Tag:

Westchester County District Attorney

$1.3M Insurance Fraud Scheme: Westchester Man Accused Of Plotting His Own House Fire, DA Says $1.3M Insurance Fraud Scheme: Westchester Man Accused Of Plotting His Own House Fire, DA Says
$1.3M Insurance Fraud Scheme: Westchester Man Accused Of Plotting His Own House Fire, DA Says A Westchester man is facing charges for allegedly orchestrating an arson scheme to burn down his home and claim over $1.3 million in insurance money, officials announced. Yonkers resident Majid Haddad, also known as Peter Haddad, age 59, was arrested on Tuesday, Dec. 17, by Yonkers Police and arraigned Wednesday, Dec. 18, on a six-count indictment, Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah said.  According to Rocah, Haddad allegedly conspired with a man to set fire to his single-family home on Odell Avenue in Yonkers between Feb. 20 and Feb. 28, 2021. Investigators said Haddad …
Former Officer Avoids Prison Time After Stealing From Westchester Charity For Autistic Children Former Officer Avoids Prison Time After Stealing From Westchester Charity For Autistic Children
Former Officer Avoids Prison Time After Stealing From Westchester Charity For Autistic Children A former police officer and co-founder of a Westchester-based charity for autistic children has been sentenced after stealing $24,000 from his own organization named after his son, officials announced.  New Rochelle resident Christopher Greco, age 52, was sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge for stealing from Christopher’s Voice, Inc., a New Rochelle-based charity for autistic children that he co-founded, Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah announced on Friday, Dec. 3. Earlier Report - Former Police Officer Steals $24K From New Rochelle Charity Fo…
Man Sexually Assaults 2 Children In Mount Kisco, Ossining, Peekskill: Here's His Sentence Man Sexually Assaults 2 Children In Mount Kisco, Ossining, Peekskill: Here's His Sentence
Man Sexually Assaults 2 Children In Mount Kisco, Ossining, Peekskill: Here's His Sentence A 48-year-old man with a previous child molestation conviction will spend decades in prison for sexually assaulting two children in Northern Westchester over several years and sending explicit photos to a third.  Bedford resident Felix Barahona Rosales, age 48, was sentenced to 34 years to life in state prison for sexually assaulting two children numerous times as well as sending explicit photos to a third victim, Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah announced on Tuesday, Nov. 28.  According to Rocah's office, Rosales's conduct began when both sexual assault…
Longtime Westchester Resident Announces Run To Become County's First Black District Attorney Longtime Westchester Resident Announces Run To Become County's First Black District Attorney
Longtime Westchester Resident Announces Run To Become County's First Black District Attorney A Westchester native with years of experience in civil rights cases has announced his candidacy to become the county's first Black district attorney.  Mount Vernon native and attorney William O. Wagstaff III announced his candidacy for the Westchester County District Attorney's office on Monday, Nov. 20.  Wagstaff's candidacy announcement comes nearly a month after the county's current District Attorney, Miriam Rocah, announced she would not be seeking re-election in 2024.  Earlier Report - Westchester DA Rocah Won't Seek Re-Election: 'I Do Not Fit Mold Of Career Polit…
Teen Fatally Shot: Suspect Tried To Escape On Plane To Jamaica, Westchester DA Says Teen Fatally Shot: Suspect Tried To Escape On Plane To Jamaica, Westchester DA Says
Teen Fatally Shot: Suspect Tried To Escape On Plane To Jamaica, Westchester DA Says A man who allegedly fatally shot an 18-year-old in Westchester tried to escape justice by lighting his car on fire and attempting to board a plane to Jamaica, officials said.  Mount Vernon resident Akeem Grant, age 33, was arraigned in Westchester County Court on Thursday, May 18 on an indictment charging him with the murder of 18-year-old Tamani Turner in Mount Vernon, according to Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah.  Earlier Report - Murder Of Teen In Mount Vernon: 33-Year-Old Suspect Apprehended According to the District Attorney's Office, on Thursday,…
