Acting Rockland County District Attorney Kevin Gilleece today announced that Nicos Dinkins (DOB 07/20/88) of 57 West Hickory Street, Spring Valley, New York was convicted after a jury trial of:

• Four counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree, class “D” Felonies

Dinkins was charged in connection with the possession of a fraudulent New York State driver license featuring his photo, but printed with the name “William Cooper.” The defendant was also found in possession of three credit cards in the name of “William Cooper.”

District Attorney Gilleece said, “Identity theft is an unfortunate reality in the digital age. The Rockland County District Attorney’s Office must remain vigilant in targeting offenders who jeopardize innocent victims.”

Dinkins was arrested following brief foot chase in Spring Valley after police responded to reports of a suspicious vehicle.

Sentencing is scheduled for November 12, 2019.

Because of multiple prior convictions, the defendant faces up to seven years in state prison.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Michael Peterson and Assistant District Attorney Kimberly Von Ronn.

PIERMONT, NY – The Piermont Police Department announce the arrest of Brian Bates. Bates was arrested for public lewdness after allegedly exposing himself to a female on August 12.

Brian Bates has an extensive history involving public lewdness and sexual misconduct, including masturbating and performing acts of sodomy on himself in public. Piermont Police are asking resident that if you observe the subject (pictured) acting or conducting himself in an alarming way to you or others, to contact theVillage of Piermont Police Department at 845-359-0240 or 911 immediately.

“It is a relief to see this monster back in jail where he belongs and where he should rightly spend the rest of his life; long may he rot in the Erie County Correctional Facility. Richard LaBarbera does not deserve to walk free while our community still suffers from the loss and pain he caused. I remind all that this cretin was on parole when he murdered Paula Bohovesky so he clearly has learned nothing other than how to be a permanent scar on society.

I again ask the Governor to revisit all the recent decisions of the Parole Board that includes releasing cop killers and child murderers as this type of behavior is exactly what I was speaking of when calling for LaBarbera to remain behind bars. He committed murder, a crime of permanency, and should be permanently in jail.”

On August 3 35-year-old Tyrill Graham of W. 151st St. in Manhattan was arrested in Stony Point and charged with aggravated DWI. Police officers from SPPD were investigating a minor motor vehicle accident on Perrins Peak and said the defendant was found to be operating a vehicle while under the influence. Police said Graham failed all the field sobriety tests and was placed under arrest for Aggravated DWI and DWI Per Se.

Police said Graham’s breath sample showed 0.20 percent BAC. He was processed and released on his own recognizance with multiple traffic tickets and a return date of September 19.

On August 12 65-year-old Richard Gizzi of Stony Point was arrested in Stony Point on charges of criminal mischief in the third degree. On August 12 Stony Point PD received a report of a fight taking place at the Shoprite. The defendant also called the police stating he was in an argument with an acquaintance at same Shoprite. While investigating the incident, police said Gizzi admitted to punching the other individual’s vehicle causing damage. Gizmo was placed under arrest for criminal mischief in the third degree and released with an appearance ticket returnable to Stony Point Justice Court on September 3.

NO PHOTO AVAILABLE

On August 11 35-year-old Antonio Rochet of Haverstraw was arrested in Stony Point on charges of attempted burglary in the second degree and criminal contempt in the second degree. Officers from SPPD responded to a Valley View Rd. home for a report of a male attempting to enter the home of a female who had an order of protection against him. Rochet reportedly attempted to enter through a window by removing an air conditioner from a window after unsuccessful attempts at the front door. The resident called 911 and Rochet was located at the residence and placed under arrest on listed charges. He was arraigned and posted $1500 bail and is due back in court on September 15.

Acting Rockland County District Attorney Kevin Gilleece today announced that Luis Miguel Lopez- Ruiz of New Hempstead Road, Spring Valley, New York was sentenced to twelve years in state prison and twenty years post-release supervision on his May 2019 guilty plea to:

• One count of Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the First Degree, a class “B” Felony

“This sentence imposed is more than deserved considering the frightening ordeal of sexual violence that went on for years,” said District Attorney Gilleece. “The defendant is a dangerous predator who destroyed a child’s innocence.”

