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Law Enforcement

State Assemblyman's Home Broken Into By Men In Ski Masks In Rockland County State Assemblyman's Home Broken Into By Men In Ski Masks In Rockland County
State Assemblyman's Home Broken Into By Men In Ski Masks In Rockland County Outgoing New York State Assemblyman John McGowan (R-District 97) found himself chasing away multiple people wearing ski masks who had broken into his Rockland County home in the middle of the night. McGowan, who represents Orangetown and Ramapo, said he and his wife, Christine, were sleeping when their barking dogs woke him up and caused him to discover the intruders. He encountered "multiple individuals in the home brandishing what appeared to be a crowbar," he added. McGowan said he was able to chase them off and call the police. "This experience was terrifying and alarming, to say the …
Longtime Hudson Valley Police Officer Suspended Following DWI Longtime Hudson Valley Police Officer Suspended Following DWI
Longtime Hudson Valley Police Officer Suspended Following DWI A longtime police sergeant from the Hudson Valley has been suspended for 30 days without pay after allegedly being caught and charged with driving while intoxicated. According to New York State Trooper Jennifer Alvarez, Eric J. VanAllen, age 46, of Kingston, was arrested on Friday, Dec. 13, for DWI after he was found sleeping in a 2025 Dodge Ram pickup at an intersection in Gardiner. On the scene, troopers found a 2025 Dodge Power Ram pickup truck stopped at the intersection and VanAllen "seemingly sleeping" in the driver's seat.  The vehicle's passenger also appeared asleep in the pa…
CEO Murder: Manhattan Grand Jury Indicts Luigi Mangione, Could Be Extradited To NY In Days CEO Murder: Manhattan Grand Jury Indicts Luigi Mangione, Could Be Extradited To NY In Days
CEO Murder: Manhattan Grand Jury Indicts Luigi Mangione, Could Be Extradited To NY In Days Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing former UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, was indicted by a Manhattan grand jury on Tuesday, Dec. 17. Mangione is charged with one count of first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism and two counts of second-degree murder. Mangione, a 26-year-old Maryland native, had fled New York City after the high-profile targeted assassination outside the New York Hilton in Manhattan on Wednesday, Dec. 4.  UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. UnitedHealthcare After a days-long manhunt, Mangione was apprehended at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsy…
Rapist Gets Maximum 25 Years In Jail: Orange County DA Rapist Gets Maximum 25 Years In Jail: Orange County DA
Rapist Gets Maximum 25 Years In Jail: Orange County DA A Hudson Valley man received a 25-year prison sentence, the most severe penalty under the law after a jury found him guilty of forcibly raping an individual. Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler said Jesse Boniface, age 52, of Middletown, was also sentenced to 20 years of post-release supervision on Monday, Dec. 16. Hoovler added that the swift arrest by the Town of Crawford Police, assisted by the New York State Police in forensic analysis, led to the conviction for the Nov. 2023 assault. According to court documents, Boniface engaged in sexual intercourse and oral sexual co…
New Drone Detection System Coming To NY After Incident Forces Stewart Airport To Shut Down New Drone Detection System Coming To NY After Incident Forces Stewart Airport To Shut Down
New Drone Detection System Coming To NY After Incident Forces Stewart Airport To Shut Down Following an incident at a New York airport that disrupted operations, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that federal partners are deploying a state-of-the-art drone detection system to New York State. The announcement follows a significant disruption in Orange County on Friday, Dec. 13, at Stewart International Airport in New Windsor, where a drone forced a temporary shutdown of the airport’s runways, delaying flights. State and federal agencies are continuing their investigation into the incident. After that event, Hochul called for additional resources to bolster drone detection and response …
Disturbance At Dutchess County Homeless Shelter Leads To 2 Deputies Injured Disturbance At Dutchess County Homeless Shelter Leads To 2 Deputies Injured
Disturbance At Dutchess County Homeless Shelter Leads To 2 Deputies Injured The Dutchess County Sheriff's Office reported the arrest of Isaiah E. Lodge, age 27, after deputies responded to a disturbance call and he bit them and held one in a chokehold. Capt. John Watterson said the incident occurred in Poughkeepsie around 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12. They were called to a homeless shelter on North Hamilton Street for a disorderly person threatening staff. As the deputies attempted to arrest Lodge, Watterson said the incident escalated when he resisted arrest, injuring two deputies by biting them and employing a chokehold.  The altercation required the resp…
