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Richard Thomas

Embattled Former Mayor In Westchester Barred From City Comptroller Ballot Embattled Former Mayor In Westchester Barred From City Comptroller Ballot
Embattled Former Mayor In Westchester Barred From City Comptroller Ballot Despite petitioning through much of the spring, former Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas’ attempts to get on the Democratic primary ballot for city comptroller has been rejected by a Supreme Court judge. Following two days of hearings, state Supreme Court Justice Mary Smith ruled that Thomas’ petition to overturn the Westchester Board of Elections’ rejection of his nominating committee was not specific enough. Thomas required 300 valid signatures to get on the ballot, with the former mayor having filed petitions with more than 1,000 last month, hundreds of which were challenged by District …
Shots Fired After Candlelight Vigil For Rapper DMX In Westchester Park Shots Fired After Candlelight Vigil For Rapper DMX In Westchester Park
Shots Fired After Candlelight Vigil For Rapper DMX In Westchester Park There were two separate shootings following a vigil paying tribute to the life of Westchester native and resident DMX, who died at White Plains Hospital last week. Earlier story - Candlelight Vigil Scheduled For Westchester Native, Rapper DMX Two people suffered non-life-threatening injuries in Mount Vernon after gunshots rang out near the location of the vigil at Fourth Street Park on Wednesday, April 14.  The gunshots could be heard approximately an hour after the vigil for DMX - who was born in Mount Vernon and raised in Yonkers - was conducted, with a packed house still in th…
Former City Counsel In Westchester Sentenced For Corruption Conviction Former City Counsel In Westchester Sentenced For Corruption Conviction
Former City Counsel In Westchester Sentenced For Corruption Conviction The former top lawyer for the City of Mount Vernon will avoid immediate prison time as he appeals his sentence for corruption involving former Mayor Richard Thomas. Lawrence Porcari Jr. was found guilty by a jury of corrupting government, second-degree grand larceny, degrading government, and filing false statements for using $365,000 from the city’s water funds to assist Thomas, who was ousted out of office last year. On Wednesday, Sept. 9, Porcari was sentenced to 1 to 3 years in prison, but he will remain free without bail while he appeals his conviction. He had faced a maximum term of 2…
Former City Counsel In Westchester Convicted Of Corruption Charges Former City Counsel In Westchester Convicted Of Corruption Charges
Former City Counsel In Westchester Convicted Of Corruption Charges A former top lawyer for the City of Mount Vernon has been found guilty of corruption charges. Lawrence Porcari Jr. was found guilty by a jury of corrupting government, second-degree grand larceny, degrading government and filing false statements for using $365,000 from the city’s water funds to assist former Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas, who was ousted out of office earlier this year. When he is sentenced, Porcari will face a minimum term of between one and three years in prison, and may see a maximum sentence of up to 25 years. According to documents filed with the Westchester Count…
Who Did You Vote For On Election Day In Westchester? Who Did You Vote For On Election Day In Westchester?