Between October 2014 and December 2018, Lopez-Ruiz had sexual relations with a child starting when the victim was less than 13-years-old. The repeated abuse, which took place in the Town of Ramapo, continued until the victim was 15-years-old.

The case was investigated by the Town of Ramapo Police Department with the assistance of the Special Victims Unit of the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office.

Upon his release, Lopez-Ruiz must register as a sex offender under the provisions of Megan’s Law. The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Stefanie A. Schera.

New City, NY, – County Executive Ed Day and Director of Purchasing Paul Brennan announced that the County’s Purchasing Division has identified a scam in which fraudulent purchase orders are being sent to businesses, which appear to come from government agencies.

Scammers are utilizing look-a-like email addresses to make it appear that pricing is being requested from local governments and even federal government agencies. The scammers then issue a fraudulent purchase order that appears to come from a government agency; however, the purchase order requests that the items be shipped to a location not associated with the government agency.

The scammers appear to be targeting companies that sell computer equipment and audio-visual type equipment. Fraudulent purchase orders are issued for quantities much larger than a government agency would normally purchase.

“Businesses should carefully review purchase orders received from government agencies and confirm their authenticity, especially if the quantities ordered are significant and if the requested delivery address differs from the normal delivery address,” said Purchasing Director Paul Brennan.

This scam is currently under investigation by several law enforcement agencies.

“Any business that wants to validate that they have received an official Rockland County Purchase Order should contact our Purchasing Division at purchasing@co.rockland.ny.us or by calling 845-364-3820. I urge everyone to do their due diligence and not fall victim to these scammers,” concluded County Executive Day.

RAMAPO, NY – The Ramapo Police Department released an update on their investigation into a May 19, 2019 fatal crash involving a motor vehicle and a lawnmower in the Village of Sloatsburg.

“This is a follow up to the Ramapo Police and Rockland County District Attorney’s Office investigation of the May 19 crash involving a motor vehicle and a lawnmower. The crash occurred on Orange Turnpike in the Village of Sloatsburg. The crash resulted in the death of a 29-year-old Sloatsburg man. He was a passenger on the lawnmower that was being operated by a 31-year-old Sloatsburg man. On October 23, 2019, the operator of the lawnmower, was arrested by Ramapo Police and charged with Criminally Negligent Homicide. He was arraigned in the Village of Sloatsburg Court and released on his own recognizance. He is due back in court on November 20.”

Photo by Ramapo Police Department

Two Separate Arrests in Ramapo: Former MTA Bus Driver Collected More Than $11,000 In Benefits While Coaching High School Basketball Team;
Rockland Bakery Delivery Driver Arrested for Collecting $9,500 In Workers’ Compensation Benefits While Also Working at Area Jewelry Stores

RAMAPO – New York State Inspector General Letizia Tagliafierro announced the separate arrests of two Hudson Valley individuals who allegedly defrauded the workers’ compensation system of a total of more than $20,500:
• A former MTA bus driver who claimed he was unable to work due to an on-the-job injury but was coaching a high school basketball team while collecting more than $11,000 in workers’ compensation benefits
• A Rockland-based bakery delivery truck driver who allegedly collecting more than $9,500 in benefits while continuing to work at several area jewelry stores.

MTA BUS DRIVER CLAIMS INJURY; COACHES HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL TEAM

Tyrone Searight, 49, of Peekskill was arrested and arraigned yesterday before Hon. Rhoda Schoenberger in Ramapo Justice Court on two counts of Workers’ Compensation Fraudulent Practices and one count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (felonies). He was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court November 26, 2019.

Searight was employed as a bus driver for the MTA Bus Company when he reported a work injury to his left knee on November 7, 2016. After filing paperwork certifying he was unable to work due to the injury, he collected workers’ compensation wage indemnity benefits from December 2016 to May 2017.

However, the Inspector General’s investigation found that while Searight was claiming he was not working and unable to work, he was actually working as the girls’ varsity basketball coach for the Haldane Central School District in Cold Spring. Between November 2016 and March 2017, Searight was observed coaching the team at games and running practices. Video surveillance showed Searight bending, squatting, pacing, waving his arms and abruptly standing up from the sidelines at several games.

Searight was terminated from the MTA Bus Company based upon Searight’s work activity while receiving wage replacement benefits.

