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Police & Fire
Final Suspect In 2022 Dutchess County Murder Case Arrested, Closing Multi-Agency Investigation Final Suspect In 2022 Dutchess County Murder Case Arrested, Closing Multi-Agency Investigation
Final Suspect In 2022 Dutchess County Murder Case Arrested, 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…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Hudson Valley Man Sentenced For Violent 2017 Home Invasion Hudson Valley Man Sentenced For Violent 2017 Home Invasion
Hudson Valley Man Sentenced For Violent 2017 Home Invasion A Hudson Valley man has been sentenced to nine years in prison following a dramatic burglary incident where he and an accomplice posed as FBI agents during a violent home invasion.  Westchester County resident Oscar Castillo, age 37, from Yonkers, was sentenced on Monday, Nov. 18, said Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler. He was also sentenced to five years of post-release supervision.  The sentence stems from Castillo's 2023 guilty plea to burglary charges linked to a 2017 incident in Washingtonville. Castillo, who initially evaded sentencing by not appearing in c…

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by Daily Voice
Police & Fire
Hudson Valley Corrections Sergeant Charged With Child Exploitation Charges Hudson Valley Corrections Sergeant Charged With Child Exploitation Charges
Hudson Valley Corrections Sergeant Charged With Child Exploitation Charges 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…

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by Daily Voice
Police & Fire
Phone Scam Involving Fake Jury Summons Targets Hudson Valley Residents Phone Scam Involving Fake Jury Summons Targets Hudson Valley Residents
Phone Scam Involving Fake Jury Summons Targets Hudson Valley Residents 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…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
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…

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
Hudson Valley Police Sergeant Honored With 2024 Hero Of Crisis Intervention Team Award Hudson Valley Police Sergeant Honored With 2024 Hero Of Crisis Intervention Team Award
Hudson Valley Police Sergeant Honored With 2024 Hero Of Crisis Intervention Team Award The National Alliance on Mental Illness has awarded a Hudson Valley police sergeant the 2024 Hero of CIT Award—New York State, recognizing his significant contributions to mental health advocacy. The Clarkstown Police Department announced that Sgt. Christopher Bax’s recent accolade underscores his dedicated efforts in mental health advocacy within the community. The department said that as a Crisis Intervention Team trainer, Bax has shown exemplary leadership and compassion, significantly impacting the lives of those affected by mental illness. "His approach extends beyond training law enf…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Hudson Valley Woman Sentenced For Arson Of Residential Building With People Inside Hudson Valley Woman Sentenced For Arson Of Residential Building With People Inside
Hudson Valley Woman 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…

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
Bomb Threat Made To High School In Wappingers Falls Bomb Threat Made To High School In Wappingers Falls
Bomb Threat Made To High School In Wappingers Falls 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…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Man Headed To Prison For Sexually Abusing Child In Hudson Valley Man Headed To Prison For Sexually Abusing Child In Hudson Valley
Man Headed To Prison For Sexually Abusing Child In Hudson Valley 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…

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
Hudson Valley Man Nabbed On 6 Counts Of Rape Of Minor, Police Say Hudson Valley Man Nabbed On 6 Counts Of Rape Of Minor, Police Say
Hudson Valley Man Nabbed On 6 Counts Of Rape Of Minor, 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…

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
Search Warrant Leads To Child Porn Charge For Hudson Valley 60-Year-Old Search Warrant Leads To Child Porn Charge For Hudson Valley 60-Year-Old
Search Warrant Leads To Child Porn Charge For Hudson Valley 60-Year-Old A Hudson Valley code enforcement officer and fire investigator has been charged with allegedly possessing materials showing obscene sexual performances by a child. Orange County resident John Orr, age 60, of Pine Island, was charged on Wednesday, Nov. 6, following the execution of a search warrant by the New York State Police and the town of Warwick Police on Glenwood Road, in the Town of Warwick, said Trooper Steven Nvel. After the search, Nevel said Orr was arrested, processed, and released on an appearance ticket.  The investigation is continuing by State Police Monroe BCI and the …

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by Kathy Reakes
Business
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…

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by Joe Lombardi
Police & Fire
'Fugitive From Justice' Wanted For Crime Spree In Region Extradited 'Fugitive From Justice' Wanted For Crime Spree In Region Extradited
'Fugitive From Justice' Wanted For Crime Spree In Region Extradited A Hudson Valley man wanted for a slew of alleged crimes in the region has been extradited after being arrested out of state.  Orange County resident Joseph Michael Flood, age 42, of Port Jervis, was returned to Sullivan County on Thursday, Nov. 7, after failing to show up in court in 2023 for a crime spree, said Sullivan County Undersheriff Eric Chaboty. Chaboty said Flood was picked up from the Morris County Jail in New Jersey and returned after being arrested by the New Jersey State Police. Flood was initially scheduled to appear on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023 for sentencing in …

