rape and murder of then 15-year-old Jill Garrett in Putnam County.

Due to the amount of pre-trial publicity, the case was moved to Rockland and eventually heard by a Rockland County jury. Many of those who remember the trial recall it as one of the most horrific cases to pass through the Rockland dockets.

The month long trial concluded with a conviction on all charges. Morrison was sentenced to 37½ years to life in prison. Now, after serving the minimum sentence, Morrison will try to convince a parole board he should be freed. Morrison, 68-years-old has served more than 37 years in state penitentiaries. The judge that presided over the trial Hon. Frank C. Bowers, Jr. passed away earlier this year.

Morrison has lost every appeal he has filed. He has claimed prosecutorial errors, ineffective assistance of counsel and numerous errors by the trial judge, all to no avail.  The Parole Board will look at all the relevant factors, including the serious nature of the crimes, as well as Morrison’s institutional record to make the final determination. If denied parole, Morrison will not be eligible again until 2019.

RAMAPO PD PRESS RELEASE

At about 3 a.m., Monday, October 10 Ramapo PD received a report from a Dolson Road resident of three suspects stealing two motorcycles from the front of his property.

As officers responded, one officer observed a U-Haul vehicle driving north on Remsen Road.  The officer proceeded to follow the U-Haul and stopped it on Route 306 near Viola Rd.  As the officer approached the stopped U-Haul, the driver drove off at a high rate of speed north on 306.  The U-Haul turned onto Viola Rd towards Spring Valley.

The U-Haul then attempted to turn onto Zuba Lane where it left the roadway and struck a house. Two suspects were located in the rear of the U-Haul. The driver fled the scene on foot. Located in the rear of the U-Haul with the two suspects were two motorcycles, 2013 Suzuki 400cc and a 2012 Yamaha 250cc.

These were identified as the stolen motorcycles. The driver has not been located as of this time. The two apprehended suspects and the charges against them are as follows:

• Karl Lapeine, 19, of Spring Valley NY
  • Charges: Grand Larceny 3^rd(D-felony), Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 3^rd(D-felony), and Criminal Mischief 4^th(A misd.)
• Ely Portillo-Mendoza, 16, of New Hempstead NY
  • Charges: Grand Larceny 3^rd(D-felony), Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 3^rd(D-felony), and Criminal Mischief 4^th(A misd.)

Both will be held for arraignment to take place later today. A natural gas line was damaged as a result of the U-Haul striking the home. The home suffered extensive damage. Hillcrest FD and Orange and Rockland responded to the scene.

COUNTY PRESS RELEASE

A second illegal massage parlor has been shut down after court action initiated by Rockland County to rid communities of prostitution and other illegal activities, Rockland County announced last Thursday.

Rockland County sought and received an order of eviction against Keum Tree Spa, 255 South Little Tor Road, New City. The eviction was carried out Thursday by deputies of the Rockland County Sheriff’s Department.

“This is a very clear message that we will not tolerate illegal activities in our county,” County Executive Ed Day said. “We will use every means available to shut them down.”

Clarkstown Justice Howard Gerber issued the warrant of eviction Sept. 23 after county attorneys demonstrated that the tenant had repeatedly broken the law.

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas Zugibe was the petitioner along with the county requesting the eviction because the owner of the strip mall where the massage parlor was located did not cooperate with officials.

He said the collaboration between the county and the district attorney’s office breaks new ground and opens a new front in the battle against such enterprises.

“We will use all the tools at our disposal to halt this type of criminal conduct, especially in cases that are fertile breeding grounds for human trafficking,” Zugibe said.

Workers at Keum Tree Spa have been charged repeatedly with prostitution and performing massages without licenses following police raids on the business.

“Unfortunately, these women are replaced by unscrupulous business owners just as soon as they are arrested,”  Day said. “The illegal business continues. That is why the county stepped in.”

In a separate action still pending in state Supreme Court against Keum Tree Spa, Rockland County is seeking fines of $1,000 per day for violations of the county’s public nuisance code.

Rockland County in August won a precedent-setting legal case that establishes the ability of municipalities to use civil penalties against illegal massage parlors and places of prostitution.

That case involved New City Spa, a business at 55-71 S. Main St., where workers had been repeatedly arrested and charged with prostitution. That business was also closed down.

The decision by Rockland Supreme Court Judge Gerald Loehr found that the owners of the business violated a statute in the Rockland County Code that prohibits a public nuisance.

Orangetown

3 Arrested for Criminal Possession

The Orangetown Police Department arrested three people in Nyack for criminal possession of weapons on October 7^th.

