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Mount Vernon, NY

Judge Overturns NFL Lineman's Father's Conviction In Decades-Old Westchester Robbery (UPDATE) Judge Overturns NFL Lineman's Father's Conviction In Decades-Old Westchester Robbery (UPDATE)
Judge Overturns NFL Lineman's Father's Conviction In Decades-Old Westchester Robbery (Update) Following the discovery of new evidence and constitutional violations, a judge has vacated the conviction of the father of an NFL lineman who served years in prison for a Westchester robbery decades ago.  In an announcement on Friday, Dec. 27, the Westchester County DA's Office said a judge overturned the conviction of 67-year-old Jeffrey Koonce, who was found guilty of robbery and weapons possession in 1983 in connection with a 1981 armed robbery at a Mount Vernon social club.  District Attorney Miriam Rocah said her office’s Conviction Review Unit (CRU) uncovered evide…
Latimer’s Exit: County Executive to Deliver Farewell Before Taking Congressional Seat Latimer’s Exit: County Executive to Deliver Farewell Before Taking Congressional Seat
Latimer’s Exit: County Executive to Deliver Farewell Before Taking Congressional Seat As Westchester County Executive George Latimer prepares to be sworn in as a US Congressman representing New York’s 16th Congressional District, he has scheduled when he will say farewell to his current position.  Latimer, age 70, will give his farewell address on Monday, Dec. 30 at 2 p.m. The speech will be live-streamed on Facebook, according to county officials.  Following these remarks, Latimer’s resignation will take effect a few days later on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, at 12:01 p.m., he said during a public address in November.  Latimer will then transition to hi…
Beloved Longtime Somers Firefighter, Veteran Dies: Served Up Until Death Beloved Longtime Somers Firefighter, Veteran Dies: Served Up Until Death
Beloved Longtime Somers Firefighter, Veteran Dies: Served Up Until Death A Northern Westchester community is mourning the loss of a decorated firefighter, Navy veteran, and lifelong public servant who passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family.  Somers resident Walter McDonald died on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at the age of 90, according to his obituary.  Born in Mount Vernon on Feb. 18, 1934, McDonald dedicated much of his life to serving others. His storied career began in 1957 when he was appointed as a firefighter for the Mount Vernon Fire Department, where he served with distinction for 32 years.  A leader both in skill and s…
Fake Deeds, Stolen Homes: Westchester City Employees Charged In Property Scheme Fake Deeds, Stolen Homes: Westchester City Employees Charged In Property Scheme
Fake Deeds, Stolen Homes: Westchester City Employees Charged In Property Scheme Two people who worked as city building employees in Westchester are accused of taking part in a scheme to steal property and submitting fake deeds signed by deceased homeowners, officials said.  Both Charlene Humphreys, a former Code Enforcement Officer for the Mount Vernon Department of Buildings, and Damon Davis, a current city Code Enforcement Officer, were arrested on Thursday, Dec. 19 in connection with the scheme, according to the Westchester County District Attorney's Office.  According to felony complaints submitted to White Plains City Court, Humphreys…
Excessive Force, Illegal Arrests: Feds Allege Violations By Police Department In Westchester Excessive Force, Illegal Arrests: Feds Allege Violations By Police Department In Westchester
Excessive Force, Illegal Arrests: Feds Allege Violations By Police Department In Westchester A police department in Westchester has been found to engage in a pattern of excessive force, illegal arrests, and unconstitutional searches, federal officials announced. The findings, which centered on the Mount Vernon Police Department, were revealed on Thursday, Dec. 12, following a comprehensive investigation by the US Department of Justice. According to the DOJ, the investigation uncovered numerous issues, including:  Excessive use of force, including taser-like devices and strikes, often against individuals who were already restrained or on the ground; Unlawful strip searches an…
Proposed School Closures, Reconfiguration Considered In Westchester District Proposed School Closures, Reconfiguration Considered In Westchester District
Proposed School Closures, Reconfiguration Considered In Westchester District Administrators in a Westchester school district have unveiled plans that could see the closure of three schools as part of a broader effort to reorganize district buildings amid declining enrollment and fiscal distress. During a town hall meeting on Friday, Dec. 6, Mount Vernon City School District officials discussed reconfiguration options that include the potential closures of Cecil H. Parker School, Mount Vernon Honor Academy, and Mount Vernon Leadership Academy.  The session, held at Graham School and on Zoom, marked the second community forum on the topic, district officials said…
