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Police & Fire
Increased Police Presence At School In Region Only Drill, Officers Say Increased Police Presence At School In Region Only Drill, Officers Say
Increased Police Presence At School In Region Only Drill, Officers Say An increase in law enforcement presence at a Hudson Valley school campus is only a drill, police said. The drill was held in Putnam County beginning on Tuesday morning, Nov. 12 at the Mahopac High School/Middle School/Falls School campus on Baldwin Place Road, the Carmel Police Department announced just after 8:45 a.m.  Despite the increased police presence, there is "no danger" to the schools or community and "no cause for alarm," the department said.  "This is only a DRILL. Thank you," police added. The drill was finished by 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday. 

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
'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 …

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
Man, Woman Face Host Of Charges After Police Pursuit In Region Man, Woman Face Host Of Charges After Police Pursuit In Region
Man, Woman Face Host Of Charges After Police Pursuit In Region 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…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
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…

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by Kathy Reakes
Obituaries
Beloved K9 Who Served With 'Gentlemanly Attitude' In Region Dies Beloved K9 Who Served With 'Gentlemanly Attitude' In Region Dies
Beloved K9 Who Served With 'Gentlemanly Attitude' In Region 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 …

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Home Burglary Suspect Nabbed In Region, Police Say Home Burglary Suspect Nabbed In Region, Police Say
Home Burglary Suspect Nabbed In Region, 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…

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
Impaired Driver Charged After Fatal Capital Region Crash, Police Say Impaired Driver Charged After Fatal Capital Region Crash, Police Say
Impaired Driver Charged After Fatal Capital Region Crash, 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…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
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…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
Trooper Suspended, Stripped Of Gun After 'Inconsistencies' In Account Of NY Shooting Trooper Suspended, Stripped Of Gun After 'Inconsistencies' In Account Of NY Shooting
Trooper Suspended, Stripped Of Gun After 'Inconsistencies' In Account Of NY Shooting A New York State Police trooper who claimed he was shot on a roadway in the region has been sidelined amid doubts about his story. On Long Island, trooper Thomas Mascia, age 27, was suspended without pay and stripped of his agency-issued service weapon, an NYSP spokesperson told Daily Voice. The agency is investigating whether Mascia, of West Hempstead, shot himself in the leg, NBC New York reports. It comes after state police confirmed it was conducting a joint investigation with the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office into what DA Anne Donnelly described as “certain inconsisten…

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by Michael Mashburn
Politics
James Joins AGs Nationwide Wide Calling For Peaceful Election James Joins AGs Nationwide Wide Calling For Peaceful Election
James Joins AGs Nationwide Wide Calling For Peaceful Election New York Attorney General Letitia James and a bipartisan coalition of 50 attorneys general are calling for a peaceful election and transfer of power and condemning any potential political violence: “Regardless of the 2024 election outcome, we condemn any and all acts of violence related to its results," the coalition said. The coalition added: "A peaceful transfer of power is the highest testament to the rule of law, a tradition that stands at the heart of our nation’s stability. As Attorneys General, we affirm our commitment to protect our communities and uphold the democratic principles w…