Officers approached the suspicious vehicle and found two handguns both loaded. One was a 9 mm high point and the other was a .22 caliber high standard. Two of the suspects were identified as Connor M. Phelan, 19, of Tappan, NY and the other as Amanda N. Brevetti, 26, of Nanuet, NY. The third was an eighteen year-old made from Nyack. The three will appear in court on October 13^th.

Assault Crime in Nyack

The Orangetown Police arrested 35 year-old, Schene M. White of Spring Valley, NY for assault in the third degree on October 9^th. White was accused of intentionally striking another woman in the face and head causing injuries which resulted in the victim requiring medical treatment. White will return to court on October 25^th

Sparkill Man Charged with DWI

Sparkill man, Michael Hrynenko, 30, was arrested on October 4^th for driving while intoxicated.

Hrynenko was stopped by Orangetown Police on Route 340 for a traffic violation. Officers smelt alcohol on his breath and noticed his slurred speech. He failed numerous sobriety tests and was taken to Police Headquarters where he will be charged with driving while intoxicated. He will return in court on November 8^th.

Tappan Man Charged with DWI

The Orangetown Police arrested Clayton Soto, a 25 year-old male from Tappan, NY on October 4^th for driving while intoxicated.

Mr. Soto was stopped by police in the Orangetown Shopping Center. Officers noticed the strong smell of alcohol and his poor motor control. He was taken back to headquarters after failing a number of sobriety tests. His breathalyzer showed that he was more than twice the legal limit. He will appear in court on October 18^th.

Stolen License Plate in Pearl River

The Orangetown Police arrested Gerci-Coronel-Heras, a 36 year-old male from Pearl River on October 4^th for a complaint of numerous unregistered vehicles, one of which had a stolen license plate. He was charged with criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree and will be in court on November 2^nd.

Police Assault in Nyack

On Sunday afternoon, a report was filed on Rashid Evans, a 37 year-old male from Spring Valley, NY for touching a female in an intimate area without permission. While the police were arresting Evans, another male named Preston Santiago, 33, tried to stop the officers from arresting him. Santiago got psychical with the officers and injured one of them. Both were arrested; Evans for Forcible Touching and Santiago for assault, resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration and disorderly conduct.

Suspicious Pickup Truck in Orangeburg

On Friday night, a suspicious white pickup truck was driving on the fields of the Rockland Gaelic Athletic Association located on Orangeburg Road. The vehicle was occupied by three of four people and there appeared to be cargo loaded in the back of the truck. The truck got to the fields and began intentionally damaging the fields by accelerating and spinning the vehicle (“donuts”). Anyone with information call Detective Frank Buhler at (845) 358-2121 or (845) 359-3730 extension 1.

Ramapo

Vehicle Larcenies in Airmont

Ramapo Police responded to several larcenies from vehicles on October 6^th. The unknown suspect broke into several cars and stole items, mostly loose change.

Fugitive in Ramapo

The Ramapo Police are still looking for Marlon Martinez. He was charged with petit larceny in 2014. Martinez in 35 years old, 5’7 and weighed 200 pounds at the time of the arrest. Anyone with information call the Police Department at (845) 357-2400.

Spring Valley Male Arrested for DWI

On October 8^th, the Ramapo Police DWI Patrol stopped a vehicle on Union Road in Hillcrest and found the driver to be intoxicated. The driver was 24 years old and was arrested. He will be due in court on a later date.

Clarkstown

Congers Woman Wanted

Marylou Lois, a 27 year old female from Congers, NY is wanted for possession of a controlled substance and loitering. She is white, 5’6 and has brown hair and brown eyes. Any information, please call the Clarkstown Police Department at (845) 638-5880.

Suffern

Suffern Man Charged with Harassment

A 54 year old man from Suffern was charged with harassment after he caused a disturbance at the Christ Church. During the argument, he was accused of pushing another person and was given order to stay away from this victim and the church.

Four Driving with Suspended Licenses and Registrations

Two people, one 24 year old Tuxedo woman and one 27 year old Mahwah man were caught driving with suspended licenses this week. Two others, one 54 year old man from Stony Point, and another 46 year old Spring Valley man were caught driving with suspended registrations.

It was still dark Sunday morning, 4:10 a.m. at Grace Point Church in New City.

Preparation for Sunday services would not begin for a few hours and for many revelers out on the town it was still Saturday night. Like any weekend, some had better intentions than others.

An 18-year-old from Stony Point, Erick Michael Gustavsen, has been charged by Ramapo PD with allegedly capping off this particular Saturday night in a violent and even blasphemous manner. Gustavsen ordered a cab to drop him off in Grace Point Church’s parking lot. Once in the lot he allegedly pulled a knife on the driver and attempted to rob him.

Police received a call from a man in distress around 4:10 a.m. Officers met with the victim, the cab driver, who stated that a fare had just attempted to rob him at knife point. The suspect had left the scene on foot prior to the arrival of police.