Who Did You Vote For On Election Day In Westchester? Many local municipalities held elections for town supervisors, village and city mayors, council members and judges on Tuesday, Nov. 5.  Westchester County legislators also were up for re-election. Several towns had local propositions on their ballots. For expanded coverage of politics, schools and lifestyle, visit Daily Voice Plus With the onset of "early voting" in New York state, registered voters were able to cast votes since Friday, Oct. 26. Additional details about candidates on the ballot can be found by clicking here.  Towns and Villages Across Westchester, Democrats enj…
Judge Determines Who Is In Charge As Mount Vernon's Mayor Judge Determines Who Is In Charge As Mount Vernon's Mayor
Judge Determines Who Is In Charge As Mount Vernon's Mayor A judge has reportedly ruled against former Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas’ request for an injunction that would allow him to remain in office following his guilty plea to misdemeanor corruption charges. A hearing determined that Thomas is no longer the mayor, following a month of political strife and chaos at City Hall. Acting Mayor Andre Wallace officially took over following the decision on Wednesday, July 31. On Monday, July 8, Thomas pleaded guilty to misappropriating nearly $13,000 in campaign funds and then proceeded to lie about them on government papers. Two days after that plea…
Richard Thomas Seeks Restraining Order In Battle Over Who's Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas Seeks Restraining Order In Battle Over Who's Mount Vernon Mayor
Richard Thomas Seeks Restraining Order In Battle Over Who's Mount Vernon Mayor The battle over who is in charge of Mount Vernon is heading to the State Supreme Court. Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas and Andre Wallace, who was appointed acting mayor by the city council, will have their fates determined by a judge as they continue debating who is the actual mayor of one of New York’s largest cities. Thomas is currently seeking a restraining order that would block Wallace from performing mayoral duties and would nullify any actions taken by him, the City Council and City Comptroller Deborah Reynolds in the weeks the two have been jostling for power. On Monday, July 8…
NY Post Calls On Cuomo To Remove Mount Vernon Mayor NY Post Calls On Cuomo To Remove Mount Vernon Mayor
NY Post Calls On Cuomo To Remove Mount Vernon Mayor The New York Post is calling on Gov. Andrew Cuomo to “end the Third World-like political chaos” that has overwhelmed Mount Vernon. For months, Mount Vernon City Hall has been in chaos, with the City Council, President Andre Wallace and Comptroller battling Mayor Richard Thomas. On Monday, July 8, Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas pleaded guilty to fourth-degree attempted grand larceny and second-degree offering a false statement for filing. As part of his plea deal, he agreed to resign from office as of Monday, Sept. 30. Two days later, on Wednesday, July 10, the Mount Vernon City Council …
New Mount Vernon Police Commissioner Reportedly Taken Into Custody Amid City Hall Chaos New Mount Vernon Police Commissioner Reportedly Taken Into Custody Amid City Hall Chaos
New Mount Vernon Police Commissioner Reportedly Taken Into Custody Amid City Hall Chaos As the city teeters on the brink, chaos continues to reign supreme at Mount Vernon City Hall, with the latest twist being the newly appointed police commissioner reportedly being taken into custody. On Monday, July 15, former police commissioner Shawn Harris was reappointed as the Commissioner of Public Safety in charge of the Mount Vernon Police Department by acting Mayor Andre Wallace. However, the following day, Harris was taken into police custody at Mount Vernon Police Headquarters, according to a lohud report. It is unclear if Harris has been formally arrested or charged. Wallace an…
City Hall Chaos: Turmoil, Uncertainty Continue In Unprecedented Mount Vernon Mayoral Dustup City Hall Chaos: Turmoil, Uncertainty Continue In Unprecedented Mount Vernon Mayoral Dustup
City Hall Chaos: Turmoil, Uncertainty Continue In Unprecedented Mount Vernon Mayoral Dustup Chaos continues to reign supreme inside Mount Vernon City Hall, as the unprecedented controversy over who sits in the mayor’s seat rages into its second week. Last week, on Monday, July 8, Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas pleaded guilty to fourth-degree attempted grand larceny and second-degree offering a false statement for filing. As part of his plea deal, he agreed to resign from office as of Monday, Sept. 30. Two days later, on Wednesday, July 10, the Mount Vernon City Council unanimously voted on legislation to remove Thomas from office immediately, giving him 24 hours to vacate City …