Drones To Be Seen In Hudson Valley Skies: Here's Why Drones To Be Seen In Hudson Valley Skies: Here's Why
Drones To Be Seen In Hudson Valley Skies: Here's Why Amid a rise in drone sightings along the East Coast, the devices will be seen in the skies over Northern Westchester—although these will be flying for a specific reason, police said. Drones will be used in the area of Route 134 west of the Taconic State Parkway in Yorktown during the daylight hours of Thursday, Dec. 12, the town's police department announced. The reason? The drones will be used for a movie shoot, according to authorities.  The department said it wanted to warn the public "due to the current uncertainty involving recent drone sightings in New Jersey."  In the Gar…
Ivy Leaguer From Prominent Family Officially Charged With CEO's Murder, Faces Extradition To NY Ivy Leaguer From Prominent Family Officially Charged With CEO's Murder, Faces Extradition To NY
Ivy Leaguer From Prominent Family Officially Charged With CEO's Murder, Faces Extradition To NY An Ivy League-educated high school valedictorian from a privileged, politically connected family has been charged with the execution-style murder of the CEO of one of the nation's largest healthcare providers after a days-long manhunt. Click here for a new, updated story - CEO Murder: Whiz Kid Suspect May Have Spiraled After Traumatic Back Surgery New York prosecutors have formally charged 26-year-old Luigi Nicholas Mangione, a native of Towson, Maryland, with the fatal shooting of United Healthcare executive Brian Thompson.  The incident occurred outside the New York Hilton in midt…
Kingston Man Among Seven Arrested In Secret Drug Network Bust At Rutgers, Prosecutors Say Kingston Man Among Seven Arrested In Secret Drug Network Bust At Rutgers, Prosecutors Say
Kingston Man Among Seven Arrested In Secret Drug Network Bust At Rutgers, Prosecutors Say A covert social media network used by Rutgers University students to buy and sell drugs led to seven arrests following a months-long investigation, authorities said. The seven were arrested as part of the "Operation RU Pharm" investigation, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said in a news release on Thursday, Dec. 5. The undercover operation exposed a private social media network used by Rutgers students to distribute and purchase drugs. Investigators said they uncovered the online platform created by a former Rutgers student. Dealers posted menus of drugs for students w…
Pets Endangered: Tacks Found Scattered in Dog-Walking Area In Southeast Pets Endangered: Tacks Found Scattered in Dog-Walking Area In Southeast
Pets Endangered: Tacks Found Scattered in Dog-Walking Area In Southeast A troubling discovery in the Hudson Valley has sparked an investigation after nearly 100 metal thumbtacks were found scattered in a grassy area commonly used for dog walking, authorities said.  The incident occurred at Twin Brook Manor in the Putnam County town of Southeast, according to the Putnam County SPCA, which received a report from a resident on Tuesday, Dec. 3.  The resident, who frequently walks their dog in the area behind the 200 block of houses, noticed dozens of metal tacks scattered across the grass and notified the SPCA. Upon further investigation, SPCA officials …
Lee Zeldin, Elise Stefanik Among Trump Admin Picks From NY Targeted With Bomb Threats Lee Zeldin, Elise Stefanik Among Trump Admin Picks From NY Targeted With Bomb Threats
Lee Zeldin, Elise Stefanik Among Trump Admin Picks From NY Targeted With Bomb Threats Several New York politicians received bomb threats as part of a widespread attack targeting President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks and administrative appointees. The attacks, which ranged from bomb threats to prank “swatting” calls meant to dispatch a large number of armed police officers to a target’s residence, were made Tuesday night, Nov. 26, and Wednesday morning, Nov. 27. “Last night and this morning, several of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees and administration appointees were targeted in violent, un-America threats to their lives and those who live with them,” said K…
Bomb Threats, Swatting Incidents Target Trump Cabinet Picks, Appointees, Spokesperson Says Bomb Threats, Swatting Incidents Target Trump Cabinet Picks, Appointees, Spokesperson Says
Bomb Threats, Swatting Incidents Target Trump Cabinet Picks, Appointees, Spokesperson Says Several of President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet selections and administrative appointees were the targets threats the last two days, a spokesperson said, calling the acts "violent" and "un-American." According to a statement by the Trump-Vance Transition Team on Wednesday, Nov. 27, several individuals associated with the incoming administration were subjected to threats ranging from bomb scares to "swatting" incidents, in which false reports are made to dispatch emergency responders to someone's location. Law enforcement responded swiftly to ensure the safety of those targeted, the team s…
