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Child Welfare

Peekskill Cab Driver Sexually Abuses Child For Year: Here's His Sentence Peekskill Cab Driver Sexually Abuses Child For Year: Here's His Sentence
Peekskill Cab Driver Sexually Abuses Child For Year: Here's His Sentence A 46-year-old cab driver from Northern Westchester will spend more than a decade in prison for grooming and sexually abusing a young girl for nearly a year, officials announced.  Peekskill resident Luis Urgiles was sentenced to 16 years in state prison for engaging in sexual conduct with a young girl, the Westchester County District Attorney's Office announced on Tuesday, April 23.  According to the DA's Office, Urgiles, a cab driver in Peekskill, met the victim's family when they were passengers in his cab. He then befriended them and began grooming the then-10-year-old…
New Update: More Details Emerge About Attack On Children At Park In Yorktown New Update: More Details Emerge About Attack On Children At Park In Yorktown
New Update: More Details Emerge About Attack On Children At Park In Yorktown Authorities have revealed more information about an attack on two children at a Northern Westchester park, including the name of the suspect charged in connection with the incident.  Yonkers resident Tyreek Lewis, age 19, was arrested on Wednesday, March 27 in connection with an assault that happened at Downing Park in Yorktown earlier on the same day, Yorktown Police announced on Thursday, March 28. Earlier Report - 18-Year-Old Caught After Attacking Children At Park In Yorktown According to police, on Wednesday just after 10 a.m., victims at the park told arriving officers that…
18-Year-Old Caught After Attacking Children At Park In Yorktown 18-Year-Old Caught After Attacking Children At Park In Yorktown
18-Year-Old Caught After Attacking Children At Park In Yorktown An 18-year-old student was taken into custody after attacking children at a park in Northern Westchester, police announced. New, updated report - New Update: More Details Emerge About Attack On Children At Park In Yorktown The incident began on Wednesday, March 27, when an unknown man began physically attacking children at Downing Park in Yorktown, Yorktown Police announced just before 2 p.m.  Officers soon responded to the park and apprehended and arrested the suspect as he fled into a wooded area of the adjacent FDR State Park.  Police soon learned the suspect was an 18-y…
Suspect In 9-Year-Old's Kidnapping From NY Campground Pleads Not Guilty, Report Says Suspect In 9-Year-Old's Kidnapping From NY Campground Pleads Not Guilty, Report Says
Suspect In 9-Year-Old's Kidnapping From NY Campground Pleads Not Guilty, Report Says The man accused of kidnapping a 9-year-old girl from a New York campground has formally denied any wrongdoing, Albany station WTEN reports.  Saratoga County resident Craig Nelson Ross Jr., age 46, of Milton, pleaded not guilty to nine criminal charges in Saratoga County Court on Friday, Nov. 17, the outlet said. Ross is charged with the following: First-degree kidnapping Four counts of sexual assault Two counts of sexual abuse Endangering the welfare of a child Assault Ross was arrested Monday, Oct. 2, 48 hours after allegedly kidnapping the girl from a campground at Moreau Lake Stat…
Man Accused Of Running Prostitution Ring Of Children At Hudson Valley Eatery Man Accused Of Running Prostitution Ring Of Children At Hudson Valley Eatery
Man Accused Of Running Prostitution Ring Of Children At Hudson Valley Eatery A man has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child by attempting to promote prostitution out of a coffee shop in the Hudson Valley.  Greene County resident David J. Bacucci, age 42, of the hamlet of Purling, was charged on Wednesday, Nov. 1 by the New York State Police along with the Village of Goshen Police Department and the Orange County Child Abuse Unit. According to Trooper Steven Nevel of the New York State Police, an investigation revealed that Bacucci was involved in endangering the welfare of children by attempting to promote their prostitution out of Davey’s Baris…
15 'Psychologically Disturbed Children' Removed From Northern Westchester Treatment Center 15 'Psychologically Disturbed Children' Removed From Northern Westchester Treatment Center
15 'Psychologically Disturbed Children' Removed From Northern Westchester Treatment Center Fifteen children with severe psychological and behavioral issues have been removed from a Northern Westchester residential treatment center which has sparked controversy among town leaders for unsafe conditions.  The children were removed from the JCAA Westchester Campus located in Pleasantville at 1075 Broadway, which serves as a treatment center for emotionally troubled young people, Mount Pleasant officials announced on Wednesday, Oct. 11.  According to officials, the children will instead be reassigned to facilities better equipped to handle them. …
Hudson Valley Man Sexually Abuses 12-Year-Old, Police Say Hudson Valley Man Sexually Abuses 12-Year-Old, Police Say
