DEATH OF A CHICAGO MAN Charges Stem from a Shooting Last Night in Nyack
Collyer R. Goodman, 18, of Valley Cottage, NY, was arraigned this morning in Orangetown Justice Court by the Honorable Patrick Loftus on charges stemming from a shooting that occurred last night in Nyack. Bail was set at $250,000. A return court appearance was scheduled for August 27, 2020.
Goodman was taken into custody by the Orangetown Police Department and charged with Manslaughter 2nd (felony), Reckless Endangerment 1st (felony) and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th (misdemeanor) for the shooting death of a 21 year old Chicago man that occurred in Nyack. The investigation is ongoing and the District Attorney’s Office will continue to work with the men and women of the Orangetown Police Department.
Rockland County District Attorney Tom Walsh said, “We are again struck by another senseless death in Rockland County. Our sympathies go out to the family of this young man. As we come to grips with this as a community, my team continues to work on this case with detectives. I commend the professionalism and dedication shown by the men and women of the Orangetown Police Department.”
If anyone has information about this incident please call the Orangetown Police Department at (845) 359-3700 or submit an anonymous tip by downloading the RocklandCO DA Tip 411 app (available in the APP store or Google Play). You can also text the keyword ROCKLANDCODA to 847411, type in your tip information and hit send.
HAVERSTRAW – On Friday night, 23-year-old Andy Urena-Merrero was found in the backyard of 16 Hudson Avenue, suffering from a gunshot wound. He later succumbed to his wounds at Westchester Medical Center.
The community is demanding justice for Merrero
The police responded to the address at 9:09 pm. Along with paramedics, the officers administered first aid before the victim was transported to the hospital. During the investigation, officers were alerted to a victim with a gunshot wound being treated at Montefiore-Nyack Hospital. Haverstraw detectives responded to the hospital and interviewed a 20-year-old male who had also been shot at the Hudson Avenue address. The subject was treated and released.
On Saturday distraught loved ones marched in downtown Haverstraw demanding justice for Urena-Merrero’s killer.
Rockland County District Attorney Tom Walsh was at the scene Friday night to offer assistance to the Haverstraw Police Department. DA Walsh said if you have any information regarding the homicide to contact the District Attorney’s Investigators at 845-731-4100 or submit an anonymous tip by downloading the RocklandCO DA Tip 411 app (available in the APP store or Google Play). Text the keyword ROCKLANDCODA to 847411, type in your tip information, and hit send.
53-Year-Old Business Owner Faces Nine Felony Counts
Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh, II announced that Leonard Scarr, 53, of Warwick, NY was indicted on 9 criminal counts stemming from an ongoing investigation being conducted by the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office and the Ramapo Police Department. Scarr is the owner of Scarr Funeral Home located in Suffern, NY.
This week a Rockland County Grand Jury returned an indictment charging Leonard Scarr with nine Class D felonies. On or about and between July 11, 2019, and October 11, 2019, on three occasions, Scarr forged three separate death certificates for three different individuals whom he had contracted with to set up designated pre-paid burial escrow accounts. Regarding these accounts, as trustee, Scarr could only receive an account’s funds upon the death of the account holder. He presented the forged death certificates to representatives of the bank where the burial escrow accounts were held and withdrew the accounts’ funds, each of which exceeded $6,000. The indictment consisted of Grand Larceny in the 3rd (three counts), Forgery in the 2nd (three counts), Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the 2nd (three counts).
Rockland County District Attorney Tom Walsh said, “This is a case that strikes at the very core of community. Our own family, friends and neighbors have been deceived and defrauded by a business-
person as we plan for our future funeral expenses. Contrary to recent media outlet reports, this office will not stand idly by and let residents of our County be victim of fraud and let the perpetrator of with a slap of the wrist! Make no mistake about it, my team, led by Supervising Assistant District Attorney Michael Dugandzic, and the Ramapo Police Department have been working very hard to track down any victims out there and build a solid case against Mr. Scarr. My heartfelt sympathy to those who fell victim to this egregious crime.”
