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Child Welfare

Trapped For 20 Years: Police Detail Life Of Man Held Captive By Stepmom Trapped For 20 Years: Police Detail Life Of Man Held Captive By Stepmom
Trapped For 20 Years: Police Detail Life Of Man Held Captive By Stepmom The numbers are chilling.  A 32-year-old man, standing five feet nine inches tall and weighing just 68 pounds, was forced to live in an 8-by-9-foot room for 20 years.  All because his 56-year-old stepmother said so, Waterbury police said. Kimberly Sullivan was arrested this week and charged with first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, first-degree unlawful restraint, cruelty to persons, and first-degree reckless endangerment, police said. She was released from jail on Thursday after posting a $300,000 bond. Original Report: Waterbury Woman Held Stepson Captive For 20 Y…
Connecticut Woman Held Stepson Captive For 2 Decades In 'Horrific' Conditions: Police Connecticut Woman Held Stepson Captive For 2 Decades In 'Horrific' Conditions: Police
Connecticut Woman Held Stepson Captive For 2 Decades In 'Horrific' Conditions: Police A Connecticut woman has been arrested after police say she held her stepson captive for over two decades, subjecting him to extreme neglect and abuse before he allegedly set fire to their home in a desperate bid for freedom. Kimberly Sullivan, 56, of Waterbury, was arrested on Wednesday, March 12, and charged with multiple felonies, including first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, first-degree unlawful restraint, cruelty to persons, and first-degree reckless endangerment, police said.  New Report: Stepmom Accused Of Holding Man Hostage Posts Bond; Police Detail Victim's Lif…
Death Of Young Mom At Hands Of Ex-Lover In NY Could Have Been Prevented, Family Says Death Of Young Mom At Hands Of Ex-Lover In NY Could Have Been Prevented, Family Says
Death Of Young Mom At Hands Of Ex-Lover In NY Could Have Been Prevented, Family Says More than three years ago, Brenda Alfaro-Alcantara moved to the United States to be with the man she loved, her family said. But the 29-year-old mother's American dream came to a tragic and senseless end when she was stabbed more than 30 times last October by that same man, identified by authorities as 43-year-old Jose Funes-Zabala, of Roosevelt. It all happened in front of the couple's 2-year-old son, who relatives say was found covered in blood at his family's apartment. On Monday, Feb. 10, Funes-Zabala was indicted on second-degree murder and related charges in Nassa…
Dad Leaves Toddler In Freezing Car For 90 Minutes At Westchester Stop & Shop: Police Dad Leaves Toddler In Freezing Car For 90 Minutes At Westchester Stop & Shop: Police
Dad Leaves Toddler In Freezing Car For 90 Minutes At Westchester Stop & Shop: Police A Westchester father is facing charges after allegedly leaving his 2-year-old child alone in a car for more than 90 minutes in freezing temperatures while he shopped for Instacart orders, police said. The incident happened in Port Chester during the week of Monday, Jan. 20, when officers were called to the Stop & Shop parking lot and found the child unattended inside the locked vehicle, the Port Chester Police Department announced on Monday, Jan. 27. Concerned for the child’s welfare, officers broke into the car and safely removed the toddler. The child was immediately transported to a …
Man Who Attacked Girlfriend With Belt In Hudson Valley Faces 20 Years In Prison Man Who Attacked Girlfriend With Belt In Hudson Valley Faces 20 Years In Prison
Man Who Attacked Girlfriend With Belt In Hudson Valley Faces 20 Years In Prison A man is facing 20 years in prison after being found guilty of assaulting his girlfriend with a belt, severely wounding her in front of two toddlers in the region. Dutchess County resident Javan McMillon, age 28, of Poughkeepsie, was convicted by a jury on Tuesday, Oct. 8, following two days of deliberations, said Dutchess County District Attorney Office Anthony Parisi. The attack occurred on Saturday, March 9, on Bement Ave., in the city of Poughkeepsie, when McMillon repeatedly struck his girlfriend with a leather belt, causing substantial pain and bruising, the DA's office said. Parisi…
Man Nabbed In Undercover Online Predator Sting In Hudson Valley, DA Says Man Nabbed In Undercover Online Predator Sting In Hudson Valley, DA Says
Man Nabbed In Undercover Online Predator Sting In Hudson Valley, DA Says A man is facing multiple charges after an online predator sting in the region. From Tuesday, April 30, through Sunday, Sept. 1 of this year, Robert Fidler age 66, of Nyack engaged in internet chats and attempted to arrange meetings with what he thought were two teenage girls, the Rockland County District Attorney's Office said. An undercover officer of the DA Office's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force had assumed the personas of 13- and 14-year-old girls. During the conversations, Fidler described how he and the undercover officer would engage in sexual contact whe…
Teacher Accused Of Kissing Student Returned To Hudson Valley HS After Retirement Announcement Teacher Accused Of Kissing Student Returned To Hudson Valley HS After Retirement Announcement
Teacher Accused Of Kissing Student Returned To Hudson Valley HS After Retirement Announcement A former teacher accused of taking a student behind a high school auditorium curtain in Westchester and kissing them returned to the district in a partial capacity for a year after announcing his retirement, officials said.  Hartsdale resident Michael Rubino, who taught music with Hastings Public Schools for over 20 years, was arrested on Wednesday, Sept. 11 on charges connected to his alleged unwanted touching and kissing of an underage student at Hastings High School, according to the Westchester County District Attorney's Office.  Earlier Report - Former Teacher…