Sexual Conduct With 2 Children: Westchester Man Gets Years In Prison Sexual Conduct With 2 Children: Westchester Man Gets Years In Prison
Sexual Conduct With 2 Children: Westchester Man Gets Years In Prison The bravery of two victims who came forward about being subjected to sexual conduct as children has resulted in a Westchester man being sent to prison for several years.  White Plains resident David Rivera, age 35, was sentenced to eight years in state prison on Tuesday, May 9 for engaging in sexual conduct with two children, Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah announced on Tuesday, May 16.  According to Rocah's office, Rivera began his criminal conduct toward one victim in 2010 when they were five years old which continued until 2013. For the second victim, the…
Man Hits Victim In Face With Hammer Repeatedly In Westchester: Here's His Sentence Man Hits Victim In Face With Hammer Repeatedly In Westchester: Here's His Sentence
Man Hits Victim In Face With Hammer Repeatedly In Westchester: Here's His Sentence A man will spend more than a decade in prison after attacking a victim with a brick and hammer in Westchester, causing them to need facial reconstruction surgery. Yonkers resident Juan Rodriguez, age 38, was sentenced to 15 years in state prison on Thursday, March 30 for attacking a man with a brick and hammer before robbing him in March 2021, according to Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah.  On the day of the attack, March 1, 2021, around 3:45 p.m., Rodriguez hid behind a tree while the victim, who he knew, walked by him on the sidewalk on Riverdale Avenue in …
'Evil, Soulless Man' Left Woman's Body On Parkway In Westchester: Here's His Sentence 'Evil, Soulless Man' Left Woman's Body On Parkway In Westchester: Here's His Sentence
'Evil, Soulless Man' Left Woman's Body On Parkway In Westchester: Here's His Sentence A man who strangled a woman to death and left her body wrapped in a blanket alongside a parkway in Westchester County nearly 20 years ago will spend decades in prison.  Earlier Report - Man Admits Leaving Woman's Body On Parkway In Greenburgh Nearly 20 Years Ago: DA Florida resident Christopher Gonzalez, age 41, was sentenced to 20 years to life in state prison for the murder of Yonkers resident Angel Serbay in 2005, Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah announced on Friday, March 17.  On the day of the murder, Sept. 3, 2005, Gonzalez strangled 25-year-…
Man Who Fatally Shot Neighbor 5 Times Then Hid In River In Westchester Sentenced Man Who Fatally Shot Neighbor 5 Times Then Hid In River In Westchester Sentenced
Man Who Fatally Shot Neighbor 5 Times Then Hid In River In Westchester Sentenced A man will spend decades in prison after fatally shooting his neighbor five times in Westchester County before hiding from police in a river.  Earlier Report - Man Who Hid In Saw Mill River Admits To Fatally Shooting Victim 5 Times In Yonkers: DA Yonkers resident Terrence Gonzalez, age 31, was sentenced to 25 years to life for fatally shooting 23-year-old Lateef Butler outside the Yonkers apartment building on Nepperhan Avenue that they both shared, Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah announced on Thursday, Feb. 16.  The shooting happened on June…
School District Says Over $11M In Taxes Owed By City In Westchester: Officials Respond School District Says Over $11M In Taxes Owed By City In Westchester: Officials Respond
School District Says Over $11M In Taxes Owed By City In Westchester: Officials Respond A city in Westchester County is responding to allegations from its Board of Education that city officials refuse to transfer millions of dollars in school taxes to the school district.  The allegations came from the Mount Vernon Board of Education, which said in a statement from Wednesday, Feb. 1 that the city was refusing to transfer more than $11 million in taxes for the 2019-2020 school year to the city's school district.  "Make no mistake: there is no argument about the fact that the city owes the schools $11.78 million, now nine months late," the Board of Education said,…
Violent Home Invasion: Man Gets Years In Prison For Tying Up Woman In Westchester Violent Home Invasion: Man Gets Years In Prison For Tying Up Woman In Westchester
