On August 21, 2013 the Stony Point Police were summoned to the Prospect Apartments on Rte. 9W in Tomkins Cove at approximately 11:40 p.m. for a report of a female screaming. Arriving officers were advised by two females that they were just raped at knifepoint. An area search proved negative for the suspect. The suspect is described as a black male, 5’6 approximately 160-170 lbs. in his mid to late 20s. The victims and suspect met at said location as a result of a prearranged online encounter. The victims were not injured and were transported to Good Samaritan Hospital for evaluation, and then released. The Stony Point Police were assisted by the Haverstraw Town Police, the Clarkstown Police and the Rockland County Sheriff’s Dept. This is an active investigation and anyone with any information should contact the Stony Point Police Detective Bureau at 845-786-2422.

Update – police confirmed the women came from out of state to meet the man and the apartment where the alleged incident occurred is vacant

Exclusive from Cliffviewpilot.com

Elizabeth Wescott Slee, who most recently worked at Hackensack University Medical Center, was promptly taken into custody on a fugitive warrant after reporting to the county probation office on Monday, Bergen County Sheriff Michael Saudino confirmed this morning.

Slee, of Bloomingdale, was there in connection with charges filed against her earlier this year of taking $10,000 from Barr Laboratories on Chestnut Ridge Road in Woodcliff Lake, where she was a payroll coordinator for 7½ years before leaving in March 2010.

Read more: Rockland embezzler suspect busted in Bergen

MUGSHOT: Courtesy BERGEN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Be on the lookout for this fugitive

According to State Police fugitive Victor Shear, accused of armed robbery of an upstate bank earlier this week, may be hiding in North Rockland or Orange County.

Police say Shear should be considered armed and dangerous. He is 5’6″ and 135 lbs, with blue eyes and brown hair.

Witnesses reported seeing him in Highland Falls/Fort Montgomery area near Wildwood Ridge Road. He had on light green cargo pants, a blue baseball hat and a blue sweatshirt with a hood.

It was reported in the morning that Shear may have been hiding outside Highland Falls High School for a period of time. This report was not confirmed.

If you have information on his whereabout call the State Police at 845-344-5300.

The Ramapo Police Department has arrested Josiah Williams, 16, of New Windsor, NY for the murder of Riccardo Barrett  on June 9 ,2013 at 5 Hickory Street, Hillcrest.

Williams was arrested yesterday afternoon at a home in New Windsor by Ramapo and New Windsor Detectives with the assistance of the United States Marshal’s Service.

Williams has been charged with murder in the second degree (class A-1 felony).

It is alleged that he intended and caused the death of Ricardo Barrett by stabbing him with a knife. He was arraigned by Ramapo Judge David Stein and has been remanded to the Rockland County Correctional Center.

Future court dates and proceedings will be coordinated by the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office.

CliffviewPilot.com Exclusive, republished with permission 

Story and photos by Mary K. Miraglia 

The lawyer for one of the first people charged in Bergen County Prosecutor John L. Molinell’s heroin enforcement initiative tried to convince a judge today to exclude statements made to investigators who accused him of putting what turned out to be a fatal dose of heroin into the hands of a 20-year-old Rockland County man.

Uldis Mende, 21, is charged with getting the heroin in Paterson that caused the death of Harris Apfelbaum of Suffern last Oct. 2.

Mende (left), a Latvian national who lives in Mahwah, was indicted by a Bergen County grand jury in March after being arrested as part of a large-scale, multi-jurisdictional operation intended to reduce the number of skyrocketing heroin overdose deaths in North Jersey.

Public defender Jacklyn Medina argued today that Mende’s statements to investigators from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office the night of his Oct. 27 arrest should be excluded from evidence that jurors hear because he twice told Detective James Costello: “I think I want a lawyer because I think you’re gonna screw me.”

At that point, Costello had an obligation to stop questioning him, Medina (above, right) told Superior Court Judge Donald R. Venezia. Costello was the only witness today in Hackensack, as two videos of his interviews with Mende were played for the judge.