As a result of the police investigation, Ramapo Police charged Gustavsen with attempted robbery in the first degree (Class B felony); possession of a forged instrument in the third degree (Class A misdemeanor); and he was arraigned and remanded to the Rockland County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail.

Grace Point Church is near the border of the Town of Clarkstown and Ramapo.

DA’S PRESS RELEASE

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe last week announced the extortion case of Joseph Ruback, 47, of 9 Sylvan Lane, New City has been resolved.

The court has issued an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal, or ACD, which requires the defendant to avoid new arrests for six months, before the dismissal and sealing of his case. According to District Attorney Zugibe, the victim in the case, without the knowledge of the District Attorney’s Office, signed an agreement with Ruback to have the criminal charges dismissed and not proceed with prosecution in exchange for $5,000 restitution and for the defendant to drop a pending civil lawsuit.

Ruback was charged in December, 2015 with one count of grand larceny in the fourth degree, a class “E” felony. He had been accused of illegal loan sharking and harassing victims. Ruback had brought a civil lawsuit against the victim in the case in March 2014, prior to the filing of the criminal charges in December, 2015 for the some of the actions alleged by prosecutors.

While the District Attorney’s Office was not part of the agreement, it was presented to the D.A.’s Office by the victim who demanded the dismissal of the criminal charges against Ruback, allowing him to receive $5,000 in restitution and the dismissal of the civil law suit against him.

The defendant is a former mid-1990s Spring Valley High School football coach and had also gained local notoriety as a New York Giants superfan called “License Plate Guy.”

Ruback has had past run-ins with the law. In 1998 he pleaded guilty to fourth-degree grand larceny and served five months probation, as well as six months community service for stealing $14,000 in merchandise from JC Penny with along with a former player on the Spring Valley HS football team.

Ruback serves as athletic director for the Biondi School in Yonkers.

Ruback is well known enough that the Giants organization released a statement upon his arrest in December 2015.

“We know Joe Ruback as a fan of our team,” the Giants team said. “He does not and has never had a formal or official role with our organization. We are obviously disturbed by these allegations and have made our staff and players aware of them.”

Several Street-Level Drug Buys Made in Parking Lot of Rockland County Preschool, Early Education Center

DA’S PRESS RELEASE – Rockland County District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe announced the filing of criminal charges against four individuals as the result of a three-month undercover narcotics investigation targeting street-level drug dealers in Clarkstown and Orangetown. The defendants are charged with selling crack and powdered cocaine, heroin and marijuana to undercover police officers on numerous occasions in and around the Valley Cottage and the Village of Nyack.

“The result of this joint investigation should bring welcome relief to the residents of Rockland County,” said District Attorney Zugibe. “These defendants were major players in the open-air drug markets believed responsible for moving thousands of dollars in illegal drugs into our neighborhoods.”

District Attorney Zugibe said that, according to the charges, defendant 33-year old Jason Alcin of 338 Old Mill Road, Valley Cottage, New York, directed his customers to the streets surrounding the Nyack Plaza Apartments, including the front lot of Head Start of Rockland, a nationally accredited preschool and early education center for low-income children and their families in Rockland County. These open-air transactions were often surveilled by the Orangetown Police Department Uniform Patrol and Rockland County Drug Task Force members.

Said District Attorney Zugibe, “The arrests in this case illustrate the determination and persistence of both law enforcement and prosecutors in attacking drug trafficking in Rockland County in order to improve the quality of life for our families.”

In July 2016, the Drug Task Force received intelligence from the Village of Spring Valley Police Department regarding open-air drug dealing within the village. This information also led the Drug Task Force to locations of open-air drug transactions in Clarkstown and Orangetown.

In response, the Drug Task Force, along with officers from Spring Valley, Orangetown and Clarkstown dispatched numerous undercover officers to purchase crack and powdered cocaine, heroin and other drugs at several locations. These undercover buys and “buyer beware” operations included eavesdropping methods in order to dismantle the disciplined group of drug dealers.

As part of the investigation, officers executed search warrants and recovered two, loaded .357 magnum semiautomatic handguns and $216,000 in cash from the residence of Alcin.

The investigation culminated with a 24-count indictment handed up by the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office. The four defendants are variously charged with the crimes of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class “B” Felony, punishable by up to nine years in prison, Criminal Possession Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class “B” Felony, punishable by up to nine years in prison and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class “C” Felony, punishable by up to 15 years in state prison.

A charge of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class “A” Misdemeanor, was additionally filed against 32-year-old Stephanie Federici of 338 Old Mill Road, Valley Cottage, New York. The Rockland County Office of Child Protective Services has been notified of the charge.