Violent Home Invasion: Man Gets Years In Prison For Tying Up Woman In Westchester An out-of-state man will spend decades in prison after brutally invading a Westchester County home and violently threatening its occupants.  Earlier Report - Out-Of-State Man Found Guilty In Violent Westchester Home Invasion North Carolina resident Confessor Soto, age 50, was sentenced on Friday, Feb. 3 to 25 years in state prison for the 2018 Yonkers home invasion, Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah announced.  On the day of the incident, April 23, 2018, Soto entered a residence on Leighton Avenue through the backdoor while carrying a .45 caliber se…
Victims Come Forward: Westchester Man Charged With Sex Offenses Against Children, DA Says Victims Come Forward: Westchester Man Charged With Sex Offenses Against Children, DA Says
Victims Come Forward: Westchester Man Charged With Sex Offenses Against Children, DA Says In the wake of a Westchester County man being charged with sex offenses against children, officials are asking any of his possible victims to come forward.  The announcement comes after 22-year-old New Rochelle resident Jason Ricketts was arrested on Thursday, Feb. 2, after an investigation prompted by a referral from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah said.  Since his arrest, Ricketts has been charged with the following felony sex offenses involving children:  First-degree course of sexual c…
NY State Trooper From Northern Westchester Issued More Than 30 Fake Tickets: DA NY State Trooper From Northern Westchester Issued More Than 30 Fake Tickets: DA
NY State Trooper From Northern Westchester Issued More Than 30 Fake Tickets: DA A New York State Trooper is charged with issuing more than 30 false tickets while patrolling parkways, officials said.  Westchester County resident Edward Longo, a 34-year-old resident of Yorktown, was charged and arrested on Tuesday, Jan. 31 for allegedly issuing 32 false tickets to people who were never pulled over while patrolling the Sprain Brook and Taconic State Parkways between May 10, 2021, and Oct. 2, 2022, according to Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah.  Longo also allegedly supported depositions containing false statements and information without actuall…
15-Year-Old Gets Years In Prison For Fatally Stabbing Westchester Cheerleading Captain 15-Year-Old Gets Years In Prison For Fatally Stabbing Westchester Cheerleading Captain
15-Year-Old Gets Years In Prison For Fatally Stabbing Westchester Cheerleading Captain A teenage girl will spend years behind bars for fatally stabbing a 16-year-old cheerleading captain in Westchester County, officials said. Earlier Report - Teen Girl Admits To Fatally Stabbing Mount Vernon Cheerleading Captain: DA The 15-year-old, who was not named because of her age, was sentenced to three to nine years in jail on Tuesday, Jan. 24 for the April 8, 2022 killing of 16-year-old Kayla Green in Mount Vernon, according to Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah. On the day of the stabbing, around 4 p.m., the teenager stabbed Green in the abdomen foll…
'Potential Human Trafficking': Northern Westchester Business Busted For Unauthorized Practice 'Potential Human Trafficking': Northern Westchester Business Busted For Unauthorized Practice
'Potential Human Trafficking': Northern Westchester Business Busted For Unauthorized Practice Two people were arrested after an investigation revealed that they were running an unauthorized "massage parlor" in Northern Westchester, police said.  The arrests were made on Saturday, Jan. 21, after an investigation into the unauthorized practice located in Yorktown at 1924 Commerce St. was commenced by Yorktown Police, the department said.  Authorities also noted that the two people who were arrested are also being treated as victims as they continue looking into the matter.  "We are ever mindful of the potential human trafficking element associated with situations …
Man Admits Strangling 25-Year-Old Woman To Death Nearly 20 Years Ago In Westchester: DA Man Admits Strangling 25-Year-Old Woman To Death Nearly 20 Years Ago In Westchester: DA