One South Main Street • Suite 500 • New City, NY 10956 • (845) 638-5001 • Fax (845) 638-5298 • rocklandcountyda.com
We ask that any other potential victims of Leonard Scarr come forward and that families who had not yet received their loved ones cremated remains from Scarr Funeral home contact the Rockland County District Attorney’s Investigators at 845-731-4100 or the Ramapo Police Department at 845-357-2400 or submit an anonymous tip by downloading the RocklandCO DA Tip 411 app (available in the APP store or Google Play). You can also text the keyword ROCKLANDCODA to 847411, type in your tip information and hit send.
The Orangetown Police Department has identified the victim of Sunday night’s fatal shooting as Gregory Dubuisson, a 35 year old Nyack resident. The suspect, who attempted to flee by bicycle, is Wendy Jean, 26 of South Nyack.
The shooting was first reported last night at 7pm; the OPD received several calls about gunshots heard at the intersection of Main Street and South Franklin Street following an argument outside of a local bar. Paramedics, as well as police from the South Nyack and Piermont departments, attempted to revive Dubuisson and canvassed the area for a suspect. Jean was located in the area of 6th Avenue and North Midland street with a 357 revolver believed to be the murder weapon, and was subsequently arrested.
Jean was arraigned virtually this morning before Village Justice Robert Noble at 11AM, and is now being held in the Rockland County Jail. He is facing charges of second degree murder, a class A felony, as well as 2 counts of criminal weapon possession, both class C felonies. The next court proceedings will be on December 3 at 9:30 AM.
During a press conference today held by the OPD, the Rockland County District Attorney praised the, “cooperative effort of law enforcement in Rockland County” and promised that, “we will do everything that we can possibly that justice is done in this case.”
The mayor of Nyack Don Hammond added that he is, “amazed at the professionalism and great communication we have with the OPD and other police departments that came to help.” Dubuisson’s passing comes at a particularly difficult time for the family, as his father also recently passed away. Mayor Hammond is currently seeking the assistance of pastors and other community leaders to come together to both support the Dubuisson family and prevent further violence in the community. He ended the press conference promising to, “continue to come together to make a difference for them.”
At approximately 6:30 pm on Jan 6, two vehicles collided head on at Route 202 and Grandview Avenue in the Town of Ramapo. Both drivers were trapped in their respective vehicles with one aflame. Ambulances and medics were in route to the scene.
EMS reported that one of the drivers was DOA with the Medical examiner and Accident Investigation team on route to the scene. As of the writing of this article the emergency responders were working on extricating the driver from the second car.
Originally a medivac helicopter was requested to fly the victim to the hospital but the order was canceled and the victim will be transported by ground to Hackensack Hospital.
The roadway was closed for a number of hours while the extrications and investigation took place.
One man is in custody after a violent assault at the West Nyack Fire Department. At approximately 1 a.m., in the rental hall part of the building, two men were stabbed. Police have not confirmed the severity of their injuries or the possible motivation for the attack, though they have stated they believe the assault to be an isolated incident. Both victims are now being treated at a local hospital. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Clarkstown police at 845-639-5840.
On Wednesday, Jan 20, New York State police arrested three Spring Valley teenagers for illegal possession of a firearm. Teyyvon Epps, Regine Durandisse, and Jimmy Palma, were at a residence in Ramapo when they were taken into police custody. All three suspects are 19 years old and reside in the village of Spring Valley. Each has been charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and all three were arraigned in the Town of Ramapo Court and remanded to the Rockland County Jail. Epps was remanded without bail while both Durandisse and Palma were remanded in lieu of $75,000 cash bail. They are ordered to appear in Ramapo Court on a return date of January 26, 2021 at 12:00 p.m.
A 27-year-old Spring Valley man and a 26-year-old New City woman have been charged with conspiracy to commit carjacking and carjacking stemming from their participation in a brutal beating and robbery of a man in New City.
