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Saturday, mar 29
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Orange County, NY
News
Support Comes To Wife Of Hudson Valley Officer Killed In Crash: Faces Serious Injuries
Following the tragic death of Orange County Police Officer Jose Santiago Sr. in a wrong-way crash, the community is now rallying to support his wife, Blanca, who survived the wreck but faces a long and difficult recovery. Blanca Santiago, 64, remains hospitalized in stable condition at Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown after suffering serious injuries in the Saturday, March 22 collision that took her husband's life. Jose Santiago, 65, was killed at the scene when a van crossed into the wrong lane and struck his vehicle head-on near Exit 113 in the Sullivan County town o…
Obituaries
Funeral Services Set For Officer From Hudson Valley Killed In Off-Duty Crash (
Update
)
Funeral arrangements have been announced for Officer Jose A. Santiago Sr., who was killed in a wrong-way crash on Route 17 in New York, police said. Orange County resident Officer Santiago of Washingtonville, 65, died at the scene of the crash on Saturday, March 22, after his vehicle was struck head-on by a van that crossed into the wrong lane near Exit 113 in the Sullivan County town of Mamakating, according to New York State Police and Washingtonville Police Chief Brian Zaccaro. His wife, Blanca Santiago, 64, was injured in the crash and remains hospitalized in stable condition at G…
Police & Fire
$42K Phone Scam: Duo Impersonated Government Agents To Steal In Hudson Valley, Police Say
Two men were apprehended after allegedly running a telephone scam that tricked an Orange County woman into handing over $42,000, authorities said. New York City residents Nian Lin, 40, and Zhen Chen, 25, were taken into custody on Friday, March 14, after a sting operation led by Port Jervis Police with assistance from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, the Orange County Drug Task Force, and the US Department of Homeland Security, authorities announced on Wednesday, March 19. According to police, the duo pretended to be government officials and told the victim her iden…
News
Man Who Murdered 9-Year-Old, Parents In Hudson Valley Learns His Fate, DA Says
An Orange County man who executed a family inside their home, including a nine-year-old child, has earned quite a lengthy sentence, authorities announced. On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Kaliek Goode-Ford, 35, was sentenced to life without parole in Orange County Court by Judge Craig Stephen Brown, according to Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler. Goode-Ford was convicted in January of all charges against him, including three counts of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and weapons possession, for the 2020 massacre in Newburgh. During the trial, prosecutors detaile…
Police & Fire
Repeat Offender Assaults, Chokes Officer In Hudson Valley, Police Say
An Orange County police department is speaking out against bail reform laws after one of its officers was assaulted by an alleged repeat offender with a lengthy history of arrests and mental health-related incidents, authorities said. The attack occurred on Friday, March 14, 2025, when 52-year-old Jerry Watkins, who is currently homeless, allegedly choked and assaulted a uniformed City of Middletown Police Department officer during an encounter, the department announced on Monday, March 17. Watkins, who has had 28 documented interactions with law enforcement since January …
Schools
District To Retire 'Raiders' Name In Hudson Valley To Avoid Losing State Funding: Officials
An Orange County school district has announced it will no longer use the “Raiders” name for its athletic teams following state education regulations that prohibit schools from using Native American-related team names and imagery. In a letter to the community on Wednesday, March 12, Port Jervis City School District Superintendent John J. Bell confirmed the decision, stating that the district will not select a new team name at this time. The "Raiders" name and mascot logo will be dropped as of Monday, June 30, Bell wrote. In his letter, Bell explained several reasons b…
Lifestyle
Hulk Hogan Cuts NY Meet-And-Greet Short, Leaving Fans Hurt: 'Don't Meet Your Heroes'
Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan ruffled up some feathers in the Hudson Valley after allegedly walking out of a local meet-and-greet event early, leaving some hopeful fans heartbroken. The controversy occurred at an event in Orange County at the Montgomery ShopRite on Wednesday, March 5, where Hogan was holding a meet-and-greet to promote his "Real American Beer." Many fans raced to the supermarket for a chance to meet their hero, with many waiting for hours in line. However, after Hogan left the event, several disappointed people took to social media to vent about their missed opportunity…
Police & Fire
Man Wanted For Sex Abuse, Endangering Child In Hudson Valley:
Nysp