Mayoral Mayhem: Thomas Given Deadline To Pick Up Belongings In Mount Vernon Office Mayoral Mayhem: Thomas Given Deadline To Pick Up Belongings In Mount Vernon Office
Mayoral Mayhem: Thomas Given Deadline To Pick Up Belongings In Mount Vernon Office Who’s the boss? The battle between Richard Thomas and Andre Walker over who is the mayor of Mount Vernon hit a head on Friday, July 12, when Thomas was ordered to vacate his office no later than 8 p.m. Citing Thomas’ misdemeanor criminal convictions, on Wednesday, July 10, the Mount Vernon City Council unanimously voted on legislation to replace Thomas and swore in his successor, Wallace, who was the City Council president, as the interim mayor. Councilwoman Janice Duarte was also named the council president. The Council quoted a section of the city charter that calls for elected official…
Mount Vernon Mayor On 'The Road To Redemption' After Guilty Plea For Misusing Campaign Funds Mount Vernon Mayor On 'The Road To Redemption' After Guilty Plea For Misusing Campaign Funds
Mount Vernon Mayor On 'The Road To Redemption' After Guilty Plea For Misusing Campaign Funds Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas vowed to continue helping the city after reaching a plea agreement for misusing campaign funds and announcing his resignation. On Monday, July 8, Thomas pleaded guilty to fourth-degree attempted grand larceny and second-degree offering a false statement for filing. He will also resign from office as of Monday, Sept. 30. “The road to redemption is riddled with twists, turns, tight straits, and the reality is 13 million Americans get caught up in the misdemeanor system, where it’s very difficult to defend yourself, especially when you’re poor,” he said. “Than…
Mount Vernon Mayor Admits To Misdemeanors In Campaign Funds Misuse Case, Agrees To Resign Mount Vernon Mayor Admits To Misdemeanors In Campaign Funds Misuse Case, Agrees To Resign
Mount Vernon Mayor Admits To Misdemeanors In Campaign Funds Misuse Case, Agrees To Resign Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas has admitted to a pair of misdemeanors for misappropriating campaign funds and has agreed to resign from his position. As part of a plea deal, Thomas pleaded guilty to fourth-degree attempted grand larceny and second-degree offering a false statement for filing on Monday, July 8. Thomas will resign as mayor on Monday, Sept. 30. Thomas admitted that he stole $12,900 from his campaign committee in 2015 and failed to report the receipt of $4,000 and falsely claimed that a $2,500 payment was a reimbursement. According to the criminal complaint, prior to Th…
Popular Westchester Pizzeria In Business 75-Plus Years Temporarily Closed Following Fire Popular Westchester Pizzeria In Business 75-Plus Years Temporarily Closed Following Fire
Popular Westchester Pizzeria In Business 75-Plus Years Temporarily Closed Following Fire A fire has forced the temporary closure of a popular Westchester pizzeria. The fire broke out at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 30, in a Mount Vernon shopping center on Lincoln Avenue, prompting the closure of Johnny’s Pizzeria as the owners take steps to repair damage to the building, which has been open for more than 75 years.  "Not to worry, we will be back as you all know we have been through worse the last couple of years," Johnny's said on Instagram on Sunday. "We can not thank the (Mount Vernon Fire Department) for their fast response time.” The cause of the fire is…
Calls Grow For Removal Of Central Park 5 Prosecutor From Hall Of Fame Of Westchester HS Calls Grow For Removal Of Central Park 5 Prosecutor From Hall Of Fame Of Westchester HS
Calls Grow For Removal Of Central Park 5 Prosecutor From Hall Of Fame Of Westchester HS The fallout from the Netflix series “When They See Us,” which depicts the case of the “Central Park 5” continues for former prosecutor Linda Fairstein, who is now hearing calls for her removal from the Mount Vernon High School Hall of Fame. The former prosecutor has been in hot water since the release of the Netflix miniseries “When They See Us,” which depicts a dramatization of the trial of the teens who were wrongfully convicted of raping a jogger in Central Park in 1989. Last week, Fairstein resigned from the Board of Trustees at her alma mater, Vassar College, amid the backlash. The …