It is alleged that on Feb 28, Dwayne Hicks lured a man to a New City residence and once there, Tnaiya Williams and several others viciously attacked the victim, forced him to strip naked, stole his personal belongings, including keys to his car, and then beat him with a baseball bat, belts, and their hands, and repeatedly slashed and stabbed him with a large knife.
The victim ultimately fled, after being left, naked and covered in blood, in a pile of snow, and some of the assailants drove off in his car.
Hicks and Williams were each charged with conspiracy to commit carjacking, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and one count of carjacking, which carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.
The investigation and arrests were made by the FBI and its Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force, the Clarkstown Police and the Rockland County District attorney’s Office.
The national crime show that helped capture more than 1,186 criminals will be returning to FOX on March 15. The first episode will feature Eugene Palmer, a fugitive from Stony Point. Palmer is on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted List and has not been seen since he murdered his daughter-in-law Tammy Palmer in 2012.
Jennifer Korn, Rockland County Times Digital Editor, was interviewed for the show and will appear in the March 15 episode.
“Sometimes all it takes to solve a cold case is awareness, and ‘America’s Most Wanted’ has shown in the past that we can catch fugitives by giving them unwanted exposure,” said Korn. “I am thrilled to be part of a project that could potentially bring long awaited closure to our community.”
“America’s Most Wanted” was originally hosted by John Walsh and ended in 2012. Investigative journalist Elizabeth Vargas will host the revival.
Last Friday afternoon the Spring Valley Police Department responded to reports of shots fired in the vicinity of 34 Monsey Blvd. Upon arrival, officers located two men suffering from gunshot wounds and rushed both of them to Westchester Medical Center.
Shortly after arrival, one of the victims, a 17-year-old man, succumbed to his injuries. The other victim remains in critical condition.
The SVPD is asking for the public’s assistance, if you have any information regarding the shooting, please email them at TIPS@VILLAGESPRINGVALLEY.ORGor call the department at 845-356-7400.
District Attorney Tom Walsh commenting on the Spring Valley fire investigation. Photo by: Jennifer Korn
A community in mourning will not get closure for at least a few more weeks. District Attorney, Tom Walsh, joined County Executive Ed Day and several agencies this morning to hold a press conference regarding the fire at Evergreen Center for Adults last week that killed Spring Valley Firefighter Jared Lloyd and an unidentified resident.
Officials stated today that they are withholding the identity of the second victim at the request of the victim’s family.
“We have assembled today the investigative leaders from federal state and local law enforcement agencies pursuing this inquiry into the cause of the Evergreen Fire,” said Walsh.
The Rockland County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Fire Prevention and Control, and ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) have taken on the cause and origin portion of the investigation. According to Rockland County Sheriff Louis Falco, “those findings will be turned over to the Spring Valley Police Department and the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office,” said Falco.
“I can say to you today with absolute certainty, that the professionals involved will get to the bottom of what exactly happened in Spring Valley at this facility,” said Day.
Speakers at the conference declined to take questions and no other information was provided.
“We will be limited in our comments since this is an active criminal investigation which must not be jeopardized,” said Walsh. “However, as much information as can be properly presented will be.”
“I hope that seeing the number of agencies involved will bring a sense of calm to those who are struggling to understand the process and what happened,” said Day.
“We are not going to rush this investigation to make people happy to get to the conclusion,” said Falco. “We will reach the conclusion based on where the evidence and the facts take us.”
According to The New York State Fire Prevention and Control, the investigation is expected to take at least several weeks, if not months.
Only stumps remain after a heavily wooded portion of town land was demolished
As stones are being unturned and members of the community are demanding action, the Town of Clarkstown is now under immense pressure to investigate and resolve allegations of illegal town property use on Old Stone Road in Valley Cottage. Local activists are accusing a homeowner of adding an illegal second level to their house, building a large gate outside their property line, and demolishing approximately 100 trees owned by the town.
“The Town is extremely disturbed by the allegation of destruction of trees on Town property as well as the other alleged violations that have occurred at 20 Old Stone Road,” read an exclusive statement from the Town Supervisor’s Office. “Upon learning of the allegations the Town of Clarkstown immediately took all actions possible within our authority.”
