Crime Report 2/16/16

DA REPORT:

CRIMINAL CONTEMPT
Edwin Thezan, age 27, residing at 317 Roosevelt Avenue, Spring Valley, NY, was sentenced on January 27, 2016 before New York State Supreme Court Justice William A. Kelly to an indeterminate term of two to four years in state prison for the crime of criminal contempt in the first degree. District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe stated that on or about December 12, 2014 at 94 North Main Street in Spring Valley, NY, a concerned citizen called the police upon hearing two individuals arguing. Upon arriving at the location a police sergeant observed the defendant subjecting the victim to physical contact in violation of a duly served order of protection that defendant was aware of. The defendant’s trial started on July 28, 2015 and he was later found guilty on August 6, 2015 of criminal contempt in the first degree. The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Janine Kovacs and Assistant District Attorney Nikitas Nicolakis.

VIOLENT BURGLARY
Dillon Ortiz, age 20, residing at 60 Coolidge Street, Haverstraw, NY, was convicted on February 3, 2015 after a jury trial of one count of burglary in the first degree, a class “B” violent felony, and one count of burglary in the second degree, a class “C” violent felony, in connection with a violent residential break in. At approximately 3:30 p.m. on March 12, 2015, Ortiz and two others unlawfully entered a home located at 157 Route 9W in the Village of Haverstraw. They entered through an unlocked door. The defendant entered the home with a small baseball bat concealed in the sleeve of his hooded sweatshirt. The homeowner’s son was home with two friends at the time. Upon entering the living room, one of the suspects began punching the homeowners’ son. Ortiz and the other accomplice began attacking a friend of the son. During the attack, the defendant used the baseball bat to strike the friend in the head several times. Two windows broken during the violence left one of the victims with a deep gash in the left forearm that required treatment at Good Samaritan Hospital. An investigation was initiated by detectives from the Haverstraw Police Department which led them to the defendant. After the verdict, Ortiz was remanded to the Rockland County jail. Sentencing is scheduled for April 5, 2016. The defendant faces a maximum of 25 years in state prison. Senior Assistant District Attorney Patrick Fischer and Assistant District Attorney Stefanie Schera prosecuted this case.

STONY POINT POLICE DEPARTMENT:

GRAND LARCENY, CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF STOLE PROPERTY & MORE
Anthony J. Friendman, age 28, residing at 20 Stanley Road, Garnerville, NY, was arrested on January 9, 2016 for grand larceny in the fourth degree (felony, 2 counts), criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree (felony, 2 counts), false personation, issuing a false written statement and fugitive from justice. The defendant was arrested following an investigation by the Stony Point Police Detective Bureau into the theft of a pocketbook. Investigation revealed that the defendant did steal property consisting of a credit card and numerous other items. The defendant did falsely identify himself during investigation and provided a false written statement. Subsequent to his arrest, it was determined he was a Fugitive from Justice and was wanted on several drug charges, Sale and Possession of Methamphetamine, out of Atlanta, GA. The defendant was arrested, processed and then arraigned in Stony Point Justice Court. He was remanded to the Rockland County Jail where he will face extradition for the charges in Atlanta.

RAMAPO POLICE DEPARTMENT:

FALSE PERSONATION & CRIMINAL IMPERSONATION

On February 10, 2016 at about 6:30 p.m., the Ramapo Police Department responded to a local liquor store after the clerk believed that identification presented by a customer purchasing false personation, criminal impersonation alcohol might be fictitious. Our officer responded, and the ID in fact was valid and proper. Underage people trying to purchase alcoholic beverages in the Town of Ramapo should be warned that our initiatives are working. The Ramapo Police conduct undercover operations with the Rockland County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children in which those who SELL to underage customers are arrested on the spot. In the above case, if the ID was proven to be fraudulent, the customer may have been charged with NYS Alcohol and Beverage Control violations, as well as NYS Penal Law offenses such as false personation, criminal impersonation, and forgery – these include felony charges which could carry a penalty of imprisonment of more than one year in state prison.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT
On February 11, 2016 at about 9 p.m., the Ramapo Police Department responded to a fight involving multiple people and weapons on Greenridge Way in the Village of New Hempstead. On arrival, the officer’s commands to separate were not complied with. One particular participant, a 24-year-old male from New Hempstead, NY, continued to cause a disturbance and was arrested for disorderly conduct. He was brought in to the stationhouse for processing, and was released pending a Ramapo court appearance next month. No weapons were discovered during this incident.