49 New Officers Graduate From Westchester Police Academy: Here's Where They'll Serve 49 New Officers Graduate From Westchester Police Academy: Here's Where They'll Serve
49 New Officers Graduate From Westchester Police Academy: Here's Where They'll Serve After months of training, dozens of new graduates of the Westchester Police Academy will soon begin serving communities throughout the county. The 49 new recruits graduated from the Westchester County Police Academy during a ceremony held at the SUNY Purchase Performing Arts Center, the Westchester County Police Department announced on Friday, Dec. 6. They will now go on to work at seven departments in the county.  The new recruits will now be sent to the following Westchester departments: Westchester County PD: Shaun Blute, Frank Caparelli, Devin Furphy, Steven Hartog, Autumn …
Westchester County Executive George Latimer Announces Resignation For Bigger Plans: Congress Westchester County Executive George Latimer Announces Resignation For Bigger Plans: Congress
Westchester County Executive George Latimer Announces Resignation For Bigger Plans: Congress Westchester County Executive George Latimer has announced his resignation as he prepares to be sworn in as a US Congressman representing New York’s 16th Congressional District. Latimer’s resignation will take effect on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, at 12:01 p.m., he said during a public address on Monday, Nov. 25.  The announcement comes as he transitions to his new role in Congress, where he will begin serving the following day, Friday, Jan. 3. In this role, Latimer. a Democrat, will represent the southern portion of Westchester, including White Plains, Mount Vernon, Yonkers, New Roche…
Popular Westchester Restaurant Closes Suddenly After 13 Years Popular Westchester Restaurant Closes Suddenly After 13 Years
Popular Westchester Restaurant Closes Suddenly After 13 Years A popular Westchester restaurant that hosted reunions, birthday parties, and get-togethers for locals for more than a decade, announced its sudden and unexpected closure, leaving longtime patrons and city officials heartbroken.  The closure of Maggie Spillane’s Ale House, owned by Tony Spillane and located in Mount Vernon at 571 Gramatan Ave., will take effect on Saturday, Nov. 30, according to an announcement posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page.  Maggie Spillane's quickly became a Westchester staple since opening in 2011. The decision to close was attributed to unforeseen c…
44-Year-Old Caught With Crack Cocaine, Gun During Westchester Traffic Stop: Police 44-Year-Old Caught With Crack Cocaine, Gun During Westchester Traffic Stop: Police
44-Year-Old Caught With Crack Cocaine, Gun During Westchester Traffic Stop: Police A 44-year-old Westchester man faces a long list of charges after he was caught with crack cocaine and a handgun during a traffic stop, police said.  New Rochelle resident Desmond Carter was arrested on Tuesday, Nov. 19 following a traffic stop in Mount Vernon, New York State Police announced on Wednesday, Nov. 20.  According to authorities, just after noon on Tuesday, troopers pulled over a 2015 BMW 328 Series on Mount Vernon's Union Avenue for violations of vehicle and traffic laws.  The driver, Carter, was found to be driving with a suspended license. He then tried running…
New Judge To Succeed Disgraced Predecessor Forced To Resign In Peekskill New Judge To Succeed Disgraced Predecessor Forced To Resign In Peekskill
New Judge To Succeed Disgraced Predecessor Forced To Resign In Peekskill A municipality in Northern Westchester has announced its next city judge following the resignation of her predecessor, who was forced to resign after being charged with making sexual innuendos and inappropriate remarks to staff and attorneys on multiple occasions.  In an announcement on Wednesday, Nov. 20, the Peekskill Common Council revealed the selection of Sophia Trott as the next City Court Judge.  Trott will replace Reginald J. Johnson, who resigned from his position on Monday, Sept. 30 following formal charges filed against him by the New York State Comm…
New Film Features North Salem's Richard Gere, Brewster Native Michael Imperioli New Film Features North Salem's Richard Gere, Brewster Native Michael Imperioli
New Film Features North Salem's Richard Gere, Brewster Native Michael Imperioli An upcoming feature film centering on the experiences of a draft evader who fled to Canada is set to feature a star-studded cast, including two familiar faces who hail from the Hudson Valley.  'Oh, Canada,' which releases in theaters on Thursday, Dec. 5, will star Northern Westchester resident Richard Gere, age 75, who owns a North Salem residence, in the main role of filmmaker Leonard Fife.  Additionally, Westchester County native and former Putnam County resident Michael Imperioli, age 58, who grew up in Brewster after his family moved there from Mount Vernon when he was 11…
These Westchester Hospitals Get 'A' Grade For Patient Safety: New Report These Westchester Hospitals Get 'A' Grade For Patient Safety: New Report