Marvin Baum, a resident and creator of the “Save West Hook Mountain!” Facebook group, was one of the multiple concerned residents that alerted the town of the illegal construction. At a town hall meeting on March 23, Baum called for a public hearing, after advocating for months that the issues be resolved.
Baum said he initially reached out to Supervisor George Hoehmann on October 7 to report the cut-down trees and the property owner’s illegal second-floor home addition. The activist was also incensed that a public hiking trail adjacent to the home had been littered with signs that advised “keep out, private property.”
One of the “private property” signs on Old Stone Road, by the entrance of a public trail
According to the Town of Clarkstown Supervisor’s Office, Dennis Letson, town engineer, issued a violation and stop work order on Nov. 16, 2020. “Since the issuance of the violation and stop work order, no work has been done at the property,” read the office’s statement.
In a public facebook post, Councilman Michael Graziano denied that he and the town did not respond to the concerns. “This resident is alleging that I, along with the Town of Clarkstown, have not taken any action to address the matter,” said Graziano. “This could not be further from the truth.”
Graziano said that when he and a town representative inspected the property, “we were shown a large area cleared of trees that appeared to have been cut quite some time ago. The concerned resident asserted that this clearing was all on town property, had been forested as recently as February, and wanted the homeowner charged criminally for removing the trees,” wrote Graziano.
According to the Town Supervisor’s Office, Clarkstown has opened a criminal investigation regarding the allegation of illegal tree removal, but cannot comment on the investigation at this time.
View from the town hiking path adjacent to 20 Old Stone Road, where an estimated 100 trees were cleared
“The town lacks any concrete evidence which would hold up in a court of law to pursue action against whomever is responsible,” wrote Graziano. “Based upon aerial photos, that clearing appears to have taken place in early to mid 2019. If anyone has evidence to show who was responsible, please contact me or the Town Attorney’s office at 845-639-2060.”
Although the Town said it cannot immediately resolve the tree clearing issue, the Supervisor’s Office explained steps the town has taken to address the other violations at 20 Old Stone Road.
In January, the Town Assessor’s Office completed an inspection of the property. “The assessed value of the house has been increased and the increase in taxes will be reflected on the upcoming tax role,” read the Town Supervisor’s Office statement. “In addition, the Town will seek to recoup property and school taxes for the previous year.”
The Town Building Inspector issued a violation to the property owner on Jan. 21, 2021 for not obtaining a permit for the second floor addition to the property. “As of April 6, 2021 the Building Inspector has withheld the issuance of a building permit pending review of the owner’s architectural plans which were received today (April 6th),” read the town’s statement.
“Why are you granting a permit for something he did as part of the illegal action?” said Baum in response to the anticipated legalization of the property. “It makes no sense.”
Clarkstown officials also ordered the property owner to demolish the wall which they had constructed near the home, after a survey of the parcel conducted on March 19 noted that the gate rested on town property.
The wall built on town property was demolished following a town inspection in March
“Once the survey was done, it became very clear how much land was taken over and how much land was damaged,” said Baum.
“The property owner recently submitted a proposed landscape plan to the Department of Engineering and Facilities management for review,” according to the Town Supervisor’s Office.
Baum has criticized the town’s response and said he does not think the town took enough action up until recently, which he believes would have prevented further damage.
“Yes, they did start doing some things, but they only did things after extensive efforts and research on my part, which should have been done by the town, starting back in October,” said Baum. “It needs to be out in public, and we need to have presentations of what the options are for the restoration to get the best results possible.”
On Monday the Town of Ramapo and the Village of Suffern announced “a major victory” in a tax assessment case that will help save their residents a significant amount of money. The legal case concerned Novartis Pharmaceutical facility; a 167-acre property located on Old Mill Road in Suffern, as well as other parcels located in Suffern and Montebello. The combined properties make them the top taxpayer in Suffern and one of Ramapo’s biggest taxpayers.