FORGERY, GRAND LARCENY & POSSESSION OF A FORGED INSTRUMENT
On February 11, 2016, Ramapo Police investigated two older cases involving fraudulent check activity. In one case, $17,000 was withdrawn from a customer’s account. In another, a person attempted to cash a check from a local business, but the check was forged. Two arrests were made in conjunction with the first case, and one arrest in the second. Charges include forgery, grand larceny, and possession of a forged instrument.

PETIT LARCENT
On February 12, 2016 at about 5:15 p.m., the Ramapo Police Department responded to a local business where two female patrons loaded their shopping cart with 29 separate containers of powered baby formula and left the store without paying. When approached by store security, one fled on foot, and the other sped away in a vehicle. The stolen product was left at the scene. Officers were unable to locate either party, so they reviewed video and investigated in other ways. By 8:15 p.m., two female suspects were under arrest by Ramapo PD. Both suspects, a 27-year-old from Hubert, North Carolina, and a 33-year-old from Clarkstown, were charged with petit larceny and were arraigned. They must return to Airmont Court in March to answer the charges.

SUSPENDED REGISTRATION
On February 14, 2016 at about 2:40 a.m., a Ramapo Police Officer observed a vehicle following another vehicle too closely on East Eckerson Road. A computer check revealed the vehicle’s registration suspended, and that the driver was operating the vehicle with a suspended driver’s license. The driver was arrested and issued several summonses and released for a future court appearance.

ROCKLAND COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE, POLICE DIVISION:

DWI
Mark McGibbon, age 40, residing in Spring Valley, NY, was arrested on February 5, 2016 for DWI. A Sheriff Patrol Officer observed the above subject operating a motor vehicle on Rt.59, Nanuet in an erratic manner.  The subject was found to be intoxicated and arrested. The subject was processed at Sheriff HQ in New City and released on summonses to return to Clarkstown Justice Court.

TOWN OF TUXEDO POLICE DEPARTMENT:

BURGLARY, PETIT LARCENY & UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA
On Feb. 1, 2016, Edrick Torres, age 31, of Greenwood Lake, NY, was arrested and charged with burglary in the second degree (a felony), petit larceny and unlawful possession of marijuana, which he had in his possession upon his arrest. The burglary took place on Jan 29, 2016 at 4:31 a.m.. The subject forced open a locked, rear, sliding glass door and entered into a home of an acquaintance. He then stole a “Canary all in one security camera” off of a living room coffee table. Ironically, he was being observed by the home owner, whom was away at the time, via the same type of “Canary” home security camera system. Upon detective David decker’s viewing of the footage and interviewing of the home owner, Detective decker was able to determine who the suspected burglar was. Edrick Torres was arrested by Det. Decker and arraigned before Tuxedo judge Sandy Newman on Feb 1, 2016 and remanded to Orange County jail on $5,000 cash bail.

SPRING VALLEY POLICE DEPARTMENT:

ROBBERY
On Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at about 2:35 p.m., a report was received of a robbery having taken place at 288 North Main Street. Patrols and detectives showed that this was an attempted robbery/purse snatch. A suspect as located and identified at the scene and he was placed under arrest. The suspect is Manuel Tova, a Hispanic male, age 33, residing at 1982 Bethune Boulevard, Spring Valley, NY. The suspect was charged with robbery in the third degree, a felony. He was arraigned in Spring Valley Justice Court and held on bail for a future court appearance.