These Westchester Hospitals Get 'A' Grade For Patient Safety: New Report Several hospitals in the Hudson Valley have earned top marks for keeping patients safe, according to a new report.  Five hospitals in Putnam and Westchester counties were given an "A" grade for patient safety in a new Fall 2024 report released on Friday, Nov. 15 by the Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog organization that advocates for safety in hospitals. These included:  White Plains Hospital, White Plains; Phelps Hospital, Sleepy Hollow; New York-Presbyterian Westchester, Bronxville; Northern Westchester Hospital, Mount Kisco; Putnam Hospital, Carmel. The new …
Warning Issued After Sex Offender Found Frequenting Library In Westchester Warning Issued After Sex Offender Found Frequenting Library In Westchester
Warning Issued After Sex Offender Found Frequenting Library In Westchester A police department in Westchester is advising residents to be on high alert after a sex offender convicted of rape was found to be frequenting a public library in the county.  In an announcement on Thursday, Nov. 14, the City of Rye Police Department detailed an encounter at the Rye Public Library reported by two teenagers.  According to the department, on Wednesday, Nov, 13, the two teens encountered 29-year-old Wale Gai at the library. Detectives later interviewed him and found out he frequented the library.  Gai is a registered Level 2 sex offender who was convicted of t…
Election 2024: Winner Projected In 16th Congressional District Representing Much Of Westchester Election 2024: Winner Projected In 16th Congressional District Representing Much Of Westchester
Election 2024: Winner Projected In 16th Congressional District Representing Much Of Westchester The votes are in, and New York's 16th Congressional District now knows its next representative in Congress.  Democrat George Latimer has been projected as the winner for the House seat representing the southern portion of Westchester, including White Plains, Mount Vernon, Yonkers, New Rochelle, and Rye, and a small part of the northern Bronx, defeating Republican Miriam Flisser, according to the state Board of Elections. Latimer was leading Flisser by a margin of 72 to 28 percent, with 54 percent of the vote in as of 12:15 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6.  The people of Westc…
Rooftop Burglar From Westchester Charged In Overnight NJ Spree: Police Rooftop Burglar From Westchester Charged In Overnight NJ Spree: Police
Rooftop Burglar From Westchester Charged In Overnight NJ Spree: Police A 40-year-old Westchester County, NY man was arrested in Bergen County, NJ after police linked him to a string of commercial burglaries, they said. Marlon A. Stewart, of Mount Vernon, burglarized three commercial properties from the roof in Closter overnight on Aug. 29, Closter Police Capt. Vincent Aiello said. In one incident, Stewart removed a large safe and threw it out of a second-floor window and into the borough parking lot, Aiello said. Following a lengthy investigation, Stewart was identified as a suspect in these burglaries, and others in CT and NY, the captain said. It was not im…
New Update: ID Released For Man Killed In Shooting Near Westchester Deli New Update: ID Released For Man Killed In Shooting Near Westchester Deli
New Update: ID Released For Man Killed In Shooting Near Westchester Deli Authorities have released the name of a man killed in a shooting that happened near a Westchester market and deli.  The shooting, which happened in Mount Vernon on on Wednesday, Oct. 23 just before 10:30 p.m. near the Taiz Market & deli in Mount Vernon at 22 West Lincoln Ave., resulted in the death of Jalin Williams, Mount Vernon Director of Communications Timothy Allen said on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Williams' age and place of residence were not specified.  Earlier Report - Man Dies After Shooting Near Mount Vernon Deli According to city officials, on t…
Lawsuit Alleges Westchester's Sean Combs Sexually Assaulted 10-Year-Old: Report Lawsuit Alleges Westchester's Sean Combs Sexually Assaulted 10-Year-Old: Report
Lawsuit Alleges Westchester's Sean Combs Sexually Assaulted 10-Year-Old: Report The latest lawsuits filed against hip-hop mogul and New York native Sean Combs are accusing him of sexually assaulting both a 10-year-old and a 17-year-old boy in separate incidents, according to reports.  The two civil lawsuits were filed against Combs on Monday, Oct. 28, according to a report by ABC News. The outlet reported that the first of the lawsuits alleges that the parents of a 10-year-old boy beginning a music career brought him to New York from Los Angeles to meet with Combs so he could meet people in the industry. Once there, Combs allegedly told the family's consultan…
Former Congressional Candidate From Westchester Gets Years In Prison For Fraud Former Congressional Candidate From Westchester Gets Years In Prison For Fraud