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
New Update: IDs Released For Trooper, Tow Truck Driver Hit By Pickup Truck In Capital Region New Update: IDs Released For Trooper, Tow Truck Driver Hit By Pickup Truck In Capital Region
New Update: IDs Released For Trooper, Tow Truck Driver Hit By Pickup Truck In Capital Region The New York State trooper and tow truck operator who were struck by a pickup truck on I-87 while outside of their vehicles during a traffic stop have been identified by state police. The incident occurred in Albany County on the Northway southbound lanes on Saturday, Nov. 2, in Colonie.  Original report - Trooper Suffers Serious Injuries After Being Struck By Pickup Truck On Northway In Colonie According to Trooper Stephanie O'Neil, Trooper Nicholas Abbondola has undergone lengthy surgeries to repair some of the injuries, but additional surgeries are expected to be necess…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Trooper's 'Inconsistencies' In Account Of NY Shooting Under Investigation By State Police, DA Trooper's 'Inconsistencies' In Account Of NY Shooting Under Investigation By State Police, DA
Trooper's 'Inconsistencies' In Account Of NY Shooting Under Investigation By State Police, DA A New York State Police trooper who suffered a gunshot wound on a roadway in the region may not have been entirely truthful about what happened. On Long Island, state police and the Nassau County District Attorney’s office are investigating “certain inconsistencies” in Trooper Thomas Mascia’s reporting of the alleged incident, a spokesperson for DA Anne Donnelly told Daily Voice. On Monday, Nov. 4, State Police executed a search warrant at Mascia’s home in West Hempstead. The agency also canceled the BOLO (be on the lookout) for the suspect vehicle. Earlier Report: Trooper Shot In W…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
Man Found Hiding Behind Rock Wall Steals From Supermarket In Region: Police Man Found Hiding Behind Rock Wall Steals From Supermarket In Region: Police
Man Found Hiding Behind Rock Wall Steals From Supermarket In Region: Police A 34-year-old man was caught with items stolen from a supermarket in the region after officers found him hiding behind a rock wall, police said. In Northern Westchester County, Shrub Oak resident Jonathan Tozzo was arrested following an incident in Yorktown on Thursday, Oct. 24, Yorktown Police announced on Tuesday, Oct. 29.  According to the department, at around 2:45 p.m. on Thursday, a concerned citizen alerted a Yorktown officer about a man hiding behind a wall on East Main Street. When the officer approached the man, later identified as Tozzo, he quickly walked away and ignored co…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Trooper Suffers Serious Injuries After Being Hit By Pickup Truck On I-87 In Capital Region Trooper Suffers Serious Injuries After Being Hit By Pickup Truck On I-87 In Capital Region
Trooper Suffers Serious Injuries After Being Hit By Pickup Truck On I-87 In Capital Region Police are investigating a midday crash on a stretch of the New York Thruway that left a trooper severely injured. It happened around 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 on I-87 in Albany County just before the Exit 6-7 off-ramp in Colonie. The investigation has determined that the trooper had stopped a vehicle, and due to a vehicle and traffic Law violation, the vehicle was being towed, New York State Police said. While loading a vehicle onto the tow truck, both the trooper and tow truck driver were outside their vehicles when they were struck by a passing pickup truck.  The trooper su…

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by Joe Lombardi
Police & Fire
Shooter From Region Nabbed With Help From FBI, Police Say Shooter From Region Nabbed With Help From FBI, Police Say
Shooter From Region Nabbed With Help From FBI, Police Say A Hudson Valley man has been taken into custody in connection with a shooting on a city street. The incident occurred in Rockland County on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 5:50 a.m. on South Main Street in Spring Valley. According to Det. Matt Galli of the Spring Valley Police officers located an injured victim who was bleeding on the sidewalk.  The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated for a gunshot wound. Spring Valley detectives responded to the scene to further investigate the incident and, during the investigation, identified a 30-year-old Spring Valley resident…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Trooper Shot On NY Highway Released From Hospital As Reward For Suspect Info Grows Trooper Shot On NY Highway Released From Hospital As Reward For Suspect Info Grows
Trooper Shot On NY Highway Released From Hospital As Reward For Suspect Info Grows A New York State Police trooper who was shot and injured while trying to help a highway motorist is back home with his family. Thomas Mascia, age 27, was released from Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow on Friday morning, Nov. 1. Law enforcement officers from across Nassau and Suffolk counties gathered outside the hospital for a “walk-out” ceremony honoring the injured trooper. Earlier Report: 'All-Out' Manhunt Underway After Trooper Shot In West Hempstead; Cash Reward Being Offered “I’m feeling good,” he told the crowd. “I’m going home.” The jubilant scene came two d…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
'All-Out' Manhunt Underway After Trooper Shot On NY Highway; $5,000 Reward Being Offered 'All-Out' Manhunt Underway After Trooper Shot On NY Highway; $5,000 Reward Being Offered
'All-Out' Manhunt Underway After Trooper Shot On NY Highway; $5,000 Reward Being Offered Authorities said an “all-out” manhunt was underway after a New York State Police trooper was shot on a Long Island highway. The incident happened on the Southern State Parkway in West Hempstead, in the westbound lanes near exit 17, at around 11:45 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30. New York State Police said a trooper patrolling the highway pulled up behind what he thought was a disabled vehicle and took down the license plate number. Earlier Report: NYSP Trooper Shot On Southern State Parkway In West Hempstead; Suspect On Run He then exited his patrol car and was walking toward the vehicl…