Man Admits Strangling 25-Year-Old Woman To Death Nearly 20 Years Ago In Westchester: DA A man has finally admitted to strangling a woman to death and leaving her body wrapped in a blanket alongside a parkway in Westchester County nearly 20 years ago.  Earlier Report - Suspect Charged With Murder Of Woman Found Wrapped In Blanket On Side Of Westchester Parkway Florida resident Christopher Gonzalez, age 41, pleaded guilty to the 2005 murder of Yonkers resident Angel Serbay on Wednesday, Jan. 18, according to Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah.  Gonzalez murdered Serbay on Sept. 3, 2005, when he strangled the 25-year-old to death and left her body w…
5 Men Stole 56 Catalytic Converters In 5 Months Across Westchester County: DA 5 Men Stole 56 Catalytic Converters In 5 Months Across Westchester County: DA
5 Men Stole 56 Catalytic Converters In 5 Months Across Westchester County: DA Five men are charged with stealing more than $50,000 in catalytic converters from buses and vans across five months in Westchester County, officials said.  The indictments came after a year-long investigation into the thefts by 13 police departments in the county, Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah announced on Wednesday, Dec. 28.  This investigation identified four men who participated in stealing the catalytic converters from Ford Econoline vans, Royal Coach Lines buses, and school buses in Briarcliff, Greenburgh, Peekskill, Pelham, and Yonkers between Nov. 2021 a…
Westchester Man Accused Of Assaulting 2 Teens, Throwing 1 Through Window Westchester Man Accused Of Assaulting 2 Teens, Throwing 1 Through Window
Westchester Man Accused Of Assaulting 2 Teens, Throwing 1 Through Window A Westchester County man is facing charges after allegedly assaulting two teens and throwing one through a storefront window, officials said.  On Thursday, Sept. 29, around 5:30 p.m., 62-year-old Dobbs Ferry resident Vincent Pappas threw a 15-year-old boy through a storefront window in Dobbs Ferry on Main Street, and assaulted a second 15-year-old in the same incident, according to an announcement by Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah from Wednesday, Dec. 28.  Pappas then allegedly resisted arrest before being taken into custody.  The 15-year-old victim t…
New Charges: 21-Year-Old Indicted In Westchester County Domestic Shooting, DA Says New Charges: 21-Year-Old Indicted In Westchester County Domestic Shooting, DA Says
New Charges: 21-Year-Old Indicted In Westchester County Domestic Shooting, DA Says A 21-year-old man from the Hudson Valley has been indicted for a shooting in Westchester County that left one victim injured.  Earlier Report - 21-Year-Old From Area Charged In Yonkers Domestic Shooting Rockland County resident Nahkeem Janvier of Spring Valley has been charged with attempting to murder a 33-year-old victim in Yonkers at an apartment located at 32 Vineyard Ave. on Wednesday, Oct. 19, according to an announcement by Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah from Tuesday, Dec. 6.  On the day of the shooting, around 2:45 a.m., Janvier fired thr…
New Charges: 19-Year-Old Indicted For Shooting Fellow Teen In Westchester County New Charges: 19-Year-Old Indicted For Shooting Fellow Teen In Westchester County
New Charges: 19-Year-Old Indicted For Shooting Fellow Teen In Westchester County A 19-year-old man has been officially indicted on charges connected to the shooting of a 15-year-old boy in Westchester County, according to the county's district attorney.  The suspect, Yonkers resident Joseph Tejera, is accused of shooting the victim twice on Wednesday, Oct. 26 on Woodworth Avenue in Yonkers, according to Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah.  The victim was then taken to Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx, where he received emergency medical treatment, Rocah said.  Tejera was arrested by Yonkers Police on Wednesday, Nov. 2, acc…
Northern Westchester Man Charged With Killing Stepfather, Lighting Relative's Home On Fire: DA Northern Westchester Man Charged With Killing Stepfather, Lighting Relative's Home On Fire: DA