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
Man, Woman Face Host Of Charges After Police Pursuit In Hudson Valley Man, Woman Face Host Of Charges After Police Pursuit In Hudson Valley
Man, Woman Face Host Of Charges After Police Pursuit In Hudson Valley A man and a woman were nabbed after a pursuit with New York State Police in the Hudson Valley on a host of charges, including allegedly possessing illegal weapons. The incident began in Westchester County at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 6, when troopers attempted to stop a 2021 Nissan Sentra on I-87 in the village of Ardsley and ended in Rockland County in Nyack when the vehicle was stopped by the Orangetown Police on Route 59. According to Trooper Steven Nevel, after the stop, troopers arrived and interviewed the operator who was identified as Selena Lasco, age 26, and her passenger Jav…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Hudson Valley Man Admits Sexual Assault Of Child Hudson Valley Man Admits Sexual Assault Of Child
Hudson Valley Man Admits Sexual Assault Of Child A Hudson Valley man has admitted to sexually abusing a child repeatedly. Rockland County resident Luis Quinac-Morales, age 41, of Spring Valley, on Wednesday, Nov. 6, said Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh. Beginning in 2016, Quinac-Morales routinely sexually abused the 12-year-old girl in the Village of Spring Valley. The repeated sexual abuse consisted of sexual intercourse, Walsh said.  “The defendant in this case subjected a 12- year-old innocent child to horrific sexual abuse," Walsh said. "My Office works in collaboration with our partner…

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by Kathy Reakes
Obituaries
Beloved K9 Who Served With 'Gentlemanly Attitude' In Hudson Valley Dies Beloved K9 Who Served With 'Gentlemanly Attitude' In Hudson Valley Dies
Beloved K9 Who Served With 'Gentlemanly Attitude' In Hudson Valley Dies A sheriff's office is mourning the loss of a beloved K9 who dutifully served the public for several years while still keeping a playful side.  In an announcement on Monday, Nov. 4, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office PBA revealed the death of K9 Satch, who served the county for more than seven years.  After beginning his career in January 2015 with his handler, Deputy Christopher Tompkins, Satch went on to become certified in tracking, evidence search, criminal apprehension, handler protection, and explosive detection.  In a post on social media memorializing the fallen …

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Dutchess County Home Burglary Suspect Nabbed, Police Say Dutchess County Home Burglary Suspect Nabbed, Police Say
Dutchess County Home Burglary Suspect Nabbed, Police Say A man who allegedly forced his way into a Hudson Valley home and stole property is behind bars. The incident occurred in Dutchess County at 4:50 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 6, on Franklin Street in the city of Poughkeepsie. According to Poughkeepsie Police, an investigation determined that the suspect forced entry into a private residence and stole property. The suspect had fled the scene before police notification.  Through the course of the investigation, the suspect was identified as Matthew G. Thomas, age 41, address unknown. At  7 am, Thomas was located by patrol officers and tak…

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
Impaired Driver Charged After Fatal Crash In Region, Police Say Impaired Driver Charged After Fatal Crash In Region, Police Say
Impaired Driver Charged After Fatal Crash In Region, Police Say A tractor-trailer driver was killed in the Capital Region after crashing into the back of another truck in which the driver was charged with DWI/ impaired by drugs. The crash occurred in Schenectady County at 10:15 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 5, on I-90 in Rotterdam. According to Trooper Stephanie O'Neil, an investigation determined that both tractor-trailers were traveling westbound when one vehicle, operated by a Canadian driver, crashed into the rear of the other.  The Canadian driver was declared dead at the scene, O'Neil said. The other vehicle's driver has been identified as Manuel E. A…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Update: Trooper Under Criminal Investigation Amid Doubts Over NY Highway Shooting Update: Trooper Under Criminal Investigation Amid Doubts Over NY Highway Shooting
Update: Trooper Under Criminal Investigation Amid Doubts Over NY Highway Shooting A New York State Police trooper who claimed someone shot him on a roadway in the region is now under criminal investigation amid growing doubts over his story. On Long Island, state police “have reason to believe that the incident did not occur the way it was reported” by trooper Thomas Mascia, an agency spokesperson told reporters Wednesday morning, Nov. 6. Police confirmed that the five-year department veteran is now the subject of both a criminal investigation and an internal probe being conducted by state police and the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office. Earlier Report: T…

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

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

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
New Update: IDs Released For Trooper, Tow Truck Driver Hit By Pickup Truck 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…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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by Kathy Reakes