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Rockland County District Attorney's Office

Man Nabbed In Undercover Online Predator Sting In Hudson Valley, DA Says Man Nabbed In Undercover Online Predator Sting In Hudson Valley, DA Says
Man Nabbed In Undercover Online Predator Sting In Hudson Valley, DA Says A man is facing multiple charges after an online predator sting in the region. From Tuesday, April 30, through Sunday, Sept. 1 of this year, Robert Fidler age 66, of Nyack engaged in internet chats and attempted to arrange meetings with what he thought were two teenage girls, the Rockland County District Attorney's Office said. An undercover officer of the DA Office's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force had assumed the personas of 13- and 14-year-old girls. During the conversations, Fidler described how he and the undercover officer would engage in sexual contact whe…
67 Guns, 4 Assault Rifles Turned In At Hudson Valley Gun Buyback Event 67 Guns, 4 Assault Rifles Turned In At Hudson Valley Gun Buyback Event
67 Guns, 4 Assault Rifles Turned In At Hudson Valley Gun Buyback Event A Hudson Valley gun buyback event collected 67 guns, including four assault rifles. The annual event was held in Rockland County in Spring Valley on Thursday, June 6. During the event, sponsored by the Rockland County Sheriff's Office with the Spring Valley Police Department, the New York State Police, and the Rockland County District Attorney’s, residents were given gift cards in exchange for guns.  Rockland County Sheriff Louis Falco said the guns collected included: Four assault rifles 29 handguns 32 rifles and shotguns Two antique or non-working guns Individuals also turned…
Suspect Nabbed After Victim Stabbed Outside Home In Quiet Hudson Valley Neighborhood Suspect Nabbed After Victim Stabbed Outside Home In Quiet Hudson Valley Neighborhood
Suspect Nabbed After Victim Stabbed Outside Home In Quiet Hudson Valley Neighborhood A suspect has been apprehended days after a resident was stabbed multiple times outside a home in a quiet neighborhood in the Hudson Valley. The incident occurred in Rockland County shortly after 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 11 in the Town of Ramapo Arriving officers discovered that the victim had been accosted in his driveway on Trailside Place by an unknown suspect and was stabbed multiple times about his body including his head and neck.  The victim was transported to the hospital by ambulance in serious condition. On Saturday, April 13, after nearly 48 ho…
Man Tries Fleeing Arrest After Trying To Entice Teen Into Sex In Hudson Valley: Police Man Tries Fleeing Arrest After Trying To Entice Teen Into Sex In Hudson Valley: Police
Man Tries Fleeing Arrest After Trying To Entice Teen Into Sex In Hudson Valley: Police A 20-year-old Connecticut man was apprehended after ramming police vehicles to escape arrest for trying to entice a 13-year-old victim into engaging in sexual activity in the Hudson Valley, authorities said.  Fairfield County resident Francisco Javi Gomez of Norwalk was arrested in Putnam County on Wednesday, April 3 in connection with an investigation that began on Friday, March 15, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office announced on Friday, April 12.  According to authorities, Gomez had been enticing a 13-year-old victim to engage in sexual activity with him through social medi…
Man Accused Of Killing Wife In Hudson Valley Man Accused Of Killing Wife In Hudson Valley
Man Accused Of Killing Wife In Hudson Valley A Hudson Valley man is behind bars after allegedly killing his wife during a domestic dispute. Rockland County resident Warle Fernandez-Arias, age 37, was charged with second-degree murder on Friday, Feb. 23 in Spring Valley after his wife, Carolyn Canela, age 36, was found dead. According to Spring Valley Police, Canela, who moved to the US from Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, was found when officers responded to a welfare check at 149 Sneden Place West at their Hillcrest Point apartment. Once inside the apartment, officers found the body of Canela, who was pronoun…
Suspect In Murder Of Hudson Valley Woman Fatally Shoots Himself In Front Of Cops In Connecticut Suspect In Murder Of Hudson Valley Woman Fatally Shoots Himself In Front Of Cops In Connecticut
