The city of Austin, Texas was rocked on June 12 by a mass shooting that left one person dead and 13 injured. As the dust settled, it was discovered that the man killed was a Rockland resident.

Douglas John Kantor, 25, was a resident of Airmont who studied computer engineering at Michigan State University. He “was loved by all who knew him,” said his family.

“I was incredibly saddened to hear of the senseless shooting death of Rockland native Doug Kantor in Austin, Texas, this weekend,” said County Executive Ed Day in a statement shared with the Rockland Times. “I offer my sincere condolences to his friends and family here in Rockland and elsewhere in our nation. There is no greater tragedy than seeing a young and promising life taken from us so abruptly. Doug’s death is a loss to our entire community, and I ask that we all keep him and his family in our thoughts and prayers.”

Nick Cantor, the victim’s brother, took to Facebook to inform the community of Cantor’s death and thank the emergency responders who attempted to save him.

“The courage and quick action by the officers to put my brother in the police car and race him to the hospital nearly did save his life, and I commend them for their quick thinking and efforts,” said Cantor.

Another shooting victim, Jessica Ramirez, is in critical condition after sustaining a bullet wound that left her paralyzed. Her mother, Bilma Ramirez, has set up a GoFundMe post online to help with medical expenses.

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the shooting. The police have not released their identities due to their age. Impending charges have not yet been announced.

State police, armed with a search warrant, arrived at Spring Valley Village Hall on June 23. It was reported that investigators are searching for fraudulent documents in connection to the March 23 Evergreen fire that killed firefighter Jared Lloyd and a resident.

All officials on the scene declined to comment on the investigation. One official was spotted entering the building with a crowbar.

State Police removed all personnel from the hall. Spring Valley Mayor Alan Simon was spotted entering the police station and later on left the scene. He declined to comment on the investigation. “I don’t want to talk to you,” said Simon. “Goodbye.”

Simon won the primary election on June 22.

This is a developing story.

Rockland County District Attorney Tom Walsh has announced the arrests of four Rockland County men as a result of a three-month long multi-agency investigation into the fatal fire at the Evergreen Assisted Living Home on March 23, 2021. Nathaniel Sommer and his son Aaron are facing multiple charges of Manslaughter, Arson, Assault and Reckless Endangerment, while Wayne Ballard and Raymond Canario, both former village building inspectors for Spring Valley, are accused of falsifying records related to the facility. The Sommer’s may each be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison for a litany of felonies, while Ballard and Canario face lighter charges that could see each spending a maximum of four years behind bars. In addition, two arrest warrants were issued for Denise Kerr, Evergreen’s former director, and Manuel Lema who was also an employee of the facility; their charges are related to their actions from within the building prior to the state of the fire according to the DA.

Kerr and Lema are accused of Reckless Endangerment and Criminal Impersonation respectively, both misdemeanor charges.

Aaron Sommer and Nathaniel Sommer are both charged with the same crimes for actions “which have been determined to cause the fire” stated Walsh. John Tomlin, the spokesperson for Evergreen Court, clarified that the Sommers were not employees of the adult care home but were independently contracted to “kosherize” the home’s ovens in preparation for Passover.

Both men were arraigned in Spring Valley Justice Court before the Judge David Fried. Bail was set, and they were transported to the Rockland County Jail.  Ballard and Canario were processed and released on appearance tickets. They will appear in Spring Valley Justice Court in July.

Tuesday’s arrests were preceded by a search warrant sanctioned raid on Spring Valley Village hall carried out last Wednesday by New York State Police and Fire Inspectors, who removed boxes of documents from the building. These charges mark the firs step in achieving closure for a community rocked an inferno that took the life of Firefighter Jared Lloyd and Oliver Hueston, a 79-year-old resident of the home.

Authorities have remained tight lipped as to the exact circumstances of the alleged arson, Walsh stating simply that the investigation is ongoing and that more details would be forthcoming once a grand jury has been assembled to commence the trial.

The investigation involves the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, Spring Valley Police Department, Rockland County Bureau of Criminal Investigation,Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York State Police,and the Rockland County District Attorney’s Special Investigations Unit.

New York Attorney General Letitia James hosted a Rockland County gun buyback event with District Attorney Tom Walsh, and the Clarkstown Police Department on Wednesday at the East Spring Valley Fire District. James announced that 147 guns were collected. 

“Gun violence is an ongoing threat to public safety and it jeopardizes the welfare of our families and children,” said James. “Getting these dangerous weapons off our streets is essential to eradicating gun violence and protecting communities from harm.” 