Suffern Partners, LLC, which purchased the complex in 2017 for $30 million, had been challenging its nearly $4.8 million assessment since 2019. The company maintained that the total assessment of the combined parcels should be $696,000. The proposed reduction in 2020 sought by Suffern Partners, LLC, from $41 million to $6 million for the fair market value of the parcels, equals an 85% reduction in its assessment. If the company were successful in its challenge, it would result in $1.36 million in refunds that would have to be spread to the tax bills of other Ramapo residents, thereby leading to a significant tax increase.
In March 2020, the Town became aware that Suffern Partners, LLC had entered into a contract to sell the property for a whopping $55 million, yet the company continued to bring its tax grievance complaint against the Town. Suffern Partners, LLC failed to notify the Town of the impending sale, which it was required to do. Instead, the company continued pursuing legal action against the Town, even though the contract price was approximately $14 million higher than the current market value of $41 million. When the Town discovered the existence of the sales contract and the company’s willful neglect to duly notify the Town, its attorney Dylan C. Harris of Lewis & Greer, P.C., filed a motion to dismiss Suffern Partners, LLC’s lawsuit.
The Town recently received a signed stipulation of discontinuance, which is tantamount to an acknowledgment by Suffern Partners, LLC that it failed to comply with the NYS Real Property Tax Law and effectively ends the company’s legal challenge once and for all.
“This is a huge victory for the average taxpayer in Ramapo and Suffern,” said Ramapo Supervisor Michael B. Specht. “Suffern Partners, LLC exhibited egregious behavior throughout this process and acted in bad faith as they attempted to save millions in taxes that they legally owed. This is a company that tried to exploit the system without any regard for the adverse economic impact it would have on our Town and Village residents, and we are pleased that justice prevailed. Ramapo taxpayers should never have to foot the bill for a big business that seeks to gain a financial advantage through underhanded and unpardonable means.”
“We are very grateful that this unfortunate matter has finally come to an end and that the positive outcome will benefit taxpayers throughout Suffern and Ramapo,” said Suffern Mayor Edward Markunas. “By working together with the Town of Ramapo to fight on behalf of our residents against a greedy company that attempted to take advantage of the system through a frivolous legal action, we were thankfully able to score a big win for the people of Suffern and Ramapo and protect our taxpayers’ pocketbooks.
After two recent teenage drunk driving related deaths, several departments came together to host an event intended to raise awareness of the dangers of driving while intoxicated (DWI) and distracted. The Clarkstown Police Department, New City Fire Department, New City Ambulance Corp, STAT Med Evac, Higgins Funeral Home, and Clarkstown Town Justice David Ascher, presented a mock DWI accident scene at Zukor Park on Wednesday.
“Our communities are still reeling from these losses,” said Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann. “We have to learn from them.”
On April 24, Suffern High School student Jacqueline Zangrilli, 16, died in a DWI crash on Route 202. The driver and three other passengers were seriously injured, and the driver is facing charges, including vehicular manslaughter. Just 12 days later, Clarkstown High School North student Vladyslav Hvalyk, 16, was killed in a drunk driving crash in New City that left another student seriously injured, and the driver accused of vehicular homicide “It’s got to stop,” said Rockland County District Attorney Tom Walsh. “Today should be a good example for all of us, to see the tragedy that can happen.”
“We want this demonstration to send a visual message, showing just how serious the responsibility of driving is,” said Police Chief Jeff Wanamaker. “You are not only responsible for yourself, but also for your passengers, and others on the road.”
According to Wanamaker, statistics demonstrate that an average of 28 people die per day from impaired driving, and nine people die per day from distracted driving.
Anastasia Karassik holds framed photo of daughter, Larisa; Photo by Jennifer Korn
As Memorial Day approaches, Anastasia Karassik, founder of the Larisa Karassik Foundation, spoke before the demonstration, sharing the story of her daughter’s death and reminding attendees to avoid driving under the influence.
“We ended up burying her that Friday in the shoes she was supposed to wear to her eighth grade dance.”
