PRESS RELEASE

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe this week announced that Aleksandr Fridman (DOB 09/06/1956) of 45 Omni Court, New City, New York has been arrested by members of the Joint Public Corruption Task Force and charged with:

*One count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class “D” Felony

*43 counts of Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree, class “E” Felonies

District Attorney Zugibe said, “”This defendant has been charged with cheating Spring Valley taxpayers of several thousand dollars by fraudulently submitting payroll records. His actions are especially egregious because of his law enforcement positions in both Spring Valley and Ramapo.”

Fridman worked as a full-time parking attendant, employed by the Village of Spring Valley. Unbeknownst to village officials, the defendant was also employed as a court officer by the Town of Ramapo. According to the charges, on 43 separate occasions in 2018, the defendant was paid simultaneously to work for the Village of Spring Valley and the Town of Ramapo.

The investigation revealed Fridman would sign-in to work in Spring Valley, then drive to Ramapo to work as a court officer, allegedly being compensated by both municipalities simultaneously. It is alleged that the defendant would return to Spring Valley at the end of the work day and sign out.

District Attorney Zugibe said Fridman “double-dipped” on 43 days in 2018, resulting in a theft from the Village of Spring Valley of over $4,900. The arrest was the culmination of an investigation by the Public Corruption Task Force.

He was arraigned in Clarkstown Justice Court and scheduled to appear again on December 10. Executive Assistant District Attorney Richard Kennison Moran, Bureau Chief of the Public Corruption Task Force for the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office, is prosecuting the case.

Arrest: Male; Figueroa, David, C., age 34, of Hillside Avenue, Haverstraw, NY
Charges: Petit Larceny
Criminal Possession Stolen Property 5th
On November 16, 2018, at 10:23 p.m., Officers responded to Shoprite in Stony Point for a larceny in progress and Suspect fleeing on foot. The suspect was located and detained by officers. Upon completion of the investigation, the Defendant was placed under arrest for Petit Larceny and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 5th. He was processed and released on an appearance ticket returnable to Stony Point Justice Court on December 18, 2018, at 1:30 p.m.

11/18/2018, 3:26 PM
Arrest: Male; Tablizo, Kyle, M., age 25, of N. Liberty Drive, Stony Point, NY
Charges: Criminal Mischief 4th
On November 18, 2018, at 3:26 p.m., Officers responded to 244 N. Liberty Drive in Stony Point. Upon investigation, it was determined that there was a domestic dispute, during which the Defendant knocked over a wood stand and punched two holes in the wall. The Defendant was arrested on scene for Criminal Mischief 4th. He was arraigned at Stony Point Justice Court, bail was set at $500 and a stay away Order of Protection was issued. The defendant was released on $500 bail and was scheduled to appear at Stony Point Justice Court at a later date.

11/23/2018, 3:47 PM
Arrest: Male; O’Donnell, Kevin, age 38, of Brewster Avenue, Stony Point, NY
Charges: Aggravated DWI Leandra’s Law
Aggravated DWI
On November 23, 2018, at 3:47 p.m., while investigating complaints from several motorists reporting an erratic driver heading North on 9W from Haverstraw, a Stony Point Patrol Officer located the Suspect’s vehicle in Walgreen’s parking lot in Stony Point. After observing numerous indicators of impairment, responding officer administered several Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, which the Defendant failed. Defendant also provided a breath test sample, which tested positive for the presence of alcohol over twice the legal limit of .08% BAC. It was also found during the investigation that the Defendant was operating the vehicle in an intoxicated condition with a 3-year old passenger which violates the Leandra Law statute. The Defendant was arrested for the above referenced charges. He was arraigned and released after posting $500 bail. He was issued a return date to appear in Stony Point Justice Court on November 28, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.

11/24/2018, 12:37 AM
Arrest: Male; Rosa, Reyes, age 20, of Jefferson Street, Haverstraw, NY
Charges: DWI
DWI Per Se
On November 24, 2018, at 12:37 a.m., while conducting traffic detail, an officer stopped a vehicle on Spring Street in Stony Point for traffic violations. An investigation determined that the Defendant was operating a motor vehicle while being intoxicated. The Defendant was arrested and processed, where a BAC sample was submitted over .08% BAC. He was released on his own recognizance with traffic tickets and a return date of January 2, 2019, 9:00 a.m., at Stony Point Justice Court.