Mende could be heard telling Costello: “I want to get this over, and I want to speak to you about the events.” He also is heard expressing a familiarity with the criminal justice system, relating experiences in which he claimed that police “screwed” him.

Read full story: ROCKLAND HEROIN OVERDOSE

A Rockland County man forced an underage girl into sexual slavery, threatening to kill her family if she didn’t cooperate and taking her to New Jersey and Philadelphia, with the help of three other men, to turn tricks, federal authorities said today.

Wilbur “Wilby” Senat, 23, of Haverstraw, was already in federal custody after FBI agents on charges of sex trafficking of a minor when the government announced this morning that two of his three alleged accomplices were due in U.S. District Court in Newark this afternoon.

Read more:  http://cliffviewpilot.com/rockland-man-charged-in-sex-slave-trafficking-of-minor/

Charges Filed Against Tomkins Coves Man for Alleged Rape

Stony Point Police are looking for Robert Ellison, 24, last known address 8 Prospect Pl., Tomkins Cove. Ellison is the suspect in an alleged rape that took place last week at the Prospect Place apartments on Route 9W, Tomkins Cove. Charges of rape in the first degree (two counts), criminal sexual act in the first degree (two counts) and robbery in the first degree have been filed against Ellison.

Police believe that Ellison held two women at knife point and sexually assaulted them on Wednesday, August 21. Police are attempting to locate the suspect who has contacts and is believed to be in the Astoria, Queens area.

The two women met Ellison on the Internet and crossed state lines to hang out with him. It is not clear what the two women had in mind when arranging the trip.

The Stony Point Police are being assisted by the Rockland County Intelligence Ctr., the NYPD and the United States Marshall’s Service in attempting to locate Ellison. Police emphasized that this continues to be an open and active investigation and anyone with any information should contact the Stony Point Police Detective Bureau.

Over this past weekend, five arrests have been made for either driving while intoxicated or driving while impaired by drugs.

On September 1, 2013, the following arrests were made:

Kingsley Brown, 22, from Bronx, NY, was arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree, and operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration (all misdemeanors). Brown was operating a 2010 Toyota on N. Pascack Rd in Nanuet with only one functioning headlight.

Thomas McGrath, 39, from Congers, NY, was arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree (both felonies). McGrath was operating a 1999 Honda on Old Haverstraw Rd. in Congers when he was involved in an accident.

Patrick Duffy, 61, from Upper Nyack, NY, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated (misdemeanor) and several traffic infractions. Duffy was operating a 2001 GMC van on Rt. 59 in West Nyack when he failed to exercise due care when approaching a authorized emergency vehicle which was conducting a traffic stop on the roadway (move-over law).

On September 2, 2013, the following arrests were made:

Jordan Lagano, 30, from Stony Point was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated and driving with blood alcohol concentration greater than .08% (both misdemeanors). Lagano was operating a 2012 Honda on Rt. 59 in West Nyack when he failed to stop at a stop sign.

An 18-year-old female from Nanuet was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated and driving with blood alcohol concentration greater than .08% (both misdemeanors). The female was operating a 2010 Kia on Church Street in Nanuet when she swerved over the double yellow center line.

AUO
Antonio Matias, age 32, residing at 45 Hillside Ave., Haverstraw, NY, was arrested on August 24, 2013 for aggravate unlicensed operation in the third degree and several other vehicle and traffic charges. The defendant was arrested after he was picked up by the Haverstraw Town Police on an active Bench warrant out of our jurisdiction for above stated charge and turned over to our agency. The defendant was arrested, processed and arraigned before the Honorable Judge William F. Franks. He was released on an appearance ticket returnable September 5, 2013 after posting $250 cash bail.

UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA
Christopher Sullivan, age 25, residing at 232 Rt. 9W, Haverstraw, NY, was arrested on August 23, 2013 for unlawful possession of marijuana. The defendant was arrested after a vehicle and traffic stop determined he was found in possession of a quantity of marihuana. The defendant was arrested, processed and released on an appearance ticket returnable October 16, 2013 at 1:30 p.m.