Karassik said Larisa, aged 13, went out with her father for ice cream on Memorial Day weekend in 2015, when they were t-boned by a drunk driver who had two previous DWIs. The car went up in flames, and “two good samaritans had pulled their bodies out of the car,” said Karassik. “My daughter Larisa died on the side of the road, in the loving arms of a little woman who was gardening…and just held her as she took her last breath and her beautiful eyes went from blue to black.”
In July of 2019, Jayde Marks, 21, of New City, was also killed by a drunk driver at the 304 intersection near Albertus Magnus High School.
Hoehmann and Walsh encouraged parents to speak with their children about the dangers of drunk driving.
“If one parent has a conversation after seeing the news reports on this…we will have been successful,” said Hoehmann.
“We can make it better, we can save our children,” said Walsh. “But we need to talk to them, we need to reach out for them, and let our young people know that we care and we want them to be safe.”
Karassik said she had just gone to Clarkstown North High School to tell students about her daughter’s story, before the crash that killed Hvalyk. “To see that this is still happening, and two fatalities within two weeks is just unbelievable,” said Karassik. “There are no words.”
Walsh asserted that as the county prosecutor, he will hold drunk drivers accountable for their actions. “Yes, you will be prosecuted if there’s drunk driving,” said Walsh. “We don’t want to, but there’s a job to do to make sure that we’re all safe.”
Firefighter Jared Lloyd of Spring Valley’s Columbian Fire Company has not been forgotten, as anxious residents who live on Lafayette Street and across Rockland County await the verdict on the inferno that consumed the Evergreen Nursing Home for Adults on Tuesday morning, March 23. There has been an ongoing criminal investigation since the three-story, block long adult nursing facility burned to the ground that day.
The fire broke out approximately 1:00 am Tuesday morning, with Hatzalah EMS quickly responding to the scene and evacuating the 112 adults who lived in the home by bus. Those residents were sent to other nursing homes in Spring Valley and Lakewood, New Jersey, both owned by Evergreen’s operator, G&J New Bader Enterprises, LLC.
Lloyd, a 15-year member of the Columbian Fire Company, was one of the first to respond to the fast-moving fire. The 35-year-old married father of two young boys called a mayday from the third floor, but smoke and intense heat forced fellow firefighters back. His body was recovered later that day. More than two dozen fire companies responded to the blaze, which could be seen for miles. One resident on Lafayette Street reported hearing “loud popping sounds” before the blaze kicked out windows and eventually collapsed a wall of the building.
More than two months after Evergreen burned to the ground, Rockland County fire officials and the Rockland County District Attorney’s office are still investigating its cause. It was reported that a rabbi used a blowtorch to clean the kitchen in preparation for Passover approximately one hour before the deadly fire was called in. Evergreen’s fire alarms had been set on “standby” the day before the fire broke out. The adult home, which cared for seniors and disabled adults, had more than 27 violations dating back to 2016.
The blaze was made even more difficult to tackle, since several hydrants in the immediate vicinity of the inferno on Lafayette Street were either inoperable or had too little pressure, forcing firefighters to run hoses for several blocks to working hydrants.
Lloyd’s funeral, held in Palisades Credit Union Park in Pomona, was attended by hundreds of firemen from across the tri-state area and beyond; a Go Fund Me Page started for his wife and two young sons raised over a quarter-million dollars in just one day.
Rocklanders await a verdict on the cause of the fire.
John Kezek was indicted at the Rockland County Courthouse.
Rockland County District Attorney Tom Walsh announced an additional felony indictment of a Rockland County Corrections Officer, which stems from a continuing investigation into criminal activity in the County Jail. A Rockland County Grand Jury handed down the charges late last week.
John Kezek, 35, of Knoxville, Tennessee, formerly of Florida, NY was indicted on Criminal Sexual Act 1st (B felony), Criminal Sexual Act 3rd (E felony) and Official Misconduct (A Misdemeanor). The charges were prompted by allegations made by a female victim who came into contact with Kezek while working in his official capacity.
“The latest indictments of Mr. Kezek reveal an evil course of conduct, leaving the victims to put their lives back together,” said Walsh. “My office will continue to pursue justice for the victims of sexual crimes.”