Alcin was already on probation for Criminal Possession Marijuana in the Fourth Degree. Senior Assistant District Attorney Amanda Doty is prosecuting the case.

BY JOEL GROSSBARTH

Ira Bernstein, the local podiatrist charged with a plot to kill his wife and assault two insurance investigators, was ordered to stand trial by Judge David Zuckerman. Jury selection for Bernstein will commence on January 9, 2017.

Bernstein is currently charged with three counts of conspiracy and three counts of criminal solicitation in connection with the alleged plot to kill his wife Susan Bernstein and also to have two insurance investigators investigating Bernstein’s billing practices beaten-up.

In ordering Bernstein’s trial, Judge David Zuckerman also ordered certain pre-trial hearings to be held immediately before jury selection. These hearings include an audibility hearing. The defendant is challenging the audibility of the wiretaps and recordings the District Attorney has supplied.

Assistant District Attorney Richard Kennison Moran had previously informed the court of approximately 1,700 recordings between Bernstein and his girlfriend and co-defendant Kelly Gribeluk in which they allegedly discussed the crimes and even negotiating the fee for the proposed accident that was meant to kill his wife. Bernstein wants a hearing to allow the court to determine the audibility of the recordings and the actual words allegedly on the recordings.

Judge Zuckerman will listen to the disputed recordings during the hearing and determine which recordings will be presented to the jury. Judge Zuckerman requested the District Attorney to prepare a proposed transcript of the recordings and to provide it at the hearing.

Judge Zuckerman also ordered Huntley and Dunaway hearings. These hearings are held to determine if statements made by the Defendant to police or law enforcement were voluntary and also to determine if the police had probable cause to detain and arrest the Defendant. These hearings are customary in most criminal cases. Judge Zuckerman also left the door open for other potential hearings based upon further documents and evidence to be exchanged between the District Attorney’s Office and defense counsel.

Kelly Gribeluk has already pled guilty in connection with the same indictment that charges Bernstein. Her sentencing is scheduled shortly before Bernstein’s trial date. If convicted of the conspiracy charges, Bernstein could face anywhere from one to 25 years in state prison.

Orangetown

DWI Arrest in Blauvelt

Thomas Walker, a 51 year old man from West Nyack was arrested October 12^th for driving while intoxicated.

Orangetown Police noticed the tree service truck on Route 303 swerving on and off the road forcing the officers to pull the driver over. Officers noticed the smell of alcohol of Mr. Walker’s breath and his slurred speech. Walker failed many sobriety tests and was transported to Police Headquarters. The breathalyzer shower Mr. Walker was three times over the legal limit. His court hearing is scheduled for November 9^th.

Larceny Incident in Nyack

On October 6, an unknown male was able to distract a bank teller at M&T Bank on Main Street in Nyack and steal $1,850. The man (pictured below) appears to be white or Hispanic and has a small build. Anyone who knows this man, please contact the Orangetown Police.

Ramapo

Suspicious Person at Elementary School

The Ramapo Police Department received a call about a suspicious unknown subject walking around the parking lot of a local elementary school. Please notify the police if you see this subject again.

Harassment Charge in Hillcrest

Ramapo Police responded to an apartment complex in Hillcrest for an unwanted party. The resident allowed a 40-year old, intoxicated man to stay the night. The man became disruptive and when the resident asked the friend to leave, he refused. The police gave the friend a ride to the other friend’s house in the same area.

Shortly after, the police were called again because the intoxicated friend went back to the first party. The resident refused to allow the friend in which led him to smash the window in the resident’s car.

The police arrested the intoxicated friend and charged him with criminal mischief in the third degree and harassment in the second degree. His bail is set at $1000 and is pending a future court date.

DWI Arrest in Ramapo

Sheriff officers arrested Esvil Sandoval Del Cid, age 26, on Saturday for driving while intoxicated. The officer noticed the defendant driving in an erratic manner down Route 45 in Ramapo. When the driver was stopped, the officer noticed that the driver may be under the influence of alcohol. His breathalyzer came out to be greater than the legal limit of .08. The driver was arrested and will be charged with a DWI, reckless driving, unlicensed operator and multiple traffic infractions. Sandoval Del Cid, will appear in court on November 15, at 1:30 pm.

Stony Point

Justin Patyi, 22, of Stony Point, was arrested on DWI charges October 16 following a traffic accident. He was treated for injuries from the accident at Nyack Hospital and then released. He is due back in court November 15.

James M. Sanders, 29, of  Walnut Hill apartments in West Haverstraw and Garlain Francois, 22, of Kearsing Parkway in Spring Valley were both charged with attempted murder this week.

The arrests stem from an October 19, 2016 incident, where Town of Haverstraw officers responded to a report of an argument between subjects, at the intersection of Allison Ave and Broad Street in the Village of Haverstraw.

