Rockland County D.A.: Narcotics business linked to Puerto Rico

BY BILL DEMAREST

What’s it in a name? Many found it ironic that the barbershop used to sell cocaine bears the name “Fine Line.” Cocaine is typically ingested via inhaling “lines.”

HAVERSTRAW – Tips from local residents fed up with open-air drug dealing in their neighborhood led to an investigation that has broken an alleged family-run cocaine ring that used the barbershop “Fine Line” as its base of operations, according to Rockland County District Attorney Thomas Zugibe.

The investigation has led to 14 arrests and tracked money shipments from Haverstraw to Puerto Rico. In one instance, Zugibe said investigators seized $35,000 in cash that was bound for Puerto Rico, hidden in luggage intercepted at John F. Kennedy International Airport by the Rockland Narcotics Task Force and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

“The main defendants are accused of operating as a tightly-knit family business that catered to drug buyers from across Rockland County,” Zugibe said. “These arrests underscore our commitment to continue to work to improve the quality of life for the residents of our community, some of whom have been plagued by illegal drug trafficking near their homes.”

The investigation, called “Operation Higher Ground,” took place over a six-month-period in the Town of Haverstraw, leading to the arrests of 14 people ranging in ages from 24 to 44, including cousins and a brother-in-law. Charges include the sale of crack cocaine and powdered cocaine sold to undercover police on Church Street in the Garnerville section of Haverstraw.

“This latest sweep of dangerous drug dealers is the result of our partnership with a variety of state and federal agencies,” said Rockland County Drug Task Force Director Christopher Goldrick. “These relationships provide tremendous resources to Rockland’s law enforcement organizations, including intelligence and analytical mapping.”

The probe included police from Haverstraw, Homeland Security, New York State Police, the U.S. Postal Inspectors, Clarkstown police and police from Schenectady, NY.

Among those charged are cousins Juan Medina of Garnerville and Delvin Fernandez of Garnerville, who are accused of running a drug organization from Fernandez’s business, Fine Line Barbershop and Salon, 7 S. Route 9W, West Haverstraw, as well as from several locations on Church Street. Zugibe said an analysis of information developed by the Haverstraw police Street Crime Unit led to undercover drug buys and eavesdropping efforts targeting the cocaine business.

The investigation, according to Zugibe, intercepted discussions street locations for cocaine deliveries that were sent through the mail, with money generated by the drug sales sent to family members of Medina and Fernandez in Puerto Rico. The probe found that money orders sent through Western Union were used to distribute money to family members, ranging from $3,000 to $4,800.

Zugibe said that in one instance Fernandez was directed by family members in Puerto Rico to hide $35,000 in his luggage so it would not be detected by TSA agents at JFK airport. The money, however, was intercepted based on information developed during the investigation.

Among those arrested – 13 of the 14 are from Rockland County, with the last one a resident of New Jersey – included individuals who have previously been connected to drug dealing, robbery, assault, burglary, parole violation and weapons charges.

Zugibe said the investigation is continuing and additional arrests are expected.

Cresskill police arrest accused Rockland con woman with different IDs

BY GERARD DEMARCO

Originally published in the Cliffview Pilot

MUGSHOT: Courtesy CRESSKILL PD, read more at www.cliffviewpilot.com

Already charged with getting public assistance even though she had a job and a new driver’s license after hers was suspended, an accused con woman from Rockland County has been arrested again, this time by Cresskill detectives.

A woman who works with Betty Bourguignon, 38, of Spring Valley told police earlier this month that Sprint hit her debit card three times for a total of $220 in charges for a phone that wasn’t hers.

“She thought it may have happened at work,” Cresskill Detective John Birnie told CLIFFVIEW PILOT. “That day, she noticed that her card wasn’t in her wallet, where she always keeps it. It was laying in her bag.”

Birnie subpoenaed Sprint’s records and learned that the charges were run up by a Betty Christopher.

Managers at the local company said they didn’t have anyone by that name working there — but they recalled that Bourguignon had used it in the past.

“She has so many different aliases, so many different birthdays,” Birnie said. “Her license was suspended, so she got a valid license under a different name. We had to dig through different records ajust to be sure it was her.”

After a brief chat, detectives took Bourguignon into custody, he said. They also contacted their colleagues in Spring Valley.

Bourguignon is already under indictment in Rockland for identity theft. Fort Lee authorities also want her for skipping a ticket for driving while suspended.

Rockland’s District Attorney’s Office arrested Bourguignon in July on a single count of grand larceny for claiming that she was unemployed and collecting food stamps and other public assistance even though she had a job in Rockleigh.

Authorities said she collected $17,422.50 in government assistance benefits she wasn’t entitled to in less than a year.

Although she faces a potential seven years behind bars if convicted in that case, a Ramapo judge released her without bail — and she went back to work.

After two days in the Bergen County Jail following the Cresskill arrest, Bourguignon posted $40,000 bail late last week and was released pending a court appearance.

Rockland County effort becomes catalyst for change at state level

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe last week announced the results of a sweeping crackdown on STAR program violators and the unique amnesty initiative designed to help offenders avoid criminal charges. The amnesty program yielded significant results: 123 individuals came forward to voluntarily renounce their STAR exemption, saving New York State $432,000. Criminal charges have been filed against three individuals who illegally obtained STAR benefits and failed to renounce their exemption during the amnesty period.

Nissan Hakakian
(DOB 03/21/75) of 7 Balanchine Court, Airmont, New York

Sara Hakakian
(DOB 09/14/74) of 7 Balanchine Court, Airmont, New York

Juan Rollano
(DOB 06/06/48) of 36 Halgren Crescent, Haverstraw, New York

Nissan Hakakian and Sara Hakakian are each charged with:
One count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class “D” Felony
One count of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, a class “E” Felony

Juan Rollano
is charged with:
One count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class “D” Felony

The probe is ongoing and more arrests are anticipated, with the ultimate goal of insuring full compliance of STAR regulations in Rockland County.