Last year, Kezek and another Rockland County Corrections Officer, Christopher Taggart, 39, of New City, were indicted on multiple charges of misconduct. Kezek was previously charged with 5 counts of Official Misconduct (misdemeanor), as he allegedly sexually harassed more than one female minority inmate.
Taggart was indicted on 21 counts of Official Misconduct and two counts of Promoting Prison Contraband (felony). He allegedly engaged in inappropriate relationships with female minority inmates.
The District Attorney’s Office is protecting the victims’ identity, and asks that anyone who may have witnessed these incidents to send an anonymous tip by either downloading the Rockland County CO DA Tip 411 app, or by contacting law enforcement. Informants can also text the keyword ROCKLANDCODA to 847411, along with their tip information.
“Rockland will not tolerate this horrific behavior,” said Walsh. “I would like to personally thank Rockland County Sheriff Lou Falco for his assistance in this investigation.”
Executive Assistant District Attorney Kathleeen Devlin is prosecuting this case.
Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick and the Senate Majority passed the Adult Survivors Act (S.66) to support survivors who have experienced sexual abuse, and hold those who committed these crimes accountable. The Adult Survivors Act will create a one-year look back window for survivors of sex crimes who were 18 years of age or older at the time these crimes were committed to bring a civil claim for damages due to that abuse.
In 2019, the Senate Democratic Majority passed the Child Victims Act which created a one-year look back window to those who were under the age of 18 when the crime was committed.
“Survivors of sexual assault can often take years to understand and process the traumatic events that they have endured,” said Reichlin-Melnick. ”Too often, the statute of limitations has passed for those brave survivors to speak out and seek justice, and they are left without recourse for justice. I am proud we have given these survivors a new opportunity to hold their attackers and abusers accountable for their actions. This is another step towards justice and accountability in New York State.”
The legislation advanced by the Senate Majority, Senate bill S.66 will create a one-year window for the revival of otherwise time-barred civil claims arising out of sexual offenses committed against people who were 18 or older at the time of the conduct. Those who have had justice denied them as a result of New York’s formerly insufficient statutes of limitations should be given the opportunity to seek civil redress against their abuser or their abuser’s enablers in a court of law.
View from the town hiking path adjacent to 20 Old Stone Road, where an estimated 100 trees were cleared
After alleged illegal activity on town-owned property at West Hook mountain was brought to light by community activists, the Town of Clarkstown has been working to resolve issues of unpermitted development and illegal tree removal. On June 1, Judge Scott Ugell heard one of the three charges in the case against the property owner of 20 Old Stone Road.
The property owner’s attorney, Donald Feerick, discussed the soil disturbance charge, which involves the unauthorized leveling of a slope adjacent to the property. The town accused the property owner of not obtaining a permit to complete the work that was done. Feerick said a stormwater management plan was submitted to the town for resolution.
If the town accepts the plan his client submitted, “the soil disturbance issue will be resolved,” said Feerick. The attorney went on to say that the resolution of this particular issue will not resolve the other charges levied against his client.
The property owner has also been accused of illegally removing a section of trees on both his own, and town property and illegally adding a second-floor to his home. A gate that the owner had also constructed, has already been removed following a government survey that revealed the structure rested on public property.
Some community members have expressed dissatisfaction with the town’s handling of this case.
Milo Barney disagreed with Clarkstown’s decision to separate the charges against the property owner. “The decision to divide the cases seems to diminish the importance of the real issue,” said Barney. “The destruction of park property, and the post facto permit policy that Clarkstown practices.”
Marvin Baum, the activist who initially reported the destruction of town trees, noted that other residents have been fined for much smaller violations. “A town that has prided itself on being tough on violations, seemingly is just giving a pass for reasons that are inexplicable at this point at least to the public eye,” said Baum. “And that is what is very concerning to me and I think many other people, that they feel that some people get treated differently.”