Hudson Valley Man Sexually Abuses 12-Year-Old, Police Say A 34-year-old man from the region is accused of sexually abusing a young child. Orange County resident Josh Horner, of Walden, was arrested Monday, Aug. 28, by New York State Police. According to troopers, Child Protective Services were tipped off that Horner was sexually abusing a 12-year-old child. A follow-up investigation reportedly confirmed the abuse. Walden is charged with felony and sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor. Following his arraignment, he was ordered held at the Orange County jail on $5,000 bail. Horner is scheduled to appear back in court…
Unsafe Child Treatment Center: NY Officials Hear Concerns About Northern Westchester Facility Unsafe Child Treatment Center: NY Officials Hear Concerns About Northern Westchester Facility
Unsafe Child Treatment Center: NY Officials Hear Concerns About Northern Westchester Facility As part of their effort to call for the closure of a Northern Westchester residential treatment center for emotionally troubled children because of unsafe conditions, town leaders met with New York state officials to plead their case.  Both Mount Pleasant Supervisor Carl Fulgenzi and Police Chief Paul Oliva met with state officials during a meeting on Thursday, July 27 to demand the closure of the JCAA Westchester Campus located in Pleasantville at 1075 Broadway, which serves as a treatment center for emotionally troubled children.  Earlier Report - Officials Demand Closure Of Unsafe Chil…
Officials Demand Closure Of Unsafe Child Treatment Center In Northern Westchester Officials Demand Closure Of Unsafe Child Treatment Center In Northern Westchester
Officials Demand Closure Of Unsafe Child Treatment Center In Northern Westchester Authorities and elected officials are calling for the closure of a Northern Westchester residential treatment center for emotionally troubled children because of unsafe conditions, including nearly 250 missing person incidents in six months.  In a press conference held at Town Hall on Wednesday, July 12, Mount Pleasant Police and town officials called for the closure of the JCAA Westchester Campus located in Pleasantville at 1075 Broadway, which serves as a treatment center for emotionally troubled children.  Founded in 1912 as the Pleasantville Cottage School, the center is …
Child Sex Abuse: Hudson Valley Man Nabbed For Assaulting Juvenile, Police Say Child Sex Abuse: Hudson Valley Man Nabbed For Assaulting Juvenile, Police Say
Child Sex Abuse: Hudson Valley Man Nabbed For Assaulting Juvenile, Police Say A 56-year-old Hudson Valley man has been charged with child sex abuse following an investigation. Rockland County resident William Kwiecinski of Stony Point was arrested on Tuesday, June 20 after police were made aware of a complaint from Orange County and the town of Montgomery. According to Stony Point Police Lt. Greg Becker, Kwiecinski had sexual contact with a juvenile in August 2022. He was charged with sex abuse and endangering the welfare of a child while in Stony Point, Becker said. Kwiecinski was released on a $10,000 bail and is set to return to court in July.
34-Year-Old Man Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Child In Area 34-Year-Old Man Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Child In Area
34-Year-Old Man Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Child In Area A Hudson Valley man is accused of sexually abusing an underage teen. Following an investigation, New York State Police and the Orange County Child Protective Services determined that Cecilio Navarro, age 34, of Middletown, had engaged in sexual contact with a child under the age of 15. Navarro was arrested Tuesday, June 14, on two counts of rape and predatory sexual assault against a child, all felonies. He was also charged with misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child. Navarro was arraigned in the City of Newburgh Court and ordered held at the Orange County Jail 
Man Accused Of Trying To Rape Area Middle School Student Man Accused Of Trying To Rape Area Middle School Student
Man Accused Of Trying To Rape Area Middle School Student A man has been charged with allegedly traveling to attempt to rape a Hudson Valley 13-year-old girl at an area hotel. Thomas Rivera, age 32, of Lauderhill, Florida, was arrested on Tuesday, June 7, for communicating online with the girl and persuading her to meet him in Dutchess county to engage in sex, said Damian Williams, the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York. According to the allegations in the complaint filed on Friday, June 3, in White Plains federal court in April the town of Poughkeepsie Police department received a report from the town of Hyde Park Police regarding …
Hudson Valley Man Sentenced For Raping, Sexually Abusing Minor, DA Says Hudson Valley Man Sentenced For Raping, Sexually Abusing Minor, DA Says