By: Joel Grossbarth

Let the Judge be judged. A sitting Rockland County Court and Acting Supreme Court Judge and his wife are suing the Village of Pomona, its Board of Trustees and a Ramapo Police Officer over what is claimed to be a politically motivated arrest. Lisa Thorsen and her husband Hon. Rolf Thorsen filed a lawsuit in United States Federal Court alleging that Mayor Brett Yagel and the Pomona Village Board ordered an arrest of Ms. Thorsen that was based upon political retaliation.

The events surrounding the lawsuit started when Lisa Thorsen served in the capacity of the Pomona Village Clerk. The Plaintiff’s Complaint alleges that in 2014, Mayor Brett Yagel commenced a campaign of harassment against several Village Hall employees. Ms. Thorsen went to the defense of the employees that were allegedly targeted by the Mayor. It is further alleged that Mayor Yagel said that he would “get” Ms. Thorsen and others in retaliation of their support for their co-workers. Then, Mayor Yagel allegedly hacked into Ms. Thorsen’s private email account, deleted files, reducing workplace duties and other actions. In 2014, Ms. Thorsen resigned from her position over the claimed stress.

Plaintiffs’ Complaint alleges that Ms. Thorsen actively campaigned for Ian Banks, who was running for Mayor against Brett Yagel. Mayor Yagel won re-election, Then again, in 2017, Ms. Thorsen supported Ian Banks who was running for Trustee in the Village. Plaintiffs allege that it that in August, 2017, Mayor Yagel contacted the police and swore out a criminal complaint against Ms. Thorsen claiming she utilized $224.71 in postage without permission from September, 2013 through June 2014. Based upon the Misdemeanor Information sworn to by Mayor Yagel, Ms. Thorsen was arrested on August 10, 2017.

The criminal matter was ultimately dismissed in Ramapo Justice Court by Hon. David J. Stein. While dismissal of matters for small crimes is not unusual, Judge Stein’s findings were surprising. Judge Stein found, as a matter of law that the allegations raised by Mayor Yagel in his criminal complaint do not rise to the level requiring criminal prosecution. Judge Stein also found that Mayor Yagel’s actions were ”groundless and politically motivated.” In an extremely rare move, the District Attorney’s Office joined in Ms. Thorsen’s request that the charges be dismissed, finding no evidence of criminality.

Ms. Thorsen and Judge Thorsen are suing Mayor Brett Yagel, the Village of Pomona and its Board of Trustees and Detective Robert Fitzgerald for false arrest, malicious abuse of process, violations of federally protected rights including free speech, civil rights and conspiracy.

According to a statement issued by the Thorsen’s attorney Michael F. Rubin, Esq. of the Manhattan firm of Kelly & Rubin, LLP, the Thorsens are “calling on Mayor Yagel to resign immediately because the residents of the Village of Pomona deserve better. We are also calling on the Rockland County District Attorney to launch a criminal investigation into [Mayor] Yagel’s behavior.” Mr. Rubin continued by saying “Even if the County won’t act, we are doing our part to seek justice.”

Calls to Mayor Yagel at Village Hall for comment were not returned.

According to police reports, a Spring Valley, NY man was found masturbating while sodomizing himself with a toilet brush handle in front of fellow patients at a doctor’s office on Ridgewood Ave. in Paramus, New Jersey.  Responding officers told the local press that they found the 47-year-old Brian Bates engaging in the lewd condcut “with the bathroom door to the doctor’s office open” and “while masturbating and simultaneously attempting to penetrate his anus with the handle of the toilet bowl scrubber,” Police Police Chief Kenneth Ehrenberg told media.

“This act was witnessed by several adult females who were in the office,” Ehrenberg said.

It is not the first time public masturbation has brought attention to the man, who happens to be named Brian Bates. Records show that similar incidents occurred as far back as the 1990s.

Bates was processed and taken to New Bridge Medical Center for evaluation.

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe today announced that Dr. Hiten Lakhani (DOB 03/10/68) of 16 Pepperidge Drive, New City, New York has been convicted after a jury trial of:

• One count of Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree, a class “A” Misdemeanor

  District Attorney Zugibe said, “As a doctor, the defendant was keenly aware of how harmful his actions would be to his young victim. This sexual predator now has the possibility of going to jail as a result of his depraved behavior.”

In August 2012, Lakhani engaged in sexual contact with a child less than 14 years old that was known to him.

The defendant is an ophthalmologist with offices at 445 Route 304, Bardonia, New York.
Lakhani faces a maximum of one year in local jail when he appears in court for sentencing on April 15, 2019.

Based upon his conviction, the defendant will be required to register under the Sex Offender Registration Act (Megan’s Law).