The town has not yet concluded its criminal investigation regarding the illegal tree removal adjacent to the property owner. In a letter addressed to town attorney Leslie Kahn, New-York-New Jersey Trail Conference Executive Director Joshua Howard urged the town to “not to move forward on any settlement until the Clarkstown Police have fully completed their investigation,” wrote Howard. Baum and other community members share this sentiment.
We reached out to the Town Supervisor’s Office for more information about the case and will report any updates.
The soil disturbance charge will be brought to trial on June 29, at 9:30 a.m.
Grieving family members gathered at the spot where a killer took the life of an aspiring musician. Sharon Seward and her son, Tyriiq, moved to South Carolina over a year ago, returning to their hometown of Spring Valley so the young man could make a music video. He never made it to the recording studio. On May 31 shortly after 10:00PM, an unknown assailant gunned down the 19-year-oldon a quiet stretch of Rose Avenue. A Town of Ramapo police officer on patrol heard the gunfire, calledfor backup and responded. Police found Tyriiq Seward fatally wounded after being shot multiple times. He died at the scene.
“He was a great kid and always was looking out for his mom,” said Seward’s cousin, Latanya Watkins.
“He was a son, brother, uncle, nephew, basketball player and musician. We are in so much pain.”
Friends, family and caring neighbors have been coming to the site where Seward was gunned down to memorialize the aspiring singer. Dozens of candles, along with flowers, balloons and basketballs were lovingly placed on the spot where he died. More than a dozen family members were on hand when the young man’s mother was brought to the scene of the memorial. Mrs. Seward was hospitalized after her child’s senseless killing and was brought directly from the hospital to the scene of the crime.
Choking through tears, Mrs. Seward said, “My son was the most amazing kid—he took care of me and always expressed his love. We came up here so he could make a music video. How could this happen?”
Supported by family members, she pleaded for help. “Please, anyone who knows anything about my son’s murder, be real, please…please inform the police. My son deserves justice. Please help us. Please keep our family in your prayers. I never wish this pain on anyone.”
A Go Fund Me page raised more than $11,000 for the Seward family that will help cover final expenses.
“We are blessed to have wonderful neighbors,” said Watkins.” Funeral services for Tyriiq Seward will be held on Wednesday, June 9 at First Timothy Christian Church, located at 198 North Main Street in Spring Valley beginning at 11:00a.m.
As yet, there have been no arrests. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Spring Valley PoliceDepartment at 845-356-7400. All calls will be kept strictly confidential.
In written statements to the Rockland County Times, the Town Building Inspector and Town Supervisor’s Office provided new updates regarding unapproved land developments at West Hook Mountain. Both offices confirmed that the previously unauthorized second floor addition to 20 Old Stone Road has now been issued a building permit.
“The Building Permit was issued,” said town building inspector Erik Asheim. “We are waiting for a copy of the final electrical certificate, and then we will do our final inspection.”
The Supervisor’s Office said the property owner’s addition is a permitted use and did not require variances from the Zoning board of Appeals, but a building permit was needed. “Once the Town was made aware of the addition, the Building Department issued a violation notice for failure to obtain the permit,” read the office’s statement. “The homeowner immediately submitted an application for a building permit for the addition to cure the violation.”
The office further stated that the property is deemed a single family home and the property value was reassessed by the Town Assessor.
The Supervisor’s Office did not provide any additional information on the criminal investigation regarding the illegally removed trees on town property, only stating, “It is an active police investigation,” and that any findings will be referred to the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office.
Although urged by some community members and the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference to withhold any settlements until the completion of the criminal investigation, the Town Supervisor’s Office indicated that the matters will be resolved separately. “The case currently pending in Town Justice Court, is based on violation of town code, and is separate and apart from the Police investigation,” read the office’s statement. “The case pending in Justice Court will follow all standard Clarkstown Justice Court procedures.”
The office also said that it hopes to revive the demolished land adjoining the property. “Restoration of the land is one of the town’s concerns and goals,” read the office’s statement.
The Town Board and the nonprofit Trust for Public Land (TPL) agreed to protect the land in April of 2003, and the town spent a reported $1.7 million to purchase the West Hook property for open space.