Hudson Valley Man Sentenced For Raping, Sexually Abusing Minor, DA Says A 43-year-old Westchester man will spend decades behind bars after being sentenced for raping and sexually abusing a minor, the District Attorney’s Office announced. New Rochelle resident Jamaal Jackson was sentenced to 25 years in state prison, followed by 20 years of post-release supervision, according to Westchester DA Mimi Rocah. Jackson was convicted by a jury in 2018 of abusing a 12-year-old on these charges: First-degree sexual abuse; First-degree rape; Endangering the welfare of a child. Jackson was arrested on Sept. 11, 2020 following an investigation that was assisted by the NY…
Suspect Nabbed For Assaulting Father In Front Of Wife, Kids In Hudson Valley, Police Say Suspect Nabbed For Assaulting Father In Front Of Wife, Kids In Hudson Valley, Police Say
Suspect Nabbed For Assaulting Father In Front Of Wife, Kids In Hudson Valley, Police Say A Hudson Valley man has been charged with allegedly assaulting a father in front of his family, including two young children. The incident took place in Rockland County on Friday, March 18, in Spring Valley. An investigation revealed there was an altercation between a 28-year-old victim and and, at the time, unknown male suspect in the area of West Street and Hoyt Street, said Det. Reginald Anderson, of the Spring Valley Police. "During the incident, it was reported that the suspect punched the victim in the face, in front of the victim's wife and two young children," Anderson said. Follo…
New Details Emerge After Missing Child Found In Dark, Wet Enclosure In Area New Details Emerge After Missing Child Found In Dark, Wet Enclosure In Area
New Details Emerge After Missing Child Found In Dark, Wet Enclosure In Area New details have emerged as the mother and father accused of abducting their daughter and hiding her in a hovel-like room under a staircase at an area home are set to appear in court. Ulster County residents Kimberly Cooper, age 33, and Kirk Shultis Jr., age 32, of Saugerties, were arrested Monday, Feb. 14, after police found Paislee Shultis, age 6, being held in a dark, wet room underneath a staircase in a Saugerties home.  The couple abducted the then 4-year-old from her legal guardian from Cayuga Heights, near Ithaca, in Tompkins County, New York, in 2019, Saugerties Police Chief Joseph…
Child Missing For Three Years Found In Dark, Wet Enclosure In Area Home Child Missing For Three Years Found In Dark, Wet Enclosure In Area Home
Child Missing For Three Years Found In Dark, Wet Enclosure In Area Home Updated story: New Details Emerge After Missing Child Found In Dark, Wet Enclosure In Hudson Valley A 4-year-old girl missing since 2019 has been found hidden in a cold, wet enclosure under a staircase in a Hudson Valley home. Paislee Shultis was reported missing from Cayuga Heights, near Ithaca, in Tompkins County, New York, in 2019, before being located in Ulster County on Valentine's Day, Monday, Feb. 14. At the time, the child was believed to have been abducted by her non-custodial parents, Kimberly Cooper, and Kirk Shultis, said Saugerties Police Chief Joseph Sinagra. On Monday,…
Police Learn Missing New England Girl Hasn't Been Seen In Two Years Police Learn Missing New England Girl Hasn't Been Seen In Two Years
Police Learn Missing New England Girl Hasn't Been Seen In Two Years After learning that a young New England girl has not been seen in two years, police have launched a massive investigation into her whereabouts. Harmony Montgomery, who was 5 years old when she was last seen in 2019, in Manchester, New  Hampshire, was reported missing to police by both the Department of Children, Youth and Families, and individuals.  The little girl, who is blind in the right eye and should wear glasses, was last seen in 2019 when police responded to a home for a call for service, said Manchester Police Chief Alan Aldenberg.  The family who currently lives in…
Hudson Valley Man Sentenced For Sexually Abusing Minor For Years Hudson Valley Man Sentenced For Sexually Abusing Minor For Years
Hudson Valley Man Sentenced For Sexually Abusing Minor For Years A serial sexual abuser who was convicted of abusing a child for several years in Westchester will spend years in prison. White Plains resident Frank Perez, age 57, has been sentenced to five years in state prison, followed by eight years of post-release supervision for sexually abusing a minor between 2016 and 2019, Westchester County District Attorney Mimi Rocah announced. Perez will also have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. Rocah said that between September 2016 and February 2019, Perez engaged in sexual acts with a minor on multiple occasions. The sexual abus…
Man Accused Of Sexual Abuse At Unlicensed Daycare In Area Man Accused Of Sexual Abuse At Unlicensed Daycare In Area
Man Accused Of Sexual Abuse At Unlicensed Daycare In Area Updated story: Police Release Photo Of Man Accused Of Sexual Abuse In Area A man was arrested and charged with sexual abuse following an investigation into an incident at an unlicensed Hudson Valley daycare.  According to New York State Police, 40-year-old Rudy Rodriguez was arraigned in Orange County on Tuesday, Oct. 19. Police said the incident took place at an unlicensed daycare in Newburgh.  Rodriguez, of Newburgh, was charged with first-degree sexual abuse, a felony, and a misdemeanor charge of endangering the welfare of a child, police said. He was rele…