A class “D” Felony is punishable by up to seven years in state prison and a class “E” Felony is punishable by up to four years in state prison.

District Attorney Zugibe said, “The steps we’ve taken, including the offer of amnesty, have greatly reduced the number of exemptions provided to “double dipping” residents for multiple homes and other abusive practices. I am pleased that our proactive efforts in Rockland County have prompted New York State to improve oversight and guidance of the entire STAR program.

In the weeks since the amnesty initiative was announced, state lawmakers drafted a measure to require all property owners to reapply for their STAR certification. The new law, which passed the Legislature and was approved by Governor Cuomo, simplifies the STAR form and allows local assessors and the state to share information for improved monitoring of the tax breaks.

Rockland’s crackdown on violators also led to a greater awareness of STAR guidelines, resulting in a noticeable decrease in enrollments during the first six months of 2013.

Town of Ramapo Supervisor Christopher St. Lawrence said, “Our partnership with the Rockland County District Attorney helped to ferret out abuse and errors in STAR, which ultimately led to thousands of dollars in taxpayer savings. I am pleased our assessor, along with our databases, greatly assisted in tracking down improper exemptions.”

The amnesty initiative followed an intensive investigation aimed at rooting out county residents who were double-dipping their STAR, or New York State School Tax Relief property tax break. Detectives in the Special Investigations Unit uncovered $679,000 in potentially fraudulent claims from 2012 in each of Rockland County’s five towns.

During the amnesty period, which ended April 1, 2013, investigators uncovered a variety of methods by which violators were illegally receiving STAR exemptions:

Landlords were renting STAR properties
Homeowners claimed dual exemptions in other states
Homeowners claimed STAR exemptions on properties which are NOT a primary residence
STAR exemption recipients were deceased

During the probe, a total of 516 locations were identified as having questionable STAR documentation on file with the various towns. Additional scrutiny of these properties resulted in the eventual renunciations of 123 illegal exemptions.

Cliffview Pilot: Former WNEW-FM disc jockey Dave Herman was holding a stuffed animal when federal agents and investigators from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office took him into custody today as he waited at the St. Croix airport for a 7-year-old girl he intended to sexually abuse, authorities told CLIFFVIEW PILOT.

Herman

Herman, 77, who has a home in the U.S. Virgin Islands, became the target of a sex sting after he contacted detectives from the Bergen County Computer Crimes Unit who were posing as a woman named “Kris” with a young daughter named “Lexi,” county Prosecutor John L. Molinelli said this afternoon.

Herman, who lives in Rockland County, bought plane tickets for the purported mother and daughter from LaGuardia Airport in Queens and was waiting at the airport in the Virgin Islands, toy animal in hand, when a team that included two county detectives snatched him up earlier today, the prosecutor said.

“The Computer Crimes Unit detectives did great work,” Molinelli told CLIFFVIEW PILOT. “Two detectives conducted a tedious, methodical 11-month investigation that resulted in this arrest. They stayed with what was a very difficult case involving some very serious allegations.”

Herman “initiated a series of chats” last November with someone named “Kris,”  a 36-year-old single mother who said she had a 6-year-old daughter, a complaint on file in U.S. District Court in Newark says.

He was actually communicating with Molinelli’s detectives.

Over the following months, the complaint says, Herman had “multiple telephone and online communications with the officer during which he indicated his desire to engage in sexual activity with the officer’s fictitious daughter.” Several times, it says, he “attempted to arrange illegal sexual encounters with the child in New York and Bergen County.”

According to the complaint, Herman promised that he wouldn’t hurt the child but that he might have to be “forceful” with her after giving her some alcohol.

Republished with permission. Read more at Cliffview Pilot: Deejay Dave Herman held stuffed animal waiting at airport for sex with girl, 7, authorities say

D.A.: Bardonia man unlicensed, used money from victims to finance other projects

BY BILL DEMAREST

NEW CITY – An unlicensed contractor from Bardonia has pleaded guilty to grand larceny for stealing $40,000 from a Nanuet couple who hired him to do renovations on their home, according to Rockland County District Attorney Thomas Zugibe.

Michael Kubasek of 7 Village Green, Bardonia, was accused of cheating a fellow volunteer firefighter in the Nanuet Fire Department who had borrowed against his pension from the New York City Fire Department to pay for the renovations. Zugibe said that Kubasek used money obtained from the victims for personal uses and to finance other projects – forcing the victims to pay subcontractors who had been hired by Kubasek to do work.

As part of his plea, Kubasek must repay $40,000 and must repay $10,000 to another victim in connection with bad checks written to a landlord. He faces a maximum sentence of four years in prison when Kubasek is sentenced in Rockland County Court on Jan. 10, 2014.

Zugibe said Kubasek knew his victim as a fellow volunteer firefighter in Nanuet. Kubasek learned the firefighter wanted to make improvements to his home and he solicited his business.

Kubasek agreed to do work on the home in June 2011. Although the work was originally limited to installation of central air conditioning, Zugibe said that when Kubasek learned the family was considering an addition to their home he sought their business and was hired to add a sunroom, a family room and install windows, doors, siding and make roof and deck repairs.

Soon after work began, the victims found out subcontractors hired by Kubasek had not been paid even though Kubasek had been paid. Zugibe said Kubasek walked away from the project, failed to provide an accounting of funds and failed to return money to the victims.

An investigation by the Rockland County Special Investigations Unit and the Rockland County Department of Consumer Protection led to the prosecution of Kubasek.

CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF A FORGD INSTRUMENT & MARIJUANA
Medjina Adolphe, age 21, residing at 8 Prospect Place, Tomkins Cove, NY, was arrested on October 25, 2013 for criminal possession of a forged instrument in the third degree and unlawful possession of marijuana; and Michael Hall, age 31, also residing at 8 Prospect Place, Tomkins Cove, NY, was arrested for criminal possession of a forged instrument. The Stony Point Police arrested the defendants after investigation revealed they did attempt to pass counterfeit United States currency at the Stony Point CVS. The defendants were arrested, processed and released on appearance tickets returnable on November 21, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. Defendant #1 posted $250 cash bail prior to release.