This case was prosecuted by Stefanie Schera of the Special Victims’ Unit of the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office.

FROM CPD
On December 8, 2018 at 1:20 p.m., the Clarkstown Police Department responded to Nyack Hospital for a stabbing victim who had walked into the emergency room. Responding patrol officers interviewed the male victim, who was accompanied by a female friend. Both parties were not forthcoming with the circumstances of the incident that resulted in the male being stabbed.

The investigation revealed the car that was driven by the female friend contained felony weight of cocaine. The car was registered to the female. Both parties were taken into custody for the possession of controlled substance.

The female was identified as Denise Christensen, 53, of Pearl River and the male was identified as Carl Mason, 29, of Sparkill. Christensen was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance fourth (felony), criminal possession of a controlled substance cocaine fifth (felony) and criminal possession of a controlled substance seventh (misdemeanor). Mason was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance third (felony) and criminal possession of a controlled substance seventh (misdemeanor).

Christensen was transported to police headquarters for processing and Mason remained in Nyack Hospital in protective custody. Christensen was arraigned at Clarkstown Justice Court. Bail was set at $2,000. She was transported to Rockland County Jail and will return to court on December 12, 2018 at 1:30 p.m.

DWI & UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA

Jose Negron, age 27, of Stony Point, NY, was arrested for DWI, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, Criminal Contempt (Violation of Order or Protection), and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation. The defendant was observed by a detective assigned to a STOP DWI detail speeding in a vehicle and crossing the double yellow line on West Main St in Stony Point. The defendant drove into a driveway and attempted to walk away from the detective. He was detained and refused to submit to any field sobriety tests. He was arrested for DWI based on the detective’s investigation and was found to possess over 20 grams of marijuana. He was also in violation of a Stay Away Order of Protection for being at the location he was stopped. He was processed and arraigned before the Stony Point Magistrate and was released on $500 bail and is due back in court January 10.

CPCS
James, R. Rose, age 27, of North Liberty Drive, Stony Point NY, was arrested for CPCS 7th (Criminal Possession Controlled Substance), Class A Misd. The defendant was observed by a Patrol Officer attempting to inject heroin in his arm on a public bench near Knight’s Corner off Tomkins Ave., Stony Point. Upon further investigation, 23 baggies of heroin were recovered. The Defendant was placed under arrest for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th. He was processed at Stony Point Police Department and released with an Appearance Ticket to appear in Stony Point Justice Court on March 21, 2019 at 1:30 p.m.

“Operation Little Rock” Charges Defendants with Enterprise Corruption and Promoting Gambling; Search Warrants Executed in New York, New Jersey

DA’S PRESS RELEASE

Acting Rockland County District Attorney Kevin Gilleece today announced the filing of criminal charges against three individuals for allegedly running an illegal gambling ring and money laundering operation in Rockland County that took in millions of dollars over many years by accepting wagers on various sporting events, including professional and college football. According to the felony complaint, the highly sophisticated criminal enterprise was controlled by purported members of organized crime.

Acting District Attorney Gilleece said, “These arrests close down a highly lucrative gambling operation that benefitted organized crime with large amounts of money every year. Make no mistake: illegal sports betting is by no means a victimless crime. Its proceeds underwrite more insidious forms of corruption, such as racketeering, drug trafficking and loan sharking. I want to commend the detectives, federal agents and our out-of-state partners who, together with the Rockland County District Attorney’s prosecutors, brought this trio to justice.”

John Andriello (DOB 05/01/53) of 260 North Lincoln Street, Pearl River, New York, Marco Minuto (DOB 09/20/58) of 4 Revere Court, Old Tappan, New Jersey and Brian Levine (DOB 02/13/70) of 54C Forest Dr. Garnerville, New York were arrested on Friday, January 11 and arraigned in the Town of Orangetown Court in Orangeburg. The defendants are all charged with Enterprise Corruption, a class “B” Felony, and Promoting Gambling in the First Degree, a class “E” Felony. They each face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.

Acting District Attorney Gilleece said that the probe leading to the arrests began several years ago when detectives from the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Special Investigations Unit developed information about a mob-run gambling ring operating in Rockland County, New York and launched a joint investigation with the New York State Police Special Investigations Unit, the FBI, Town of Clarkstown Police, Town of Orangetown Police, Village of Spring Valley Police, Village of Piermont Police, as well as the Bergen County and Cape May County Prosecutors Offices in New Jersey. The investigation included physical surveillance, intelligence information and court-authorized electronic eavesdropping.