“While this individual claimed he was injured to the extent that he was unable to work, he was working on the basketball court – an affront against the workers’ compensation system,” said Inspector General Tagliafierro. “My office will continue to fight waste, fraud and abuse in order to protect the state’s taxpayers.”

ROCKLAND DELIVERY TRUCK DRIVER COLLECTS $9,500 WHILE WORKING AT AREA JEWELERS

Mohamed Husamdeen, 56, of Monsey was arrested and arraigned yesterday before Hon. Rhoda Schoenberger in Ramapo Justice Court on Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, Workers’ Compensation Fraudulent Practices and Insurance Fraud in the Third Degree (felonies). He was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court November 26, 2019.

On September 10, 2016, Husamdeen was working for Rockland Bakery as a delivery truck driver when he was involved in a car accident and allegedly sustained injuries to his spine, neck, lower back, right wrist and right thumb. Husamdeen filed a claim for workers’ compensation benefits, claiming he was not working and unable to work due to the injuries.

However, the Inspector General’s investigation found that while Husamdeen was claiming he was not working and unable to work, between May 2017 and September 2018, he worked at several businesses, including two separate jewelry/watch repair kiosks at the Palisades Center mall and a jewelry store in Suffern.

On January 3, 2019, an administrative law judge found Husamdeen in violation of Workers’ Compensation Law, in that he wrongfully received $9,516.49 in wage indemnity benefits to which he was not entitled.

“This individual repeatedly claimed that he was unable to work due to on-the-job injuries to his back, neck and hand – but was allegedly performing intricate repairs to watches and jewelry at the same time,” said Inspector General Tagliafierro. “Working while lying to collect workers’ compensation benefits is a crime and we will continue to hold those who break the law accountable.”

Inspector General Tagliafierro thanked Acting Rockland County District Attorney Kevin Gilleece and his office for their assistance with the prosecutions and the Town of Ramapo Police Department for its assistance with the arrests.

The defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Julio Martinez, male age 18 of Call Hollow Road, Stony Point, was arrested for robbery in the second degree, class C felony, and assault, a class A misdemeanor. On October 9, 2019 at 3:30 AM, the 18 year old male called the Stony Point Police and reported he was jumped and beaten while in the rear of the Budget Inn on South Liberty Dr, Stony Point. The victim reported one or more males beat him and stole money and personal items. Detectives identified Martinez as the prime suspect and he was arrested on 10/23 and charged with Robbery and Assault. He was processed and released without bail and is due back in Stony Point Justice Court Nov 7.

ASSAULT
On November 3, 2019 at 3:11 p.m., Samuel Carter, age 37, of Washburns Lane, Stony Point was arrested for assault in the second degree, a class D felony. Officers responded to a residence on Washburns Lane for a report of a fight in progress. Upon completion of an investigation, the Defendant was arrested for engaging in a physical altercation with an elderly victim. The victim was treated at a local hospital. The defendant was arraigned at Stony Point Justice Court, issued an appearance ticket, and he was then remanded to Rockland County Jail on the assault in the second degree charge.

PETIT LARCENY
On November 8, 2019 at 2:53 a.m., Richard Licata, age 67 of Prospect Place, Tomkins Cove, was arrested for petit larceny, a class A misdemeanor. An officer was patrolling Patriot Square and observed an individual in the rear of a business near an empty bottle storage area. The officer observed the individual loading a box in to his vehicle. Upon completion of an investigation, it was determined that the Defendant took boxes and bags of empty beer bottles without the Business Owner’s permission. He was placed under arrest for the above referenced charges. The defendant was released on his own recognizance with a return date to Stony Point Justice Court on December 3, 2019, at 9:00 a.m.

WEST NYACK – The Clarkstown Detective Bureau has announced that a joint law enforcement operation with the New York City Police Department and Queens District Attorney’s Office in the month of September netted over 15 kilos of controlled substances – worth an estimated street value of $2.4 million – leading to the arrest of a 47-year-old Massachusetts man.

The Clarkstown Police Street Crime Unit worked in conjunction with the NYPD Intel Unit and Queens Major Case Squad on the large-scale narcotics trafficking investigation. Police said that acting on credible information, street crime officers from Clarkstown PD conducted a traffic stop of a tractor trailer in West Nyack.