Man Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Minor, State Police Say Man Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Minor, State Police Say
Man Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Minor, State Police Say An area man has been arrested for the alleged sexual assault of a minor on several occasions. Sullivan County resident Damon Sabatini, age 52, of Liberty, was arrested on Friday, April 16, by the New York State Police Sullivan County Child Abuse Unit, said Trooper Steven Nevel. Sabatini was arrested after a joint investigation with Child Protective Services revealed he had been engaging in sexual conduct with a minor, Nevel said. He was charged with course of sexual conduct against a child and endangering the welfare of a child, he added. Sabatini was arraigned at the Town of Fallsburg J…
Man Working As Child Care Provider In Area Charged With Sexually Abusing Minor Man Working As Child Care Provider In Area Charged With Sexually Abusing Minor
Man Working As Child Care Provider In Area Charged With Sexually Abusing Minor A 25-year-old employed as a child-care provider in the area has been accused of sexually abusing a minor. New York State Police in Rhinebeck, in conjunction with the Dutchess County Child Advocacy Center, arrested Ulster County resident Esfand Zahedi, of Port Ewen, on Friday, July 31. He was charged with four counts of first-degree sexual abuse, a Class D felony, and endangering the welfare of a child, a class A misdemeanor. Subsequent to a law enforcement tip, an investigation found Esfand Zahedi, while employed as a private child care provider, sexually abused a child under the age of 11…
Hudson Valley Father Charged For Not Locking Up Weapon That Injured Toddler Hudson Valley Father Charged For Not Locking Up Weapon That Injured Toddler
Hudson Valley Father Charged For Not Locking Up Weapon That Injured Toddler A father in the Hudson Valley is facing charges after he failed to lock up a loaded gun which a toddler took and accidentally injured himself. Robert Welgos, 45, was arraigned on Monday, June 22 on charges related to having an unsecured loaded firearm in his home that led to a toddler shooting himself.  It is alleged that on Thursday, June 11, Welgos' toddler took the loaded gun from an unlocked safe, discharged the weapon, and injured himself. Westchester County District Attorney Anthony Scarpino, Jr. said that Welgos lives with his family, including two children, in Harrison.  …
Area HS Varsity Coach Charged With Sexual Abuse For Alleged Relationship With Player Area HS Varsity Coach Charged With Sexual Abuse For Alleged Relationship With Player
Area HS Varsity Coach Charged With Sexual Abuse For Alleged Relationship With Player An area high school varsity coach has been charged with engaging “in an inappropriate relationship” with a 16-year-old girl. Erin Koonz, of Kingston, was arrested on Friday, June 12, by investigators from the Ulster County Family and Child Advocacy Center, reported the Ulster District Attorney's Office. The investigation into Koonz, 29, who was employed as head varsity field hockey coach at Kingston High School began in March after receiving a report of the inappropriate relationship with the 16-year-old, the advocacy center said. The investigation revealed that during the month of Fe…
20-Year-Old Charged With Performing Sex Acts With Minor, Police Say 20-Year-Old Charged With Performing Sex Acts With Minor, Police Say
20-Year-Old Charged With Performing Sex Acts With Minor, Police Say A 20-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly performing sexual acts with a minor that included sending inappropriate images and videos to the child in the Hudson Valley. Nassau County resident William Ramos, of Bethpage, was arrested in in Orange County by the town of Montgomery Police following an investigation, said Montgomery Police Investigator Stephen Ragni. The investigation found that the sexual acts took place in the town of Montgomery and involved a minor child, Ragni said. Ramos was charged with felony criminal sex act, disseminating indecent material to a minor, and endange…
Man Sexually Abused Child In Parking Lot Of Northern Westchester Shopping Center, Police Say Man Sexually Abused Child In Parking Lot Of Northern Westchester Shopping Center, Police Say
Man Sexually Abused Child In Parking Lot Of Northern Westchester Shopping Center, Police Say A Putnam County man surrendered himself into police custody for allegedly sexually abusing a minor in the parking lot of a Northern Westchester shopping center, investigators said. Last month, on Wednesday, Feb. 19, a member of the Yorktown Police Department was approached by two residents who reported a possible sexual assault that happened the previous night in the Shrub Oak Shopping Center parking lot. It is alleged that on Tuesday, Feb. 18, a 20-year-old man from Putnam Valley - whose name has not been released by investigators - forcibly touched his victim’s intimate parts multiple tim…