Final Suspect In 2022 Dutchess County Murder Case Arrested, Closing Multi-Agency Investigation Final Suspect In 2022 Dutchess County Murder Case Arrested, Closing Multi-Agency Investigation
Final Suspect In 2022 Dutchess County Murder Case Arrested, Closing Multi-Agency Investigation A local police department in coordination with multiple law enforcement agencies, has arrested the final suspect in a 2022 murder in the Hudson Valley, marking a significant breakthrough in a complex, multi-year investigation. On Thursday, Nov. 21, Beacon Police, aided by extensive inter-agency cooperation, apprehended 24-year-old Zyree Downing in Pennsylvania, where he was already incarcerated, According to Beacon Chief of Police Thomas Figlia. Downing, from Middletown, Delaware, has been charged with murder for his alleged involvement in the death of Lionel Pittman. This arrest follo…
Hudson Valley Man Sentenced For Violent 2017 Home Invasion Hudson Valley Man Sentenced For Violent 2017 Home Invasion
Hudson Valley Man Sentenced For Violent 2017 Home Invasion A Hudson Valley man has been sentenced to nine years in prison following a dramatic burglary incident where he and an accomplice posed as FBI agents during a violent home invasion.  Westchester County resident Oscar Castillo, age 37, from Yonkers, was sentenced on Monday, Nov. 18, said Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler. He was also sentenced to five years of post-release supervision.  The sentence stems from Castillo's 2023 guilty plea to burglary charges linked to a 2017 incident in Washingtonville. Castillo, who initially evaded sentencing by not appearing in c…
Hudson Valley Corrections Sergeant Charged With Child Exploitation Charges Hudson Valley Corrections Sergeant Charged With Child Exploitation Charges
Hudson Valley Corrections Sergeant Charged With Child Exploitation Charges A 44-year-old sergeant at the Rockland County Jail is facing over 50 charges of possessing and promoting alleged child sexual abuse material, authorities announced. Daniel Dworkin, a corrections officer sergeant, was arrested Thursday, Nov. 21, following an investigation sparked by a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, according to Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II. Dworkin is charged with 51 counts each of promoting and possessing a sexual performance by a child. A search of his home and digital devices reportedly uncovered disturbing…
Phone Scam Involving Fake Jury Summons Targets Residents In Area Near Putnam County Phone Scam Involving Fake Jury Summons Targets Residents In Area Near Putnam County
Phone Scam Involving Fake Jury Summons Targets Residents In Area Near Putnam County Authorities are warning Hudson Valley residents about a phone scam in which callers impersonate sheriff’s office personnel and demand payment via gift cards.  The scam has been reported in Putnam County, the county's Sheriff's Office announced on Friday, Nov. 22. According to authorities, the caller claims to be “Sergeant Cook” from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and falsely states that the recipient failed to respond to a jury summons. The scammer then threatens that a warrant will be issued for the recipient’s arrest unless they pay using gift cards. The Sheriff’s Office emphasi…
Police Seek Help Identifying Suspects In February Shooting In Region Police Seek Help Identifying Suspects In February Shooting In Region
Police Seek Help Identifying Suspects In February Shooting In Region A police department  in the region is asking the public for help identifying two people involved in a shooting earlier this year. The incident occurred in Dutchess County on Saturday, Feb. 10, around 11:30 p.m. in the area of Church and Main Streets in the city of Poughkeepsie. According to Det. Lt. Sean McCarthy of the Poughkeepsie Police officers responded to reports of multiple gunshots. While no victims were found at the scene, an investigation revealed that an occupied residence had been struck by gunfire. The department is asking for the community's helpd to ident…
Hudson Valley Police Sergeant Honored With 2024 Hero Of Crisis Intervention Team Award Hudson Valley Police Sergeant Honored With 2024 Hero Of Crisis Intervention Team Award
Hudson Valley Police Sergeant Honored With 2024 Hero Of Crisis Intervention Team Award The National Alliance on Mental Illness has awarded a Hudson Valley police sergeant the 2024 Hero of CIT Award—New York State, recognizing his significant contributions to mental health advocacy. The Clarkstown Police Department announced that Sgt. Christopher Bax’s recent accolade underscores his dedicated efforts in mental health advocacy within the community. The department said that as a Crisis Intervention Team trainer, Bax has shown exemplary leadership and compassion, significantly impacting the lives of those affected by mental illness. "His approach extends beyond training law enf…
Hudson Valley Woman Sentenced For Arson Of Residential Building With People Inside Hudson Valley Woman Sentenced For Arson Of Residential Building With People Inside