The breakdown of guns collected at the event is listed below: 

• 57 handguns
• 63 rifles and shotguns
• 4 assault rifles
• 23 non-working or antique guns

“This event made Rockland safer today, and I couldn’t be more grateful to those involved,” said Walsh.

“We are pleased to have taken part in such a successful event,” said Clarkstown Police Chief Jeffrey Wanamaker. “Today’s gun buyback was well attended by the community, resulting in removing potentially dangerous weapons from our streets.”

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) accepts unloaded firearms with no questions asked, in exchange for compensation on site. Participants at the Rockland buyback event were offered compensation in the form of prepaid gift cards and Apple iPads.

“My office will continue taking every measure possible to ensure that New Yorkers are safe and secure in their neighborhoods, and we thank our partners in law enforcement for their invaluable support and partnership in this effort,” said James.

Since taking office in 2019, James has taken nearly 1,300 firearms off the streets through gun buyback programs.

Robert McCain, one of the men responsible for the brutal assault and murder of Pearl River teenager Paula Bohovesky, will be released from prison as early as Aug. 3. The New York State Parole Board announced their decision on Friday and received nearly immediate and damning criticism from Rockland representatives.

“I find it extremely disturbing that a man who has expressed no remorse and has never taken responsibility for his crimes is given more latitude than the victim of those heinous acts,” wrote County Executive Ed Day in a statement shared with the Rockland Times. “Unfortunately, this is not the first time that the Parole Board has slapped the people of New York State and Rockland County in the face. I urge the Parole Board to restrict McCain from ever setting foot in Rockland County, and I pray that he is closely monitored so that no further innocents are harmed by this monster.”

Manuel Lema, a former employee of Evergreen Assisted Living Facility, surrendered himself to Rockland County District Attorney Investigators on Friday afternoon, after arrest warrants were issued on Tuesday for the 45-year-old, and several others, following a three-month-long investigation into the cause of the inferno that destroyed the home. Lema faces charges of criminal impersonation in the second degree and obstructing governmental administration. 

Four other suspects have been arrested in connection to the fire. Rabbi Aaron Sommer and his son Nathaniel Sommer, who used blow torches to clean the facility’s ovens in preparation for Passover the night the fire broke out, are in police custody and have been charged with arson, manslaughter, and reckless endangerment.   Wayne Ballard and Raymond Canario, both former Spring Valley village building inspectors, were arrested following charges of falsifying village records and were processed and released on appearance tickets Tuesday.

Details into the exact nature of their alleged actions remain scarce as the suspects await trial.

An arrest warrant has also been issued for Denise Kerr, former Evergreen director.

Update: Judge David S. Zuckerman set Kezek’s bail to $100,000 Thursday afternoon. Kezek was then remanded to County Jail and will return to court on June 17.

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 Kathleen Devlin is prosecuting this case. 

The Pearl River community is once again outraged following the revelation that one of Paula Bohovesky’s killers was granted parole. Joined by several Rockland officials, Assemblyman Mike Lawler demanded that every member of the New York State Parole Board resign. 

“The fact that rapists and murderers of children are allowed parole so easily is sickening, and a damning indictment of the conduct and judgement of the New York State Parole Board,” said Lawler.

County Executive Ed Day further called on Governor Cuomo to “either immediately replace the parole board or resign himself,” said Day.  “There are no other options here at this point.” 

Bohovesky’s other killer, Richard LaBarbera, was granted parole in 2019. 

Lawler and Day both highlighted that neither killer has expressed remorse. 

“Paula died in a pool of her blood returning home from the library and to this day, there has been no repentance, or apology from the killers,” said Lawler.

Sheriff Louis Falco, and South Nyack Police Chief and President of the Police Chief’s Association Daniel Wilson, also spoke at the conference. 

“Certain [criminals] do not deserve a second chance to live a life of freedom,” stated Wilson. 

Falco called on the parole board to ensure that McCain is kept more than 300 miles from Pearl River. Lawler told the Rockland County Times that he will soon send the board a letter demanding that McCain be barred from the county. 

Further, Lawler and Day accused Cuomo of inciting his own proclaimed “public health emergency”. 

“You have allowed our state and city to become hostage to a sick ideology that believes criminals are the victims, and law enforcement are the criminals,” said Lawler, addressing Cuomo. 

Additionally, Day stated that the “governor lost the support of decent people everywhere.” 