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by Michael Mashburn
Police & Fire
Restaurant Burglary Suspect Nabbed In Region Restaurant Burglary Suspect Nabbed In Region
Restaurant Burglary Suspect Nabbed In Region A man wanted for a string of alleged burglaries at a local restaurant has been captured in the Hudson Valley. The crimes occurred in Orange County at Pamela's Traveling Feast at 1 Park Place (Newburgh Yacht Club ) in Newburgh. According to Newburgh Chief of Staff Mike Neppl, ​detectives have charged Andrew Fortino, a 31-year-old City of Newburgh resident, with multiple counts of burglary and other associated offenses. ​The charges relate to burglaries that occurred at the restaurant on Sept. 16, Oct. 2, and Oct. 5. ​Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the City of N…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Community Rallies To Support Family Of 15-Year-Old Killed In Shooting In Region Community Rallies To Support Family Of 15-Year-Old Killed In Shooting In Region
Community Rallies To Support Family Of 15-Year-Old Killed In Shooting In Region Although the family rocked by a Northern Westchester shooting that left a 15-year-old boy dead faces a long, arduous road of healing and recovery, they will not go it alone thanks to the generosity of their community.  The shooting happened at around 11:35 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 28, when Fernando Jimenez, age 40, shot his girlfriend and her two children with an illegally possessed handgun in the Baldwin Place section of Somers during a domestic dispute, according to New York State Police. Earlier Report - Name Released Of 15-Year-Old Killed In Somers Shooting That Led To …

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by Ben Crnic
News
First Person Sentenced In Large Capital Region Drug Trafficking Ring Of 25 First Person Sentenced In Large Capital Region Drug Trafficking Ring Of 25
First Person Sentenced In Large Capital Region Drug Trafficking Ring Of 25 The first person charged in a major drug trafficking ring in the Capital Region and Dutchess County, busted last year and included 25 people, has been sentenced to prison. New York Attorney General Letitia James announced on Tuesday, Oct. 29, the convictions of members of the major drug trafficking ring that distributed heroin and fentanyl, as well as powder and crack cocaine in Albany, Dutchess, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady counties.  An investigation led by the Attorney General's Office recovered more than three kilograms of cocaine and approximately 40 grams of heroin laced…

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
Shooting Suspect On Run In Region Shooting Suspect On Run In Region
Shooting Suspect On Run In Region Police in the Hudson Valley are investigating a shooting that left a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg that required a tourniquet for bleeding. The incident occurred in Dutchess County at 11:15 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28, on Talmadge Street in the city of Poughkeepsie. Arriving officers found the 40-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to his leg. Officers immediately placed a tourniquet on his leg, and he was transported to a hospital in the area for treatment, the City of Poughkeepsie Police said. Detectives and crime scene technicians responded to the scene to investigate, …

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by Kathy Reakes
News
NY Woman Cleans Out Bank Account To Fraudster Posing As Federal Agent, Police Say NY Woman Cleans Out Bank Account To Fraudster Posing As Federal Agent, Police Say
NY Woman Cleans Out Bank Account To Fraudster Posing As Federal Agent, Police Say A months-long investigation has led to the arrest of a man who authorities say impersonated a federal agent and used fear and intimidation to convince a Long Island victim to hand over money. On Friday, Oct. 25, the suspect, Om Parkash, age 31, of Queens, was charged with second-degree grand larceny (a Class C felony). In late July of 2023, Parkash contacted the victim in Sag Harbor stating she was involved in a fraud scheme involving large amounts of money, according to New York State Police.  From there, Parkash advised the victim she would have to give money to “federal a…

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by Joe Lombardi
Police & Fire
Capital Region Man Nabbed For Child Porn After Cyber Tip Capital Region Man Nabbed For Child Porn After Cyber Tip
Capital Region Man Nabbed For Child Porn After Cyber Tip A Captial Region man was busted with child pornography after New York State Police received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Rensselaer County resident Andrew M. Squillari, age 26, of Troy, was charged on Wednesday, Oct. 23, following an investigation by the State Police and the US Department of Homeland Security. According to Trooper Stephanie O'Neil, Squillari is accused of promoting and possessing images consistent with child sexual exploitation.  His arrest followed an investigation and the execution of a search warrant at his residence…

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
Fentanyl Dealer Taken Down In Region By Drug Task Force, Police Say Fentanyl Dealer Taken Down In Region By Drug Task Force, Police Say
Fentanyl Dealer Taken Down In Region By Drug Task Force, Police Say A drug task force took down an alleged Hudson Valley fentanyl dealer after agents made several "buys" from him at several locations.  Dutchess County resident Christian Blades, age 31, of Poughkeepsie, was charged on Thursday, Oct. 24, following an investigation by the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force. According to Det. Lt. Adam Harris of the task force agents identified Blades as a dealer and made "numerous" fentanyl purchases from him throughout the city. Blades was charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance and remanded to the …