Together, Minuto and Andriello allegedly managed the ring’s day-to-day operations, settling bettor disputes, authorizing and accounting the debts and payouts and supervising numerous, lower-ranking employees. Search warrants executed at their homes recovered evidence of the gambling operation.
Acting District Attorney Gilleece said customers placed online bets, with runners responsible for “squaring up” or “settling up” with the bettors by collecting and paying out money owed. The cash collected was handed up to the members running the enterprise.  Acting District Attorney Gilleece says the investigation is continuing.

On January 16, 2019, the Spring Valley Police Department, with the assistance of the US Marshalls service, arrested Waldemar Gonzalez, age 41, from Co-op City in the Bronx. An investigation revealed that Mr. Gonzalez sent several indecent photographs and videos of himself to a 14-year-old victim, as well as offerred to met the victim for sexual purposes.

Mr. Gonzalez was charged with eight felont counts of disseminating indecent material to minors in the first degree and was arraigned in Spring Valley Justice Court before the Honorable Judge Desir. He was held on $50,000 bail and transported to the Rockland County Jail.

Male Isaac Molina age 32, Stony Point, NY, was arrested after police responded to the intersection of Filors Lane and Central Highway for a report of a motorist sitting behind the wheel unresponsive. EMS units arrived with police and the motorist was found conscious and responsive. Further investigation by police found the male possessed heroin and a hypodermic needle. He was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th degree and Possession of a Hypodermic Instrument, both class A misdemeanors. He posted $200 bail and was released with a court date of Feb 21, 2019.

UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA
Kayla Taylor, age 18, of Haverstraw NY, was arrested on January 25, 2019 for criminal possession of marijuana in the fourth degree, and Rolando Garcia, age 24, of Haverstraw, NY, was arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana. An officer responded to Budget Motor Inn for an activation of a fire alarm in room 118. Upon the Officer’s arrival on scene, two inhabitants were exiting room 118 and proceeding into their vehicle. There was a strong odor of Marihuana coming from the vacated room and in the subject’s vehicle, along with Marihuana in plain view in one of the subject’s hand. Subsequent investigation, 58 grams of Marihuana were found in the subject’s vehicle. Both of the Defendant’s were arrested. One was charged with Criminal Possession of Marihuana 4th, and the other was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. Both were released with appearance tickets returnable to Stony Point Justice Court on February 21, 2019.

POSSESSION OF A FORGED INSTRUMENT & AUO
Brian Stanislas, age 31, of Spring Valley, NY, was arrested for possession of a forged instrument in the first degree and aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree. On January 26, 2019, while on patrol an Officer observed the Defendant exiting the Budget Motor Inn operating a vehicle with excessive tints, driver’s view obstructed and use of a portable electronic device. After a traffic stop of the vehicle on South Liberty Drive, it was discovered that the driver of the vehicle’s license was suspended. The Defendant was arrested for Aggravated Unlicensed Operator 3rd. Upon arrest, the Defendant was found to possess two 100 dollar bills which were counterfeit, which led to the Defendant also being charged with Possession of a Forged Instrument 1st. The Defendant was processed and arraigned. He was released after posting $1,000 bail and given a court date of February 7, 2019, at 1:30 p.m.

CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE
Assunta Guglielmo, age 47, of Pelham, NY, was arrested on January 27, 2019 on an executed bench warrant for aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, as well as other vehicle and traffic law charges. On January 27, 2019, the defendant was turned over by New York State Police on an active Bench Warrant out of Stony Point Justice Court for Aggravated Unlicensed Operator 3rd, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th, and other Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. The Defendant was arraigned, released on $250 bail, and issued an appearance ticket returnable to Stony Point Justice Court on February 5, 2019.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF, CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA & HARASSMENT
Paul W. Bennet, age 21, of Tomkins Cove, NY, was arrested on January 22, 2019 at 9:47 p.m. for the charges for criminal mischief in the fourth degree (x2), criminal possession of marijuana in the fifth degree, and harassment in the second degree. Officers responded to a home on Walter Drive for a report of a disorderly subject. Investigation found that the Defendant got into an altercation with a female, during which the Defendant damaged property belonging to the victim and threw the victim to the ground. The Defendant was also found to be in possession of approximately 45 grams of Marihuana. The Defendant was placed under arrest and charged with two counts of Criminal Mischief 4th, Criminal Possession Marihuana 5th, and Harassment 2nd. He was released on his own recognizance with a return date to appear in Stony Point Justice Court on February 19, 2019, at 1:30 p.m.