PETIT LARCENY
Leah H. Biello, age 33, residing at 122 Rte 210, Stony Point, NY, was arrested on August 23, 2013 for petit larceny. The defendant was arrested after investigation revealed the defendant did steal several items from Ultimate Gazolin, located at 81 S. Liberty Dr. in Stony Point. The defendant was arrested, processed and released on appearance ticket returnable September 17, 2013 at 1:30 p.m.

CRIMINAL CONTEMPT
Randall Gooler, age 55, residing at 93 Grassy Point Rd., Stony Point, NY, was arrested on August 22, 2013 for criminal contempt. The defendant was arrested after an investigation into domestic dispute determined he violated a valid court order of protection. The defendant was arrested, processed, arraigned and released on an appearance ticket returnable September 5, 2013 at 1:30 p.m.

BY MICHAEL RICONDA

New City – A former coordinator for Rockland County’s Road to Recovery Drug Treatment Alternative to Prison (DTAP) pled guilty on September 3 to receiving a bribe from a program participant.

Hulen Ginn, 41 of Valley Stream, NY, pled guilty to third degree bribery for taking a $1,000 payment from Tyler Bloomenfeld, a participant in DTAP’s 18 month rehabilitation program. In exchange, Ginn moved to keep Bloomenfeld out of a halfway house, where he would have otherwise spent three months for continued, supervised treatment.

DTAP functions as an alternative to incarceration for nonviolent drug offenders. Patients must go through nine months of locked-down inpatient treatment before being transferred to a halfway house. After the halfway house, they must undergo an additional six months of outpatient treatment.

So far, the bribery charge is the only one which produced a conviction. District Attorney Thomas Zugibe previously stated that an investigation suggested that from June 8, 2012 to October 17,2012, Ginn repeatedly solicited and accepted bribes from participants in exchange for their early release from the program or exemption from the halfway house requirement.

After his arrest in October, Ginn was indicted of five counts of receiving bribes, five of receiving reward for official misconduct, five of official misconduct and five of falsifying business records.

Though he also is said to have demanded sexual favors from some female clients in exchange for leniency, Ginn has not been charged with rape or sexual abuse. Ginn had allegedly engaged in sexual acts within the District Attorney’s Office premises in New City, NY.

Ginn is expected to return to court for sentencing on November 12.

ASSAULT & CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF A WEAPON
Justin Rivera, age 23, residing at 420 Knights Corner, Stony Point, NY, was arrested on September 5 for assault in the second degree x2, a felony, and criminal possession of a weapon. The defendant was arrested following an investigation into a domestic dispute. It is alleged that the above defendant did cause a physical injury to a family member who is in excess of 65 years of age by striking her with a dangerous instrument. The defendant was arrested, processed and arraigned in the Stony Point Justice Court. He was remanded to the Rockland County Correctional Facility in lieu of $2,500 cash bail.

ASSAULT & CRIMINAL OBSTRUCTION OF BREATHING
Shawn Eccleston, age 23, residing at 1 Waldron Dr., Stony Point, NY, was arrested on September 5 for assault in the third degree and criminal obstruction of breathing. The defendant was arrested following an investigation into a domestic dispute. It is alleged that the above defendant did cause a physical injury to his live-in girlfriend after grabbing her throat and punching her during said dispute. The defendant was arrested, processed, and arraigned before the Honorable William F. Franks. The defendant was released on

an appearance ticket returnable September 19, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. after posting $500 cash bail and being  served a temporary order of protection.

PETIT LARCENY
Ann Marie Savignano, age 37, residing at 5 Chapet St., Garnerville, NY, was arrested on September 1 for petit larceny. Stony Point Police arrested the defendant after investigation revealed she attempted to remove $41.13 worth of items without paying from the Stony Point Shop Rite. The defendant was arrested, processed and released on an appearance ticket returnable October 15, 2013 at 1:30 p.m.