ENDANGERING WELFARE OF A CHILD, MENACING & HARASSMENT
Francisco Tejada, age 29, residing at 20 Debby Lane, Stony Point, NY, was arrested on October 23, 2013 for endangering the welfare of a child, menacing in the second degree and harassment in the second degree. The defendant was arrested following a warrant investigation into a domestic dispute that occurred on October 22, 2013. It is alleged that the above defendant did strike the victim several times and did menace her with a beer bottle. Subsequent to the previous stated actions, the defendant did leave his newborn child unattended in a crib while he fled the scene. The defendant was arrested, processed, and arraigned before the Honorable Judge William F. Franks. He was released on an appearance ticket returnable November 7, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. and a full stay away order of protection was issued by the judge.

DWI, AUO & LEAVING SCENE OF PROPERTY DAMAGE
Richard Coogan, age 55, residing at 77 Jay St., Stony Point, NY, was arrested on October 24, 2013 for driving while intoxicated, aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, leaving the scene of property damage auto accident and numerous vehicle and traffic offenses. Stony Point Police arrested the defendant after officers responded to property damage auto accident where the operator (listed defendant) fled the scene on foot. Subsequent to a brief search the defendant was located and further investigation determined that the operator (listed defendant) of said vehicle was driving while in an intoxicated condition. The defendant’s license at the time of said accident was revoked for previous alcohol related driving offenses. The defendant was arrested, processed and issued an appearance ticket returnable on November 19, 2013 at 1:30 p.m.

PETIT LARCENY & CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF STOLEN PROPERTY
Laura Powell, age 49, residing at 146 Hudson Ave., Haverstraw, NY, was arrested on October 21for petit larceny and criminal possession of stolen property. The defendant was arrested following an investigation into a shoplifting complaint at the ShopRite of Stony Point where she is accused of stealing $658.68 worth of merchandise and possessing same. The defendant did also have an active bench warrant out of Monroe for petit larceny. The defendant was arrested, processed, and issued an appearance ticket returnable in Stony Point Justice Court on November 21, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. She was then turned over to the NY State Police to answer the charge related to the bench warrant.

DWI
Ryan Calhoun, age 32, residing at 965 Mclean Avenue, Yonkers, NY, pled guilty on June 17, 2013 to driving while intoxicated as a felony. District Attorney, Thomas P. Zugibe stated that on or about March 15, 2013 at approximately 9:55 p.m., on Route 303 in the Town of Orangetown, the defendant was found to have been operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. On September 16, 2013, the defendant was sentenced by the Honorable Charles Apotheker, County Court Judge to one year in the Rockland County Jail, a three-year conditional discharge, an ignition interlock device for three years, the defendant’s driver’s license was revoked for one year and the defendant was fined $1,000. The defendant had a previous DWI conviction in 2007 in the Village of Elmsford in Westchester County.

CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF A FORGED INSTRUMENT
Annelle H. Barouk, age 23, residing at 160 Kearsing Parkway, Monsey, NY, was sentenced by the Honorable Charles Apotheker, County Court Judge on October 23, 2013 to an indeterminate term of one to three years in state prison after pleading guilty to criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree. District Attorney, Thomas P. Zugibe stated that on or about July 16, 2012 at 5 Indian Rock in Montebello, the defendant did possess and utter one forged prescription and attempted to fill same.

BURGLARY
Gina Bijou, age 42, of New City, NY, was sentenced by the Honorable Charles Apotheker, County Court Judge on October 9, 2013 to one to three years in state prison after pleading guilty to burglary in the third degree. District Attorney, Thomas P. Zugibe stated that on or about March 16, 2012 at the Kohl’s store in Nanuet, the defendant entered the Kohl’s store and stole fragrances, which violated a Trespass Form previously executed by the defendant. The defendant previously signed a Trespass Form acknowledging that she is not permitted to return to any Kohl’s store after being stopped on November 18, 2011 for shoplifting.

ATTEMPTED CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE
David Ward, age 32, residing in Spring Valley, NY, was sentenced by the Honorable Charles Apotheker, County Court Judge on October 9, 2013 to one year in State Prison and one and one-half years of post release supervision after pleading guilty to attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree. District Attorney, Thomas P. Zugibe stated that on or about April 29, 2009 at approximately 5:23 p.m. at Turner Court in the Village of Spring Valley, the defendant sold a small plastic baggie of crack cocaine to another person.

CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF A FORGED INSTRUMENT
Shivani Johnson, age 25, residing at 2 Byron Street, New City, NY, was sentenced by the Honorable Charles Apotheker, County Court Judge on September 30, 2013 to one year  in the Rockland County Jail and was ordered to pay $840 in restitution after pleading guilty to criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree. District Attorney, Thomas P. Zugibe stated that on or about and between June 28, 2012 to July 12, 2012 at Provident Banks located in New City and Nanuet, the defendant deposited forged checks into her personal checking account.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF
Robert Williams, age 25 residing at 1A Franka Place, Spring Valley, NY, was sentenced on October 30, 2013, before New York State Supreme Court Justice William A. Kelly to a state prison term of one and one-half to three years after pleading guilty to criminal mischief in the third degree. District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe stated that on or about January 14, 2013 at approximately 8:25 a.m., while an inmate in the Rockland County Jail, the defendant picked up a chair and violently throw it to the ground. The defendant damaged the chair beyond repair, the chair was valued at approximately $250.

CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA
Andre Lewis, age 32 and Fabian Solomon, age 27, both residing at 4059 Bruner Avenue, Bronx, NY were sentenced October 30, 2013, before New York State Supreme Court Justice William A. Kelly to a state prison term of time served for Andre Lewis after pleading guilty to criminal possession of marijuana in the fourth degree and two years and one year post release supervision for Fabian Solomon after pleading guilty to criminal possession of marijuana in the second degree. District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe stated that on or about May 2, 2013 at approximately 11 a.m., the defendants were stopped while traveling on Route 202 in Pomona for vehicle and traffic violations. The defendants were found to be in possession of over 10 pounds of marijuana.

GRAND LARCENY
Jonathan Rios, age 26 residing at 941 Faile Avenue, Bronx, NY, was sentenced October 30, 2013, before New York State Supreme Court Justice William A. Kelly to a state prison term of on and one-half to three years after pleading guilty to grand larceny in the fourth degree. District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe stated that on or about February 21, 2013, the defendant was observed by the loss prevention officer at Lord and Taylor in West Nyack, attempting to run out of the store with pocketbooks, valued at $2,884.

GRAND LARCENY
Frank Sharps, age 44, residing at 5 Olympia Lane, Spring Valley, NY, was indicted on October 23, 2013 by a Rockland County Grand Jury for the crimes of grand larceny in the third and fourth degrees. District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe stated that on or about and between January 1, 2013 and April 1, 2013, the defendant without permission or authority, made purchases on the credit card of the victim for an amount exceeding $3,000. The defendant also stole property from the victim in an amount exceeding $1,000.

ASSAULT & CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF A WEAPON
Alfredo Barrales, age 19, residing at 13 Partition Street, Haverstraw, NY, was indicted on November 1, 2013 by a Rockland County Grand Jury for the crimes of assault in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree (two counts). District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe stated that on or about October 18, 2013 at approximately 4 a.m., the defendant was at El Jalisco Bar located in the Village of Haverstraw. The defendant approached the victim and asked for a cigarette and if the victim wanted to buy cocaine. The victim answered no to both questions, the defendant stabbed him a sharp object. The victim was treated at a local hospital for his wound.

ASSAULT & CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF A WEAPON
Octavio Cervantes-Flores, age 26, residing at 13 Partition Street, Haverstraw, NY, was indicted on November 1, 2013 by a Rockland County Grand Jury for the crimes of assault in the second degree, Criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree (two counts). District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe stated that on or about October 14, 2013 at approximately 4:15 a.m., the defendant was at the Red Tomato Bar located in the Village of Haverstraw. The defendant approached the victim and stabbed him with a sharp object. The victim was treated at a local hospital for his wound.

ASSAULT
Adam Choniski, age 29, residing at 277 Cherry Lane, Tallman, NY, was indicted on October 30, 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 May 25, 2013 at approximately 9:30 p.m., the victim was at the Polish Festival in Tappan, NY. The defendant approached the victim and the victim’s girlfriend on the dance floor and a physical altercation took place. While the victim was walking away from the altercation, the defendant struck him on the forehead with a bottle. The victim was treated at a local hospital and required stitches for the laceration on his head.

STRANGULATION, ATTEMPTED ASSAULT, INTIMIDATING A WITNESS & UNLAWFUL IMPRISONMENT
Cordero Jones, age 24, residing at 11 Louis Road, New City, NY, was indicted on October 30, 2013 by a Rockland County Grand Jury for the crimes of strangulation in the second degree, attempted assault in the second degree, intimidating a witness in the third degree and unlawful imprisonment in the second degree. District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe stated that on or about July 31, 2013, the defendant punched the victim in the face several times and then choked her.  The defendant prevented her from leaving the apartment to seek medical treatment. The victim suffered a broken eye orbit.  On August 12, 2013, the defendant called the victim on the phone and threatened physical harm to her if she proceeded with the charges.

AGGRAVATED DWI WITH A CHILD
Wanda Jones, age 47, residing at 9 Old Country Road, Pomona, NY, was indicted on November 1, 2013 by a Rockland County Grand Jury for the crime of aggravated driving while intoxicated with a child (two counts). District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe stated that on or about May 8, 2013 at approximately 4:40 p.m., members of the New York State Police were advised of an erratic driver traveling on the Palisades Parkway in the Town of Stony Point. When the Troopers arrived at the location, they observed the defendant sitting in her vehicle, parked in the lane of travel. Upon approaching the vehicle, the Troopers observed two children under the age of 16 in the car. Upon speaking to the defendant, the Troopers observed her to be under the influence of drugs as evinced by the impaired speech, disorientation and impaired motor coordination.

Roberts

Torres

Josephs

Vaughn

The robbery of a 16-year-old in Stony Point led to the arrest of four other teens from both Rockland and Orange County on a number of charges, including conspiracy, on November 2.

Xavier Torres, 17 of West Haverstraw, Dillon Roberts, 17 of Sloatsburg, Dennis Josephs, 17 of West Haverstraw, and Vaughn Kishaun, 16 of Highland Mills, were arrested for planning out and orchestrating the robbery of a 16-year-old with a fake pistol. The four took money, a cell phone and other personal property before escaping.

An investigation led to their arrest. The four are charged with a number of crimes including robbery in the second degree, conspiracy in the fourth degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree and endangering the welfare of a child.

They are being held on $150,000 bail each and are due back in court on November 7.

L-R) Torres, Roberts, Josephs and Kishaun

Bride-to-be, best man killed when powerboat slams into construction barge

BY BILL DEMAREST

Tappan Zee Marina in Piermont.

NEW CITY – The Nyack man who drove the 19-foot Stingray powerboat that crashed into a Tappan Zee Bridge construction barge in July has been indicted by a Rockland County grand jury on criminally negligent homicide and manslaughter charges in connection with the death of two passengers – a bride-to-be from Piermont and her Pearl River man who was going to be the best man in the wedding.

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas Zugibe said driver was legally drunk and had traces of cocaine in his blood system.

Jojo K. John, 35, of Gail Drive is accused of driving the boat while under the influence of alcohol when it left a marina in Piermont and slammed into a barge just south of the bridge at about 10:40 p.m. The impact threw Lindsey Stewart of Piermont and Mark Lennon of Pearl River into the Hudson River. The bodies were discovered in the river after two days of searching.