Suspect In Murder Of Hudson Valley Woman Fatally Shoots Himself In Front Of Cops In Connecticut A man who had allegedly murdered a woman earlier in the day in the Hudson Valley shot and killed himself in Connecticut in front of police when cornered. The incident began around 9 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 31 in Rockland County when the Ramapo Police discovered a 56-year-old woman lying on the ground on Innwood Drive suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in the Hillcrest section of Ramapo. The woman was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern by Spring Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps where she was pronounced dead, said Lt. Chris Franklin of the Ramapo Police. The Ramapo Police Inve…
Hudson Valley Inmate Convicted Of Multiple Crimes Including Attacking Guard, DA Says Hudson Valley Inmate Convicted Of Multiple Crimes Including Attacking Guard, DA Says
Hudson Valley Inmate Convicted Of Multiple Crimes Including Attacking Guard, DA Says A 34-year-old Hudson Valley man serving time in jail has been convicted of several crimes while he was confined. Rockland County District Attorney Thomas Walsh II announced Thursday, Dec. 14, that Darius Williams, of Spring Valley, was convicted of six felony counts, stemming from criminal conduct on four separate occasions while confined in the Rockland County Jail. The crimes include: On Wednesday, Jan. 11, Rockland County Sheriff’s Corrections officers searched Willams' cell. During the search, a white shank with a metal tip was discovered in the jail-issu…
24-Year-Old Admits To Attempting To Meet Girl At Hotel In Hudson Valley, DA Says 24-Year-Old Admits To Attempting To Meet Girl At Hotel In Hudson Valley, DA Says
24-Year-Old Admits To Attempting To Meet Girl At Hotel In Hudson Valley, DA Says A 24-year-old had admitted to multiple charges, including attempting to meet a minor in the Hudson Valley. Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced on Friday, Oct. 19 that Dylan Choe, of New York City, has also pleaded guilty to disseminating indecent material to minors. In January of 2023, Choe engaged in an online conversation with a Rockland County District Attorney’s Office undercover investigator on a social media platform, Walsh said.  The undercover investigator claimed to be a 13-year-old girl from Rockland.  "The defendant proceeded …
Hudson Valley Political Consultant Nabbed For Grand Larceny, DA Says Hudson Valley Political Consultant Nabbed For Grand Larceny, DA Says
Hudson Valley Political Consultant Nabbed For Grand Larceny, DA Says A Hudson Valley man has been indicted for alleged grand larceny after stealing more than $7,000 from a political campaign committee. Rockland County resident Michael Bookman, age 40, from Bardondia, a hamlet of Clarkstown, was charged on Friday, Oct. 13, said Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh. In addition to grand larceny, Bookman was also charged with falsifying business records and issuing a bad check, the DA's Office said. According to Walsh, over a period spanning four months, Bookman is accused of stealing over $7,000 from a political campaign committee while acti…
Democratic Committee Chair, Son In Westchester Indicted for Campaign-Related Forgery Democratic Committee Chair, Son In Westchester Indicted for Campaign-Related Forgery
Democratic Committee Chair, Son In Westchester Indicted for Campaign-Related Forgery A Democratic chairman in the Hudson Valley and his son have been indicted for alleged election-related fraud. Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced Wednesday, Sept.13, that following an investigation into forged primary election petitions in Northern Westchester County, William Serratore, age 59, and Carmelo Serratore, age 24, in Mount Kisco, have been indicted and arrested on forgery related charges. The case was handled by the Rockland County District Attorney's Office due to a conflict of interest because William Serratore once served as an assistant …
Estranged Wife Sues Ex-Podiatrist, Sister From Westchester For Alleged Murder-For-Hire Scheme Estranged Wife Sues Ex-Podiatrist, Sister From Westchester For Alleged Murder-For-Hire Scheme