DWI
Robert Lennox, age 39, residing at 13 Tomkins Ridge Rd., Tomkins Cove, NY, was arrested on September 1, 2013 for driving while intoxicated and numerous vehicle and traffic offenses. Stony Point Police arrested the defendant after a vehicle and traffic stop determined that the defendant was operating said motor vehicle while in an intoxicated condition.  The defendant was arrested, processed and released on numerous traffic tickets returnable October 16, 2013 at 1:30 p.m.

BURGLARY
The Ramapo Police Detective Bureau has arrested the following two subjects for unrelated burglaries, which have occurred on the Town of Ramapo. Brian Boria, age 24, of Middletown, NY, was charged with burglary in the second degree. It is alleged that Boria entered a Wesley Hills home on August 26, 2013 at about 1 p.m. and fled when the homeowner returned. Boria was arraigned by Ramapo Judge David Stein and was remanded to the Rockland County Correctional Center. Based on prior felony convictions bail could not be granted. Sandro Leveille, age 16, of Spring Valley, NY, was charged with burglary in the second degree. It is alleged that on August 27, 2013 he entered an occupied home at night in Monsey. Leveille was arraigned by Ramapo Judge Rhoda Schoenberger and released on $500 bail.

Stony Point Police arrested local teen Nicholas Keefer, 16, in connection to a party held on September 8 where minors were served alcohol and at least one was in possession of marijuana.

Police responded to the party and arrested Keefer after concluding that he provided alcohol to underage attendees. Though most attendees were released to their parents, Christopher Mutinsky, 17 of Stony Point, was arrested for marijuana possession.

Keefer and Mutinsky were processed and released on an appearance ticket returnable on October 15. Attendees who were not arrested will have to appear in Rockland’s Youth Court.

BY MICHAEL RICONDA

Ossining – In a tragic alcohol-related accident, Michelle Sergio, 38 of Nanuet, was arrested and charged with vehicular manslaughter on the night of September 3 for striking Ossining attorney and town justice candidate John Mangialardi while she was driving drunk.

Mangialardi, 55, was putting up campaign signs on Route 9A at around 10:15 p.m. when Sergio’s Nissan Altima struck and killed him. Sergio and another driver who passed around the same time said they did not see Mangialardi in the road.

Sergio had been drinking sake at a Japanese restaurant before the accident and was driving to her workplace at Cardinal McCloskey Community Services for a night shift. After the accident, Sergio remained on the scene and was given several field sobriety tests, all of which she failed.

“She was a 0.12 an hour and 40 minutes after the accident was taken,” Westchester District Attorney’s Office spokesperson Lucien Chalfen stated. “There’s a formula which toxicologists can use to extrapolate back to when the accident took place.”

Following her arrest, Sergio was arraigned on misdemeanor DWI charges, which were upgraded to vehicular manslaughter at her hearing on Friday.

Bail was initially set at $500,000, but cut to $250,000 after an agreement between Sergio’s lawyer and prosecutors. Sergio posted bail on the morning of September 10 and was scheduled for an appearance in local court later that day.

Mangialardi, who was running as a Republican-Conservative in the town justice race against incumbent Town Justice Nancy Quinn Koba, was a well-known attorney in local circles. His status as a widely recognizable figure is an atypical and potentially complicating factor in the case. However, Judge Lester Adler, who presided over the bail hearing, stated he could remain impartial for the duration.

If there is a sufficient conflict of interest, a change of venue might be pursued, but Chalfen, believes a change in venue is unlikely.

“People can be impartial,” Chalfen said.

Mangialardi’s friends and colleages remembered him as a humorous and helpful man who had a keen sense of loyalty and respect for others. He is survived by a wife and two daughters.

A service for Mangialardi was held at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Ossining on September 9.

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE DA’S OFFICE

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe announced additional criminal charges against a former Ramapo Central School District administrator for allegedly falsifying teaching certifications and providing phony documentation in a long‐running scheme to boost the salaries of dozens of teachers.