Upon arrival at the scene officers noticed spent shell casings in the street. Interviews were conducted by detectives at the scene and it was determined that two male subjects had been in an argument with another group at the location. One of the male subjects drew a handgun and fired several rounds at another subject who was standing in the group. No one struck by the bullets that were fired.

Sanders was taken into custody By Haverstraw PD without incident at his residence, arraigned in the Town of Haverstraw Justice Court and remanded to the Rockland County Jail.

Francois was apprehended by the Rockland County Sheriffs department and turned over to the Town of Haverstraw PD. He was arraigned in the Village of West Haverstraw Justice Court and sent to the Rockland County Jail on $250,000 bail.

The incident is still under investigation by The Town of Haverstraw Detective Division.

Orangetown

DWI Arrest in Blauvelt

The Orangetown Police Department arrested 30 year old from Tappan, Ramiro Quijada-Perez for driving while intoxicated on October 17^th.

Police responded to a motor vehicle accident on Clausland Mountain Road in Blauvelt and found a vehicle that was crashed into a utility pole. The police noticed the strong smell of alcohol coming from the driver, Mr. Quijada-Perez’s, breath. He failed numerous sobriety tests and was send to police headquarters in where he failed his breathalyzer, being three times over the legal limit. He was processed with aggravated driving while intoxicated and was released. He is due back in court on November 11^th.

Tappan Man Arrested in Nyack

            Tappan man, James Watters (22 years old) was arrested on October 18^th for larceny and possession of marijuana.

Police responded to a restaurant/bar on Main Street in Nyack for a female who claimed her purse was stolen. Officers found the purse and the thief, Mr. Watters. While further searching Mr. Watters, they found a dosage of marijuana. Watters was transported to Police Headquarters and will be charged with criminal mischief, petit larceny, criminal possession of a stolen property and unlawful possession of marijuana.

DWI Arrest in Pearl River

New City man, Edgardo Guardado-Gomez, 24, was arrested on Wednesday for driving while intoxicated.

Guardado-Gomez was stopped by police on Main Street in Pearl River for a traffic violation. Officers noticed the driver’s slurred speech, bloodshot eyes and the smell of alcohol on his breath. Guardado-Gomez failed many sobriety tests and was sent to headquarters where his breathalyzer was over the legal limit. He will appear in court on November 15^th, charged with driving while intoxicated.

Marijuana Arrest in Nyack

Orangetown police arrested Rashad Williams (33 year old man from Nyack) for criminal possession of marijuana.

Police noticed Mr. Williams urinating in public on Main Street in Nyack and found more than two ounces of marijuana on him. He was transported to headquarters and will be charged with criminal possession of marijuana and urinating in public. He was released on bail but is due back in court on the 22^nd of November.

Drug Arrest in Nyack

The Orangetown police arrested Thomas Mcloughlin (28 year old male from Nanuet) on Saturday for criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Police found Mcloughlin urinating in public on Artopee Way and after further searching was found to be in possession of cocaine and concentrated cannabis. He will be charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and urinating in public. Mcloughlin was released on bail but will appear in court on the 22^nd of November to answer the charges.

74 Year Old Arrested for DWI

John Kaleekkal, 74 of West Nyack, was arrested on Friday afternoon for driving while intoxicated.

Police responded to a motor vehicle accident of Route 33 and Bradley Parkway in Blauvelt. Kaleekkal collided into the rear of a large box truck causing damage to the front of his vehicle. Officers noticed the scent of alcohol on his breath along with his slurred speech and his bloodshot eyes. He failed many sobriety tests on the scene, was arrested and sent to headquarters where his breathalyzer was more than double the legal limit. He was processed and charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated and is due in court on November 9^th.

Clarkstown

Larceny Criminal Wanted in Clarkstown

Paursha A. Suber, a 25 year old female from Spring Valley is wanted for larceny and criminal possession of stolen property. She is black with black hair and brown eyes and is 5’4. If you have any information, the Clarkstown Police wants you to call them at (845) 639-6233.

Ramapo

Robbery on New Hempstead Road

Three suspects, all 18 years old, one from Pomona and two from Stony Point, pulled a knife on a taxi driver on New Hempstead Road on October 16^th at 4:00 am.

Ramapo police responded to the incident. The driver said he felt uncomfortable the whole ride and then the suspects told him to pull into a church parking lot where they asked him to get out of the cab. The driver began to yell for help which made the three suspects flee. Two of the suspects were found walking on the Palisades Interstate Parkway, one of which had marijuana on them, both having forged driver’s licenses. The last suspect was found several hours later and also had a forged license. The three were charged with attempted robbery, criminal possession of a forged instrument and unlawful possession of marijuana.