While it is not yet clear if the board’s decision to grant McCain’s parole was unanimous, Lawler said “this is a pattern of the parole board.” 

“Paula’s Law,” originally introduced to the State Senate in 2019 and sponsored by Lawler, would ensure that killers convicted of sexually assaulting and murdering a child under the age of 18 would never be released from prison.  

For the bill to take effect, it must pass through the State Legislature and be signed by the governor.

“It is time to have a true system of justice in New York State; not one that is victim-centric,” said Day. “Not one that is focused on cuddling criminals.”

(Article by Jennifer Korn and Sean King)

Spring Valley village building inspector Wayne Ballard pleaded not guilty on July 13 to falsifying a report to the state. Manuel Lema, an Evergreen employee, pleaded not guilty on July 6 to criminal impersonation and obstructing governmental administration. Nathaniel and Aaron Sommer pleaded not guilty to charges of manslaughter, arson, assault in the second and third degree, and reckless endangerment. 

Ballard’s complaint alleges that he submitted a uniform code administration and enforcement report in 2019 with the belief or knowledge that it contained false information. According to the complaint, Ballard submitted false Spring Valley Village business records to the Department of State, “with intent to defraud.”

Ballard was released without bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 28.

According to the criminal complaint against Lema, the employee called the Rockland County Sheriff’s Department Communications Division to request that Evergreen’s fire alarm be taken off-line, and identified himself as “Enrique”, who is a different employee of the Evergreen home.

The fire alarm was set on “test” mode for eight hours after Lema called the division, and as a result, “prevented dispatchers for Rockland County Sheriff’s Department Communications Division from alerting other law enforcement agencies of fire alarms which were activated at 65 Lafayette Street during the time period the fire alarm system was on “test” mode,” stated the complaint. The complaint further alleges that Lema’s actions delayed the Spring Valley Police Department’s investigation into the source of the phone call.

The complaint  against Nathaniel and Aaron Sommer alleges that they “intentionally started a fire, consisting of a lit torch, within 65 Lafayette Street and recklessly damaged the building at 65 Lafayette Street, due to the ensuing fire which engulfed and destroyed the building.” It is asserted in the complaint that their actions caused the deaths of volunteer firefighter Jared Lloyd and resident Oliver Hueston, along with the injuries reported.

The Sommers were each released on $200,000 bail and are scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 31.

Two others have been charged as part of the investigation.

Raymond Canario, assistant village building inspector, is accused of filing fraudulent reports to the state in 2019, for the years 2017 and 2018.

Denise Kerr, Evergreen Director, is charged with reckless endangerment. Her complaint alleges that she allowed and observed the conduct of Nathaniel and Aaron Sommer, “with knowledge that no operating permit for any use of a lit torch had been issued, no “prework check” report had been conducted, no signs or warnings that a lit torch was being utilized were posted, no shielding to prevent sparks, slag or heat from igniting combustibles had been erected, and no “fire watch” was conducted at any time period when the torch was being utilized inside the kitchen.” It is also claimed that Kerr knew the alarm system was placed on “test” mode.

The New York State DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) announced that vehicle thefts rose 54 percent from 2019 to 2020, with numbers still on the rise in 2021.

“Leaving your key fob in the vehicle or leaving it running while you run into your home or the store are two of the most common factors in vehicle thefts,” said DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder. “Don’t make your car an easy target. I urge you to be cautious and always make sure your vehicle is locked and not left running, even for a minute, and never leave your vehicle title or valuables in the car.”

According to the DMV, the highest rates of vehicle theft are during the summer season, and July is National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month. The department also warned that in addition to vehicles, auto parts are also being stolen.

To lower the risk of vehicle theft, the DMV advises that drivers not leave vehicle titles in the car, to keep vehicles locked, never leave keys in the car when it’s parked, never leave your car unattended while it’s running, and avoid leaving valuables in your vehicle where they can be seen.

To learn about how to report a stolen vehicle, consumers can visit the DMV website. Information about stolen plates is also available online.

The DMV also advises that before purchasing a vehicle, buyers visit the National Insurance Crime Bureau page and enter the VIN (vehicle identification number).

The patron saint of workers is going to require a good mason job. On Thursday, a statue standing outside the Church of St. Joseph in Spring Valley, which depicted the eponymous saint, was toppled by a vandal in an incident that County Executive Ed Day personally considers a hate crime. It is alleged a man riding on his bike threw a stone at the statue.

In a statement shared with the press, Executive Day lamented the desecration of the historic local landmark; the Church of St. Joseph has been a part of the Spring Valley Community for over 125 years.