Suspect Apprehended After Fatally Stabbing Man in Westchester Suspect Apprehended After Fatally Stabbing Man in Westchester
Suspect Apprehended After Fatally Stabbing Man in Westchester A 25-year-old man has been arrested in connection to the fatal stabbing of a man in Westchester. Cortland Street resident Savian Kirton of Mount Vernon has been charged with manslaughter for his role in the homicide of Jermial Rose, who was fatally stabbed in the neck outside a deli on South 8th Avenue in Mount Vernon on Saturday, June 1. Officers from the Mount Vernon Police Department responded to 401 S. 8th Ave. shortly after 5 p.m. on Saturday, where there was a report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, officers found Rose, 38, with a stab wound to the neck. He was transported to a nea…
Man Caught, Cited For Illegally Dumping In Public Parking Lot In Westchester Man Caught, Cited For Illegally Dumping In Public Parking Lot In Westchester
Man Caught, Cited For Illegally Dumping In Public Parking Lot In Westchester Police caught a truck driver from Mount Vernon red-handed illegally dumping debris and asphalt in a local parking lot in Westchester. Officers from the Mount Vernon Police Department spotted the driver from a Connecticut company, Ruben Cruz, 57, on Thursday, May 30, dumping in the public parking lot 17, police announced. Cruz, a Third Avenue resident, was accused of littering and issued an appearance ticket to appear in Mount Vernon City Court on July 15. According to officials, the Mount Vernon City Code states that any person violating any provision of the City’s littering ordinance shal…
City Counsel In Mount Vernon Charged In State AG's Investigation City Counsel In Mount Vernon Charged In State AG's Investigation
City Counsel In Mount Vernon Charged In State AG's Investigation One of Mount Vernon’s top lawyers was in an unfamiliar position in court on Wednesday when he was indicted for allegedly using city water department funds to help pay for Mayor Richard Thomas’ criminal defense legal team and hire a public relations firm. Lawrence Porcari Jr., the city’s Corporation Counsel pleaded not guilty in Westchester County Court on Wednesday, May 29, to a felony charge of first-degree corrupting the government. He allegedly was involved in using $365,000 from the city’s water department to assist the mayor. Porcari was also charged with one count of grand larceny as …
Mount Vernon Mayor Rejects Plea Deal In Criminal Case, Will Head to Trial Mount Vernon Mayor Rejects Plea Deal In Criminal Case, Will Head to Trial
Mount Vernon Mayor Rejects Plea Deal In Criminal Case, Will Head to Trial Embattled Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas will have his day in court. Thomas rejected the final plea deal in his criminal case on Friday and is scheduled to go to trial in July, according to lohud. At his latest court date, Thomas reportedly told Supreme Court Justice Barry Warhit that “I have faith in the system, your honor. I’m proceeding to trial.” The decision came following two hours of conferences between the judge, prosecutors and lawyers representing the mayor. Thomas has vehemently denied any wrongdoing since allegations arose claiming he misappropriated campaign funds. Jury sel…
Fundraising Effort Launched For Funeral Of 9-Year-Old Struck, Killed By Minivan In Westchester Fundraising Effort Launched For Funeral Of 9-Year-Old Struck, Killed By Minivan In Westchester
Fundraising Effort Launched For Funeral Of 9-Year-Old Struck, Killed By Minivan In Westchester A fundraising campaign has been started for the family of 9-year-old Drew Faustin, who was struck and killed by a minivan in Westchester while crossing the street just days before his 10th birthday. Faustin, a fourth-grade student at Graham Elementary School in Mount Vernon was struck by the vehicle driven by 27-year-old Connecticut resident Janay Ruiz, 27, shortly after 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, while crossing South Columbus Avenue in Mount Vernon, officials said. The boy was transported to Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx for treatment, where he was pronounced dead. In response, a …
Victim, Driver ID'd: Boy Dies After Being Hit By Minivan In Westchester Victim, Driver ID'd: Boy Dies After Being Hit By Minivan In Westchester