Brian Miele (DOB 05/08/50) of 462 Kossuth Street, Paramus, New Jersey is charged with:

• Two counts of Grand Larceny in the First Degree, class “B” Felonies

• Ten counts of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, class “C” Felonies

• 76 counts of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, class “D” Felonies

• Seven counts of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, class “E” Felonies

• 87 counts of Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree, class “E” Felonies

• Five counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, class “E” Felonies

District Attorney Zugibe said, “This defendant is accused of abusing his role as a school administrator by engaging in a scheme to ‘help out’ dozens of teachers in the district at the expense of local taxpayers by ‘being a nice guy’ and hiking their pay. By exploiting his leadership position and allowing uncertified educators in the classroom, his actions had the potential to harm the academic performance of students and undermine the trust of parents who put their faith in public education. Dishonesty has no place in our schools. This case will be vigorously prosecuted.”

Miele, the former Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources for the Ramapo Central School District, was responsible for assigning instructors to appropriate courses, for which they were legally certified to teach. Additionally, the defendant determined, based on New York State Law, negotiated union contracts and district policy, the annual salary for every teacher in the district.

Using various means, Miele is accused of improperly inflating the annual salaries of numerous teachers, allowing them to receive income to which they were not entitled. It is further alleged that the defendant permitted some teachers to collect salaries without the legally‐required New York State teacher certification.

According to the charges, Miele covered up the crimes by falsifying the records of the school district and state.

The arrest of the defendant resulted from an investigation conducted by the Rockland County District Attorney’s Special Investigations Unit. Miele, the former mayor of Hillburn and county legislator, retired in June, 2010.

He was criminally charged in March, 2011 in a scheme to falsify the number of education credits for his daughter, a district teacher, allowing her to improperly receive more than $40,000 in pay. The defendant is scheduled to be arraigned in Rockland County Court on September 24, 2013.

Miele faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in state prison. The case is being prosecuted by Executive Assistant District Attorney Gary Lee Heavner.

On September 9, 2013 at approximately 12:30 p.m. Jermaine Roberts, 34, from Haverstraw, NY was arrested by Clarkstown Police Dept. on drug charges and criminal possession of a weapon.

Police had received information that Roberts was staying at the Nyack Motor Lodge (110 N. Rt 303, West Nyack) in room # 158 and had an active parole and arrest warrant for his arrest. Roberts’ room was contacted via telephone at which time he fled the room on foot running towards a wooded area.

A police canine was on scene and after several verbal commands to stop running the canine was released and apprehended Roberts. Roberts sustained an injury to the calf region and was treated at Nyack Hospital.

Recovered at the scene was a Smith & Wesson S500 .50 caliber revolver, and the following drugs: cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. The revolver was also determined to be stolen from a burglary in Vermont. Roberts was charged with the following felonies: criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, criminal possession stolen property 4th, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 2nd, two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd, and resisting arrest (misdemeanor).

UNLAWFULLY DEALING WITH A CHILD & UNLAWFUL POSSSSION OF MARIJUANA
Nicholas Keefer, age 16, residing at 1 Susan Dr. in Stony Point, NY, was arrested on September 8 for unlawfully dealing with a child. Stony Point Police arrested the defendant after responding to a reported underage drinking party at the defendant’s residence. Upon arrival, responding officers determined that the above defendant did serve alcohol to an underage person(s) who were at said party. In addition, Christopher Mutinsky, 17, of 20 Sunrise Dr. in Stony Point, who was present at said party, was arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana. Several juveniles were also turned over to their parents and must appear in the Stony Point Youth Court. The two defendants were arrested, processed and released on an appearance ticket returnable October 15, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. 

PETIT LARCENY & CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF STOLEN PROPERTY
Laura M. Grune, age 46, residing at 493 Marion Oaks Ct., Ocala, FL, was arrested on September 8 for petit larceny and criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree. The defendant was arrested following an investigation into a theft of a donation jar belonging to the High Tor Animal Shelter that was placed on the counter of a local pizzeria. An undetermined amount of cash was removed at the time of said incident, which occurred on September 6, 2013. The defendant was arrested, processed and issued an appearance ticket returnable in Stony Point Justice Court on September 10, 2013 at 9 a.m.