“According to the Spring Valley Police Department, thousands of dollars’ worth of damage was done by an individual breaking numerous pieces of property and statues at the Church,” said Day. It is currently unclear what charges the vandal will face.

“We must all roundly and universally condemn hatred or intolerance whenever and wherever they rear their ugly heads to ensure that Rockland County will remain a welcoming home to all our residents,” urged the County Executive

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call the Spring Valley Police Department at 845-356-7400 or email their office at tips@villagespringvalley.org.

The Town of Clarkstown proposed a settlement with the property owner of 20 Old Stone Road, who is accused of illegally destroying an estimated 125 town trees, illegally adding a second floor story to his house, and performing other unpermitted work at or around his property. Judge Scott Ugell adjourned the hearing to take time to read through the agreement. 

“We’re seeing this today for the very first time,” said Ugell. 

The property owner’s lawyer, Donald Feerick, said that all the conflicts were resolved, including the soil disturbance. Feerick said his client has also agreed to replant 150 trees. He claimed that besides a railing on the homeowner’s deck, “every other piece of work has been done according to the plan and I believe the town is happy with everything,” said Feerick.

Ugell asked Feerick if the work had already been completed. Feerick said it is partially done and should take an estimated 90 days to finish. 

Advocates who attended the meeting said they did not believe the town should reach a settlement until the active police investigation into the destroyed trees is complete. 

“I don’t think that this should be resolved until the criminal case is resolved,” said resident Pamela Hudson.

Town Attorney Leslie Kahn disagreed. “The town did not bring the defendant in court for that because the town has absolutely no evidence whatsoever that this defendant actually took the trees down,” said Kahn. “So he’s agreeing to repopulate the trees notwithstanding the fact that there’s still a criminal investigation pending.” 

“It’s an insult to the public, I believe, to suggest that we have no evidence,” countered resident Marvin Baum. “He continued even after all this went on. In June, he was continuing to maintain the lawn on our property, as his lawn. After it was surveyed and everything.”

Feerick said his client is taking further steps to resolve the issues at hand, including paying for the tree replanting, reimbursing the town for the surveying costs, and hiring an engineer and architect to develop stormwater and landscape plans for the town’s review.

“I have a landowner, a property owner in a residential piece of property who wishes to enjoy the solitude,” said Feerick.

Residents were opposed to the defendant’s stance. 

“This person is claiming he wants solitude,” said Baum. “He wants solitude, including our property, and he used our property to create views, that’s what wasn’t said in court.”

Town Supervisor Candidate Jeffrey Greenberg attended the hearing in support of the advocates. “I think the judge was smart to take his time to thoroughly review the case and not just accept the word of the representatives of the court,” said Greenberg. 

The Town Supervisor’s Office said that in addition to the 150 trees to be planted, “a $25,000 line of credit will be posted for any potential loss of trees.” The office said it will have further comment on the matter after the Aug. 26 hearing.

Advocates said they will be disappointed if the settlement passes through the court. 

“What they destroyed, they cannot restore,” said Hudson. “And this agreement, I think, is a joke.”

Baum further explained that the trees planted will not be mature, and therefore will not equate to what was lost. 

The trees planted will be “of various types and sizes and measures will be taken to ensure the viability of the trees,” said the Supervisor’s Office. 

“This will set the precedent for what happens in the town,” said Baum.

This is a developing story. 

Judge Scott Ugell said on Thursday he was satisfied with the global settlement presented to him on Tuesday, but would not close the case. 

The judge asked both parties to return to court on Sept. 21, where the town would present an estimated amount of compensation for the time spent by town employees who worked on the case. 

“The town should calculate how many [hours in each department] were utilized to investigate and solve this problem, and report back to the court,” said Ugell. “Otherwise, such an agreement would send a message that it’s better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission.” 

Ugell said the case will remain open indefinitely, to ensure that the remaining work that needs to be done is completed. 

“I’m pleased that Judge Ugell recognized the proposed settlement was contrary to the interests of Clarkstown’s taxpayers,” said resident and local activist Marvin Baum. 

The Rockland Times reached out to the town supervisor’s office for comment and will update the story once they respond.

Local authorities are leading a manhunt in Stony Point after multiple suspects fled the scene of a home invasion. The suspects attempted to escape by car, but crashed the vehicle in the backyard of a local residence and proceeded to flee on foot. Stony Point Police, Haverstraw Police, State Police, and the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office are assisting in the search.