Former Congressional Candidate From Westchester Gets Years In Prison For Fraud A former congressional candidate from Westchester who once held several leadership positions in county and city government will spend several years in prison for stealing restaurant workers' wages and using them for himself.  Mount Vernon resident Derickson Lawrence, age 67, who unsuccessfully ran as a Democrat to represent New York's 16th Congressional District in 2018 and 2016, was sentenced to seven years and three months in prison for defrauding his payroll company's client and a COVID-19 relief program, according to court documents.  Lawrence had been the chief…
Red Light Camera Programs To Be Extended In These Westchester Locales Red Light Camera Programs To Be Extended In These Westchester Locales
Red Light Camera Programs To Be Extended In These Westchester Locales To protect motorists on New York roads, Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced the creation of a new red light camera program in the Hudson Valley and the expansion of other initiatives across the state.  In an announcement on Wednesday, Oct. 23, Hochul revealed that she signed legislation to extend several existing red light camera programs in Westchester, Albany, and Nassau counties.  The legislation also includes the "largest expansion" of the red light camera program in New York City's history, Hochul's office said. "The safety of all New Yorkers is my top priority and we know that …
Man Dies After Shooting Near Westchester Deli Man Dies After Shooting Near Westchester Deli
Man Dies After Shooting Near Westchester Deli Authorities are searching for whoever was involved in a shooting near a Westchester market and deli that left a man dead. New, updated report - New Update: ID Released For Man Killed In Shooting Near Mount Vernon Deli The shooting happened on Wednesday, Oct. 23 just before 10:30 p.m. near the Taiz Market & deli in Mount Vernon at 22 West Lincoln Ave., according to Mount Vernon city officials. Responding officers found two men with gunshot wounds. One had been shot in his left forearm and was taken to Jacobi Medical Center for treatment.  The second victim was shot in his lef…
Here's How Westchester's Sean Combs Broke Social Media Silence After Sex Trafficking Arrest Here's How Westchester's Sean Combs Broke Social Media Silence After Sex Trafficking Arrest
Here's How Westchester's Sean Combs Broke Social Media Silence After Sex Trafficking Arrest Almost a month after his arrest for federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges, hip-hop mogul and New York native Sean Combs has broken his silence on his social media pages.  On Tuesday, Oct. 15, a post appeared an on Instagram page belonging to Combs, a 54-year-old New York City native who grew up in Westchester County's Mount Vernon and will stand trial in May for federal charges.  Although the post is the first to be made following Combs's arrest, it does not address the allegations against him; instead, it celebrates the birthday of the embattled star's young 2-yea…
City In Westchester Reveals Plans For Redesigned Transit Center City In Westchester Reveals Plans For Redesigned Transit Center
City In Westchester Reveals Plans For Redesigned Transit Center Officials in a Westchester County city are giving residents a sneak peek of plans to redesign its downtown transit center into a more pedestrian-oriented facility.  In an announcement on Thursday, Oct. 10, New Rochelle unveiled the new design for the city's transit center, which would change it into a more "modern, well-connected hub," officials said.  The city's transit center, located in the heart of downtown New Rochelle, currently serves as the busiest station on the Metro-North New Haven Line in New York outside of New York City. it provides access to places such as Yonkers, …
Here's When Westchester's Sean 'Diddy' Combs Will Stand Trial For Sex Trafficking: Report Here's When Westchester's Sean 'Diddy' Combs Will Stand Trial For Sex Trafficking: Report
Here's When Westchester's Sean 'Diddy' Combs Will Stand Trial For Sex Trafficking: Report Hip hop mogul and New York native Sean Combs has learned when he will stand trial on federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges, according to a report by The New York Times.  Combs, a 54-year-old New York City native who grew up in Westchester County's Mount Vernon, will stand trial in May 2025 following his arrest on Tuesday morning, Sept. 17 on a three-count indictment, The New York Times reported.  The trial's starting date, Monday, May 5, was set by Judge Arun Subramanian of the Federal District Court for the Southern District of New York, the newspaper ad…
Here's How 2024 Q3 Housing Market In Westchester Compared To Hudson Valley Counties: Report Here's How 2024 Q3 Housing Market In Westchester Compared To Hudson Valley Counties: Report
Here's How 2024 Q3 Housing Market In Westchester Compared To Hudson Valley Counties: Report Although those shopping for a home in the Hudson Valley finally have more inventory to choose from, this has not decreased prices, according to a new report.  According to the Houlihan Lawrence Westchester-Putnam Dutchess Q3 Market Report released on Tuesday, Oct. 8, real estate markets in the three counties are experiencing an increase in available listings, the first major shift in more than three years.  This follows an extended period of reduced inventory as a result of high demand, the report said. According to the report, listings in Westchester increased by an average…
