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Bail Reform

Police & Fire
Man Nabbed After Starting Several Fires Around City In Westchester, Police Say Man Nabbed After Starting Several Fires Around City In Westchester, Police Say
Man Nabbed After Starting Several Fires Around City In Westchester, Police Say A 34-year-old man faces a felony arson charge after allegedly starting multiple fires across a city in Westchester, damaging a car in the process, police announced.  Yonkers resident Edwin Polanco was arrested on Monday, June 3, following several incidents that began around 1 a.m., Yonkers Police announced on Tuesday, June 4.  According to the department, Polanco allegedly set several piles of garbage on fire at that time, damaging a vehicle parked next to trash cans in one of the locations.  Soon after the fires were set, officers and detectives found Polanco and …

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by Ben Crnic
News
Suspect In Severed Remains Case Of Westchester Victims Caught Shoplifting At CVS, Police Say Suspect In Severed Remains Case Of Westchester Victims Caught Shoplifting At CVS, Police Say
Suspect In Severed Remains Case Of Westchester Victims Caught Shoplifting At CVS, Police Say One of four suspects accused of dismembering and scattering the remains of two murder victims from Westchester County across Long Island is now behind bars on an unrelated charge. Amanda Wallace, age 40, was caught shoplifting at a CVS store in Lindenhurst on Friday night, March 15, according to Suffolk County Police. An employee called 911 at around 10:50 p.m. saying a woman was stealing beauty products from the store, located on East Montauk Highway. Earlier Report: Dismembered Remains Case: ID Released For 1 Of 2 Victims Police arrested Wallace a short time later on suspicion of…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
Dismembered Remains Case: ID Released For 1 Of 2 Westchester County Victims Dismembered Remains Case: ID Released For 1 Of 2 Westchester County Victims
Dismembered Remains Case: ID Released For 1 Of 2 Westchester County Victims For the first time, police have publicly identified one of two murder victims from Westchester County whose mutilated remains were found strewn across Long Island, reigniting the debate over bail reform laws. In an update to the case Monday, March 11, Suffolk County Police identified the female victim as 59-year-old Donna Conneely, whose last known address was in Yonkers. The identity of the male victim is still pending confirmation from the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s office. Earlier Report: Dismembering Dead Body Would Be Felony Under NY Bill Meant To Remedy 'Ill-Conceived D…

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by Michael Mashburn
Politics
Dismembering Dead Body Would Be Felony Under NY Bill Meant To Remedy 'Ill-Conceived Disaster' Dismembering Dead Body Would Be Felony Under NY Bill Meant To Remedy 'Ill-Conceived Disaster'
Dismembering Dead Body Would Be Felony Under NY Bill Meant To Remedy 'Ill-Conceived Disaster' Public outrage over the release of four suspects accused of dismembering and hiding the bodies of two murder victims in New York has led to proposed changes to state law. A bill introduced by Long Island Republican State Sen. Anthony Palumbo on Thursday, March 7, would make it a felony to dismember or conceal a human corpse, thereby making the offense eligible for bail. Palumbo said the legislation is a direct response to the “horrific” case in Suffolk County, where the severed body parts of a Yonkers couple were found strewn at Bethpage State Park, Southards Pond Park in Babylon, and a woo…

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by Michael Mashburn
Politics
'Indefensible': DA Blasts Hochul Over Criticism Of Severed Remains Case Of Westchester Victims 'Indefensible': DA Blasts Hochul Over Criticism Of Severed Remains Case Of Westchester Victims
'Indefensible': DA Blasts Hochul Over Criticism Of Severed Remains Case Of Westchester Victims Local leaders are outraged over comments Gov. Kathy Hochul made criticizing the investigation into two Westchester County residents whose mutilated corpses were strewn across Long Island. The public back-and-forth began Wednesday, March 6, when Suffolk County District Raymond Tierney blasted reforms to the state’s bail laws that saw four suspects in the case released from custody with GPS monitoring. “Unfortunately, due to ‘bail reform’ passed by the New York State Legislature in 2019, charges relating to the mutilation and disposal of murdered corpses are no longer bail-eligible, meaning m…

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by Michael Mashburn
Police & Fire
Man Sucker-Punches Officer, Breaks His Nose In Westchester: Police Man Sucker-Punches Officer, Breaks His Nose In Westchester: Police
Man Sucker-Punches Officer, Breaks His Nose In Westchester: Police Officials in a Westchester County city are calling for bail reform following the quick release of a man who was arrested for sucker punching an officer in his face and breaking his nose, police said. Johnny McCray, age 39, was arrested on Wednesday night, Sept. 6 on assault charges after punching an officer in the face, according to Yonkers Police.  On the night of the incident, police responded to Yonkers Avenue in the area of Cypress Street on reports of a man lying down on the sidewalk. There, arriving officers found a man identified as McCray, who they confirmed was still breathing.  …