DWI Arrest in Hillcrest

Ramapo police responded to a minor vehicle accident in Hillcrest. The officers found that one of the drivers, a 46 year old man from Spring Valley, was intoxicated.

The driver was arrested for driving while intoxicated in the first degree. The driver, who remains unnamed, has been previously arrested for a DWI in 2008 which led to the revocation of his driving privileges. His bail in the Ramapo Justice Court is $10,000.

Suffern

West Nyack Man Wanted with 3 Active Warrants

The Suffern Police Department arrested a 58 year old man from West Nyack on October 18th for having three active warrants on him.

Officers responded to a call from a resident after they observed a suspicious male in his yard. Responding officers found the person and determined that they were wanted by the Rockland County Sheriff’s department as well as the Kingston and Marlborough Police. He was then taken to the county jail.

Suffern Woman Found with Illegal Drugs

On October 18^th, the Suffern police arrested a 29 year old woman for possession of a controlled substance. The woman came into justice court for a different matter and was found with possession of prescription drugs without a prescription. She is pending a future court date.

Jersey Man Arrested with Outstanding Warrant

Suffern Police Arrested a 28 year old man from Oakland, NJ on Friday for having an outstanding warrant. The officer on patrol on Lafayette Avenue was alerted by his license plate reader that the owner of the vehicle that just drove passed him was wanted. When stopped, it was confirmed that the driver was wanted by NY State for drug possession. He was then taken into custody.

BY JERRY DEMARCO 

MAHWAH, N.J. – An upstate New York man who agreed to commit a murder for hire drove to a Mahwah restaurant to meet what turned out to be an undercover detective, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal announced Monday.

Joshua Craig Rowling, 18, who is single and unemployed, was being held on $1 million bail in the Bergen County Jail.

Grewal said Rowling – who was arrested without incident on Friday at the Mason Jar on Ramapo Valley Road – “used the dark web to offer his services as a hitman” and “agreed with another to commit a murder in exchange for a firearm fitted with a silencer and cash.

“Ultimately, Rowling drove from his home in Richmondville, New York to Mahwah, New Jersey to meet with a person he thought was seeking his services as a hitman,’ the prosecutor said, “but [he] was actually an undercover officer.

“Search warrants were subsequently executed at Rowling’s home in New York as well as of his vehicle in New Jersey, and numerous items of evidence were recovered,” Grewal said.

Members of the prosecutor’s Cyber Crimes Unit charged Rowling with conspiracy to commit murder for hire and various counts of illegal possession of weapons and a silencer.

Grewal thanked agents with the federal Homeland Security Investigations unit in Newark and Mahwah police for their assistance in the case.  

Originally published by Daily Voice

FROM DAILY VOICE

The arrest came about when state police stopped a vehicle on I-87 for multiple traffic violations on Friday, Oct. 21, at about 11:09 p.m., according to state police.

The driver of the vehicle, identified as Robert W. Harlow, was found to be intoxicated, state police said.

Harlow was transported and processed at State Police Monroe, where his blood alcohol content was determined to be 0.19 percent, more than twice the legal limit, according to state police.

Oft-maligned Spring Valley Mayor Demeza Delhomme, who was once videotaped referring to himself as “King of the Village,” has managed to put one controversy behind him.

He was alleged to have shoved Larry Weissman, a village attorney, “at least three times” on September 13 around 12:20 p.m. The alleged incident took place in Village Hall while both were on work duties.

According to the criminal charges, the parties were involved in a dispute over Mr. Weissmann’s use of municipal resources in his official capacity as attorney. Zugibe said that “after a thorough review, the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office requested a dismissal of the charge of harassment in the second degree, a violation, in the interests of justice.”

You’re a free man Demeza. It’s good to be king.

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe today announced the arrest of Sidney Lemoine, 37-years-old, of 61 Robert Pitt Drive, Spring Valley for allegedly submitting a phony document indicating that he had performed several hours of court-ordered community service as required for a previous court sentence.

According to the charges, the defendant filed the letter with the Clarkstown Justice Court confirming that he had completed the community service through a local nonprofit organization. It is alleged that the community service hours were never performed.

Lemoine is charged with:

• One count of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree, a class “D” felony

“Community service is an important obligation for those sentenced to complete it,” said District Attorney Zugibe. “Faking it is a serious crime that often leads to criminal consequences and longer sentences.”

Lemoine was arrested by the detectives with the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Special Investigation Unit. He was arraigned in Clarkstown Justice Court and scheduled to return to court on November 7, 2016.

FROM CPD

On November 8, 2016 at approximately 8:50 p.m. the Clarkstown Police Department responded to Victoria’s Secret located at the Palisades Mall in West Nyack for a report of shoplifting. The suspects, Deja Medley, 21 and a 15-year-old male juvenile, both of Bronx, NY were arrested at the scene.

