Trooper Shot Himself On NY Highway Before Blaming 'Dark-Skinned Man,' Police Say Trooper Shot Himself On NY Highway Before Blaming 'Dark-Skinned Man,' Police Say
Trooper Shot Himself On NY Highway Before Blaming 'Dark-Skinned Man,' Police Say A former New York State Police trooper who claimed that a driver shot him, triggering a region-wide manhunt, made the whole thing up, prosecutors alleged. Thomas Mascia, 27, of West Hempstead, surrendered to police Monday morning, Jan. 27, before being arraigned on a count of making a false report and related charges in Nassau County District Court. Mascia initially told colleagues that he was walking toward what he assumed was a disabled vehicle when he heard several shots fired by a “dark-skinned man” on the Southern State Parkway in West Hempstead shortly before midnight on Oct. 30, 2024…
'Heinous, Dehumanizing:' Twin NYC Luxury Realtors Face Federal Sex Trafficking Charges 'Heinous, Dehumanizing:' Twin NYC Luxury Realtors Face Federal Sex Trafficking Charges
'Heinous, Dehumanizing:' Twin NYC Luxury Realtors Face Federal Sex Trafficking Charges Three luxury real estate agents and brothers known for operating in the New York City area are accused of drugging and raping numerous women dating back over a decade. Brothers Oren and Tal Alexander, founders of the real estate firm Official, and their brother Alon are charged with multiple counts of sex trafficking, according to a complaint filed in the Southern District of New York on Wednesday, Dec. 11. “The charges outlined in this indictment reflect some of the most heinous and dehumanizing crimes of sexual exploitation that our NYPD detectives investigate," NYPD Commissioner Jessica …
Ivy Leaguer From Prominent Family Officially Charged With CEO's Murder, Faces Extradition To NY Ivy Leaguer From Prominent Family Officially Charged With CEO's Murder, Faces Extradition To NY
Ivy Leaguer From Prominent Family Officially Charged With CEO's Murder, Faces Extradition To NY An Ivy League-educated high school valedictorian from a privileged, politically connected family has been charged with the execution-style murder of the CEO of one of the nation's largest healthcare providers after a days-long manhunt. Click here for a new, updated story - CEO Murder: Whiz Kid Suspect May Have Spiraled After Traumatic Back Surgery New York prosecutors have formally charged 26-year-old Luigi Nicholas Mangione, a native of Towson, Maryland, with the fatal shooting of United Healthcare executive Brian Thompson.  The incident occurred outside the New York Hilton in midt…
$4.4M Medicaid Fraud Scheme: Five Plead Guilty, NY AG Says $4.4M Medicaid Fraud Scheme: Five Plead Guilty, NY AG Says
$4.4M Medicaid Fraud Scheme: Five Plead Guilty, NY AG Says Five Hudson Valley and Capital Region residents and seven transportation companies have admitted to stealing millions from Medicaid. New York Attorney General Letitia James announced Thursday, Dec. 5, that five have pleaded guilty to stealing more than $4.4 million from New York’s Medicaid program through fake billing, illegal kickbacks, and engaging in money laundering and other fraudulent schemes to conceal their crimes.  Muhammad Rizwan Khan, 38, Muhammad Usman Khan, 40, and Farhan Khan, 29, all of Orange County, and their related companies pleaded guilty on Wednesday, Dec. 4, in Or…
Couple Accused Of $1M Lululemon Theft Spree Across 5 States, Including NY Couple Accused Of $1M Lululemon Theft Spree Across 5 States, Including NY
Couple Accused Of $1M Lululemon Theft Spree Across 5 States, Including NY A Connecticut couple has been accused of orchestrating a multi-state theft operation targeting Lululemon stores, resulting in approximately $1 million in stolen merchandise. Jadion Anthony Richards, age 44, and Akwele Nickeisha Lawes-Richards, age 45, both from Danbury, were charged in in Minnesota on Friday, Nov. 22, at Ramsey County District Court with organized retail theft, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune.  Their alleged activities spanned over two months and involved thefts in several states, including New York, Connecticut, Minnesota, Colorado, and Utah, the Star Tri…