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Serial Westchester Shoplifter: Man Arrested 17th Time In Year, Police Call For Bail Law Change Serial Westchester Shoplifter: Man Arrested 17th Time In Year, Police Call For Bail Law Change
Serial Westchester Shoplifter: Man Arrested 17th Time In Year, Police Call For Bail Law Change A man faces his 17th arrest in a little more than a year after shoplifting from a store in Westchester County, leading a police department to urge lawmakers to allow courts to hold repeat offenders in jail.  The plea came from the Yonkers Police Department, who arrested 25-year-old Anthony Arias of the Bronx on Sunday night, Feb. 12 after he allegedly shoplifted from the Burlington Coat Factory at 2500 Central Park Ave.  Police added that it was Arias' seventeenth arrest since January 2022 and that since then, he has failed to appear in court six times, had two open arrest warrants, and fo…

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by Ben Crnic
Politics
Hochul Elected To First Full Term As NY Governor, Defeats Trump-Backed Zeldin Hochul Elected To First Full Term As NY Governor, Defeats Trump-Backed Zeldin
Hochul Elected To First Full Term As NY Governor, Defeats Trump-Backed Zeldin This story has been updated. New York’s Democratic incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul has been elected to her first full term in office, fending off her Republican challenger, Long Island Rep. Lee Zeldin, NBC News projects. Hochul is leading Zeldin, who represents the state’s 1st Congressional District covering much of Suffolk County, by five percentage points, 52.7 to 47.3 percent, as of 6 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, with 93 percent of the vote counted. "I'm deeply honored to be elected Governor of the State of New York," Hochul posted on Twitter shortly after the race was called. BREAKING: I’m…

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by Michael Mashburn
Politics
'You're Done': NY GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Lee Zeldin Attacked By Man With Pointed Weapon 'You're Done': NY GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Lee Zeldin Attacked By Man With Pointed Weapon
'You're Done': NY GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Lee Zeldin Attacked By Man With Pointed Weapon Long Island Congressman Lee Zeldin, the Republican candidate for governor of New York, was attacked by a man with a pointed weapon at a campaign rally in western New York. Zeldin is shown in a video standing on the bed of a truck, speaking to supporters in a parking lot in Perinton, New York, near Rochester, on Thursday evening, July 21 when the man lunged at him and tried to pull him down by the arm.  Here is video of the attack involving Rep. Zeldin from witness Cody Crippen pic.twitter.com/Ur1CfpkdsS — Nick Reisman (@NickReisman) July 22, 2022 Several men then contained the attacker…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
Six Hudson Valley Residents Accused Of Scamming $250,000 From Businesses Six Hudson Valley Residents Accused Of Scamming $250,000 From Businesses
Six Hudson Valley Residents Accused Of Scamming $250,000 From Businesses Six Hudson Valley residents have been indicted by a grand jury in a wide-ranging fraud scheme that costs area businesses more than $250,000. The fraud scheme targeted businesses in Orange County including in Newburgh and Middletown and ran from March 2021 through April, said the Orange County District Attorney's Office  Those arrested included: Turgaud Dubuisson, age 29 of Newburgh Anthony Dubuisson, age 25, of Newburgh Robert Geter, age 46, of Newburgh Marlon Tabora, age 25, of Newburgh Daniel DeLeon, age 32, of Newburgh Tonya Best, age 46, of Middletown. According to the indictment…

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by Kathy Reakes
Politics
Cuomo Camp Responds To New Survey Touting His Polling Numbers Cuomo Camp Responds To New Survey Touting His Polling Numbers
Cuomo Camp Responds To New Survey Touting His Polling Numbers Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo hasn't officially thrown his hat into the 2020 gubernatorial ring, but his advisors certainly have not been backing away from the possibility. A newly released Siena College poll found that New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is still in the driver’s seat for a nomination in the 2022 Democratic Primary, with commanding leads over New York City advocate Jumaane Williams and Long Island Congressman Tom Suozzi, both of whom announced their intention to run. Earlier story - Brand-New Poll Reveals How Cuomo Would Do Against Hochul In Potential Primary Matchup However, i…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
Town Supervisor In Northern Westchester To Run For State Assembly Town Supervisor In Northern Westchester To Run For State Assembly
Town Supervisor In Northern Westchester To Run For State Assembly A popular Republican lawmaker in Northern Westchester announced that he will be stepping away from his current position at the end of the year as he seeks a state Assembly seat. Yorktown Supervisor Matt Slater, age 36, who was re-elected for a second term in an uncontested election in November, says he will challenge for the seat currently held by Republican Kevin Byrne in the 94th State Assembly District this year. The 94th District includes parts of Northern Westchester and most of Putnam County.  It is currently occupied by Byrne, who earned the GOP nomination to run for longtime P…