ASSAULT, CRIMINAL CONTEMPT & HARASSMENT
Randall Gooler, age 55, residing at 93 Grassy Point Rd., Stony Point, was arrested on September 11, 2013 for assault in the second degree, criminal contempt in the first degree and harassment in the second degree. he defendant was arrested after an investigation into a domestic dispute at the above address. Investigation determined the defendant did intentionally cause physical injury to his son by stabbing him in the forearm with a screwdriver causing a physical injury. This crime was also in violation of a duly served Order of Protection that had been in effect. The defendant was arrested, processed and is currently being held in the Stony Point Police Department lock-up pending arraignment.
GRAND LARCENY
Denzil D. Anderson, age 18, residing at 23 Prospect Pl., Tomkins Cove, NY, was arrested on September 12, 2013 for grand larceny in the fourth degree. The defendant was arrested after an investigation revealed the defendant did steal property in excess of $1,000.00 dollars in cash and merchandise from his residence without the owner’s permission or consent. The defendant was arrested, processed and released on an appearance ticket returnable October 16, 2013 at 1:30 p.m.

RAPE, CRIMINAL SEXUAL ACT & ROBBERY
Robert Ellison, age 24, residing at 729 Essex Ave., Brooklyn, NY, was arrested for rape in the first degree, criminal sexual act in the first degree and robbery in the first degree. The defendant was arrested by the Stony Point Police Detective Bureau with the assistance of the Rockland County Intelligence Unit, the United States Marshall’s Fugitive Task Force and the NYPD. He was located in an apartment on Essex Ave. in Brooklyn, NY. This arrest stems from an incident that occurred on August 21, 2013 at the Prospect Apartments on Rt. 9W in Tomkins Cove where two females were raped at knifepoint. Further assistance was provided by the Nashua and Merrimac, New Hampshire Police Departments where the defendant fled shortly after he committed the alleged crimes. The defendant was taken into custody without incident, processed and remanded to the Rockland County Correctional Facility.

DWI, AUO & CIRCUMVENTION OF IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICE

Doniell Wright, age 51, residing at 35 Sand Street, Spring Valley, NY, was indicted on September 11, 2013 by a Rockland County Grand Jury for the crimes of driving while intoxicated, as a felony (two counts), aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree and circumvention of ignition interlock device. District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe stated that on or about January 19, 2013 at approximately 3:10 a.m., the defendant was stopped by a New York State Trooper for various vehicle and traffic violations. The trooper observed the defendant to be in an intoxicated state as evinced by the odor of an alcoholic beverage, glassy eyes and impaired motor coordination. The defendant failed multiple field sobriety tests and his blood alcohol content was .16%. Further investigation revealed that defendant’s license was revoked and his vehicle was supposed to be equipped with an ignition interlock device and it was not. The defendant had two previous DWI convictions in the Town of Clarkstown in 2004 and 2007.

BURGLARY, CRIMINAL MISCHIEF, GRAND LARCENY & CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF STOLEN PROPERTY

Jacquan Dickerson, age 22, residing at 360 North Street, Middletown, NY, was indicted on September 11, 2013 by a Rockland County Grand Jury for the crimes of burglary in the third degree, criminal mischief in the second degree, grand larceny in the fourth degree and criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree. District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe stated that on or about August 30, 2013, the defendant broke into a local liquor store in the Town of Haverstraw and damaged the store’s window and front door while trying to gain entry. Once the defendant was inside the store, he stole several bottles of liquor valued over $1,000. The damage to the store exceeded $1,500.

CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

Derrick Hardy, age 33, residing at 101 Lake Street, Spring Valley, NY, was indicted on September 11, 2013 by a Rockland County Grand Jury for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (two counts). District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe stated that on or about August 17, 2013 at approximately 2:10 a.m., the defendant was stopped for various vehicle and traffic violations while driving in West Nyack. After further investigation, the defendant was found to be in possession of two bags of crack-cocaine.

GRAND LARCENY

Yousef Nazir, age 36, residing at 38 Dutch Hill Road, Orangeburg, NY, was indicted on September 11, 2013 by a Rockland County Grand Jury for the crime of grand larceny in the third degree. District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe stated that on or about and between January 9 and March 5, 2013, the defendant took approximately $5,040 from Key Bank where he was employed at the time.

CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF A WEAPON

Justin Rivera, age 23, residing at 28 Middle Street. Haverstraw, NY, was indicted on September 11, 2013 by a Rockland County Grand Jury for the crimes of assault in the second degree (two counts) and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe stated that on or about September 3, 2013 at approximately 3 p.m., the defendant struck a 74-year-old victim with a plastic lawn chair during an argument. The victim suffered a fractured clavicle bone in her left shoulder.

GANG ASSAULT

Harrison Whitehead, age 25, residing at 7 Highview Court, Central Nyack, NY, was indicted on August 28, 2013 by a Rockland County Grand Jury for the crimes of gang assault in the first degree and assault in the second degree. District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe stated that on or about April 5, 2013 at approximately 3:30 a.m., the defendant and approximately five other individuals approached and surrounded the victim who was speaking to a woman and two of her friends.  The defendant punched the victim in the face.  The other individuals joined in and punched the victim in the face multiple times.  The victim suffered a broken jaw that required surgery.

CRIMINAL CONTEMPT & AGGRAVATED HARASSMENT

Jorge Gonzalez-Asencio (AKA Kevin Gonzalez), age 34, residing at 63 Collins Avenue, Spring Valley, NY, was indicted on August 28, 2013 by a Rockland County Grand Jury for the crimes of criminal contempt in the first degree and aggravated harassment in the second degree (two counts). District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe stated that on or about February 8, 2013, the defendant violated an order of protection issued on January 31, 2013 in favor of the victim. The defendant made numerous phone calls to the victim’s cell phone and left a voicemail threatening to injure the victim in violation of the order.

ASSAULT

Daniel Heras-Redroban, residing at 107 Lake Road, Congers, NY, was indicted on August 14, 2013 by a Rockland County Grand Jury for the crime of assault in the second degree. District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe stated that on or about August 4, 2013 at approximately 7 p.m. in a local bar in the Village of Haverstraw the defendant caused physical injury to another individual. The defendant threw an empty beer bottle and struck the victim in the face causing facial fractures. The victim was transported to a local hospital and then to Westchester Medical Center for treatment.

RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT

Juan Molina, age 25, residing at 5 Samsondale Avenue, West Haverstraw, NY, was indicted on August 28, 2013 by a Rockland County Grand Jury for the crimes of reckless endangerment in the first degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree and menacing in the second degree. District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe stated that on or about August 11, 2013 at approximately 12:55 a.m., the defendant discharged a .38 handgun while in the presence of other individuals while standing on the sidewalk of Main Street in the Village of Haverstraw.

DWI

Jose Reyes-Sandoval, age 47, residing at 33 Remsen Avenue, Monsey, NY, was indicted on August 14, 2013 by a Rockland County Grand Jury for the crimes of aggravated driving while intoxicated (Leandra’s Law) and driving while intoxicated. District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe stated that on or about April 7. 2013 at approximately 9:35 p.m., the defendant was stopped by police while driving the wrong way on a one-way street in the Village of Haverstraw. The police officer noticed an odor of alcohol emanating from Defendant’s breath, and his motor skills were very impaired.  The defendant’s 13-year-old daughter was in the passenger seat of the vehicle.  The defendant refused to submit to a breath test.

ROBBERY & CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF A WEAPON

Jonas Marseille, age 19, residing at 1 Oxford Court, Spring Valley, NY, was indicted on September 9, 2013 by a Rockland County Grand Jury for the crimes of robbery in the first degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe stated that on or about August 24, 2013 at approximately 1:30 p.m., the defendant stole money from the victim while at 50 commerce Street in the Village of Spring Valley. The victim tried to stop the defendant but the defendant displayed and threatened the victim with a knife.