Man Gets 14-Year Sentence For Rape Of Child In Area Man Gets 14-Year Sentence For Rape Of Child In Area
Man Gets 14-Year Sentence For Rape Of Child In Area A 26-year-old Hudson Valley man will spend more than a decade behind bars after being sentenced for raping a teenager. Poughkeepsie resident Justin O’Dell has been sentenced to 14 years in state prison after pleading guilty to second-degree rape of a child in Dutchess County Court in January.  He will also serve 15 years of post-release supervision and has been ordered to a sex offender upon the completion of his prison term. O’Dell also pleaded guilty to three counts of second-degree criminal sexual act, and endangering the welfare of a child. His victim also received an Order of Pro…
Missing 10-Year-Old Reunited With Family By Metro-North Employees Missing 10-Year-Old Reunited With Family By Metro-North Employees
Missing 10-Year-Old Reunited With Family By Metro-North Employees A missing 10-year-old girl was returned safely to her family thanks to the good work of several MTA employees. The employees were recently honored after the child was found on Tuesday, Jan. 14, said MTA officials. The girl, from the Bronx, was found just as Train No. 593 pulled out of Fordham Station, when Conductor Ninan Jacob noticed the child, traveling alone and seemingly confused and tired. After spotting the child, Jacob contacted the operations center who arranged to have MTA Police meet the train at its next scheduled station stop in Mount Vernon West. “I don’t consider mysel…
Police: Westchester Mother Who Tried Drowning Infant In Bathtub Charged With Attempted Murder Police: Westchester Mother Who Tried Drowning Infant In Bathtub Charged With Attempted Murder
Police: Westchester Mother Who Tried Drowning Infant In Bathtub Charged With Attempted Murder A Westchester County mother who attempted to drown her infant son in a bathtub has been charged with attempted murder. The criminal charge filed Wednesday, Dec. 11 was the result of that investigation and consultation with the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office. La-Quanaya Ward, 29, who resides at the Coachman Family Center on East Post Road in White Plains, was taken into custody on Wednesday, Nov. 11, after she was released from a Westchester hospital, said Kieran O'Leary, spokesman for the Westchester County Police. Ward had been admitted to the hospital on Wednesday, De…
Still No Decision On Criminal Charges By DA In Twins' Hot Car Death Still No Decision On Criminal Charges By DA In Twins' Hot Car Death
Still No Decision On Criminal Charges By DA In Twins' Hot Car Death A father who left his 1-year-old twins in a hot car where they died while he was at work will have to wait a bit longer to learn his fate. Rockland County resident Juan Rodriguez, 39, of New City, appeared briefly in court on Thursday, Dec. 5, hoping to learn if the Bronx district attorney will proceed with criminal charges, but the prosecutor requested another adjournment. They did not say what was holding up the process. In a hearing lasting under a minute, Rodriguez and his attorney, Joey Jackson, were told that the case had been adjourned until Feb. 6, 2020. When Jackson said the lack …
Man Accused Of Groping 11-Year-Old, Sharing Porn With 16-Year-Old In Area Man Accused Of Groping 11-Year-Old, Sharing Porn With 16-Year-Old In Area
Man Accused Of Groping 11-Year-Old, Sharing Porn With 16-Year-Old In Area A pair of investigations into alleged sexual assault led to the arrest of a 19-year-old man who allegedly had inappropriate contact with two minors, groping one of them and sharing porn with another. It is alleged that last year, Roger Wong, of Monticello, inappropriately touched an 11-year-old girl in Monticello, according to the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office. In the Town of Thompson, he is also allegedly sent inappropriate pictures to a 16-year-old girl through a text message. In Monticello, Wong was charged with misdemeanor counts of forcible touching and endangering the welfare …
Woman Accused Of Raping Child After Complaints Of Loud Parties, Police Say Woman Accused Of Raping Child After Complaints Of Loud Parties, Police Say
Woman Accused Of Raping Child After Complaints Of Loud Parties, Police Say A series of loud parties led to a rape charge for a woman who allegedly had sex with a minor in Rockland County, police said. The Stony Point Police Department received numerous complaints from local residents regarding loud music and parties on multiple incidents over the course of months at a Perrins Peak home. In response to the parties, Stony Point resident Andre Oden, 45, was cited four times for noise violations and nuisance party violations after he was arrested on Thursday, Aug. 8. Police said that the investigation into the parties and activities at the Perrins Peak home continued…