Authorities are asking for help from the public in the search for a 35-year-old man wanted for sexual abuse charges in Orange County. Juan A. Gonzalez Gomez is wanted in connection to an active indictment warrant out of Orange County, New York State Police announced on Wednesday, March 12. Gonzalez Gomez faces charges of first-degree sexual abuse, forcible touching, and endangering the welfare of a child. He is described as a Hispanic man who is 5-foot-5 and 160 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. According to State Police, Gonzalez Gomez also has two activ…
News
S'mores Started Massive Brush Fire Outside Hamptons, Officials Say
A family attempting to make s’mores in their backyard accidentally sparked several brush fires that burned hundreds of acres on Long Island, authorities said. An investigation by Suffolk County Police Arson Section detectives determined that high winds spread embers from a Manorville backyard on Cozine Road after the family attempted to start a fire for s’mores, the agency announced Monday, March 10. “It’s believed strong winds spurred additional fires from embers leading to the brush fires,” Suffolk County Police said. Detectives are continuing to speak with witnesses and investigate tips,…
Police & Fire
Escaped Psychiatric Patient Attacked Employee, Took ID Card At Hudson Valley Hospital: Police
A psychiatric patient who escaped from an Orange County hospital after attacking a hospital employee has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies, including a prior bomb threat, authorities announced. On Thursday, March 6, Christopher M. Morgan, 40, of Port Jervis, was a patient at Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown when he violently assaulted a 74-year-old hospital employee, forcefully taking their ID access card, New York State Police said on Friday, March 7. Morgan then used the stolen card to flee the behavioral health unit and escaped the hospital on foot, as Dail…
Politics
West Point Closes Clubs For Women, Minorities To Follow Trump's DEI Orders: Report
The United States Military Academy at West Point in the Hudson Valley has disbanded several extracurricular and social clubs related to gender, race, and ethnicity per President Trump's orders involving government diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, according to a report by The Washington Post. The decision to end the clubs came in the form of a memo dated Tuesday, Feb. 4, which was signed by West Point deputy commandant Chad Foster and said that the organizations would be disbanded and forced to cancel activities, The Washington Post reported. The mem…
News
Man Torches NY Trooper’s Dad’s Home After Getting Ticket In Region: Here's His Fate
An Orange County man who set fire to the home of a New York State Trooper’s father just hours after receiving a traffic ticket from him will spend decades in prison, officials announced. Middletown resident Tyler Williams, age 26, was sentenced by Orange County Court Judge Craig Stephen Brown to 20 years behind bars, followed by five years of post-release supervision, after pleading guilty to second-degree arson, Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced on Tuesday, Feb. 4. Prosecutors said that on the night of Dec. 20, 2023, a state trooper pulled Williams over …
News
Man Admits To 'Anal Sexual Contact' With Child Younger Than 11 In Region
A 34-year-old man has pleaded guilty to charges connected to his sexual conduct with a child younger than 11 years old in Orange County, officials announced. Newburgh resident Kelvin Dubon-Rivas pleaded guilty to first-degree rape on Friday, Jan. 31 in Orange County Court, according to Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler. According to Hoovler, Dubon-Rivas admitted that in September 2024, he engaged in "anal sexual contact" with the child. When he is sentenced on Tuesday, May 20, he faces 20 years in prison followed by 20 years of post-release supervision. He w…
Police & Fire
Car Fire Threatens Home In Region
A car fire in the driveway of a Hudson Valley home threatened to spread to the nearby structure but was brought under control. firefighters said. The incident happened in Orange County on Thursday, Jan. 23 at around 6:20 a.m., when the Washingtonville Fire Department was dispatched to a vehicle fire in the driveway of a residence on Alexander Drive, according to the village's fire department. Upon arriving at the scene, crews saw that the flames had begun to extend to the home’s exterior. This prompted additional assistance from the Salisbury Mills and Vails Gate Fire Depart…
Lifestyle
Jackpot! Lottery Ticket Worth $30K Sold At Hudson Valley Convenience Store
Might this lucky ticket be yours? A lottery ticket promising a five-figure payout was sold at a Hudson Valley convenience store, New York Lottery announced. The top prize-winning TAKE 5 ticket – worth $29,469 – was snagged in Orange County, at the Smokes 4 Less located on North Plank Road in Newburgh. It was purchased for the evening drawing held Tuesday, Jan. 21. TAKE 5 drawings are held twice daily, at 2:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Players can check their ticket status on the New York Lottery website.
