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Law Enforcement

Final Suspect In 2022 Murder Case In Region Apprehended, Closing Multi-Agency Investigation Final Suspect In 2022 Murder Case In Region Apprehended, Closing Multi-Agency Investigation
Final Suspect In 2022 Murder Case In Region Apprehended, 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…
Jail Sergeant Facing 51 Child Exploitation Charges Following Cyber Tip: DA Jail Sergeant Facing 51 Child Exploitation Charges Following Cyber Tip: DA
Jail Sergeant Facing 51 Child Exploitation Charges Following Cyber Tip: DA 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 Region Phone Scam Involving Fake Jury Summons Targets Residents In Region
Phone Scam Involving Fake Jury Summons Targets Residents In Region 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…
Woman From Region Sentenced For Arson Of Residential Building With People Inside Woman From Region Sentenced For Arson Of Residential Building With People Inside
Woman From Region 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 Region Bomb Threat Made To High School In Region
Bomb Threat Made To High School In Region 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 From Region Headed To Prison For Sexually Abusing Child Man From Region Headed To Prison For Sexually Abusing Child
Man From Region Headed To Prison For Sexually Abusing Child 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…
Man Nabbed On 6 Counts Of Rape Of Minor In Region, Police Say Man Nabbed On 6 Counts Of Rape Of Minor In Region, Police Say
Man Nabbed On 6 Counts Of Rape Of Minor In Region, 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…
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 …
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 …
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Trooper Suffers Serious Injuries After Being Hit By Pickup Truck On Northway In Capital Region Trooper Suffers Serious Injuries After Being Hit By Pickup Truck On Northway In Capital Region
Trooper Suffers Serious Injuries After Being Hit By Pickup Truck On Northway 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…
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…
'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…
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…
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, …
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
20-Year-Old Shot, Killed After Stabbing Person At Home In Region: Police 20-Year-Old Shot, Killed After Stabbing Person At Home In Region: Police
20-Year-Old Shot, Killed After Stabbing Person At Home In Region: 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 …
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…
Capital Region Man Nabbed With Child Pornography, Police Say Capital Region Man Nabbed With Child Pornography, Police Say
Capital Region Man Nabbed With Child Pornography, Police Say A Capital Region man is behind bars after being nabbed with child pornography following a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Rensselaer County resident Brayden P. Ayer, age 20, of Castleton on Hudson, was charged on Friday, Sept. 27, for promoting a sexual performance by a child and possessing a sexual performance by a child. According to New York State Police Trooper Stephanie O'Neil, Ayer is accused of promoting and possessing images consistent with child sexual exploitation.  O'Neil said his arrest followed an investigation and the execution of a searc…
Cocaine-Fentanyl Trafficking Operation Busted In Capital Region Cocaine-Fentanyl Trafficking Operation Busted In Capital Region
Cocaine-Fentanyl Trafficking Operation Busted In Capital Region A major cocaine and fentanyl operation of 21 individuals who were charged with 222 crimes was busted following a year-long investigation in the Capital Region. New York Attorney General Letitia James said the "takedown" occurred on Tuesday, Oct. 1, in New York City and Rensselaer, Albany, Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties. According to James, the operation was responsible for selling large quantities of powder and crack cocaine, as well as fentanyl and heroin.  The investigation led to the recovery of more than 4.5 kilograms of cocaine with a street value of approximately $450…