During the stop officers discovered 1 kilogram of fentanyl, 1 kilogram of heroin, 13 kilograms of cocaine and 1,551 imitation oxycodone pills containing fentanyl – an estimated value of $2.4 million. Officers were assisted by a Clarsktown Police K-9 unit to search the truck. 

The driver of the truck, Alexis Victorero, 47, of Milford, Massachusetts was taken into custody and transported to police headquarters for processing. Victorero was indicted by a Rockland County Grand Jury for three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the first degree and one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree.

Clarkstown PD noted that fentanyl is 100 times more powerful than morphine and in its unadulterated form, one kilogram has the potential to fatally overdose 500,000 individuals.

The Queens District Attorney Office, which led the investigation, announced a total of 11 arrests, including three Whites Plains men, Giovanny Arias, Victor Salazar and Hector Maren. Arias is believed to be the head of the operation, which also trafficking carfentanil, ketamine and tramadol throughout the United States. 

BY JOE KUHN

MONSEY – A man was brutally stabbed and slashed as he walked to a Monsey synagogue Wednesday morning.

The 30-year-old teacher is in critical condition after surviving the brutal assault. Police confirmed that the man was attacked while walking to his local synagogue, Mosdos Meharam Brisk Tashnadearlier, at around 5:49 a.m. Ramapo PD initially responded to a report of a pedestrian struck by a car near Howard Drive, but quickly determined that the victim had in fact been stabbed and slashed with an unknown weapon.

Investigation confirms that the man was stabbed more than once by at least one individual on the street. Police so far have no description of the suspect or suspects or the vehicle driven during the attack. The man was rushed to Westchester Medical Center and underwent surgery for serious injuries, police said.

Ramapo Police Chief Brad Weidel stated during a press conference that afternoon that his department “still needs to establish a motive (for the attack)”, frankly stating “there are a lot of possibilities” as to what sparked the incident. The chief further commented that the assault “was clearly an attempted murder.”

The RPD currently believes that nothing was taken from the victim and that the man did not know his attacker. The chief has was unwilling to speculate as to whether the incident was a hate crime, but has not ruled out the possibility.

Weidel also told reporters that police have obtained a video recording of the incident, “but (he) wishes it was of better quality.” The chief plans to cooperate with state and possibly federal officials to obtain a better analysis of the footage.

“We’ve never had anything like this happen,” lamented Legislator, Philip Soskin the representative for the district in which the assault occurred. Soskin and other members of the Hasidic community have expressed fear and outrage in response to the attack. “All of us are infuriated” said the legislator.

The police chief has assured the community “(he) hears there concerns loud and clear” and has increased patrols in the area. He urges anyone with relevant information on the incident to come forward. The Anti-Defamation League has offered a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Senator David Carlucci condemned the attack. “This act of violence is horrific and not reflective of our peaceful community. Violence or hate of any kind is never tolerated. I pray for the victim’s recovery and expect police will find the suspects and bring them to justice. I am awaiting more details on this incident.”

Governor Andrew Cuomo ordered the assault to be investigated as a hate crime. He released a statement, which said, “I am deeply disturbed by the violent attack of an Orthodox Jewish man who was beaten and repeatedly stabbed while on his way to Synagogue in Monsey, Rockland County, earlier today. I am directing the State Police Hate Crimes Task Force to assist the Ramapo Police Department and the Rockland County Sheriff’s office as they investigate this horrific assault and examine all potential motives, including whether the attack may have been motivated by anti-Semitism. 

“This is not an isolated incident, all across the state we’ve seen an alarming rise in anti-Semitic vandalism and hate-fueled attacks. We cannot allow the cancer of hate to metastasize any further. The escalation of hatred and anti-Semitism must end here and now, and I urge all New Yorkers to denounce hate whenever and wherever they see it.”

CRIMINAL CONTEMPT
Anthony Gulifield, age 53, of Central Nyack, was arrested for criminal contempt in the first degree and violation of OOP with previous conviction. On Thursday, 11/28, officers responded to a residence on Thiells Road on report of a domestic disturbance. Defendant was located at the residence of an adult female who had a stay-away order of protection against him. He was arrested and charged with a felony as he has a previous conviction for violating the order of protection. He was processed, arraigned by a Stony Point Magistrate and remanded to the RC Jail without bail due to previous convictions.