Hudson Valley Man Charged With Criminally Negligent Homicide In Fatal Crash Hudson Valley Man Charged With Criminally Negligent Homicide In Fatal Crash
Hudson Valley Man Charged With Criminally Negligent Homicide In Fatal Crash A 40-year-old Hudson Valley man has been charged with alleged criminally negligent homicide following a fatal incident that claimed the life of Bard graduate Linh Hong Nguyen.  Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi said Rohan Patrick, of Poughkeepsie, faces charges related to the death of Linh Hong Nguyen on Saturday, May 25.  Related: Bard Grad, Runover, Killed On Red Hood Sidewalk The tragedy occurred in Dutchess County at 10:25 p.m. along Route 9 in Red Hook when Patrick allegedly drove his vehicle in a manner that led to Nguyen's death, the DA said. "This t…
School Employee From Region Accused Of Shoving, Endangering Disabled Student School Employee From Region Accused Of Shoving, Endangering Disabled Student
School Employee From Region Accused Of Shoving, Endangering Disabled Student A 28-year-old employee of a school in the region faces a felony charge after allegedly endangering a disabled student, police said. The events leading to the arrest began in Northern Westchester at around 5:45 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1, when a suspicious incident at the Shrub Oak International School at 3151 Stony St. prompted a police response, Yorktown Police announced on Friday, Nov. 15.  An investigation determined that a school employee, identified as Dutchess County resident Sebastian Borba-Ferreira of East Fishkill, allegedly shoved and "committed other endangering actions" on…
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…
Fire Company Financial Secretary In Region Admits Stealing $17K, DA Says Fire Company Financial Secretary In Region Admits Stealing $17K, DA Says
Fire Company Financial Secretary In Region Admits Stealing $17K, DA Says A financial secretary for a fire company in the region has admitted to stealing more than $17,000 from the department.  Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler announced on Friday, Nov. 1, that Lynn T. Simpson, age 43, of Wallkill, pled guilty to grand larceny in the Third Degree in connection with the theft of $17,947 from the parade fund of the Washington Heights Fire Company in Middletown.  As part of the plea agreement, Simpson will repay all the stolen money, Hoovler said. The department was scheduled to host a parade in September 2023, which includ…
Pair Of 45-Year-Old Capital Region Women Nabbed For Animal Cruelty In Case Involving 40 Cats Pair Of 45-Year-Old Capital Region Women Nabbed For Animal Cruelty In Case Involving 40 Cats
Pair Of 45-Year-Old Capital Region Women Nabbed For Animal Cruelty In Case Involving 40 Cats Two women from the region have been charged with 40 counts of animal cruelty to cats. The incident occurred in Columbia County on Friday, Oct. 18, in Hillsdale. After receiving a tip about possible animal abuse, members of the New York State Police, with the Columbia-Greene Humane Society, Animal Nation, and the Hillsdale Building Department, determined that Jennifer Rossi, age 45, and Peggy Card, age 45, both of Hillsdale, failed to care for the animals, said Trooper AJ Hicks. Animal Nation, located in Westchester County in South Salem, volunteered to care for the cats at their shelter, H…
Here's How New York's Sean Combs Broke Social Media Silence After Sex Trafficking Arrest Here's How New York's Sean Combs Broke Social Media Silence After Sex Trafficking Arrest
Here's How New York's Sean Combs Broke Social Media Silence After Sex Trafficking Arrest Almost a month after his arrest for federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges, hip-hop mogul and New York native Sean Combs has broken his silence on his social media pages.  On Tuesday, Oct. 15, a post appeared an on Instagram page belonging to Combs, a 54-year-old New York City native who grew up in Westchester County's Mount Vernon and will stand trial in May for federal charges.  Although the post is the first to be made following Combs's arrest, it does not address the allegations against him; instead, it celebrates the birthday of the embattled star's young 2-yea…