Hudson Valley Woman Sentenced For Arson Of Residential Building With People Inside In a significant court ruling, a woman from the region was sentenced to nine years in prison following her conviction for arson of a residential building. According to Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler, Dawn Hulse, age 53, of Port Jervis, was sentenced on Wednesday, Nov. 20, to prison time plus an additional five years of supervised release.  This follows her guilty plea in Orange County Court to commit arson at a two-family residence in Port Jervis. Court documents reveal that on Tuesday, Jan. 25, Hulse disabled the smoke detector from the fuse box and barricaded the…
Bomb Threat Made To High School In Dutchess County Bomb Threat Made To High School In Dutchess County
Bomb Threat Made To High School In Dutchess County Acting on a tip, the FBI and local law enforcement charged a person with allegedly making a bomb threat against a high school in the region. The incident occurred in Dutchess County on Sunday, Nov. 17. Dr. Dwight Bonk, superintendent of schools for the Wappinger Central School District, said the threat was made against Orchard View Alternative High School in Wappingers Falls. Bonk said the FBI received a tip about some online activity that led them to a home in the District. "The FBI, as well as the East Fishkill Police Department, were quick to notify us of the situation," Bonk said. "Tha…
Man Headed To Prison For Sexually Abusing Child In Hudson Valley Man Headed To Prison For Sexually Abusing Child In Hudson Valley
Man Headed To Prison For Sexually Abusing Child In Hudson Valley A man has been sentenced to prison for sexually abusing a child under the age of 13 in the region. Sullivan County resident Anthony Villegas, 49, of Monticello, pleaded guilty and was sentenced in Orange County Court to nine years in prison, followed by 10 years of post-release supervision. According to Orange County District Attorney David Hoolver, Villegas admitted that between June 2010 and April 2011, he engaged in two or more acts of sexual conduct, which included at least one act of sexual intercourse with an individual who was under 13 years old. Hoovler thanked the New York State P…
Hudson Valley Man Nabbed On 6 Counts Of Rape Of Minor, Police Say Hudson Valley Man Nabbed On 6 Counts Of Rape Of Minor, Police Say
Hudson Valley Man Nabbed On 6 Counts Of Rape Of Minor, Police Say A man is behind bars for allegedly engaging in sexual conduct with a 15-year-old girl in the region. Ulster County resident Tito Nunez-Hernandez, age 32, of Lake Katrine, was charged with six counts of rape on Tuesday, Nov. 12. According to Ulster Police Department Chief Kyle Berardi, the department received a complaint regarding sexual contact between the two on Thursday, Nov. 7, and began an investigation. As a result of the investigation, the chief said Nunez-Hernandez was located and taken into custody without incident. He was charged with six counts of felony rape and remanded t…
Search Warrant Leads To Child Porn Charge For Hudson Valley 60-Year-Old Search Warrant Leads To Child Porn Charge For Hudson Valley 60-Year-Old
Search Warrant Leads To Child Porn Charge For Hudson Valley 60-Year-Old A Hudson Valley code enforcement officer and fire investigator has been charged with allegedly possessing materials showing obscene sexual performances by a child. Orange County resident John Orr, age 60, of Pine Island, was charged on Wednesday, Nov. 6, following the execution of a search warrant by the New York State Police and the town of Warwick Police on Glenwood Road, in the Town of Warwick, said Trooper Steven Nvel. After the search, Nevel said Orr was arrested, processed, and released on an appearance ticket.  The investigation is continuing by State Police Monroe BCI and the …
Cybersecurity Issue Hits Stop & Shop, Hannaford, Other Supermarkets, Parent Company Says Cybersecurity Issue Hits Stop & Shop, Hannaford, Other Supermarkets, Parent Company Says
Cybersecurity Issue Hits Stop & Shop, Hannaford, Other Supermarkets, Parent Company Says A cybersecurity “issue” has led the parent company of a supermarket chain to disconnect some systems to protect them. Ahold Delhaize USA said it recently detected a cybersecurity issue within its US network. "Immediately upon detecting the issue, our security teams began an investigation with the assistance of external cybersecurity experts," the company said. "We also notified law enforcement." The move affects: Stop & Shop, which has around 400 locations in New England, New York, and New Jersey; Hannaford, with stores in eastern upstate New York and New England; Giant Company, with…
'Fugitive From Justice' Wanted For Crime Spree In Region Extradited 'Fugitive From Justice' Wanted For Crime Spree In Region Extradited
'Fugitive From Justice' Wanted For Crime Spree In Region Extradited A Hudson Valley man wanted for a slew of alleged crimes in the region has been extradited after being arrested out of state.  Orange County resident Joseph Michael Flood, age 42, of Port Jervis, was returned to Sullivan County on Thursday, Nov. 7, after failing to show up in court in 2023 for a crime spree, said Sullivan County Undersheriff Eric Chaboty. Chaboty said Flood was picked up from the Morris County Jail in New Jersey and returned after being arrested by the New Jersey State Police. Flood was initially scheduled to appear on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023 for sentencing in …