ASSAULT
Robert Sullivan, age 63, of Stony Point, was arrested for assault in the second degree with a weapon, criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, and harassment in the second degree. On Sunday, 11/24, at approximately 2:40 p.m., officers responded to the area of Patriot Square on 9W in Stony Point for a report of an assault on a male. The victim reports he was struck on the head by the defendant whom he is familiar with. He was hit with an unknown object(weapon). The victim was bleeding profusely and was treated by EMS for a head injury. The male perpetrator fled the scene prior to police arrival. Investigation lead to the arrest of the defendant on listed charges. He was processed, arraigned by a Stony Point Magistrate and released on his own recognizance. An order of protection was issued against Sullivan.

FROM CPD

Last week, the Clarkstown Police Detective Bureau identified a 15 year old male from the country of Chile as the person who made calls to Felix Festa Middle School on November 21, 2019 stating that there was a gunman in the school. Due to his age and the charges that would stem from this kind of incident, an extradition process cannot be initiated at this time.

A second child involved in this incident has been identified as a Clarkstown student. The intensive investigation revealed that the Clarkstown resident and the other male from Chile met while gaming on the internet. They both conspired to have the boy from Chile phone in a hoax that would cause the school to go on lockdown and initiate a large police response. Given the seriousness of this action and the age of the youth from Clarkstown, his case will be adjudicated in Clarkstown Youth Court in addition to school administered discipline and appropriate supports.

Thankfully, this hoax didn’t result in the injury of any student, staff or first responder. The Clarkstown School District worked closely with the Clarkstown Police Department throughout this investigation. Both the school district and the police department remind parents of the concerns of children who play games on the internet with others whom they do not know. We ask that if your child participates in online gaming that you be aware they will be engaging with strangers from all walks of life who may have bad intentions. Please have conversations with your child about the realities and consequences associated with their online actions.

Rockland County Acting District Attorney Kevin Gilleece today announced that Yessenia Vasquez (DOB 05/27/1973) of 20A Hasbrouck Drive, West Haverstraw, New York was convicted after trial of the following:

• Endangering the Welfare of a Child

• Harassment in the Second Degree

The defendant was a special education teacher at Stony Point Elementary School and taught a group of special

needs children. During the school year 2016-2017, defendant Yessenia Vasquez used her foot to lift up a disabled

5 year old’s head, and pulled her head up using her ponytail several times.

She was previously convicted of Harassment in the Second Degree on April 17, 2019 for conduct directed at

another disabled student at Stony Point Elementary School during the 2015-2016 school year.

Vasquez is facing up to one year in Rockland County Jail or three years of probation. The defendant is scheduled

to be sentenced on February 18, 2020.

Senior Assistant District Attorney Marissa Licata and Assistant District Attorney Melissa Robustello prosecuted

the case.

On December 8, 2019, at approximately 9 p.m., the Spring Valley Police Department responded to the parking lot of Planet Fitness (175 E Route 59) for a report of an injured male.

Upon arrival officers encountered a party with wounds to his face and arm. The investigation later determined that one of suspects, an 18-year-old Spring Valley man, had shot the victim with a realistic imitation pistol that fired “BBs.”

The 18-year-old shooter, as well as his two juvenile males accomplices were all arrested on Wednesday. The investigation was handled by the Spring Valley Detective Bureau.

The 18-year-old male has been charged with attempted assault in the first degree, a C felony. Police are asking parents to please speak with your children about these types of imitation weapons and the risks they come with.

Westchester Co., NY – The FBI Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force, Yonkers Police Department, and U.S. Marshals Service are asking the public for help finding Jamar Manners, aka: Gutter, who has been charged federally for possession of a firearm by a felon.  The FBI New York is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest.

Agents and detectives say Manners has violated the terms of his probation twice after serving time in federal prison for a gang conviction.  Manners was once the leader of the Elm Street Wolves, a violent street gang in Yonkers, NY.  While searching for Manners for his second probation violation, agents spotted him on December 17, 2019, in the area near Alder Street, between Spruce and Elm Streets.  He jumped from the car he was driving, and ran away.  Agents recovered a loaded gun in the car. 

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Manners is asked to call the FBI Westchester Safe Streets Task Force at 212-384-1000.  The FBI is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of Manners.