Estranged Wife Sues Ex-Podiatrist, Sister From Westchester For Alleged Murder-For-Hire Scheme The wife of a once sought-after Hudson Valley podiatrist has sued her estranged husband and his sister for allegedly scheming to have her killed. Rockland County resident Ira Bernstein, age 49, of Montebello, and Northern Westchester resident Jaclyn Goldberg, age 40, of Bedford, are being sued by Susan Bernstein, as they face criminal charges in the alleged plot. This is the alleged second such plot the podiatrist has undertaken to kill his wife Susan Bernstein, of Sloatsburg, who filed the lawsuit on Thursday, July 27 in the New York State Supreme Court. Ira Bernstein spent almost fi…
Fatal Fire: 2 Escape Jail After Blaze Claiming Lives Of Hudson Valley Firefighter, Other Man Fatal Fire: 2 Escape Jail After Blaze Claiming Lives Of Hudson Valley Firefighter, Other Man
Fatal Fire: 2 Escape Jail After Blaze Claiming Lives Of Hudson Valley Firefighter, Other Man Two rabbis who pleaded guilty to a fatal fire at an adult home in the Hudson Valley have escaped jail time through a plea deal. Rockland County residents Nathaniel Sommer, age 72, of Monsey, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, June 20 to two counts of second-degree manslaughter and is expected to be sentenced to five years probation, said Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh. His son, Aaron Sommer, age 29, also of Monsey, pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree reckless endangerment, which carries a sentence of three years probation, Walsh added. The fire, which took place around…
Man Sends Explicit Sex Videos, Photos To Undercover Officer In Hudson Valley, Police Say Man Sends Explicit Sex Videos, Photos To Undercover Officer In Hudson Valley, Police Say
Man Sends Explicit Sex Videos, Photos To Undercover Officer In Hudson Valley, Police Say A Hudson Valley man was caught in a sting operation where he allegedly sent explicit sexual photos of himself to an undercover cop instead of the 14-year-old he thought he was communicating with online. Rockland County resident Victor Peraino, age 35, of Garnerville, a hamlet in the town of Haverstraw, was arrested on Thursday, June 15 in Stony Point. According to Lt. Greg Becker of the Stony Point Police, Peraino was caught during an investigation in conjunction with the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office. During the investigation, Peraino communicated with an undercover offi…
Former Podiatrist, Sister From Westchester Charged In Alleged New Plot To Kill Wife Former Podiatrist, Sister From Westchester Charged In Alleged New Plot To Kill Wife
Former Podiatrist, Sister From Westchester Charged In Alleged New Plot To Kill Wife A podiatrist from the Hudson Valley has been accused of trying to get his wife killed for a second time, this time with the alleged aid of his sister. Rockland County resident Ira Bernstein, age 49, of Montebello, and Northern Westchester resident Jaclyn Goldberg, age 40, of Bedford, have been indicted by a grand jury following an investigation conducted by the Town of Ramapo Police Department with the assistance of the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office. From July 29, 2022 through September 21, 2022, Ira Bernstein is alleged to have solicited the murder of his wife S…
Sexual Predator Sting: Attorney Nabbed After Arranging To Meet Girl In Hudson Valley, DA Says Sexual Predator Sting: Attorney Nabbed After Arranging To Meet Girl In Hudson Valley, DA Says
Sexual Predator Sting: Attorney Nabbed After Arranging To Meet Girl In Hudson Valley, DA Says An undercover investigation in the Hudson Valley has led to the arrest of a Long Island attorney who is accused of preying on a minor using online platforms. Long Island resident Daniel Waxman, age 55, was arrested on Wednesday, May 31 after authorities say he arrived in Rockland County to meet with whom he thought was a 14-year-old girl. From Monday, May 22 up until Wednesday, an undercover investigator from the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office posing as a minor engaged in a series of text conversations with Waxman, Rockland DA Thomas E. Walsh said. The undercover inve…
Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty To Forcible Touching Of Inmate In Hudson Valley Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty To Forcible Touching Of Inmate In Hudson Valley
Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty To Forcible Touching Of Inmate In Hudson Valley A former corrections officer from the Hudson Valley has pleaded guilty to forcible touching and unlawful imprisonment of an inmate. Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced that John Kezek, of Knoxville, Tennessee, formerly of the state of Florida, who was a correction officer at the Rockland County jail made the plea on Tuesday, April 25. Walsh said due to the nature of the crimes and to protect the identity of the victim, very limited information can be released.  The charges were based on allegations made by a female victim who came into contact with Kezek whi…
Duo Busted With Drugs, Guns During Hudson Valley Warrants Raid, DA Says Duo Busted With Drugs, Guns During Hudson Valley Warrants Raid, DA Says
Duo Busted With Drugs, Guns During Hudson Valley Warrants Raid, DA Says A Hudson Valley man and woman were busted for alleged possession of drugs and guns during warrant searches following an investigation. The searches took place in Rockland County on Friday, Feb. 10 in Congers. The arrests were the result of search warrants stemming from a month-long investigation conducted by the Rockland County District Attorney’s Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Westchester Resident Office Tactical Diversion Squad, said Rockland County District Attorney Tom Walsh. The basis of the search warrant was the result of a multi-ag…
Duo Charged With Murder After Man Found Dead On Street In Hudson Valley Duo Charged With Murder After Man Found Dead On Street In Hudson Valley
Duo Charged With Murder After Man Found Dead On Street In Hudson Valley Two suspects have been charged with murder hours after a man was found dead on a street in the Hudson Valley. The incident happened in Rockland County at around 1:10 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 29 in the area of 55 N. Myrtle Avenue in Spring Valley. Spring Valley Police responded to a report of CPR being conducted on a subject because of an unknown medical emergency.  Upon arrival, officers quickly located the caller and an apparently deceased man on Johnson Street, adjacent to North Myrtle Avenue, Spring Valley Police said. The victim was identified as Luis Pinduisaca-Villa, age 52, o…
Detective, Drug Task Force Supervisor In Hudson Valley Dies At Age 31 Detective, Drug Task Force Supervisor In Hudson Valley Dies At Age 31
Detective, Drug Task Force Supervisor In Hudson Valley Dies At Age 31 A detective in the Hudson Valley has died at the age of 31. The Rockland County District Attorney's Office announced with "profound sadness" that detective and Drug Task Force Supervisor Xavier Fernandez died on Friday, Oct. 28. A cause of death has not been released. Fernandez worked as an NYPD officer and PBA representative for the 44th precinct until November 2021, the DA's Office said.  "He started his dream job as a detective in his home of Rockland County in November 2021 and was assigned to the RCDAO Drug Task Force and was quickly promoted to group supervisor," the department…
Incarcerated Gymnastics Coach From Area Charged With New Sex Crime Against Child Incarcerated Gymnastics Coach From Area Charged With New Sex Crime Against Child
Incarcerated Gymnastics Coach From Area Charged With New Sex Crime Against Child A popular local gymnastics coach already locked up for sexually abusing a child is facing a new allegation of sex abuse. Joseph Lewin, age 71, of Hillburn in Rockland County, also known as Joseph Lewandoski in the 1990s, was arraigned Friday, Sept. 30, on one count of felony sexual conduct against a child under the age of 13. According to the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office, Lewin sexually abused the female victim between 2012 and 2015 while working as a gymnastics coach at his gym in the Village of Hillburn in the Town of Ramapo. Earlier Report: Youth Gymnastics Coach Fr…
Hudson Valley Man Convicted Of Sexually Assaulting Minor Hudson Valley Man Convicted Of Sexually Assaulting Minor