Rockland County Acting District Attorney Kevin Gilleece today announced that Walter Booker (DOB 01/02/62) of 15 Bird Pl., Spring Valley, New York was convicted after trial by a Rockland County Justice of the following:

• Issuing a False Certificate (Class “E” Felony)
• Falsifying Business Records in the Second Degree (Class “A” Misdemeanor)
• Official Misconduct (Class “A” Misdemeanor)

District Attorney Gilleece said, “There’s little doubt that the defendant’s deliberate actions jeopardized public safety. By making false statements, he violated his oath as a village official and violated the trust of the community. Public officials, whether elected, appointed or employed, have a duty to maintain honest and faithful service to the people they represent.”

The defendant was the Chief Building Inspector for the Village of Spring Valley. He was convicted of back-dating a certificate of occupancy which contained a false statement and doing so with an intent to defraud other governmental agencies. Specifically, defendant was convicted of issuing a certificate of occupancy which falsely stated that 9 Zeissner Lane, Spring Valley, New York, was a two-family dwelling on 9/23/2011 when in fact on that date it was a single-family dwelling. The defendant issued the certificate on 5/22/2012 but back-dated the certificate by almost eight (8) months, dating it 9/23/2011. This was significant because the homeowner, Jacob Goldman, was required by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services to have a a two-family designation in order to operate two lucrative daycare centers out of his home. The evidence at trial was that the defendant knew of this fact when he back-dated the certificate and that in May of 2012 inspectors for the New York State Office of Children and Family Services had expressed a concern that 9 Zeissner Lane was in fact a single-family dwelling.

The defendant was also convicted of Official Misconduct as a result of a letter he wrote on 5/20/2014 falsely stating that Jacob Goldman could lawfully operate a home-based occupation out of his home, contrary to the Spring Valley Village code. This letter was submitted by Goldman to the Ramapo Tax Assessor in an attempt to obtain a tax exemption.

Booker is scheduled to be sentenced on May 14, 2019.

He faces up to four years in state prison.

Orangetown
On Wednesday January 23 at approximately 4:40 AM. The Orangetown Police Department arrested Stephen Summers, 53, of Glen Rock, NJ for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs. Officers responded to a report of a vehicle that crashed into a house at 461 Western Highway in Orangeburg and found a black Nissan had crashed into the front porch of the home. Both the car and house involved suffered extensive damage. Officers identified Mr. Summers as the driver of the vehicle and determined that he was operating the vehicle while under the influence of drugs. Mr. Summers was taken to Nyack Hospital for a medical evaluation where he was consented to a blood test to determine the drug content of his blood. Summers was charged with the misdemeanor of Driving While Under the Influence of Drugs. Summers is due to answer the charge in court on Feb 19.

On Tuesday January 22 at approximately 12:15 P.M. the Orangetown Police Department arrested Kristen M. Welsh, 36, of Nyack for Criminal Mischief and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana. Officers responded to a report of an altercation between Welsh and another person at 36 South Broadway in Nyack. Officers observed the window to the back door and a window in an adjoining apartment were both shattered from the outside. An investigation revealed Wlsh had broken the windows after a verbal argument with a tenant of the building. Welsh was arrested and taken to OPD Headquarters. Welsh was arrested and taken to OPD Headquarters. She was also found to be in possession of 5 small clear ziplock bags of alleged marijuana and one marijuana smoking device. Welsh was charged with Crimal Mischief 4th, , a misdemeanor, and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, a violation. Welsh is due to answer the charges in Nyack Court on February 19.

Clarkstown PD activity week of January 21-28th
617 Calls Requiring Police Response including
119 Medical Emergencies
60 Vehicle and Traffic Accidents
28 Thefts
13 Emotional Disturbed Persons
11 Domestic Incidents
7 Frauds
4 Arson/Vandalism/Criminal Mischief
3 Alcohol/Drugs/Narcotics Investigations
0 Assaults-All Types
0 Burglaries and Robberies
0 Weapons

374 other calls (suspicious incidents/persons/vehicles, alarms, animal incidents, assistance calls, 911 hang up, information, all other criminal offences)

Ramapo PD’s activity for the week of January 20th – 26th:
1164 calls including:
130 Alarm activations,
54 Community Policing Reports,
77 School Security Checks,
15 Domestic Incidents,
74 Motor Vehicle Crashes,
64 Medical Emergencies, Plus an Additional 91 Dispatched for Other Agencies.
There were 34 arrests for charges including Unlawful Possession of Marihuana, Harassment, Petit Larceny, Criminal Contempt, Driving While Intoxicated, Grand larceny, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Warrant Arrests, and Vehicle and Traffic Offenses.