The victims of the attack have reported no serious injuries, according to reports from News 12.

There are no suspect descriptions at this time. This is a developing story.

It’s been 20 years since America was forever changed by the tragic events of September 11th, 2001. The attack that so shocked and changed the nation is an especially painful memory for the people of Rockland, many of whom lost friends and loved ones on that day and the days since. Just last month, our county honored the memory of Captain Frank A Portelle, a firefighter who passed away after battling an illness he developed from rescuing those trapped in the ruins of the World Trade Center.

To commemorate the sacrifices made by our brave first responders and mourn the loss of the innocents who perished in the cowardly attack, Rockland will be hosting memorial ceremonies all throughout the day.

Clarkstown will hold a remembrance ceremony from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Sept. 11 at Clarkstown Town Hall.

Nyack will host a remembrance at the Hometown Heroes Memorial in Memorial Park on Sept. 11 from 6:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.

In Orangetown, town officials will hold a ceremony on Sept. 11 at 5:30 p.m. on the front lawn of Town Hall to remember those who lost their lives on that day in 2001 and honor those who have passed away from 9/11 related illnesses.

In the evening hours of Saturday, September 18, 2021, Clarkstown police officers were dispatched 135 Convent Rd., in Nanuet, after receiving  multiple
reports of a male firing numerous gunshots.

Witnesses provided officers with both a description of the male who had fired the handgun and the vehicle he was operating. Responding officers soon located the vehicle in the vicinity of St. Agatha Convent Park and conducted a car stop, during which they discovered two hand guns that the suspect “had no legal right” to possess.

The sole occupant, Lawrence Morretti, 34, from Texas, was placed under arrest and transported to CPD headquarters for processing. It has since been determined that Mr. Morretti had no intended target and that he was firing into a wooded area, though this information makes his alleged conduct no less of a crime.
Moretti has been charged with two counts of Criminal possession of a weapon in 2nd (C Felony) and Reckless endangerment in 1st (D Felony). Mr. Morretti was arraigned in Town of Clarkstown Justice Court, where his bail was set at $25,000.00, he will be held at the Rockland County Jail.

Two years after his arrest, Collyer Goodman, of Valley Cottage, has been sentenced for Manslaughter in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon. Goodman was originally charged after accidentally shooting and killing his friend Darien Brydie in the village of Nyack.

On August 23, 2020, Collyer Goodman was sitting in the rear right passenger seat of a vehicle, when he pulled the trigger on his loaded 9mm gun; the bullet traveled through the seat striking Brydie, who was in the front passenger seat. The victim was transported to Nyack hospital by his friends, but died minutes later from his injuries.

“I commend the professionalism and dedication by the detectives of the Orangetown Police Department on this investigation. On August 23, 2020, a young man’s life was tragically ended by a senseless act of gun violence. My deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Darien Byrdie, their lives will never be the same,” said District Attorney Walsh.

Goodman was sentenced on February 14, 2022, to 1-3 years incarceration on the Manslaughter in the Second Degree charge, to run concurrent to a term of 5 years incarceration of the Criminal Possession of a Weapon charge. The Rockland County District Attorney’s Office recommended the Court sentence the defendant to the maximum allowable sentence for both charges.

The Clarkstown police have apprehended a 64-year-old man they believe to be responsible for a series of break-ins that occurred between October 16, 2021, and January 1, 2022. In that four month window, the CPD responded to four separate commercial burglaries located within the Nanuet area, all of them involving forced entry into the buildings targeted. After weeks of investigation, the Clarkstown Police Detective Bureau was able to identify the suspect as Robert R. McDonald, of Nanuet.

On March 21st, working in conjunction with the Spring Valley Police Department, the Clarkstown Police Department Detective Bureau was able to arrest Mr. McDonald without incident. Robert R. McDonald was charged with 4 counts of burglary 3rd (felony), 1 count of criminal mischief 2 (felony), 2 counts of criminal mischief (misdemeanor), 3 counts of petite larceny (misdemeanor). Mr. McDonald was arraigned on March 22, 2022 in the Village of Spring Valley Justice Court where he was remanded to the RC Jail pending a future court date.

The Clarkstown police credit McDonald’s apprehension to the inter-agency cooperation of the Spring Valley PD, Ramapo PD and the Haverstraw PD. In addition to the charges Mr. McDonald is facing in Clarkstown, he has also been charged with three burglaries by the Spring Valley PD, 1 by the Ramapo PD and charges are pending with the Town of Haverstraw PD.