Hudson Valley Woman Admits Her Part In Death Of Boyfriend's 14-Year-Old Daughter Hudson Valley Woman Admits Her Part In Death Of Boyfriend's 14-Year-Old Daughter
Hudson Valley Woman Admits Her Part In Death Of Boyfriend's 14-Year-Old Daughter A woman  from the region has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection to the 2022 death of her partner's 14-year-old daughter. Ulster County resident Kristin Delsanto, age 29, of Lake Katrine, admitted to the crime on Wednesday, Sept. 11, in the death of Collin Schlegel’s biological daughter, said Ulster County District Attorney Emmanuel Nneji. According to the DA's Office, on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022, the Town of Ulster Police received a 911 call for an unresponsive 14-year-old girl.  Despite all attempted life-saving measures by responding officers, the child was pro…
Hudson Valley Man Charged With Rape Of Teenager, Police Say Hudson Valley Man Charged With Rape Of Teenager, Police Say
Hudson Valley Man Charged With Rape Of Teenager, Police Say A 41-year-old man has been charged with rape and sexual abuse of a teen in the region. Ulster County resident Stephen E. Alvarez Jr., of Milton, was charged Tuesday, July 30, by the town of Hyde Park Police for the incident, which was reported on Friday, April 26. According to Chief Robert Benson of the Hyde Park Police, in April, the department received a report from the Dutchess County Child Advocacy Center regarding an underage teenager being sexually abused in the town of Hyde Park.  After an intense and thorough investigation, the Hyde Park Police Detective Bureau …
Update: More Details Emerge About Kidnapping Case Involving Missing 15-Year-Old CT Girl Update: More Details Emerge About Kidnapping Case Involving Missing 15-Year-Old CT Girl
Update: More Details Emerge About Kidnapping Case Involving Missing 15-Year-Old CT Girl Authorities have released more information about a case involving a missing 15-year-old Connecticut girl who was found in the Hudson Valley after allegedly being kidnapped by a 24-year-old man.  New Haven resident Marcos Alex Mendez-Torres was taken into custody by Connecticut State Police on Wednesday, June 26 after also being arrested in the Orange County town of Montgomery, New York on Sunday, June 23 in connection with a kidnapping case involving a missing 15-year-old Connecticut girl, State Police announced on Thursday, June 27.  Earlier Report - 24-…
24-Year-Old Charged In Connection To Case Involving Missing CT Girl 24-Year-Old Charged In Connection To Case Involving Missing CT Girl
24-Year-Old Charged In Connection To Case Involving Missing CT Girl A Connecticut man was nabbed by out-of-state police in connection with a 15-year-old missing girl from New York's Hudson Valley. New, updated report - Update: More Details Emerge About Kidnapping Case Involving New Haven Man The incident occurred in Orange County,  in the town of Montgomery, on Sunday, June 23, when the Montgomery Police Department received a BOLO (be on the lookout) notification for a suspect wanted in connection with a missing 15-year-old Connecticut girl. According to Montgomery Police Chief John Hank, Connecticut State Police called and said the suspect’s phone wa…
Northern Westchester Cab Driver Sexually Abuses Child For Year: Here's His Sentence Northern Westchester Cab Driver Sexually Abuses Child For Year: Here's His Sentence
Northern Westchester 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 Northern Westchester New Update: More Details Emerge About Attack On Children At Park In Northern Westchester
New Update: More Details Emerge About Attack On Children At Park In Northern Westchester 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 Northern Westchester Park 18-Year-Old Caught After Attacking Children At Northern Westchester Park
18-Year-Old Caught After Attacking Children At Northern Westchester Park 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 Hudson Valley Man Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Child 34-Year-Old Hudson Valley Man Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Child
34-Year-Old Hudson Valley Man Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Child 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 Hudson Valley Middle School Student Man Accused Of Trying To Rape Hudson Valley Middle School Student
Man Accused Of Trying To Rape Hudson Valley 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 …
Westchester Man Sentenced For Raping, Sexually Abusing Minor, DA Says Westchester Man Sentenced For Raping, Sexually Abusing Minor, DA Says
Westchester 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 Hudson Valley New Details Emerge After Missing Child Found In Dark, Wet Enclosure In Hudson Valley
New Details Emerge After Missing Child Found In Dark, Wet Enclosure In Hudson Valley 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 Hudson Valley Home, Police Say Child Missing For Three Years Found In Dark, Wet Enclosure In Hudson Valley Home, Police Say
Child Missing For Three Years Found In Dark, Wet Enclosure In Hudson Valley Home, Police Say 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…
Westchester Man Sentenced For Sexually Abusing Minor For Years Westchester Man Sentenced For Sexually Abusing Minor For Years
Westchester 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…