Teen Nabbed For Making Threat Of Mass Harm Against High School In Region: Police Teen Nabbed For Making Threat Of Mass Harm Against High School In Region: Police
Teen Nabbed For Making Threat Of Mass Harm Against High School In Region: Police An 18-year-old Hudson Valley student has been charged with allegedly making several threats against Rhinebeck High School. The incident occurred in Dutchess County on Thursday, Oct. 17, at the school on N. Park Drive. According To New York State Police Trooper AJ Hicks, an investigation determined the threats were not credible, but a search of the building was conducted out of an abundance of caution.   No evidence of any safety threat was found. Further investigation led to the arrest of an 18-year-old student, Hicks said. The 18-year-old was issued an appearance ticket for ma…
Hudson Valley Woman Gets 6 Months In Jail For Double-Fatal Hit-Run Crash Hudson Valley Woman Gets 6 Months In Jail For Double-Fatal Hit-Run Crash
Hudson Valley Woman Gets 6 Months In Jail For Double-Fatal Hit-Run Crash A woman has been sentenced to six months in jail for the double-fatal, hit-and-run crash in the region.  Orange County resident Angela Fischl, age 25, of Newburgh, pleaded guilty to two counts of leaving the scene of an incident resulting in death on Tuesday, Oct. 15, Following her plea, she was sentenced to five years probation and six months in the Ulster County Jail. Her driver’s license was also revoked, said Ulster County District Attorney Emmanuel Nneji. The plea and sentence are in connection to the Friday, March 1, hit-and-run resulting in the deaths of Ulster County residents…
Man Accused Of Raping 14-Year-Old Girl In Region Man Accused Of Raping 14-Year-Old Girl In Region
Man Accused Of Raping 14-Year-Old Girl In Region A man has been charged with the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl he befriended in the region. Ulster County resident Cung L. Phutin, age 28, of the town of Ulster, was charged on Friday, Oct. 11. According to Ulster Police Chief Kyle Berardi, the department initiated an investigation regarding a 28-year-old male engaging in sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl.  Berardi said as a result of an investigation, Phutin was found to have befriended the victim for several months before having sexual intercourse with her in June 2024.  Phutin was located an…
Man Who Attacked Girlfriend With Belt In Region Faces 20 Years In Prison Man Who Attacked Girlfriend With Belt In Region Faces 20 Years In Prison
Man Who Attacked Girlfriend With Belt In Region 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 From Region Nabbed For Assault During Soccer Game: Police Man From Region Nabbed For Assault During Soccer Game: Police
Man From Region Nabbed For Assault During Soccer Game: Police A 30-year-old Hudson Valley man faces assault charges following a fight between teams during a soccer game at a Northern Westchester park, police said. Earlier Report - Update: 2 More Nabbed After Fight Between Soccer Teams At Yorktown Park, Police Say The incident happened on Sunday, Oct. 6, when authorities responded to the Navajo Fields sports complex in Yorktown at around 11:30 a.m. following an altercation during a soccer game, according to Yorktown Police  Investigating officers determined that the fight broke out between the two teams. One victim told police that he was al…
Juvenile Nabbed For Making 'Non-Specific' School Threat In Region, Police Say Juvenile Nabbed For Making 'Non-Specific' School Threat In Region, Police Say
Juvenile Nabbed For Making 'Non-Specific' School Threat In Region, Police Say A juvenile was charged with allegedly making a threat of mass harm after the FBI alerted the New York State Police of a school threat made in the region on TikTok. The incident occurred in Dutchess County on Tuesday, Oct. 1, in Wappinger. Trooper AJ Hicks said an investigation determined the "non-specific threat originated from the town of Wappinger.  Investigators located and arrested the minor soon after, Hicks said. He was released on an appearance ticket returnable to the Dutchess County Family Court. This is a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates. 