Hudson Valley Man Convicted Of Sexually Assaulting Minor A Hudson Valley man has been found guilty of sexually abusing a young girl known to him. Rockland County District Attorney Thomas Walsh announced on Tuesday, Sept. 27 that Ramiro Linares, age 39 of Haverstraw, was found guilty of one count of sexual abuse and one count of endangering the welfare of a child. In December of 2012, Linares touched the genitals of a female child known to him when she was approximately 12 years old, said the DA's Office. Between October 2012 and July 2013, Linares engaged in conduct that endangered her welfare, they added.  “C…
Hudson Valley Man Convicted Of Sexually Assaulting His Niece For 3-Year-Period, DA Says Hudson Valley Man Convicted Of Sexually Assaulting His Niece For 3-Year-Period, DA Says
Hudson Valley Man Convicted Of Sexually Assaulting His Niece For 3-Year-Period, DA Says A Hudson Valley man has been convicted by a jury for sexually assaulting a 7-year-old for more than three years. Rockland County District Attorney Thomas Walsh announced Monday, Sept. 19 that Holger Chuya-Andrade, age 32, of Spring Valley, was found guilty on all counts after a jury trial. Chuya-Andrade was found guilty of predatory sexual assault against a child and course of sexual conduct against a child. From May 2011 through May 2014, Cjiua-Andrade engaged in a course of sexual abuse which started when the victim was 7 years old and lasted until she was 10 years old, th…
Duo Charged With Kidnapping, Robbery In Incident At Hudson Valley Motel Duo Charged With Kidnapping, Robbery In Incident At Hudson Valley Motel
Duo Charged With Kidnapping, Robbery In Incident At Hudson Valley Motel Two Hudson Valley men were indicted on charges stemming from a kidnapping and robbery at a motel in the region. Rockland County residents Jonathan Abikzer, age 30, of Monsey, and Michael Galkovich, age 46, of New City, were charged with first-degree robbery and second-degree kidnapping in the incident that happened in Garnerville earlier this month, Rockland County District Attorney Thomas Walsh announced on Tuesday, Aug. 30. They were also charged with two counts of second-degree robbery, Walsh said. On Tuesday, Aug. 16, the Town of Haverstraw Police Department received a report from a vi…
New Details Emerge After Wrong-Way Hudson Valley Crash Leaving Two Boys In Critical Condition New Details Emerge After Wrong-Way Hudson Valley Crash Leaving Two Boys In Critical Condition
New Details Emerge After Wrong-Way Hudson Valley Crash Leaving Two Boys In Critical Condition New details have emerged after a wrong-crash crash left two boys in critical condition in the Hudson Valley. The crash took place in Rockland County in Blauvelt around 12:35 p.m., Saturday, July 30 at the intersection of Route 303 and Greenbush Road. A 2001 BMW X5 driven by Thomas Robb, age 20, of Harlow, the United Kingdom, was traveling the wrong way in a southerly direction on a one-way section of Greenbush Road, said Capt. Michael Shannon, of the Orangetown Police Department.  Earlier report: 2 Children In Critical Condition After Wrong-Way Crash In Hudson V…
2 Children In Critical Condition After Wrong-Way Crash In Hudson Valley 2 Children In Critical Condition After Wrong-Way Crash In Hudson Valley
2 Children In Critical Condition After Wrong-Way Crash In Hudson Valley A wrong-way, three-vehicle crash in the Hudson Valley sent multiple people to the hospital, including two children who suffered critical injuries. Police responded to a crash in Rockland County at the intersection of Route 303 and Greenbush Road in Blauvelt at about 12:40 p.m. on Saturday, July 30, according to the Orangetown Police Department. Authorities said a 2001 BMW X5, driven by 20-year-old Thomas Robb, was southbound, traveling the wrong way on a one-way section of Greenbush Road, and entered the intersection at Route 303, striking a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze driven by a 32-year-old woma…
Man Charged With Shooting Death Of Teen In Hudson Valley, Police Say Man Charged With Shooting Death Of Teen In Hudson Valley, Police Say
Man Charged With Shooting Death Of Teen In Hudson Valley, Police Say Police have made in an arrest in the Hudson Valley murder of a 17-year-old who was gunned down in a parking lot. Rockland County resident Treynahel Cineus, of Spring Valley, was found shot and killed around 2:30 a.m., Friday, July 8 in the parking lot of 150 West Eckerson Road in Spring Valley. On Thursday, July 21, a Haverstraw man, identified as 23-year-old Anthony Mitchell, was arrested and charged with the crime, said Det. Matt Galli, of the Spring Valley Police. Earlier Story: ID Released For Hudson Valley Teen Shot, Killed In Parking Lot Mitchell was arraigned Friday, July 22 …
