$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…
Man Charged With Criminally Negligent Homicide In Fatal Route 9 Crash Man Charged With Criminally Negligent Homicide In Fatal Route 9 Crash
Man Charged With Criminally Negligent Homicide In Fatal Route 9 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 East Fishkill Accused Of Shoving, Endangering Disabled Student School Employee From East Fishkill Accused Of Shoving, Endangering Disabled Student
School Employee From East Fishkill 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 On I-87 New Update: IDs Released For Trooper, Tow Truck Driver Hit By Pickup Truck On I-87
New Update: IDs Released For Trooper, Tow Truck Driver Hit By Pickup Truck On I-87 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…
Hudson Valley Fire Company Financial Secretary Admits Stealing $17K, DA Says Hudson Valley Fire Company Financial Secretary Admits Stealing $17K, DA Says
Hudson Valley Fire Company Financial Secretary 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 Women From Region Nabbed For Animal Cruelty In Case Involving 40 Cats Pair Of 45-Year-Old Women From Region Nabbed For Animal Cruelty In Case Involving 40 Cats
Pair Of 45-Year-Old Women From Region 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 Hudson Valley's Sean Combs Broke Social Media Silence After Sex Trafficking Arrest Here's How Hudson Valley's Sean Combs Broke Social Media Silence After Sex Trafficking Arrest
Here's How Hudson Valley'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 Dutchess County: Police Teen Nabbed For Making Threat Of Mass Harm Against High School In Dutchess County: Police
Teen Nabbed For Making Threat Of Mass Harm Against High School In Dutchess County: 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…
Hudson Valley Man Accused Of Raping 14-Year-Old Girl Hudson Valley Man Accused Of Raping 14-Year-Old Girl
Hudson Valley Man Accused Of Raping 14-Year-Old Girl 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…
Dutchess County Man Who Attacked Girlfriend With Belt Faces 20 Years In Prison Dutchess County Man Who Attacked Girlfriend With Belt Faces 20 Years In Prison
Dutchess County Man Who Attacked Girlfriend With Belt 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…
Hudson Valley Man Nabbed For Assault During Soccer Game: Police Hudson Valley Man Nabbed For Assault During Soccer Game: Police
Hudson Valley Man 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…
Hudson Valley Dealer Admits Selling Guns, Drugs Out Of Food Truck: DA Says Hudson Valley Dealer Admits Selling Guns, Drugs Out Of Food Truck: DA Says
Hudson Valley Dealer Admits Selling Guns, Drugs Out Of Food Truck: DA Says A Hudson Valley man is facing years in prison after pleading guilty to selling drugs and guns throughout the area using a food truck. Orange County resident Kirkland Salmon, age 42, of Newburgh, pleaded guilty in Orange County Court to criminal possession of a controlled substance, sale of a firearm, and conspiracy on Tuesday, Oct. 1. Under the plea agreement, the Orange County District Attorney's Office will recommend that he be sentenced to 12 years in prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision when he is sentenced in December. Salmon also agreed …
Dutchess County Juvenile Nabbed For Making 'Non-Specific' School Threat, Police S Dutchess County Juvenile Nabbed For Making 'Non-Specific' School Threat, Police S
Dutchess County Juvenile Nabbed For Making 'Non-Specific' School Threat, Police S 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…
Man From Region Sentenced In Fiery Fatal Crash That Killed Mother Of 3 Man From Region Sentenced In Fiery Fatal Crash That Killed Mother Of 3
Man From Region 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 …
Teenage Girl Accused Of Threatening Shooting At School District In Hudson Valley Teenage Girl Accused Of Threatening Shooting At School District In Hudson Valley
Teenage Girl Accused Of Threatening Shooting At School District In Hudson Valley A teenage girl has been accused of making a threat to a high school in the Hudson Valley. On Thursday night, Sept. 19, in Rockland County, the Town of Haverstraw Police Department said it was made aware of a potential threat of a shooting that would occur on Friday, Sept. 20, in the North Rockland School District.  Officers and detectives immediately began investigating the claim and were able to locate the individual who created a social media post.  After an investigation, it was found that this claim was false.  The Town of Haverstraw Police Department charged the 16-yea…
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…