Man Took 5-Year-Old To VA, Upstate NY For Sex: USDOJ Man Took 5-Year-Old To VA, Upstate NY For Sex: USDOJ
Man Took 5-Year-Old To VA, Upstate NY For Sex: Usdoj A 54-year-old Pennsylvania man has been sentenced after admitting to taking a 5-year-old girl for sex in Virginia and New York, the US Department of Justice announced on Wednesday, Sept. 25.  John Oathout, of Harrisburg, PA, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes in Syracuse, NY on Friday, Sept. 20. He'll serve 25 years in federal prison followed by 20 years of supervised release, and he'll be a registered sex offender for the remainder of his life, according to the USDOJ release.  Oathout admitted to taking the 5-year-old girl on trips out of state w…
Schenectady County Man Sentenced In Fiery Fatal Crash That Killed Mother Of 3 Schenectady County Man Sentenced In Fiery Fatal Crash That Killed Mother Of 3
Schenectady County Man Sentenced In Fiery Fatal Crash That Killed Mother Of 3 A 32-year-old man will spend years in prison after pleading guilty to vehicular homicide in a fiery crash that killed a mother of three and grandmother of five. Related: Passenger Dies In Fiery Drunk-Driving Crash Near Capital Region College, Police Say Schenectady County resident Gregory Mitchell, of Scotia, was sentenced Thursday, Sept. 18, to six to 18 years in prison on the aggravated vehicular homicide charge and six years on an assault charge for the Saturday, Oct. 21 crash in Schenectady.  According to Schenectady District Attorney Robert Carney, following the …
Girl's Death In 'Completely Avoidable' Wall Collapse Leads To Jail For NY Contractor Girl's Death In 'Completely Avoidable' Wall Collapse Leads To Jail For NY Contractor
Girl's Death In 'Completely Avoidable' Wall Collapse Leads To Jail For NY Contractor The owner of a Long Island construction company will spend months in jail after a stone wall he built collapsed, killing a 5-year-old girl. Nadeem Anwar, age 48, of Valley Stream, was sentenced to six months behind bars and five years of probation in Brooklyn Supreme Court on Wednesday, Sept. 18, in the death of Alysson Pinto-Chaumana. According to prosecutors, the young girl was with her mother visiting a friend’s home in Bushwick, Brooklyn, on Aug. 29, 2019, when a granite wall made of several stone pillars and a horizontal stone plate toppled onto her. The child suffered severe head trau…
Crash Update: 1 Critical, 1 Stable Following 2-Vehicle Drunk Driving Accident In Capital Region Crash Update: 1 Critical, 1 Stable Following 2-Vehicle Drunk Driving Accident In Capital Region
Crash Update: 1 Critical, 1 Stable Following 2-Vehicle Drunk Driving Accident In Capital Region Two victims of an alleged drunk driving crash who were severely wounded remain in the hospital. The collision occurred in Greene County on Route 23 in Catskill at about 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10. According to Greene County Sheriff's Office Capt. Joel Rowell, responding deputies immediately began life-saving measures on the two seriously injured victims who were ejected from a motorcycle.  They are 57-year-old Craig Sutherland and 50-year-old Charity Hogan of Quebec, Canada.  Sutherland was airlifted to Albany Medical Center, where he currently remains in cr…
New Details: Ex-Husband Shot Way Into NY Home Before Killing Woman, Her BF, DA Says New Details: Ex-Husband Shot Way Into NY Home Before Killing Woman, Her BF, DA Says
New Details: Ex-Husband Shot Way Into NY Home Before Killing Woman, Her BF, DA Says Authorities have released new details in the case of a New York couple who were shot to death inside their home. Long Island resident Daniel Coppola, age 50, of St. James, was arraigned on four counts of first-degree murder in Suffolk County Court on Friday, Sept. 6, in the deaths of his ex-wife Kelly Coppola and her boyfriend, Kenneth Pohlman. Suffolk County Police found Mrs. Coppola, age 50, and Pohlman, age 52, dead from gunshot wounds inside their St. James residence on Brasswood Road shortly before midnight on Wednesday, Aug. 28. Earlier Report: Accused Murderer Ranted About Pr…
Tinder Luring: 19-Year-Old Gets Decade In Prison For Ambush Robbery In Capital Region Tinder Luring: 19-Year-Old Gets Decade In Prison For Ambush Robbery In Capital Region