News
Man Who Murdered 9-Year-Old, Parents In Region Convicted Of All Charges
A 35-year-old man has been found guilty on all charges for a horrific Hudson Valley shooting that left three people dead, including a 9-year-old child, and critically injured a 3-year-old boy. Orange County resident Kaliek Goode-Ford of Newburgh, age 35, was convicted on Thursday, Jan. 23 on all charges connected to a January 2020 shooting in the town of Newburgh that left three people dead, Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler announced. He now faces up to life in prison without parole when he is sentenced on Tuesday, March 18. During the shooting, Goode-For…
News
Threats to Son Uncover Hidden Weapons: Man Nabbed For Illegal Gun Possession In Region
An argument and threatening text messages sent to his son led to the discovery of illegal firearms and the eventual conviction of a Hudson Valley man, officials announced. Orange County resident Justin Babik of Goshen, age 47, was convicted on Tuesday, Jan. 21, after a jury trial in Orange County Court on charges of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, the Orange County District Attorney's Office announced. According to the DA's Office, on May 8, 2024, Babik allegedly argued with his son and sent him threatening text…
News
Dark Web Pill Factory Leader From Region Gets Time In Prison
A Hudson Valley man who returned to illegal drug operations on the dark web after serving time for a similar crime will spend more time behind bars. Orange County resident Kyle Weiland, age 36, of Tuxedo Park, was sentenced to 63 months in prison, plus a consecutive 12 months for charges related to his distribution of illegal pills and narcotics, the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York announced on Wednesday, Jan. 22. According to officials, Weiland operated a pill and narcotics manufacturing business on the dark web, distributing drugs throughout the…
News
Man Sells Loaded Gun To Undercover Officer In Region, Faces Prison Time
A 42-year-old man is facing a decade behind bars after admitting to selling a loaded firearm to an undercover officer in the Hudson Valley, officials announced. On Thursday, Jan. 16, 42-year-old Orange County resident Morgan Secreto of New Windsor pleaded guilty in Orange County Court to second-degree criminal possession of a weapon in connection with his sale of a gun to an undercover officer, the Orange County District Attorney's Office announced on Wednesday, Jan. 22. Prosecutors say Secreto sold a loaded Taurus .380 pistol to an undercover New York State Police officer for $…
Police & Fire
Violent Stabbing Leads To Attempted Murder Charges For Hudson Valley Man: DA
A Hudson Valley man accused of a brutal, unprovoked domestic stabbing was arraigned on attempted murder charges on Monday, Jan. 20. Khiyan Bascus, age 22, of New Windsor, was also charged with attempted assault, assault, and two counts of tampering with physical evidence, said Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler. Court documents allege that on Thursday, Jan. 2, around 9:10 a.m., Bascus attacked a relative who was asleep at a residence in the town of New Windsor. Without provocation, court documents show, he allegedly stabbed the victim multiple times with multiple knives, i…
News
Trump Commutes Sentence Of Former Newburgh Tattoo Shop Owner, Oath Keeper Member
A former Hudson Valley tattoo shop owner and Oath Keepers militia group member was one of 14 people who had their sentences commuted by President Donald Trump. Roberto Minuta, age 39, currently of Prosper, Texas, was arrested in March 2021 at his Newburgh tattoo shop in Orange County and sentenced in June 2023 to 54 months in prison, followed by 36 months of supervised release for his part in the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riots. According to the Department of Justice, Minuta, who often worked as a bodyguard for Trump’s longtime advisor Roger Stone, was later seen at the Capitol&n…
News
Five Charged With Armed Home Invasion Robbery That Involved Zip-Tying Two Victims In Wallkill
Five people have been charged in connection with a violent gunpoint home invasion robbery in the town of Wallkill in Orange County, during which a family, including four young children, was terrorized. Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Y. Kim announced the arrests alongside FBI Assistant Director in Charge James E. Dennehy on Thursday, Jan. 16. The suspects—Bhupinderjit Singh, 26, Elijaiah Roman, 22, Corey Hall, 45, Erik Suarez, 24, and Divya Kumari, 26—were taken into custody and will face charges in White Plains federal court. According to court documents, the robbery occurred on Sunday, Dec. …
Police & Fire
Orange County Man Nabbed On I-87 For Possession Of Felony-Weight Narcotics: Police
A traffic stop on I-87 in Albany led to the arrest of a Walden man for possession of felony-weight narcotics, the New York State Police reported. According to Trooper Stephanie O'Neil, the incident occurred on Monday, Jan. 13, around 10:2o a.m., when troopers stopped a vehicle for multiple violations. The driver, identified as Orange County resident Ibo E. Boone, age 37, of Walden, was found to have a significant quantity of controlled substances, O'Neil said. With the assistance of an Albany County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit, felony-weight narcotics and an additional controlled substa…
Lifestyle
'Sing Sing', Based On Events In NY, First Film Shown In Prisons, Theaters: Report