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No photo description available.

On Jan 31 Haverstraw Police Department announced they are investigating an incident that occurred in Thiells, NY on December 4, 2018. We are attempting to identify the below pictured individual and the owner of the below pictured vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to please contact our department at 845-354-1500 or by email at TIPS@Haverstrawpolice.org.

The vehicle appears to be a gray Honda Odyssey with aftermarket wheels and front tinted windows.

(HAVERSTRAW VAN AND MAN 2-3)

On Jan 30 Haverstraw Police Department announced along with the United States Marshal Service are offering a combined reward of $10,000 in addition to the FBI’s $20,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of Eugene Palmer. Eugene Palmer is wanted for allegedly shooting and killing his daughter-in-law, Tammy Palmer, on September 24, 2012. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Cruger or Det. Sgt. Lutz at 845-354-1500. Information can also be forwarded to the United States Marshall Service or FBI. The total reward for information relating to the arrest and conviction of Eugene Palmer is $30,000.

Woodbury, NY – On February 10, 2019 at approximately 2:59 a.m., State Police responded to the Woodbury exit on I-87 for a report of a patron who had insufficient funds to pay the Thruway toll.  Police say the driver, Alicia E. Snyder, 52, of Sloatsburgh, NY, was found to be intoxicated.  She was transported to SP Newburgh where her blood alcohol content was determined to be .21%.  Snyder was subsequently charged with Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated and released to a sober third party with appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Woodbury Court on March 6, 2019 at 5 p.m.  

Haverstraw PD announced Monday morning that an arrest was made following a string of car larcenies Sunday evening in the Rosman Road/Gleason Dr area. Police said, “We have arrested a male subject in connection to this incident. If anyone has additional video surveillance of an individual in their driveway from last evening, please send us a message or email the video to TIPS@HaverstrawPolice.org.”

Police stressed the importance of locking vehicle doors and not leaving valuables in your vehicle. Citizens can call police with tips on possible crime at 845-354-1500. 

Acting Rockland County District Attorney Kevin Gilleece on Tuesday announced that Alias Stone aka “Billy Pugh” (DOB 07/01/64) of 140 Old Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg, New York has been convicted by a jury of one count of manslaughter in the first degree, a class B felony, in connection with the death of a fellow patient at the Rockland Psychiatric Center.  

District Attorney Gilleece said, “The victim in this case was killed in a violent attack. The defendant unleashed a rage-filled assault on a fellow patient, aggressively kicking and punching him, long after he fell incapacatated. As a result of this horrific crime, the defendant will be incarcerated for a long time.” 

On July 31, 2017, at approxamately 5 p.m,  Stone violently attacked fellow Rockland Psychiatric Center patient Ronald Randolph.

The defendant punched and stomped on the victim’s head numerous times, as he lay unconscious and defenseless. Stone was eventually restrained by Rockland Psychiatric Center employees and removed from the room, but not before breaking free and further attacking Stone. 

The victim died from his injuries on August 14, 2017. Sentencing will be on May 14, 2019. Stone faces a maximum of 25 years in state prison.

Senior Assistant District Attorney Michael Dugandzic prosecuted the case.

On February 21, 2019, at approximately 4:43 p.m., State Police responded to a report of a two car motor vehicle accident on I-87.  It was reported that a Toyota Camry was struck from behind by a Honda Odyssey.  The driver of the Honda, James E. Gronwoldt, 57, of Valley Cottage, NY, was found to be intoxicated.  He was transported and processed at SP Tarrytown where his blood alcohol content was determined to be 0.26%. Gronwoldt was subsequently charged with:

• Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated; an Unclassified Misdemeanor
• Vehicle and Traffic Violations

Gronwoldt was turned over to a sober third party and released on appearance tickets returnable to the Village of South Nyack Court on March 4, 2019 at 5:30 p.m.

No one was injured as a result of the accident.

On February 20, 2019, the Spring Valley Police Department received a report of sexual assault against a child. The incident was investigated and it was found from August 2018 to February 20, 2019, a juvenile was the victim of numerous sexual assaults from a single offender.

The investigation resulted in the arrest of Blair Betton, age 42, of Spring Valley, NY. He was charged with predatory sexual assault against a child, as well as a course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree, both felonies.

The Spring Valley Police Department asks anyone with any similar incidents please contact Detective Suarez at 845-356-7400.