“(John) is accused of taking the helm of his boat while under the influence of alcohol, being unable to maintain situational awareness and striking a construction barge,” said Zugibe. “Drinking and driving is a lethal mix, as it appears to have been in this incident, which left several families shattered.”

John and three others, including Stewart’s fiancé, were injured in the accident, which prompted a frantic search on the river by volunteer firefighters from Piermont and Nyack.

Zugibe said that after the accident a court order was obtained to a sample of John’s blood as he was being treated at Nyack Hospital. He said tests found he had a .15 percent blood alcohol level, which is nearly twice the level to be cited for drunken driving. Zugibe said cocaine metabolites were also found in John’s system.

John faces arraignment on charges of:

• Two counts of Vehicular Manslaughter in the First Degree, class “C” Felonies

• Four counts of Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree, class “D” Felonies

• Two counts of Manslaughter in the Second Degree, class “C” Felonies

• Two counts of Criminally Negligent Homicide, class “E” Felonies

• Two counts of Vehicular Assault in the First Degree, class “D” Felonies

• Four counts of Vehicular Assault in the Second Degree, class “E” Felonies

• Two counts of Operating a Vessel Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs, Misdemeanors

John was arrested while he was recovering at the hospital. The charges against John have a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, if convicted.

The crash led to a review of the lighting for the construction barges, which are used to carry supplies and equipment for the construction of the new Tappan Zee Bridge. The U.S. Coast Guard determined the barges had the legally-required navigational lighting and warnings about the construction zone had been posted in Coast Guard bulletins for boaters. However, lighting on the barges was upgraded after the crash.

The barge involved was located on the Rockland County side of the river, south of the Tappan Zee Bridge. John and his friends had been at Pier 701, a waterfront restaurant on Piermont Avenue in Piermont, before they went out on the boat.

Police focusing investigation on Spring Valley area

BY BILL DEMAREST

ELMSFORD, NY – A newborn baby found dead at an recycling center on Tuesday was murdered and may have come from Spring Valley, according to Westchester County Police.

New York State Crime Stoppers has contributed $2,500 reward money to assist in the investigation, hoping that the cash would encourage a tipster to provide information leading to an arrest in the baby’s death.

Police are planning to saturate the Spring Valley area with Crime Stoppers posters in hopes of getting information about a woman who was recently pregnant, but is no longer pregnant but does not have a baby.

Westchester County Police Captain Christopher Calabrese said an autopsy today determined the baby was murdered, and the death is classified as a homicide.

“The baby was very new born,” Calabrese said, describing the baby as a boy believed to be of Hispanic descent.

The body was found about 2 p.m. Tuesday by a worker at a recycling facility in Elmsford, with the baby contained in a generic plastic bag. Investigators believe the body was in a truck that dumped a load of materials for recycling.

Calabrese said the link to Spring Valley was made by looking at  materials that were in the recycling load. Some of the content of that recycling load, he said, came from a deli on North Myrtle Avenue in Spring Valley.

Police ask that anyone with information about the baby contact their hotline at 1-866-313-TIPS (8477). All calls are confidential.

Police: Man tried to push his way into Suffern home

BY BILL DEMAREST

SUFFERN – A passenger on a NJ Transit train to Suffern was arrested Monday night after he got off the train, sat on the tracks, led police on a chase and tried to push his way into a nearby home, according to Suffern police.

The chase ended on Oak Terrace when the 34-year-old Waldwick, NJ, man was captured with the assistance of Suffern police dog Patriot.

The incident in Suffern began when NJ Transit notified village police of a passenger on a train bound for Suffern who was acting strangely. When the train reached Suffern, police said the man got off the train and then sat on the tracks in an attempt to block the train from moving.

As village police officers approached the man, police said he fled into Suffern’s West Ward section and began knocking on doors. Police said he attempted to push his way into a home as he was yelling religious chants.

The passenger was charged with criminal trespassing.

“Operation Say No More” Identified Two Brothers As Large-Scale Suppliers Of Crack And Powered Cocaine In New York And New Jersey

FROM DA’S OFFICE

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe today announced the indictment of 22 individuals on drug-related charges following a six-month undercover investigation targeting a robust network of narcotics dealers distributing crack and powdered cocaine in sections of Rockland and Bergen counties. Twenty-one of the indicted individuals are in custody and one is presently being sought.

The defendants – who range in age from 20 to 61 and include two brothers – are charged with selling cocaine and other controlled substances to undercover police officers on separate occasions in the Hillburn section of Ramapo and the Stag Hill section of Mahwah, New Jersey.

District Attorney Zugibe said, “This initiative is another step in our ongoing campaign to stop drug-dealing and drug-based violence in our neighborhoods. The arrests should serve as a warning to others that the law enforcement community is committed to continue to employ aggressive and innovative tactics to track down and prosecute dealers and other dangerous criminals who seek to terrorize our communities.”

Among those arrested are brothers Elam Yisrael (DOB 08/09/75) of 5 Cottonwood Street, Jersey City, New Jersey and Enaim Yisrael (DOB 06/29/76) of 522 West 158th Street, Apartment # 4, New York, New York, alleged to have been the main suppliers to four separate cocaine distribution gangs in Rockland County.

Also arrested was Peter Bowens (DOB 02/12/89) of 125 Sixth Street, Hillburn, New York. Through the use of court-authorized eavesdropping warrants and other investigative resources, it was learned that Bowens was the alleged main cocaine distributor in the Village of Hillburn.

The investigation, known as “Operation Say No More,” commenced in May, 2013 when the Rockland County Drug Task Force received intelligence from the Town of Ramapo Police Department Street Crime Unit regarding street-level cocaine dealing. Plain-clothes detectives began conducting undercover buys and “buyer beware” operations, which included extensive physical surveillance, court-authorized eavesdropping and search warrants.