Northern Westchester Man Charged With Killing Stepfather, Lighting Relative's Home On Fire: DA A man from Northern Westchester is charged with fatally stabbing his stepfather before lighting a relative's home on fire.  On Wednesday, Sept. 14, around 12:30 a.m., 30-year-old Shane Gilleo of Peekskill is accused of stabbing 48-year-old Edward Reeves numerous times with a knife at a residence in Peekskill on North James Street, according to a release by Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah on Thursday, Nov. 10. Reeves was taken to Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, where he later died, Rocah said.  Later that day, around 11:20 a.m., Gilleo is charge…
Northern Westchester Man Sentenced For Sexual Conduct With Child Northern Westchester Man Sentenced For Sexual Conduct With Child
Northern Westchester Man Sentenced For Sexual Conduct With Child A man from Northern Westchester has been sentenced for subjecting a child to sexual abuse.  44-year-old Jorge Lazo Achahui of North Castle was sentenced to 15 years in state prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release, Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah announced on Wednesday, Nov. 2.  Achahui pled guilty to subjecting a 12-year-old victim to sexual intercourse numerous times between March 2020 and July 2020 on Wednesday, Sept. 28, Rocah said.  North Castle Police arrested Achahui on Feb. 6, 2021, following an investigation into his …
Man Charged With Taking Pictures Under Woman's Skirt On Train In Westchester Man Charged With Taking Pictures Under Woman's Skirt On Train In Westchester
Man Charged With Taking Pictures Under Woman's Skirt On Train In Westchester A Fairfield County man was indicted for taking photographs underneath a woman's skirt on a train in Westchester County.  On Friday, Sept. 23, around 11:27 p.m., 67-year-old Majid Hedayati of Riverside allegedly used his cellphone to take pictures under a victim's skirt while sitting across from her on a Metro-North train that was traveling from Harrison to New York City, Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah announced on Monday, Oct. 31.  Rocah said the victim's friend, who was sitting next to Hedayati, confronted him and then reported him to the train's…
Westchester County Man Gets Maximum Sentence For 'Horrific' Sex Crimes Against Child, DA Says Westchester County Man Gets Maximum Sentence For 'Horrific' Sex Crimes Against Child, DA Says
Westchester County Man Gets Maximum Sentence For 'Horrific' Sex Crimes Against Child, DA Says A Westchester County man has been sentenced for repeated sexual conduct with a child and rape. On Tuesday, Oct. 25, 48-year-old Virgilio Cruz was sentenced to two consecutive 25-year sentences, 50 years in total, for his crimes, the maximum sentence available, according to Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah. “Today, this defendant was held to account for horrific crimes committed against a vulnerable child,” Rocah said. “We hope the victim, who was extraordinarily brave and testified in court, can begin their journey to healing and feeling safe." According to Rocah…
Man Gets 15 Years For Sexual Conduct With Child In Northern Westchester Man Gets 15 Years For Sexual Conduct With Child In Northern Westchester
Man Gets 15 Years For Sexual Conduct With Child In Northern Westchester A man has been sentenced for engaging in sexual conduct with a child in Westchester County. On Tuesday, Oct. 18, 34-year-old Putnam County resident Segundo Loja-Mayancela, of Mahopac, was sentenced to 15 years in state prison followed by 15 years of supervised release, according to Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah. Rocah said Loja-Mayancela had subjected a minor to intercourse and other sexual acts on numerous occasions in Ossining, which began in January 2017 when the victim was 10 years old and ended in October 2019. Loja-Mayancela was arrested on May 20 by Oss…
Westchester Woman Who Fatally Stabbed Boyfriend Freed From Prison Under New State Law Westchester Woman Who Fatally Stabbed Boyfriend Freed From Prison Under New State Law
Westchester Woman Who Fatally Stabbed Boyfriend Freed From Prison Under New State Law A woman who admitted to stabbing her boyfriend to death will be released from prison under a new NY state law that gives judges more discretion in sentencing defendants who have suffered domestic abuse. Westchester County resident Jonitha Alston, age 35, of New Rochelle, will be freed after acting State Supreme Court Justice Robert Neary vacated her original 12-year sentence and resentenced her to five years in prison. The move followed a recommendation from Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah for a reduced sentence under New York’s 2019 Domestic Violence Survivors Justic…