A movie based on a theater program at a maximum security prison in the Hudson Valley is making history by becoming the first film to be screened in prisons across the country, according to a report by The Hollywood Reporter. "Sing Sing," based on the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in the Northern Westchester village of Ossining, will again be released in theaters on Friday, Jan. 17. On this same day, it will also be shown inside correctional facilities in 46 states, including New York, according to The Hollywood Reporter. This is made …
Police & Fire
Juvenile Arrested For Setting Fires At Hudson Valley High School
According to authorities, a juvenile has been charged with starting two fires at a Hudson Valley high school. Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler and Town of Montgomery Police Chief John Hank said the juvenile, whose name is not released due to his age, allegedly started the fires on Thursday, Jan. 9, at the Valley Central High School in Montgomery. According to court documents, the fires were set in two separate second-floor bathrooms around 12:30 p.m. while over 1,300 students were in the building. One student was in a restroom stall when one of the fires ignited. The fir…
Police & Fire
Shots Fired During Fight At Hudson Valley School, Former Student Charged: Police
Police responded to an Orange County school after receiving multiple reports of shots fired during a large fight near the entrance of the building. The incident occurred on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at the Newburgh Free Academy Main Campus during school dismissal. According to Mike Neppl, spokesman for the Newburgh Police, the shooting began as a fight involving several students and a former student, later identified as Kevin Gaspar, age 18, of the town of Newburgh. The altercation spilled into the Fullerton Avenue road, where the students left the fight. Gaspar then allegedly pulled out a g…
Police & Fire
Speeding Driver, 21, Killed In Fiery I-84 Crash, Police Say
A fiery crash on I-84 westbound in Orange County claimed the life of a 21-year-old Middletown man, authorities said. Melvin Moultrie was speeding in a 2017 Nissan Sentra when his vehicle veered off the roadway for unknown reasons, struck a tree, and became engulfed in flames just before 3 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, Trooper Jennifer Alvarez said. Firefighters from the Maybrook Fire Department and Mechanicstown Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the blaze. Emergency crews extricated Moultrie from the vehicle, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. …
Police & Fire
Massive Drug Trafficking Network Dismantled In Hudson Valley, 7 Arrested
A major drug trafficking network responsible for distributing cocaine and counterfeit oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl throughout the Hudson Valley has been dismantled, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced. Seven individuals, including network leaders, were busted Friday, Jan. 10, following a yearlong investigation led by the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force and the New York State Police Special Investigations Unit. Authorities seized over 10,500 fentanyl-laced pills worth $75,000, more than eight kilograms of cocaine valued at $200,000, three firearms, in…
Police & Fire
Parolee Wanted For Sexual Abuse Of Child In NY Could Be In VA: Police
New York State Police is asking the public for help locating a man on parole who is wanted for the sexual abuse of a child in Orange County. According to State Police, Juan A. Gonzalez Gomez, age 25, originally from Honduras, is wanted on an active warrant in Orange County for sex abuse, endangering the welfare of a child, and forcible touching. He is also wanted on two active parole violation warrants and may have traveled to Virginia, police said. Gomez is 5-foot-5, 160 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. Anyone with information is asked to call Investigator Lance Saraceno at …
Police & Fire
High-Speed Pursuit In Hudson Valley Leaves Officer Injured, Suspect in Custody: Police
A high-speed vehicle pursuit in Orange County ended with the arrest of Alejandro Garcia and minor injuries to a police officer. The incident began on Thursday, Jan. 9, around 11:35 a.m. on Carpenter Avenue in the Town of Wallkill, when Middletown Police Officers Jason Berman and Nicholas Langford attempted a vehicle stop as part of a narcotics investigation. According to Lt. Jeffry Thoelen of the Middletown Police, Garcia, age 34, of Middletown, was the subject of a search warrant and charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, suddenly fled the scene, driving over Officer L…
News
Hudson Family Man Sentenced To 19 Years For Attempted Murder And Gang-Related Violence
A Hudson Valley man was sentenced to 19 years in prison for his role in multiple violent gang-related incidents in 2023, including a stabbing, shooting, and assault. Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that Jesus Bravo, age 26, of Newburgh, was sentenced on Monday, Jan. 6. Bravo pleaded guilty to attempted murder, criminal possession of a weapon, and two counts of assault in connection with three violent incidents in 2023. Hoovler said the charges stemmed from a series of gang-related attacks beginning in September 2023 when Bravo and co-defendant Wilmer R…
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