Westchester's Sean 'Diddy' Combs' Mom Calls Allegations Against Him 'Lies': Report Westchester's Sean 'Diddy' Combs' Mom Calls Allegations Against Him 'Lies': Report
Westchester's Sean 'Diddy' Combs' Mom Calls Allegations Against Him 'Lies': Report As New York native and hip hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs faces federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges, his mother is coming to his defense while also admitting he has made mistakes, according to reports.  Combs's mother, Janice Small Combs, released a statement defending her son, who was arrested on Tuesday, Sept. 17 on a three-count indictment accusing him of running a criminal enterprise that involved sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice, BBC reported on Monday, Oct. 7.  Earlier Report - Mount Vernon's Sean 'D…
5 Adults, Young Child Evacuated From Burning Home In Westchester 5 Adults, Young Child Evacuated From Burning Home In Westchester
5 Adults, Young Child Evacuated From Burning Home In Westchester Fire officials are investigating a blaze at a Westchester home that left several people, including young children, displaced.  The blaze began on Saturday, Oct. 5 just after 5 p.m., when a home at 439 Homestead Ave. in Mount Vernon caught on fire, according to city officials.  Five adults and two children, including a 7-year-old, were inside the house when the blaze began. Luckily though, firefighters were able to safely get them all out. No serious injuries were reported.  The fire was under control by 7:40 p.m., officials said, adding that the New Rochelle and Eastchester …
Alleged Drug Dealer Accused Of Selling Fentanyl, Meth, Crack After Westchester Traffic Stop Alleged Drug Dealer Accused Of Selling Fentanyl, Meth, Crack After Westchester Traffic Stop
Alleged Drug Dealer Accused Of Selling Fentanyl, Meth, Crack After Westchester Traffic Stop A traffic stop in Westchester led to the arrest of a man accused of selling illegal drugs, including fentanyl, meth, and crack. The stop was made around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2 in Mount Vernon when New York State Police troopers pulled over a 2009 Acura RL for several violations of the vehicle and traffic law in the city of Mount Vernon, on 1st Street. It was determined the driver, Thomas Davis, age 46, of Bronx, was in illegal possession of approximately 75 grams of crack-cocaine, 15 grams of MDMA(3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine), 11 grams of Fentanyl, and 1 gram Alprazolam, said po…
$41M To Go Toward Expanding, Modernizing Hospital In Westchester $41M To Go Toward Expanding, Modernizing Hospital In Westchester
$41M To Go Toward Expanding, Modernizing Hospital In Westchester New York State officials have dedicated tens of millions of dollars toward expanding and transforming facilities and equipment at a Westchester County hospital.  In an announcement on Monday, Sept. 30, Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard revealed a $41 million capital investment from New York State that will go towards Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital.  The secured funding will pay for a "comprehensive revitalization strategy" focusing on expanding and modernizing key areas of the hospital, officials said. This will include:  Redesigning the emergency department so …
120 Accuse Westchester's Sean Combs Of Sex Abuse In New Class Action Lawsuit: Report 120 Accuse Westchester's Sean Combs Of Sex Abuse In New Class Action Lawsuit: Report
120 Accuse Westchester's Sean Combs Of Sex Abuse In New Class Action Lawsuit: Report The legal troubles faced by Sean "Diddy" Combs, a New York native, are far from over, as the hip-hop mogul is facing allegations of sexual assault from over 100 new accusers, according to a report by NBC News.  Texas-based attorney Tony Buzbee announced on Tuesday, Oct. 1 that he is currently representing 120 people with various allegations against Combs occurring over two decades, NBC reported.  These accusations against Combs, a New York City native who grew up in Westchester County's Mount Vernon, include sexual assault or rape; facilitated sex with a controlled substance;…
Top-Prize-Winning Lottery Ticket Sold At Westchester Store Top-Prize-Winning Lottery Ticket Sold At Westchester Store
Top-Prize-Winning Lottery Ticket Sold At Westchester Store A lucky visitor to a Westchester stationery store walked away with quite the prize.  A top-prize-winning Take 5 ticket was sold for the drawing on Monday, Sept 30 at the Memorial Stationery store in Mount Vernon at 414 East Sandford Blvd., New York Lottery officials announced.  Hopefully, the winner likes odd numbers, as the amount they won was $17,777, officials added.  The winner's name was not made public.  If you're looking to try your luck at Take 5, drawings are held twice a day at 2:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.