23-Year-Old Indicted For Allegedly Shooting 3 People In Westchester County 23-Year-Old Indicted For Allegedly Shooting 3 People In Westchester County
23-Year-Old Indicted For Allegedly Shooting 3 People In Westchester County A 23-year-old man was indicted on attempted murder charges for allegedly shooting three people in Westchester County over the summer. Jaquan Henderson, of Yonkers, was charged in the shooting that injured three people in Yonkers in July, Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah announced on Monday, Oct. 3. The DA's Office said he was indicted for: Three counts of second-degree attempted murder Three counts of first-degree assault Two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon Third-degree criminal possession of a weapon According to the report, at about 10:45 p.m. on…
Man Sentenced For Attempting To Rape Woman Who Was Walking With Grandchild In Westchester Man Sentenced For Attempting To Rape Woman Who Was Walking With Grandchild In Westchester
Man Sentenced For Attempting To Rape Woman Who Was Walking With Grandchild In Westchester A 29-year-old man was sentenced to years in prison after he admitted he attempted to rape a woman who was pushing her grandchild in a stroller in Westchester County. Steven Hernandez, of the Bronx, was sentenced on Thursday, Sept. 22, to five years in state prison after pleading guilty to first-degree attempted rape in May, Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah announced. The woman was about to enter an apartment building with her grandchild in Yonkers at about 1:20 p.m. on July 30, 2021, when Hernandez grabbed her from behind and groped her, according to the announcement. …
Man Sentenced For Strangling Death Of His Mother At Her Westchester Home Man Sentenced For Strangling Death Of His Mother At Her Westchester Home
Man Sentenced For Strangling Death Of His Mother At Her Westchester Home A Westchester man has been sentenced to state prison for killing his mother by strangling her to death. New Rochelle resident Daniel Flores-Arteaga, age 28, was sentenced to 17 years in state prison, with five years of post-release supervision, on Thursday, Sept. 15. Earlier report: Man Indicted For Strangling Death Of His Mother In Westchester, DA Says On Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at approximately 1 p.m., Flores-Arteaga put his 54-year-old mother into a chokehold during a dispute, Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah's office said. When police resp…
Westchester Man Sentenced For Sexually Abusing 11-Year-Old Causing Pregnancy Westchester Man Sentenced For Sexually Abusing 11-Year-Old Causing Pregnancy
Westchester Man Sentenced For Sexually Abusing 11-Year-Old Causing Pregnancy A man has been sentenced to prison for sexually abusing an 11-year-old girl, causing a pregnancy. New Rochelle resident Braulio Ramirez, age 49, was sentenced to 17 years in state prison, with 20 years of post-release supervision, on Tuesday, Sept. 13. Between October 2019 and September 2021, starting when the minor was 11 years old, Ramirez subjected the victim to intercourse and other sexual acts on multiple occasions, which resulted in the victim becoming pregnant, said Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah. During the course of the sexual conduct, Ramirez threa…
Man Sentenced For Westchester Home Burglary Man Sentenced For Westchester Home Burglary
Man Sentenced For Westchester Home Burglary A 23-year-old man has been sentenced for a home burglary in Westchester County. Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah announced that Queens resident Kevin Rojo-Rojo, age 23, was sentenced on Wednesday, Sept. 7, to eight years in state prison for a 2021 New Rochelle home burglary.  His sentence will run concurrent to a nine-year prison sentence he received in June 2022 in Nassau County Court for five residential burglaries that took place between January and April 2021. In August 2022, Rojo-Rojo pled guilty in Westchester County Court to burglary for burglarizing a New Roc…