Information was developed and conversations were intercepted discussing street locations for the deliveries of cocaine in Hillburn and Mahwah. Drug suppliers and runners were identified by undercover detectives and by uniformed officers during routine patrols.

The probe culminated with a 66-count indictment handed up by the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office.

The defendants are variously charged with numerous counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a class “B” Felony and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a class “B” Felony, each punishable by up to nine years in prison.

Included in “Operation Say No More” were the Town of Ramapo Police Department Uniform Patrol and Street Crime Unit, the Mahwah Police Department Uniform Patrol, the Town of Haverstraw Police Department, the Town of Clarkstown Police Department Street Crime Unit and K-9 Unit, the Town of Orangetown Police Department, the Spring Valley Police Department, Village of Suffern Police Department, the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the New York State Police Troop F – Haverstraw K-9 Unit.

Several of the individuals have extensive prior criminal histories for drug selling, robbery, assault, burglary, parole violation, weapons possession and resisting arrest.

The following individuals were arrested and charged with:

Elam Yisrael, DOB: 08/09/1975
5 Cottonwood Street, Jersey City, New Jersey 07305
Charges:  PL 220.43(1) Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance 1st degree, A Felony, 1 count
PL 220.41(1) Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance 2nd degree, A Felony, 1 count
PL 220.16(1) Criminal Possession Controlled Substance 3rd degree, B Felony, 2 counts
PL 105.10(1) Conspiracy 4th degree, E Felony, 2 counts

Enaim Yisrael, DOB: 06/29/1976
765 Riverside Drive, Apartment 3C, New York, New York 10032
Charges:   PL 220.43(1) Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance 1st degree, A Felony, 1 count
PL 220.41(1) Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance 2nd degree, A Felony, 1 count
PL 220.16(1) Criminal Possession Controlled Substance 3rd degree, B Felony, 2 counts
PL 105.10(1) Conspiracy 4th degree, E Felony, 2 counts

Peter Bowens, DOB:02/12/1989
125 Sixth Street, Hillburn, New York 10931
Charges:  PL220.39(1) Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance 3rd degree, B Felony, 3 counts
PL 220.16(1) Criminal Possession Controlled Substance 3rd degree, B Felony, 3 counts
PL 105.10(1) Conspiracy 4th degree, E Felony, 2 counts

Wayne Hicks, DOB: 09/07/1989
40 Normandy Village, Apartment 5, Nanuet, New York 10954
Charges: PL 220.16(1) Criminal Possession Controlled Substance 3rd degree, B Felony, 1 count
PL 220.18(1) Criminal Possession Controlled Substance 2nd degree, A Felony, 1 count
PL 221.05 Unlawful Possession Marijuana, Violation, 1 count
PL 220.50(3) Criminal Use Drug Paraphernalia, A Misdemeanor, 1 count
PL 220.39(1) Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance 3rd degree, B Felony, 1 count
PL 220.16(1) Criminal Possession Controlled Substance 3rd degree, B Felony, 1 count
PL 105.10(1) Conspiracy 4th degree, E Felony, 2 counts

Rodelain Michel, DOB:  09/27/1977
11 Oxford Court, Spring Valley, New York 10977
Charges: PL 220.39(1) Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance 3rd degree, B Felony, 2 counts
PL 220.16(1) Criminal Possession Controlled Substance 3rd degree, B Felony, 2 counts
PL 105.10(1) Conspiracy 4th degree, E Felony, 2 counts
Active Warrant
Gladimir Boursiquot, DOB: 12/20/1985
282 North Main Street, Spring Valley, New York 10977
Charges: PL 220.16(1) Criminal Possession Controlled Substance 3rd degree, B Felony, 1 count
PL 221.05 Unlawful Possession Marijuana, Violation, 1 count
PL 105.10(1) Conspiracy 4th degree, E Felony, 2 counts

Stanley Juin, DOB: 12/02/1985
260 North Main Street, Spring Valley, New York 10977
Charges:  PL 220.16(1) Criminal Possession Controlled Substance 3rd degree, B Felony, 1 count

Lesley Audate, DOB: 06/13/1979
Charges: PL 220.39(1) Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance 3rd degree, B Felony, 2 counts
PL 220.16(1) Criminal Possession Controlled Substance 3rd degree, B Felony, 2 counts
PL 105.10(1) Conspiracy 4th degree, E Felony, 2 counts

Enino Munno, DOB: 11/05/1968
212 Western Highway, Tappan, New York 10983
Charges: PL 220.39(1) Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance 3rd degree, B Felony, 1 count
PL 220.16(1) Criminal Possession Controlled Substance 3rd degree, B Felony, 1 count
PL 105.10(1) Conspiracy 4th degree, E Felony, 2 counts

Christine Zeppieri, DOB: 09/10/1975
10 Friend Street, Congers, New York 10920
Charges: PL 220.03 Criminal Possession Controlled Substance 7th degree, A Misdemeanor, 2 counts
PL 105.10(1) Conspiracy 4th degree, E Felony, 2 counts

Emanuele Margiotta, DOB: 11/05/1973
25 Edsall North, Nanuet, New York 10954
Charges: PL 220.03 Criminal Possession Controlled Substance 7th degree, A Misdemeanor, 1 count
PL 260.10(1) Act In Manner Injury Child <17, A Misdemeanor, 1 count

Kenny Dieudonne, DOB:07/21/1987
2 Sinclair Court, Spring Valley, New York 10977
Charges: PL 105.10(1) Conspiracy 4th degree, E Felony, 2 counts

Rasean Thompson, DOB:  08/25/1989
32 Division Street, Spring Valley, New York 10977
Charges:  PL 220.39(1) Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance 3rd degree, B Felony, 2 counts
PL 220.16(1) Criminal Possession Controlled Substance 3rd degree, B Felony, 2 counts

Robert Vargas, DOB:  12/07/1990
142 Sneden Place, Spring Valley, New York 10977
Charges:  PL 220.39(1) Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance 3rd degree, B Felony, 2 counts
PL 220.16(1) Criminal Possession Controlled Substance 3rd degree, B Felony, 2 counts