Victim, Driver ID'd: Boy Dies After Being Hit By Minivan In Westchester Police have released new details regarding the tragic incident in which a minivan struck and killed a 9-year-old boy while crossing the street in Westchester. Drew Faustin, a fourth-grade student at Graham Elementary School in Mount Vernon was struck by the vehicle driven by 27-year-old Connecticut resident Janay Ruiz, 27, shortly after 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, while crossing South Columbus Avenue in Mount Vernon, officials said. The boy was transported to Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx for treatment, where he was pronounced dead. Ruiz, whose place of residence in Connecticut was …
Chase Counters Claim Of Racial Profiling At White Plains Branch By Mount Vernon Mayor Chase Counters Claim Of Racial Profiling At White Plains Branch By Mount Vernon Mayor
Chase Counters Claim Of Racial Profiling At White Plains Branch By Mount Vernon Mayor JPMorgan Chase is refuting claims from a mayor in Westchester who is claiming he was the target of racial profiling for “banking while black” at a local Chase Bank in White Plains. Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas said that police were called to a JP Morgan Chase office on Westchester Avenue on Thursday, April 25, while he was waiting to see a bank official. According to an email from one of Thomas’ spokespeople, bank officials summoned the police on him, his chief of staff, and a Mount Vernon Police detective as Thomas sought access to Mount Vernon’s online banking records. “The response…
Mount Vernon Mayor Accuses Bank In Westchester Of Racial Profiling Mount Vernon Mayor Accuses Bank In Westchester Of Racial Profiling
Mount Vernon Mayor Accuses Bank In Westchester Of Racial Profiling Click here for an updated story: Chase Counters Claim Of Racial Profiling At White Plains Branch By Mount Vernon Mayor A mayor in Westchester is claiming he was the target of racial profiling for “banking while black” at a local Chase Bank in White Plains. Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas said that police were called to a JP Morgan Chase office on Westchester Avenue on Thursday, April 25, while he was waiting to see a bank official. According to an email from one of Thomas’ spokespeople, bank officials summoned the police on him, his chief of staff, and a Mount Vernon Police det…
Newly Launched BlueBamboo Offers West Indian Cuisine In Westchester Newly Launched BlueBamboo Offers West Indian Cuisine In Westchester
Newly Launched BlueBamboo Offers West Indian Cuisine In Westchester The newly opened Westchester restaurant known as BlueBamboo is off to a great start with its wide range of menu options. Located at 267 South 4th Avenue in Mount Vernon, BlueBamboo serves up traditional seafood options rich with Vietnamese, West Indian and Caribbean flavors. Take your pick of protein from brown stew chicken, jerk chicken, curry goat, oxtail, stew pork, snapper, escovitch, wild salmon, curry shrimp, jerk shrimp, pepper shrimp and much more. Traditional American options like wings, wraps, burgers, salads and sides are also available, and all of the options are reasonably pri…
Ousted Police Deputy Commissioner Still Has City SUV, Badge, Officials Claim Ousted Police Deputy Commissioner Still Has City SUV, Badge, Officials Claim
Ousted Police Deputy Commissioner Still Has City SUV, Badge, Officials Claim Former Mount Vernon Deputy Police Commissioner Joseph Spiezio, who was unceremoniously ousted from his position last month, reportedly is still in possession of his police shield and a city-owned SUV. Spiezio was stopped on Webster Avenue in New Rochelle at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 3, police said. He was driving a city-owned Chevrolet Suburban - which has been a point of contention amongst Mount Vernon officials - and using a siren to drive by other cars. Despite being out of a city job, Spiezio, who resigned from his $1 salary and serves as an advisor to Mayor Richard Thoma…
Runaway Garbage Truck Slams Car, Damages House In Westchester Runaway Garbage Truck Slams Car, Damages House In Westchester
Runaway Garbage Truck Slams Car, Damages House In Westchester Another day, another problem for the Mount Vernon Department of Public Works and its demising fleet of trucks. A malfunctioning Mount Vernon DPW garbage truck went rogue on Tuesday morning near the intersection of Elm Avenue and North Fulton, slamming into a car, and striking a house, damaging both. The latest incident comes weeks after DPW employees found that the city’s snowplows, salt, garbage and sewer trucks had been sabotaged the night before a major storm. Last week, Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas stated that eight of the DPW’s 17 sanitation trucks are currently out of commission…