Hudson Valley Man Indicted After Undercover Investigation Into Child Predators Hudson Valley Man Indicted After Undercover Investigation Into Child Predators
Hudson Valley Man Indicted After Undercover Investigation Into Child Predators A 32-year-old Hudson Valley resident is facing multiple charges after authorities said he sent sexually-explicit photographs and messages to an undercover officer who was posing as a child. Thomas Szeliga, of the hamlet of Orangeburg in Rockland County, was indicted on one count of second-degree attempted criminal sexual act and one count of first-degree attempted disseminating indecent material to minors, according to authorities. Rockland County District Attorney Thomas Walsh II said that on or about and between Friday, June 3, and Monday, June 27, Szeliga exchanged sexually explicit…
65-Year-Old Found Guilty Of Sexually Abusing, Raping 15-Year-Old In Hudson Valley 65-Year-Old Found Guilty Of Sexually Abusing, Raping 15-Year-Old In Hudson Valley
65-Year-Old Found Guilty Of Sexually Abusing, Raping 15-Year-Old In Hudson Valley A 65-year-old man was found guilty of raping a 15-year-old girl in the Hudson Valley. Rockland County resident Jimmie Moore, of Haverstraw, was found guilty of third-degree rape, third-degree attempted rape, and two counts of third-degree sexual abuse. The trial began on Monday, June 13, and ended on Monday, June 27, according to Rockland County District Attorney Thomas Walsh on Wednesday, June 29. Investigators found that Moore sexually abused and raped the victim in Haverstraw from May 1, 2019, through July 20, 2019, the DA's Office reported.  "I want to thank the Haverstraw P…
Hudson Valley Business Owner Sentenced For Fraud Involving Fake Lab Results Hudson Valley Business Owner Sentenced For Fraud Involving Fake Lab Results
Hudson Valley Business Owner Sentenced For Fraud Involving Fake Lab Results The owner of a consumer products testing company in Rockland County will spend years in prison for his role in a scheme to defraud customers out of millions of dollars by reporting fake lab reports over more than two decades. Rockland County resident Gabriel Letizia, Jr., age 72, the owner of AMA Laboratories in New City, admitted conspiracy to commit wire fraud and two counts of misbranding products in May 2021 for bilking his customers out of more than $46 million. On Wednesday, May 18, US Attorney Damian Williams announced that Letizia, a New City resident, has been sentenced to 60 month…
Jury Finds Hudson Valley Man Guilty Of Shoving Pregnant Woman Jury Finds Hudson Valley Man Guilty Of Shoving Pregnant Woman
Jury Finds Hudson Valley Man Guilty Of Shoving Pregnant Woman A Hudson Valley man has been found guilty of criminal contempt for shoving a pregnant woman to the ground. Rockland County resident Eric Tranholm, age 28, of Stony Point, was convicted by a jury on Wednesday, March 30. On Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021, at the Budget Motor Inn in the Town of Stony Point, Tranholm is shown on video surveillance running up to the victim and throwing his hands over her from behind, and forcefully bringing her to the ground, , said Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh. At the time of the incident, the victim was pregnant and there was&nbs…
Teen Sentenced For DWI Crash That Killed 16-Year-Old Girl In Hudson Valley Teen Sentenced For DWI Crash That Killed 16-Year-Old Girl In Hudson Valley
Teen Sentenced For DWI Crash That Killed 16-Year-Old Girl In Hudson Valley An 18-year-old man has been sentenced after he pleaded guilty to 17 charges in a Hudson Valley crash that killed a classmate and seriously injured other passengers in the vehicle. Joseph DeBellis, of Airmont, was sentenced on Tuesday, March 15, to six months of incarceration followed by five years of probation, according to Rockland County District Attorney Thomas Walsh. The crash happened at about 2:50 a.m. on Saturday, April 24, 2021, on Route 202 in Montebello when DeBellis, then 17, was a Suffern High School student. Earlier report: Girl Killed In Single-Vehicle Rockland Cra…