Tanisha Jacobs, DOB: 06/07/1976
74 Sharp Street, Apartment 2F, Haverstraw, New York 10927
Charges:  PL 105.10(1) Conspiracy 4th degree, E Felony, 2 counts

Demond Corey Vaughn, DOB: 01/10/197561 Wall Street, Garnerville, New York 10923
Charges:  PL 105.10(1) Conspiracy 4th degree, E Felony, 2 counts

Leonardo Powell, DOB:  12/30/1952
9 Oak road, Mahwah, New Jersey 07430
Charges:  PL 105.10(1) Conspiracy 4th degree, E Felony, 2 counts

Cole Van Dunk, DOB:  04/19/1993
14 Pine Street, Apartment 204, Central Nyack, New York 10960
Charges:  PL 105.10(1) Conspiracy 4th degree, E Felony, 2 counts
PL 221.10 Criminal Possession Marijuana 5th degree, 1 count

Fredly Dubuisson, DOB: 02/16/1982
15 Wood Avenue, Stony Point, New York 10980
Charges: PL 220.03 Criminal Possession Controlled Substance 7th degree, A Misdemeanor, 1 count

Frank Hadley, DOB: 11/14/1972
38 Fifth Street, Hillburn, New York 10931
Charges:  PL 220.03  Criminal Possession Controlled Substance 7th degree, A Misdemeanor, 1 count

Everett “Peter” Oliver, DOB: 12/26/1980
27 Mountain Avenue, Hillburn, New York 10931
Charges: PL 220.03 Criminal Possession Controlled Substance 7th degree, A Misdemeanor, 1 count

Gloria Ball, DOB: 05/08/1961
9 Oak Road, Mahwah, New Jersey  07430
Charges:  PL 220.03 Criminal Possession Controlled Substance 7th degree, A Misdemeanor, 1 count

From the DA’s Office

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe today announced that Maryann C. Cusie (DOB 10/13/66) of 3 Amsterdam Road, New City, New York has been arrested and arraigned on three counts of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, class “D” Felonies.

Between May, 2010 and December, 2012, Cusie allegedly received $11,897 in unemployment insurance benefits for which she was not entitled. According to the charges, the defendant falsely reported that she was unemployed when applying for benefits through the New York State Department of Labor. Cusie was, in fact, working for Majestic Lawn Care and Landscaping during the certification period.

Additionally, the defendant allegedly applied for and was receiving credit card protection payments to which she was not entitled in the amount of $7,549.87. According to the charges, Cusie falsified records submitted to the credit card protection company, falsely claiming she was unemployed.

The defendant was arraigned in the Town of Clarkstown Justice Court before the Honorable Craig Johns. She is due to return to court on January 13, 2014.

If convicted, Cusie faces up to seven years in prison.

This case is being investigated and prosecuted by the Special Investigations Unit of the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office.

Senior Assistant District Attorney Ameenah Karim is prosecuting the case.

Aunt and nephew arrested for allegedly slicing and shoving each other. Landlord gets punched after putting himself in the middle 

Taylor and Cavallaro

Frequent police activity at 122 Route 210 in Stony Point continues as police accuse aunt and nephew Mara Cavallaro, 27, and Clifton Taylor, 21, of getting into a domestic dispute culminating in mutual criminal aggression.  Fitting to the times, police said the entire dispute started over Facebook.

While it started out as a heated disagreement on Facebook, the related housemates took things to another level as police allege they both threatened each other with sharp instruments. According to police reports Cavallaro took a box cutter and attacked Taylor with it, “slicing” him. Taylor threatened Cavallaro with a knife, police said, but never actually made contact with her.

Landlord Justin Hoyer, who also has been arrested for disputes with tenants at the location, found himself in the middle of the feuding relatives and was struck by Taylor’s hands, resulting in minor injuries.

For her alleged act, Cavallaro was charged with second degree assault (a D felony), fourth degree criminal possession of a weapon (a Class A misdemeanor) and second degree harassment (a violation). For his alleged part in the dispute, Taylor was charged with third degree assault (an A misdemeanor), fourth degree criminal possession of a weapon (an A misdemeanor), menacing and two charges of second degree harassment (violations), since he allegedly attacked two separate persons.

Hoyer, whom prior police reports indicate lives at the address but whose voting registration is ID’d at Wenzel Ln., was arrested twice for harassment violations in 2012 for his part in the frequent disputes at the location.  In 2012 Lt. Keith William of the Stony Point Police Department described the situation at the address as an “ongoing saga.”

Lt. Williams said the department is investigating whether the living arrangement is legal according to town building codes.

FROM DA’S OFFICE

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe today announced that Vikas Jagota (DOB 08/16/76) of 28 Butternut Drive, New City, New York was convicted after a jury trial of all seven counts in the indictment charging him with:

One count of assault in the second degree, a class “D” felony

One count of abortion in the second degree, a class “E” felony

One count of endangering the welfare of child, a class “A” misdemeanor

One count of criminal mischief in the fourth degree, a class “A” misdemeanor

Three counts of assault in the third degree, class “A” misdemeanors

District Attorney Zugibe said, “The victim in this tragic case is to be commended for coming forward and confronting her abuser at trial. She testified with courage and strength on the witness stand. While the physical and emotional scars may be with her for the rest of her life, today’s conviction will hopefully provide her with a small measure of help in overcoming the trauma she endured during several horrific years. The consequences of the defendant’s actions will have a long-lasting and profound impact on both the victim and her young child. A lengthy state prison sentence is more than warranted.”

On May 22, 2012, following the sentencing of the defendant’s brother in Rockland County Court in an unrelated case involving forced labor and physical abuse, the defendant became enraged and assaulted his wife in their home at 28 Butternut Drive, New City.