Dozens Of DPW Trucks Vandalized In Westchester Before Snowstorm Dozens Of DPW Trucks Vandalized In Westchester Before Snowstorm
Dozens Of DPW Trucks Vandalized In Westchester Before Snowstorm Department of Public Works employees received an unwelcome surprise on Tuesday morning when they went to go to work, and it wasn’t snow. Police are investigating vandalism at the Mount Vernon DPW garage after workers found that the city’s snowplows, salt, garbage and sewer trucks had been sabotaged overnight. According to police, one or more suspects are believed to have entered the Canal Street garage between 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 11 and 5 a.m. the following morning and stuffed latex gloves into the tanks of the municipal trucks. Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas said the va…
Suspect Apprehended After Being Shot, Injuring Cops During BMW Chase In Westchester Suspect Apprehended After Being Shot, Injuring Cops During BMW Chase In Westchester
Suspect Apprehended After Being Shot, Injuring Cops During BMW Chase In Westchester One of two suspects has been arrested following Thursday’s manhunt in Westchester when a police officer was struck and dragged by a man in a stolen BMW as he attempted to escape. Mount Vernon resident Howard Rowlett, 24, was arrested following Thursday’s manhunt when he sought medical treatment in Fairfield County for a gunshot wound he suffered during the incident. Members of the Stamford Police Department alerted investigators in Mount Vernon, and Rowlett was arrested at Stamford Hospital Thursday night. The incident began at approximately 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 24, as detectives from t…
Fights Still Going On Following Mayor's Unannounced Visit To Mount Vernon HS With Rapper Fatboy Fights Still Going On Following Mayor's Unannounced Visit To Mount Vernon HS With Rapper Fatboy
Fights Still Going On Following Mayor's Unannounced Visit To Mount Vernon HS With Rapper Fatboy The fallout from Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas’ unexpected visit to the high school last week continues to reverberate throughout the city and school district as fighting has continued into this week. Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas and rapper Fatboy made an appearance at the high school on Friday, Jan. 11, unbeknownst to the school, Principal Ronald Gonzalez, or Mount Vernon Superintendent Kenneth Hamilton. During the visit - which was without notice or authorization - students got riled up and proceeded to begin fighting when the rapper reportedly “made it rain,” throwing money arou…
Westchester Mayor’s Unexpected School Visit With Rapper Leads To Chaos Westchester Mayor’s Unexpected School Visit With Rapper Leads To Chaos
Westchester Mayor’s Unexpected School Visit With Rapper Leads To Chaos What was supposed to be a surprise for students at Mount Vernon High School devolved into chaos on Friday, following a visit from the mayor and an Internet rapper. Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas and rapper “Fatboy” made an appearance at the high school on Friday, Jan. 11, unbeknownst to the school, its principal, or Mount Vernon Superintendent Kenneth Hamilton. During the visit - which was without notice or authorization - students got riled up and proceeded to begin fighting when the rapper reportedly “made it rain,” throwing money around, which led to the chaotic scene. No injuries wer…
Legal Action Authorized Against Mayor, Rapper, After High School Melee Legal Action Authorized Against Mayor, Rapper, After High School Melee
Legal Action Authorized Against Mayor, Rapper, After High School Melee The Mount Vernon School District Board of Education has passed a resolution authorizing legal action against Mayor Richard Thomas and rapper Fatboy following last week’s chaotic incident at the high school. Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas and rapper “Fatboy” made an appearance at the high school on Friday, Jan. 11, unbeknownst to the school, its principal, or Mount Vernon Superintendent Kenneth Hamilton. During the visit - which was without notice or authorization - students got riled up and proceeded to begin fighting when the rapper reportedly “made it rain,” throwing money around, whic…