Man, Woman Face Host Of Charges After Police Pursuit In Hudson Valley Man, Woman Face Host Of Charges After Police Pursuit In Hudson Valley
Man, Woman Face Host Of Charges After Police Pursuit In Hudson Valley A man and a woman were nabbed after a pursuit with New York State Police in the Hudson Valley on a host of charges, including allegedly possessing illegal weapons. The incident began in Westchester County at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 6, when troopers attempted to stop a 2021 Nissan Sentra on I-87 in the village of Ardsley and ended in Rockland County in Nyack when the vehicle was stopped by the Orangetown Police on Route 59. According to Trooper Steven Nevel, after the stop, troopers arrived and interviewed the operator who was identified as Selena Lasco, age 26, and her passenger Jav…
Hudson Valley Man Admits Sexual Assault Of Child Hudson Valley Man Admits Sexual Assault Of Child
Hudson Valley Man Admits Sexual Assault Of Child A Hudson Valley man has admitted to sexually abusing a child repeatedly. Rockland County resident Luis Quinac-Morales, age 41, of Spring Valley, on Wednesday, Nov. 6, said Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh. Beginning in 2016, Quinac-Morales routinely sexually abused the 12-year-old girl in the Village of Spring Valley. The repeated sexual abuse consisted of sexual intercourse, Walsh said.  “The defendant in this case subjected a 12- year-old innocent child to horrific sexual abuse," Walsh said. "My Office works in collaboration with our partner…
Beloved K9 Who Served With 'Gentlemanly Attitude' In Putnam Dies Beloved K9 Who Served With 'Gentlemanly Attitude' In Putnam Dies
Beloved K9 Who Served With 'Gentlemanly Attitude' In Putnam Dies A sheriff's office is mourning the loss of a beloved K9 who dutifully served the public for several years while still keeping a playful side.  In an announcement on Monday, Nov. 4, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office PBA revealed the death of K9 Satch, who served the county for more than seven years.  After beginning his career in January 2015 with his handler, Deputy Christopher Tompkins, Satch went on to become certified in tracking, evidence search, criminal apprehension, handler protection, and explosive detection.  In a post on social media memorializing the fallen …
Dutchess County Home Burglary Suspect Nabbed, Police Say Dutchess County Home Burglary Suspect Nabbed, Police Say
Dutchess County Home Burglary Suspect Nabbed, Police Say A man who allegedly forced his way into a Hudson Valley home and stole property is behind bars. The incident occurred in Dutchess County at 4:50 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 6, on Franklin Street in the city of Poughkeepsie. According to Poughkeepsie Police, an investigation determined that the suspect forced entry into a private residence and stole property. The suspect had fled the scene before police notification.  Through the course of the investigation, the suspect was identified as Matthew G. Thomas, age 41, address unknown. At  7 am, Thomas was located by patrol officers and tak…
Impaired Driver Charged After Fatal Crash In Region, Police Say Impaired Driver Charged After Fatal Crash In Region, Police Say
Impaired Driver Charged After Fatal Crash In Region, Police Say A tractor-trailer driver was killed in the Capital Region after crashing into the back of another truck in which the driver was charged with DWI/ impaired by drugs. The crash occurred in Schenectady County at 10:15 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 5, on I-90 in Rotterdam. According to Trooper Stephanie O'Neil, an investigation determined that both tractor-trailers were traveling westbound when one vehicle, operated by a Canadian driver, crashed into the rear of the other.  The Canadian driver was declared dead at the scene, O'Neil said. The other vehicle's driver has been identified as Manuel E. A…
Update: Trooper Under Criminal Investigation Amid Doubts Over NY Highway Shooting Update: Trooper Under Criminal Investigation Amid Doubts Over NY Highway Shooting
Update: Trooper Under Criminal Investigation Amid Doubts Over NY Highway Shooting A New York State Police trooper who claimed someone shot him on a roadway in the region is now under criminal investigation amid growing doubts over his story. On Long Island, state police “have reason to believe that the incident did not occur the way it was reported” by trooper Thomas Mascia, an agency spokesperson told reporters Wednesday morning, Nov. 6. Police confirmed that the five-year department veteran is now the subject of both a criminal investigation and an internal probe being conducted by state police and the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office. Earlier Report: T…