Jagota repeatedly slapped the victim in the face and forced her wrist through a glass cabinet. As the brutal assault continued, the defendant prevented the victim from calling police by slamming his fist onto her head, causing her to drop the telephone and collapse. Jagota continued to kick the victim as she lay on the floor.

Additionally, the defendant repeatedly slapped the couple’s young child in the face during this violent altercation

On September 22, 2012, Jagota punched his pregnant wife in the abdomen, causing her to miscarry the following day. On December 31, 2012, the defendant again assaulted his wife. She again attempted to call 911, but was stopped by her mother-in-law. The victim later told an acquaintance about the repeated abuse, who contacted Ramapo Police.

Sentencing will be on March 18, 2014. Jagota faces a maximum of seven years in state prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Amanda Doty.

STONY POINT POLICE DEPARTMENT:

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF & CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF STOLEN PROPERTY
Thomas McLouglan, age 52, residing at 16 Hickory Dr., Stony Point, NY, was arrested on November 30, 2013 for criminal mischief in the third degree and criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree. The defendant was arrested after an officer responding to a criminal mischief complaint located the defendant in possession of copper wire and wire cutters. Further investigation revealed the defendant did intentionally damage three telephone poles on Washburns Ln. by cutting said copper wire from poles without permission or authority. Damage to poles was estimated to be between $2000 and $ 3000. The defendant was arrested, processed and arraigned before the Honorable William F. Franks. He was released on appearance ticket returnable in Stony Point Justice Court on December 17, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. after posting $500 cash bail.

DWI & BREATH TEST REFUSAL
John P. Coyle, age 55, residing at 156 N. Liberty Dr., Stony Point, NY, was arrested on December 1, 2013 for DWI, breath test refusal and numerous vehicle and traffic offenses. Stony Point Police arrested the defendant after receiving a complaint of an erratic operator. Further investigation determined that the defendant was operating a motor vehicle while in an intoxicated condition. The defendant subsequently refused a breath test. The defendant was arrested, processed and released on numerous traffic tickets returnable January 9, 2014 at 1:30 p.m.

DWI & BREATH TEST REFUSAL
Kevin Dollard, age 38, residing at 2 Wenzel Ln., Stony Point, NY, was arrested on November 28, 2013 for DWI, breath test refusal and numerous vehicle and traffic offenses. Stony Point Police arrested the defendant after receiving a complaint of an erratic operator. Further investigation determined that the defendant was operating a motor vehicle while in an intoxicated condition. The defendant subsequently refused a breath test. The defendant was arrested, processed and released on numerous traffic tickets returnable January 7, 2014 at 9 a.m.

DWI
Michael J. Psaros, age 34, residing a 11 Gilda Ct., Spring Valley, NY, was arrested on December 1, 2013 for aggravated DWI of less than a BAC of .18 and DWI. The Stony Point Police in conjunction with the Rockland County Sheriff’s Department conducted a STOP D.W.I. checkpoint on December 1, 2013 with funds secured by Rockland County STOP D.W.I. The listed defendant was stopped at said checkpoint and it was determined he was operating a motor vehicle while in an intoxicated condition and his blood alcohol content was in excess of .18% .The defendant was arrested, processed, issued several traffic summonses returnable to the Stony Point Justice Court on January 7, 2014.

On December 2, 2013, The Ramapo Police Department in conjunction with the Rockland County Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children conducted an alcohol sale compliance check of businesses within the Town of Ramapo. An undercover agent who is less than 21 years of age, the legal age to purchase and possess an alcoholic beverage, attempted to purchase alcoholic beverages from businesses throughout the town.

The following subjects were arrested for a violation of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law for Prohibited Sale of Alcohol to a Miner, a violation.

Keith Reardon, age 61 of Mahwah N.J., A clerk at Sloatsburg Wine and Spirits. He was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Sloatsburg Justice Court on December 18 at 5 p.m.

Stephen T. Vinci Jr., age 21 of Sloatsburg N.Y., A clerk at Hayward’s Deli Sloatsburg. He was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Sloatsburg Justice Court on December 18 at 5 p.m.

The following establishments were found to be in compliance:

Seven-Eleven, 28 RT 59 Suffern

Quickie Mart, 191 RT 59 Suffern

Shoprite, 250 RT 59 Suffern

Liquor Land, 250 RT 59 Suffern

Citgo, 74 RT 59 Monsey

Cresthill Wine and Liquor, 285 N. Main St. Spring Valley

Super Seven, 75 Orange Tpk. Sloatsburg

JTZ Grab and Go, 55 Orange Tpk. Sloatsburg

Gold Path Liquor, 45 RT 59 Monsey

Shell, 83 RT 59 Monsey

Rockland Kosher, 27 Orchard St. Monsey

Iryna Liquors, 298 N. Main St. Spring Valley

The Town of Ramapo Police Department, in conjunction with other Rockland County Police Agencies, conducted a Stop-DWI ‘Crackdown’ detail during the Thanksgiving week. The detail ran from November 27 –December 1. Funding for the detail was provided by Rockland County Stop DWI.

No DWI arrests were made during the detail. Two arrests were made for driving with a suspended license and one for unlawful possession of marijuana. Numerous summonses were issued throughout the detail.

Approximately 12:34 p.m. Thursday afternoon, Ramapo Police responded to a reported bomb threat at the shopping center located at 274 Old Nyack Turnpike, Chestnut Ridge.

According to testimony of employees and a shift manager, they reported receiving a phone call from an unknown person demanding an unknown monetary amount in gift cards and then threatened with bombing the store.  Rockland County Sheriff’s Dept. Bomb Unit responded and utilized bomb sniffing dogs to search the building.

As of mid-afternoon Thursday police reported no bomb, suspicious packages or persons found.  This matter is still being investigated.

Incident took place in July

Andrew Maniglia, 56, is charged with one count of second-degree unlawful surveillance, felony. He was arraigned in Clarkstown Town Court in New City and was released on $1,000 bail pending a Jan. 29, 2014 hearing.