Tinder Luring: 19-Year-Old Gets Decade In Prison For Ambush Robbery In Capital Region A 19-year-old man will spend a decade behind bars for his role in an ambush robbery in the region. Rensselaer County resident William Camino, of Troy, was sentenced to 10 years in prison in Rensselaer County Court on Wednesday, Aug. 28, a month after pleading guilty to first-degree robbery. According to prosecutors, Camino and two others – Katrina Carroll, age 24, and Terry Adams, age 18, both of Troy – used the dating app Tinder to lure a man into an alleyway near Congress and Cypress streets in Troy at around 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18. Earlier Report: Dating App Setup: Trio Charged I…
NY Mom Accused In Wrong-Way Crash Killing Son Had License Suspended 56 Times NY Mom Accused In Wrong-Way Crash Killing Son Had License Suspended 56 Times
NY Mom Accused In Wrong-Way Crash Killing Son Had License Suspended 56 Times A New York mother accused of causing an impaired, wrong-way crash that killed her son has had her license suspended dozens of times, prosecutors said. Long Island resident Kerri Bedrick, age 32, of Centerport, pleaded not guilty to aggravated DWI and related charges in Suffolk County Court on Friday, Aug. 23. It came one day after an early-morning wreck on the Southern State Parkway in Islip that killed her 9-year-old son, Eli. Earlier Report: Update: Mom ID'd Following Alleged Drunk, Wrong-Way Crash That Killed Her Son In Islip New York State Police said Bedrick was driving an SUV…
$280K Scam: Father, Daughter Accused Of Stealing From Hudson Valley Woman $280K Scam: Father, Daughter Accused Of Stealing From Hudson Valley Woman
$280K Scam: Father, Daughter Accused Of Stealing From Hudson Valley Woman A man and daughter have been accused of stealing over $280,000 from a Hudson Valley resident. New York Attorney General Letitia James announced on Tuesday, Aug. 13, the indictments and arrests of Ulster County residents Frank Whittaker, age 56, of Kingston, and his daughter Christine Ellsworth, age 38, of Accord, for allegedly stealing more than $280,000 from a vulnerable elderly victim. After earning the trust of the victim, an Ulster County resident, by providing lawn maintenance and assisting with household tasks, Whittaker and Ellsworth gained access to the then-92-year-old’s checkbook …
Capital Region Man Accused Of Killing 6-Year-Old Boy Offered Plea Deal Of 15-20 Years Capital Region Man Accused Of Killing 6-Year-Old Boy Offered Plea Deal Of 15-20 Years
Capital Region Man Accused Of Killing 6-Year-Old Boy Offered Plea Deal Of 15-20 Years An Albany County man accused of killing a 6-year-old baby who had methamphetamines in his system was offered a plea deal on Friday, Aug 9, authorities said.  Anthony Ojeda, 42, of Cohoes, is charged with murder in the second degree, manslaughter in the first degree, and endangering the welfare of a child in connection with the 2019 death of Eli Ojeda, the Albany District Attorney's Office said.  Prosecutors have offered Ojeda a sentence of 15 to 20 years if he confesses to first-degree manslaughter, CBS Albany reported.  Ojeda is expected to answer the plea by the end of Aug…
Courtroom Stunner: Judge Tosses Manslaughter Case Against Alec Baldwin In On-Set Shooting Courtroom Stunner: Judge Tosses Manslaughter Case Against Alec Baldwin In On-Set Shooting
Courtroom Stunner: Judge Tosses Manslaughter Case Against Alec Baldwin In On-Set Shooting Actor Alec Baldwin will not face criminal charges in connection with the on-set shooting that killed a cinematographer, CNN reports. In a stunning development Friday afternoon, July 12, a judge in Santa Fe, New Mexico dismissed the involuntary manslaughter charge against Baldwin stemming from the 2021 death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, citing prosecutorial misconduct, according to the outlet. Judge Mary Marlowe threw out the case with prejudice, meaning it cannot be brought again, after finding that law enforcement intentionally concealed evidence that prevented Baldwin from pr…
Inmate Punches, Bites Corrections Officer At Capital Region Jail, Police Say Inmate Punches, Bites Corrections Officer At Capital Region Jail, Police Say
Inmate Punches, Bites Corrections Officer At Capital Region Jail, Police Say An inmate at a local jail is facing more charges after allegedly assaulting a corrections officer. The incident happened Wednesday, May 22, at the Saratoga County jail in Ballston Spa, but was not reported publicly until Tuesday, July 2. Sheriff’s officials said John Rathbun, age 26, punched a corrections officer in the face and bit him, causing injuries. The officer was treated at a medical facility and released. Rathbun, who is homeless, was charged with second-degree assault, a felony. He was arraigned in the Milton Town Court on Monday, July 1, and was taken back to the county jail w…