BURGLARY & CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF A WEAPON

Maurice Mayfield, age 35, residing at 119 East Railroad Avenue, Apt. 1, West Haverstraw, NY, was indicted on August 30, 2013 by a Rockland County Grand Jury for the crimes of burglary in the first and second degrees and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe stated that on or about August 11, 2013 at approximately 4:30 p.m., the victim asked the defendant to stop smoking marijuana outside the victim’s apartment. The defendant entered his own apartment and went back out to yell at the victim thru the victim’s window. The defendant then kicked open the victim’s door and threatened the victim with a knife in one hand and punched the victim with the other hand.

DWI & AUO

Christopher Koller, age 38, residing at 160 Depew Avenue, Nyack, NY, was indicted on September 9, 2013 by a Rockland County Grand Jury for the crimes of driving while intoxicated, as a felony and aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree. District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe stated that on or about July 21, 2013 at approximately 8:49 p.m., the defendant was operating his vehicle in the Village of Nyack when he struck a parked car. An Orangetown Police Officer arrived on the scene and the officer observed the defendant to be in an intoxicated state. The defendant failed various field sobriety tests and was placed under arrest. Upon further investigation, the defendant’s New York Driver’s license was suspended for a previous DWI in 2006 in the Village of Spring Valley.

CRIMINAL SALE OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

Lee Thorpe, age 46, residing at 1 Harvey Place, Spring Valley, NY, was sentenced July 16, 2013, before Rockland County Court Judge William K. Nelson to a state prison term of four years and two years post release supervision after pleading guilty to criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree. District Attorney, Thomas P. Zugibe stated that on or about and between February 28 and March 21, 2012, the defendant sold another individual cocaine for the some of $80 on three occasions.

BURGLARY

Joey Labonville, age 38, residing at 546 Edward Street, Rivervale, NJ, was sentenced September 11, 2013, before Rockland County Court Judge William K. Nelson to a state prison term of two to four years after pleading guilty to burglary in the third degree. District Attorney, Thomas P. Zugibe stated that on or about September 3, 2012 at approximately 1 a.m., the defendant used a crowbar to force entry into the Buy Wise Liquor Store located at 61 Rockland Center, Nanuet. He managed to open three cash registers and stole $1,950 in cash.

Defendant to be Sentenced to 18 Years to Life In Prison 

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe on Wednesday announced that 66-year-old Riad Dib of 171 Grandview Avenue, Wesley Hills, New York pled guilty to the charge murder in the second degree, a class “A” felony, relating to brutal killing of his estranged girlfriend.

District Attorney Thomas Zugibe said, “The defendant has admitted his guilt in the senseless killing of an innocent woman. The helpless victim died violently. His actions have caused great pain and inconsolable loss to the victim’s family. The defendant should be kept behind bars for the rest of his life.”

On the evening of January 24, 2013, Dib attacked then 68-year-old Cecile Garbarino in the home the couple once shared. The defendant repeatedly struck the victim about the head and face with the heel of a women’s shoe, resulting in her death.

Dib called 911 to report the homicide. Responding Town of Ramapo police officers found the defendant at the residence, with what appeared to be blood on his clothing.

The defendant today admitted in court to the intentional killing of Garbarino.

He remains remanded at the Rockland County Jail. Sentencing will be on January 7, 2014.

Dib faces a maximum sentence of 18 years to life in state prison.  The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Richard K. Moran.

FIFTEEN YEARS IN STATE PRISON FOR VIOLENT EX-CON FOLLOWING FELONY DRUG CONVICTION 

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe today announced that Genghis Khan (DOB 06/01/89) of 1008 St. Marks Avenue, Brooklyn, New York was sentenced to a determinate term of fifteen years in state prison following a jury trial that found him guilty of:

One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, a class “A-II” Felony

One count of Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, a Violation

On April 30, 2012, at approximately 4:40 p.m., Khan was traveling on the New York State Thruway (I-87) in the Town of Clarkstown. During a traffic stop, state troopers found the defendant in possession of approximately five ounces of cocaine. The defendant was also found to be in possession of marijuana.

Khan’s jury trial began on February 25, 2013 before the Honorable William K. Nelson.

The defendant is a violent career criminal with four prior felony convictions.

Senior Assistant District Attorney Maria T. DeSimone and Assistant District Attorney Patrick Fischer prosecuted the case.