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by Zak Failla
News
18 Arrested After Investigation Into Drug Trafficking In Hudson Valley 18 Arrested After Investigation Into Drug Trafficking In Hudson Valley
18 Arrested After Investigation Into Drug Trafficking In Hudson Valley Eighteen suspects are facing charges in the Hudson Valley following a long-term investigation into drug smuggling and sales in Orange County, authorities announced. Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler and Port Jervis Police Chief William Worden announced that they have arrested and charged 18 people who have been linked to drug possession and sales throughout the region. Several of the suspects have also been charged with smuggling drugs into the Orange County Jail and prostitution. On Monday, March 7, Hoovler announced that the 18 have been charged with crimes pertaining to the…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
This Local Race Seen As Most Heated Amid Focus On Presidential Election This Local Race Seen As Most Heated Amid Focus On Presidential Election
This Local Race Seen As Most Heated Amid Focus On Presidential Election While all eyes will be on the 2020 presidential election, a hotly contested local race is expected to come down to the wire in the Hudson Valley. The race between one-term incumbent Democratic Sen. Pete Harckham and former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino in the 40th Senate District has been a back-and-forth affair, with neither candidate a clear frontrunner. The 40th district includes parts of Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess counties. Despite having a sizable lead in registered voters in the district, the seat had long been held by Republicans before Harckham’s victory two year…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Westchester/Fairfield County Stolen Car Chase Leads To Three Arrests Westchester/Fairfield County Stolen Car Chase Leads To Three Arrests
Westchester/Fairfield County Stolen Car Chase Leads To Three Arrests Police arrested three people after taking officers on a chase in a stolen vehicle along the Hutchinson River Parkway in Westchester to the Fairfield County border before crashing. The incident took place around 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 22, when Harrison Harrison Police officers were altered by a license plate reader that a vehicle stolen in the Bronx was traveling along area roads, said the Harrison Police Department. A Harrison sergeant spotted the vehicle at a gas station near North Street on the Hutch, the department said. When the sergeant attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver fl…

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by Kathy Reakes
Politics
Closed-Door Negotiations Could Result In Change To Controversial NY Bail Reform Measure Closed-Door Negotiations Could Result In Change To Controversial NY Bail Reform Measure
Closed-Door Negotiations Could Result In Change To Controversial NY Bail Reform Measure Could New York's bail reform laws that took effect this year soon be a thing of the past? Gov. Andrew Cuomo and State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins reportedly met behind closed doors this week to discuss the much-maligned and oft-criticized newly enacted bail reform laws. The two were reportedly looking to make potential changes to the law before the New York State budget has to be signed into law on Wednesday, April 1. As of Wednesday, Jan. 1, thousands of inmates throughout the state were put back on the streets due to Cuomo’s bail reform legislation, which marked the en…

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by Zak Failla
News
Accused Area Library Killer Was Free Without Bail On Attempted Rape Charge Accused Area Library Killer Was Free Without Bail On Attempted Rape Charge
Accused Area Library Killer Was Free Without Bail On Attempted Rape Charge This story has been updated. The 25-year-old man behind bars for allegedly fatally stabbing a Rockland County library security guard was free without bail on an attempted rape charge. On Tuesday, Feb. 18, Sandra Wilson, 52, of Spring Valley, was killed by Blanchard Glaudin, on the third floor of the Finkelstein Memorial Library in Spring Valley, after she asked him to turn his music down. According to Spring Valley Police, Glaudin attacked Wilson with a 6-inch knife in which he stabbed her repeatedly before being restrained by "heroic" bystanders. See Earlier Story: IDs Released Fo…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Vote Now: New Poll Says Most Think New Bail Reform Laws Are Bad For NY - What Do You Think? Vote Now: New Poll Says Most Think New Bail Reform Laws Are Bad For NY - What Do You Think?
Vote Now: New Poll Says Most Think New Bail Reform Laws Are Bad For NY - What Do You Think? New Yorkers have turned against the new bail reform laws that ended cash bail for all misdemeanor and non-violent felony offenders in New York, according to a new poll. As of Wednesday, Jan. 1, thousands of inmates throughout the state were put back on the streets due to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s bail reform legislation, which marked the end of cash bail for misdemeanor and non-violent felony offenders that were previously incarcerated. The reform has come under fire from both the community, some law enforcement agencies, and elected officials, who believe that Cuomo should revisit the …

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by Zak Failla
Politics
NY Needs To Revisit Bail Reform Laws, State Attorney General Says NY Needs To Revisit Bail Reform Laws, State Attorney General Says
NY Needs To Revisit Bail Reform Laws, State Attorney General Says New York State Attorney General Letitia James has become to latest voice to speak out against the recently enacted statewide bail reform laws. As of Wednesday, Jan. 1, thousands of inmates throughout the state were put back on the streets due to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s bail reform legislation, which marked the end of cash bail for misdemeanor and non-violent felony offenders that were previously incarcerated. The reform has come under fire from both the community, law enforcement agencies, and elected officials, who believe that Cuomo should revisit the law for possible changes in the …