Woman Caught Years After Fleeing Crash That Killed Man Near Hudson Valley Trail: Police Woman Caught Years After Fleeing Crash That Killed Man Near Hudson Valley Trail: Police
Woman Caught Years After Fleeing Crash That Killed Man Near Hudson Valley Trail: Police Years after a crash that left a man dead near a Northern Westchester bicycle trail, a 41-year-old woman has been accused of fleeing the scene after hitting him, police announced.  Bronx resident Glenys Manana-Rodriguez surrendered herself to Yorktown Police on Monday, Sept. 16 on charges connected to a fatal crash that happened within the town in August 2020, the department announced on Thursday, Sept. 19.  On the day of the crash, Aug. 23, 2020, a man who had been riding a bicycle was struck by an unknown vehicle in the area of Birdsall Drive where it intersects the North County …
Hudson Valley Man Who Attempted To Rape Child Sentenced Hudson Valley Man Who Attempted To Rape Child Sentenced
Hudson Valley Man Who Attempted To Rape Child Sentenced A Hudson Valley man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the attempted rape of a child under the age of 11. Orange County resident James Pospisil, age 45, of Port Jervis, was also sentenced on Tuesday, Sept. 17, to 15 years of post-release supervision after pleading guilty. He will also have to register as a sex offender, said Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler. At the plea proceedings, Pospisil admitted that between Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, and Tuesday, Jan. 2, he attempted to engage in sexual intercourse with a child under 11 years old. Hoovler thanked the Orang…
Woman Admits Setting Fire To Dutchess County Home With Daughter, Grandchildren Inside, DA Says Woman Admits Setting Fire To Dutchess County Home With Daughter, Grandchildren Inside, DA Says
Woman Admits Setting Fire To Dutchess County Home With Daughter, Grandchildren Inside, DA Says A woman has pleaded guilty to attempted arson in connection with intentionally setting fire to a Hudson Valley home with her and her grandchildren inside. Niagara County resident Itita Washington-Thompson, age 48, of Niagara, made the plea on Monday, Sept. 16, said Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi. Parisi said: "This case is a chilling example of how a domestic incident or dispute can escalate to dangerous extremes."  The incident occurred on Friday, May 24, at Hammersley Avenue in Poughkeepsie. According to officials and court documents, Washington-Thompson…
Crash Update: 1 Critical, 1 Stable Following 2-Vehicle Drunk Driving Accident In Region Crash Update: 1 Critical, 1 Stable Following 2-Vehicle Drunk Driving Accident In Region
Crash Update: 1 Critical, 1 Stable Following 2-Vehicle Drunk Driving Accident In 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…
Former Teacher Accused Of Touching, Kissing Student At High School In Hudson Valley Former Teacher Accused Of Touching, Kissing Student At High School In Hudson Valley
Former Teacher Accused Of Touching, Kissing Student At High School In Hudson Valley A retired music teacher of more than two decades faces criminal charges after allegedly taking a student behind a high school auditorium curtain in Westchester and kissing them, officials announced. New, updated report - Teacher Accused Of Kissing Student Returned To Westchester HS After Retirement Announcement Hartsdale resident Michael Rubino, age 63, was arrested in connection with an incident at Hastings High School in June involving the unwanted touching and kissing of an underage student, the Westchester County District Attorney's Office announced on Wednesday, Sept. 11. Accordi…
Woman Accused Of Using Cell Phone While Driving During Fatal Crash In Northern Fairfield County Woman Accused Of Using Cell Phone While Driving During Fatal Crash In Northern Fairfield County
Woman Accused Of Using Cell Phone While Driving During Fatal Crash In Northern Fairfield County A 33-year-old woman faces criminal charges in connection with a Connecticut crash that left another driver dead, police announced.  Fairfield County resident Kelsey Gallagher of Stamford turned herself in to Ridgefield Police on Thursday, Sept. 5 on an outstanding warrant regarding a crash that happened on Thursday, May 20, the Ridgefield Police Department announced on Friday, Sept. 6.  According to the department, at around 11:20 a.m. on the day of the crash, a serious two-car crash occurred in the area of Route 7 (Ethan Allen Highway) and New Street. Arriving police found that b…
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 Region Tinder Luring: 19-Year-Old Gets Decade In Prison For Ambush Robbery In Region
Tinder Luring: 19-Year-Old Gets Decade In Prison For Ambush Robbery In 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…