The two suspects were reportedly observed by loss prevention employees taking women’s clothing valued at $1,371. They were charged with grand larceny in the fourth degree (felony) and criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree (felony). Deja Medley was released on an appearance ticket and will return to Clarkstown Justice Court on November 16, 2016. The 15-year-old juvenile was released to his guardian and his case will be handled by the Clarkstown Juvenile Aid Bureau.

Haverstraw

DWI Arrest in Haverstraw

Garnerville resident, Olger Sicha-Avilla (age 30) was arrested on Saturday morning for driving while intoxicated. A Sheriff Patrol Officer observed a motor vehicle with equiptment violations driving down Route 9W. When the officer pulled the suspect over, the suspect appeared to be intoxicated. When taken to headquarters, it was confirmed when the suspect’s breathalyzer came out to be over .08%.

Haverstraw Man Charged with Attempted Murder

Luis M. Estrella, 38 years old of Haverstraw, was charged with attempted murder. The arrests stem from an incident on October 19, where officers responded to an argument on the intersection of Allison Avenue and Broad Street in Haverstraw. The argument led to the firing on gun shots. Estrella is the third person from this altercation and he will be charged with attempted murder, conspiracy second, hindering prosecution first, and perjury second. He was sent to the Rockland County jail and will be placed on $50,000 bail.

Ramapo

Nanuet Man Arrested in Hillcrest

            Luis Magana-Magana, 50 years old from Nanuet, was arrested Saturday morning for multiple offenses; driving while intoxicated and unlawful possession of marijuana.

A Sheriff Patrol Officer noticed a vehicle on Route 45 operating in an erratic manner. The driver was pulled over and was found to be intoxicated and in possession of marijuana. Magana-Magana was processed at the Sheriff Headquarters in New City and will return to the Ramapo Justice Court on November 15.

Drunk Driver in Airmont

On October 27, a Ramapo police officer noticed a vehicle make an illegal left turn onto Route 59 in Airmont. When pulled over, it appeared that the 56-year-old man from Airmont was intoxicated. Breathalyzer confirmed that he was over the legal limit and will be placed under arrest with driving while intoxicated, DWI with a blood alcohol content of .08% or higher, and aggravated DWI with a BAC of .18% or higher. The driver is pending a future Airmont Justice Court date.

Handgun Found in Elmwood Elementary

On Thursday afternoon, October 27 Ramapo PD received a phone call reporting a man in Elmwood Elementary School (Monsey, NY) with a handgun. Employees of the school reported a 19 year old man from Spring Valley walked in claiming he had something to show them. It was later confirmed that the gun was a replica. The man was charged with burglary, menacing, and criminal possession of a weapon. He was transported to the Rockland County jail and be placed on $100,000 bail.

Larceny Fugitive Wanted in Ramapo

Donnie Broadnax, 46, is wanted by the Ramapo PD for petit larceny. The event occurred in May of 2015. Broadnax is 5’10 and weighed 230 pounds. Any information call the police at 845-357-2400.

Burglary in Airmont

Ramapo PD responded to a condominium in Airmont on Saturday morning after an employee of the complex reported a burglary. The employee noticed the suspect trying to enter the building. When the suspect saw the employee, the suspect charged at him with a hammer. The employee was able to fend him off and flee the scene, later calling the police.

The police arrested the suspect with burglary, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal mischief, and attempted assault.

Spring Valley Man Charged with DWI and Possession of Marijuana

Ramapo PD received a call Sunday night about a suspicious male knocking on the door of a house in the Village of Montebello. The homeowner called the police stating that she did not know this man. When police arrived the 33-year-old man said he was looking for his girlfriend. The man was determined to be intoxicated and arrested for a DWI and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Suffern

Suffern Man Found with Weapon

A 29-year-old Suffern man was charged with menacing and criminal possession of a weapon. Officers responded to a domestic disturbance on Jumano Court in Suffern. Family member reported that during the dispute the defendant pulled out a knife and threatened the family with it. The suspect fled but the police found him residing in Clarkstown and was taken in by their police. He was brought back to Suffern and placed on $5,000 bail.

Clarkstown

Fraud Reports in Clarkstown

The Clarkstown PD have received many reports about fraud recently. This week, a female victim was contacted by a male suspect that said he worked for RKK Tech Support. He told her they will be shutting down their tech department and she was entitled to a refund of $299.99. To refund her the money, the suspect asked for her credit card information to refund the money and she gave it to him. The suspect kept depositing the wrong amounts of money back into her account. Police are looking into the fraud reports severely.

Nanuet Man Arrested for Assault of Officer

Clarkstown PD arrested a 28-year-old man from Nanuet for passing bad checks and later assaulting two police officers on Monday afternoon.