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by Zak Failla
News
These New NY Laws Are Taking Effect In 2020 These New NY Laws Are Taking Effect In 2020
These New NY Laws Are Taking Effect In 2020 A new year is bringing some new laws for New Yorkers. Though elected officials won’t head back to work for another week, the dawn of 2020 has seen a host of new laws that will impact New York residents. The biggest change coming to the Empire State is the new state bail reform law that will eliminate cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies.  A new state discovery law has also been enacted, which will require prosecutors to open their evidence to defense attorneys earlier in court proceedings. Employees working for minimum wage in Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk coun…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
ID Released For Woman Struck, Killed By SUV On Route 9W; Driver Charged With Leaving Scene ID Released For Woman Struck, Killed By SUV On Route 9W; Driver Charged With Leaving Scene
ID Released For Woman Struck, Killed By SUV On Route 9W; Driver Charged With Leaving Scene The identity of the woman struck and killed by an SUV on a stretch of Route 9W has been released in a crash in which the driver was charged with fleeing the scene. The incident happened in Rockland County on Tuesday night, Dec. 24, just before 9:45 p.m. at the intersection 9W and Filors Lane in Stony Point. The 35-year-old victim was pronounced dead at Westchester Medical Center shortly after the crash. She has now been identified as Maria Osai. Osai had family members in Stony Point and Haverstraw, Stony Point Police said on Thursday morning, Dec. 26. After the crash, the SUV ha…

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by Joe Lombardi
Police & Fire
Woman Dies At Westchester Medical Center After Hit-Run Crash With SUV Woman Dies At Westchester Medical Center After Hit-Run Crash With SUV
Woman Dies At Westchester Medical Center After Hit-Run Crash With SUV Click here for an updated story: ID Released For Woman Struck, Killed By SUV On Route 9W; Driver Charged With Leaving Scene The driver of an SUV has been charged with fleeing the scene after fatally striking a woman crossing a busy stretch of Route 9W, police said. It happened in Rockland County on Tuesday night, Dec. 24, just before 9:45 p.m. at the intersection 9W and Filors Lane in Stony Point. After the crash, the SUV had last been seen traveling south on Route 9W, police said. On Wednesday, Dec. 25, Stony Point Police announced that both the vehicle and driver were located by po…

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by Joe Lombardi
Police & Fire
Police: Peekskill Athlete In Trio Who Cashed Victim's $2,000 Check With Bogus Driver's License Police: Peekskill Athlete In Trio Who Cashed Victim's $2,000 Check With Bogus Driver's License
Police: Peekskill Athlete In Trio Who Cashed Victim's $2,000 Check With Bogus Driver's License A Peekskill athlete was among a trio of accused ID thieves thwarted -- this time by bank employees and police in New Jersey -- after they tried cashing a bogus check for $2,000 using a driver’s license they’d created from an innocent victim’s personal information, authorities said. One of the thieves presented the license, which had the same name as the payee on the check, issued by a New York City business, Wyckoff Police Lt. Joseph Soto said. Police soon after arrested Somoya L. Jimerson, a 22-year-old track and field athlete from of Peekskill; Jaquaya I. Grant, 28, and Emmett J. Bru…

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by Jerry DeMarco
Politics
Westchester's Andrea Stewart-Cousins Makes History As New State Senate Majority Leader Westchester's Andrea Stewart-Cousins Makes History As New State Senate Majority Leader
Westchester's Andrea Stewart-Cousins Makes History As New State Senate Majority Leader It’s official: New York Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins of Westchester has made political history, becoming the first woman to become the majority leader of the State Senate when she was sworn in on Wednesday. "When you think about it, not that long ago, women weren’t even allowed to walk on the floor of this chamber,” the Senator representing Yonkers said shortly after taking the Senate gavel on the opening day of the state Legislature's 2019 session. "I stand here the first woman leader of a legislative house in state history. And if we do this right, I cannot and will not be the last."&n…

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by Zak Failla
News
Westchester District Attorney Ends Bail For Most Misdemeanors Westchester District Attorney Ends Bail For Most Misdemeanors
Westchester District Attorney Ends Bail For Most Misdemeanors WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. -- Calling it "discriminatory", Westchester County District Attorney Anthony Scarpino said his office will no longer seek bail in most misdemeanor cases.Scarpino said the move was done to promote fairness and end unnecessary incarceration for impoverished defendants.  "The District Attorney’s Office has issued guidelines for local court branches to ensure all defendants are treated fairly and equally while providing adequate assurance that he or she will return to court when required,” Scarpino said. “While our current policy has not resulted in a larg…

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by Sam Barron