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
23-Year-Old Found Shot In Broad Daylight In Region 23-Year-Old Found Shot In Broad Daylight In Region
23-Year-Old Found Shot In Broad Daylight In Region A man was found shot on a city street during an incident between several people in the region. The fight occurred in Dutchess County at 6:20 p.m. on Thursday, Oct 24, on Mill Street in Beacon. According to Beacon Police Chief Thomas Figlia, officers found the injured 23-year-old Beacon resident on the street; all parties were still on the scene. Figlia said the unidentified victim was transported to the hospital, where he is listed in stable condition. The investigation into the cause of the shooting is ongoing, but there is no threat to the general public, Figlia said. This is a de…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Capitol Riot: Man From Region Convicted Of Participating In Jan. 6 Breach, Posting Selfie Capitol Riot: Man From Region Convicted Of Participating In Jan. 6 Breach, Posting Selfie
Capitol Riot: Man From Region Convicted Of Participating In Jan. 6 Breach, Posting Selfie A 35-year-old member of the Proud Boys from Westchester has been convicted of felony charges in connection to his participation in the deadly riot at the US Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, federal officials announced. White Plains resident William Pepe, formerly of the Dutchess County city of Beacon, was found guilty of charges related to his conduct during the Jan. 6 breach following a bench trial before US District Judge Timothy Kelly, the US Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia announced on Wednesday, Oct. 23.  According to federal officials, on the morning of Jan. 6, 2…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Shooting Outside Home Of Former NY Gubernatorial Candidate Zeldin Nets Gunman 12 Years Shooting Outside Home Of Former NY Gubernatorial Candidate Zeldin Nets Gunman 12 Years
Shooting Outside Home Of Former NY Gubernatorial Candidate Zeldin Nets Gunman 12 Years The gunman in a broad daylight shooting that injured two teenagers outside the New York home of former Rep. Lee Zeldin will spend more than a decade behind bars. Long Island resident Noah Green, age 20, of Shirley, was sentenced to 12 years in prison plus five years of post-release supervision after pleading guilty to attempted murder and related charges. Prosecutors said Green was riding in a stolen SUV with another individual when they spotted three rival gang members walking along Saint George Drive West in Shirley at around 2:20 p.m. on Oct. 9, 2022. Earlier Report: Gunman Admit…

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by Michael Mashburn
Politics
Crystal Meth Mailed To Board Of Elections Office In Region Crystal Meth Mailed To Board Of Elections Office In Region
Crystal Meth Mailed To Board Of Elections Office In Region State and federal law enforcement officials are investigating after a Board of Elections office in the region received a suspicious package from an unknown foreign sender via UPS. The incident occurred in Dutchess County at the Dutchess County Board of Elections (DCBOE) in Poughkeepsie on Monday, Oct. 7. Office officials said a team escalated a particular piece of mail to management for a higher review "due to advanced training and heightened awareness." Wearing personal protective equipment, this team and management commissioners thoroughly examined the suspicious package and contacted l…

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
20-Year-Old Shot, Killed After Stabbing Person At Dutchess County Home: Police 20-Year-Old Shot, Killed After Stabbing Person At Dutchess County Home: Police
20-Year-Old Shot, Killed After Stabbing Person At Dutchess County Home: Police A man was shot and killed after state police say he stabbed a person inside a home in the Hudson Valley. The incident occurred in Dutchess County on Saturday, Oct. 5 in the town of Pleasant Valley. Responding state police troopers and Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office deputies officers located one victim suffering from a stab wound and another the victim of gunfire at the residence on Rawls Road, located just west of the Taconic State Parkway. Troopers and deputies secured the scene and began attempted  life-saving-techniques for both victims.   Empress …

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by Joe Lombardi
Police & Fire
Authorities In Region Monitoring Bomb Threats Targeting NY Synagogues Authorities In Region Monitoring Bomb Threats Targeting NY Synagogues
Authorities In Region Monitoring Bomb Threats Targeting NY Synagogues Authorities in the Hudson Valley are monitoring bomb threats sent over email targeting synagogues across New York as Rosh Hashanah comes to a close. The threats were detailed in an announcement by the Putnam County Sheriff's Office on Friday, Oct. 4, in which authorities said they were made aware of a "pattern of bomb threats" sent via email targeting New York synagogues and containing "vitriolic language."  All federal, state, and local intelligence centers have not identified any credible information regarding the threats, which are now actively being investigated, the Sheriff's Offi…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Man From Region Pretended To Be Engineer, Approved Plans, Police Say Man From Region Pretended To Be Engineer, Approved Plans, Police Say
Man From Region Pretended To Be Engineer, Approved Plans, Police Say A Hudson Valley man was busted for the unauthorized practice of a profession for allegedly representing himself as an engineer. Orange County resident William Sattler, age 64, of Middletown, was charged by New York State Police on Thursday, Sept. 26. According to Trooper Steven Nevel, an investigation revealed that Sattler was acting as an engineer and stamping engineering plans using the seal of the ex-employer.  He was charged with: Unauthorized practice of a profession Grand larceny Criminal possession of a forged instrument  Offering a false instrument for filing Sattler wa…

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by Kathy Reakes