Clarkstown PD responded to the Citibank at 170 North Main Street in New City where they found the suspect sitting in his black sedan. Officers ordered that he would leave the car but the suspect, identified as Zarif Shabazz refused. After a psychical battle with Taser rounds being fired, the officers finally got Shabazz in handcuffs. All three people were treated at the Nyack ER but there were no serious injuries. It was later confirmed that Shabazz was trying to cash two checks that were fraudulent by bank employees. After investigation of Shabazz’s vehicle, officers found a shotgun and a pellet gun.

Zariff Shabazz was processed at Police Headquarters and will be charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument, assault and resisting arrest. His bail is set at $50,000 at the Rockland County Jail.

Orangetown

Residential Argument leads to Arrest

Orangetown PD arrested 50-year-old Daniel Gotkin of Palisades, NY for numerous charges on Thursday, October 27

It was reported that Gotkin was in an argument with an elderly female at her residence which led to the breaking of items and the theft of other items such as the victim’s cell phone. He then displayed a knife making threats at her which made her flee the scene. Police arrived and arrested Gotkin for criminal mischief in the third and fourth degree, menacing in the second degree and petit larceny. He was transported to the Rockland County Jail.

Grand Larceny Arrest in Pearl River

On Thursday night, October 27 Orangetown PD arrested Christopher Torralbas, 24, of Pearl River for grand larceny. Torralbas approached an unlocked car and went inside of it to steal a wallet. When he noticed the potential owner of the vehicle approaching the car, Torralbas dropped the wallet fled on feet. The victim described the man to the police and they were able to find the suspect with two of the victim’s credit cards. Torralbas was transported to Police Headquarters and charged with grand larceny in the fourth degree and criminal possession of a stolen property.

DWI in Tappan

On Friday night, October 28 Orangetown PD arrested Thomas A. Noonan, 43, of Blauvelt for driving while intoxicated. Police received a report of an erratic driver and stopped the driver when they found the reported vehicle. Officers observed the odor of alcohol, the suspect’s glassy eyes and slurred speech. After several sobriety tests, Noonan was arrested for driving while intoxicated and taken into headquarters where he refused a breathalyzer. He was placed on $250 bail and is due in court on November 15.

DWI Arrest in Nyack

Orangetown PD arrested Jose Zaruma Galan, 31-years-old, from Nyack early Thursday morning for driving while intoxicated. Police responded to a hit and run accident. Zaruma Galan failed multiple sobriety tests and was transported to police headquarters where he submitted his breathalyzer test. He is due back in court on November 22.

Jersey Female Arrested in Nyack

Early Friday morning, Orangetown PD arrested 33-year-old Sigrid Torres of Lyndhurst, NJ for driving while intoxicated on Main Street in Nyack.

Officers observed the vehicle traveling at high speeds. Later the vehicle came close to striking the officer’s car. When pulled over, Torres smelt of alcohol and appeared to have bloodshot eyes. Torres was transferred to Orangetown PD Headquarters where she failed her breathalyzer test. She is due back in court on Nov. 29.

Harassment Charge in Pearl River

Saturday afternoon, Orangetown PD arrested Sony Antony, 28, of Pearl River for menacing and harassment in the second degree. It was reported that in an argument between Antony and another male, she displayed a knife at him and began to make threats. The male fled the scene and notified the police. She will be due back in court on Nov. 14.

FROM CLARKSTOWN PD

The Clarkstown Detective Bureau arrested a 19-year-old Spring Valley man yesterday for robbery with a knife. The victim, a 26-year-old man from Nanuet, was not hurt in the robbery that occurred last Friday in Nanuet.

On Friday, November 11 at approximately 12:05 a.m. the Clarkstown Police Department responded to a report of a robbery with a knife in the area of Rockland Ave in Nanuet. Responding patrol units interviewed the victim who stated that an unknown white male had broken into the victim’s car that was parked in front of his residence. The victim chased the suspect down the street and was able to confront the suspect, taking a picture of the suspect. At that time the suspect displayed a large knife and fled the area on foot. The victim reported that his wallet and credit cards were stolen.

Using the picture taken by the victim and assistance from other police agencies, the suspect was identified as Ryan Christiansen, 19, of Spring Valley. He was arrested and charged with robbery 3^rd (felony), grand larceny 4^th (felony), menacing 2^nd (misdemeanor) and criminal possession of a weapon 4^th (misdemeanor). Christiansen was arraigned in Clarkstown Justice Court and bail was set at $20,000. He was transported to Rockland County Jail and will return to court on November 21, 2016 at 9:30AM.

Christiansen is not currently a suspect in the numerous other car larcenies that have occurred in Clarkstown.