DWI
On Friday, February 5, 2016, at about 8:05 p.m., the Spring Valley Police Department received a report of an automobile accident and rollover on South Main Street in the area of Singer Ave. Patrols responded to the scene and found that an accident had taken place and the vehicle had left the scene. Patrols followed the debris and located the vehicle about two blocks away on John Street in a driveway. The vehicle was heavily damaged and the operation could not get out of the vehicle. The Spring Valley Fire Department was requested to assist with the extrication and an ambulance was requested to the scene. The suspect/operator was extricated from the vehicle and taken to Good Samaritan Hospital for treatment of injuries. The suspect was arrested and charged with DWI, a felony, for having a previous conviction for DWI and other vehicle and traffic violations. The suspect identified as Max German Goronel-Santander, age 40, residing at 15 East Funston Avenue, Spring Valley, NY. The suspect was issued an appearance ticket for a future court date.

ASSAULT
On Sunday, February 7, 2016, at about 10:50 p.m., the Spring Valley Police received a report of a persona assaulted and possibly stabbed at 90 Bethune Boulevard. Patrols responded and did located a female victim of an assault. The victim had a cut to her hand and was bleeding from the back of her head. The assault took place at a Superbowl party, according to the victim. Rockland Paramedics and Spring Hill Ambulance responded to the scene, the victim refused medical attention. This investigation is ongoing at this time.

STABBING
On Sunday, February 7, 2016, at about 4:56 a.m., the Spring Valley Police received a report of a party stabbed. The police responded to 118 South Main Street and located the victim, a 16-year-old male with a stab wound to his forearm. The subject stated that he was stabbed at a different location believed to be 55 Maple Avenue. The victim was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital. The suspect is a Hispanic male, and the investigation is ongoing at this time.

 SOUTH NYACK-GRAND VIEW POLICE DEPARTMENT:

FORCIBLE TOUCHING
Kurt Ludwigsen, 45, of New Jersey, pleaded guilty last week to seven counts of forcible touching after originally facing more than 200 sex-related charges, including seven felony counts of first-degree coercion and 94 misdemeanor counts each of forcible touching and third-degree sexual abuse. He faces three years probation when sentenced March 29 by state Supreme Court Justice William Kelly at the county courthouse in New City. Ludwigsen, a career softball coach previously investigated for similar complaints in California, was arrested on April 9.

At the time the department began receiving complaints in March, Ludwigsen had been acting inappropriately with 13 players since October, just a month after the college hired him to coach the team. Parents contacted police and the college with their concerns about Ludwigsen, who also has used the name Kurt Vogner. Ludwigsen lived at the time in Ridgewood with his wife and two children, though his wife’s attorney said in April that she had filed for divorce.

Ludwigsen sought to have Kelly dismiss the charges. Six of the softball players have filed a federal lawsuit against Nyack College officials and Ludwigsen on sexual-harassment allegations.

The lawsuit alleges a litany of inappropriate acts committed by Ludwigsen, including forcing some of them to take life counseling sessions with a porno actress. They also accused Ludwigsen of routinely kissing, groping and inappropriately touching them.

ORANGETOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT:

DWI
A 19-year-old male of Pearl River, NY, was arrested on February 6, 2016 at approximately 4:03 a.m. for DWI, a misdemeanor. Orangetown Police responded to a one-car rollover accident where the driver failed an alcohol screening test as well as field sobriety tests. The driver was taken to Nyack Hospital for minor injuries where he submitted to a blood alcohol test. The male was released after being treated and is to appear in the Town of Orangetown Justice Court at a future date.

DWAI
Michael Ubriaco, age 28, of New City, NY, was arrested on February 7, 2016 at approximately 6:26 a.m. for driving while ability impaired/combined alcohol and drugs, a misdemeanor. The defendant was observed with his head slumped over the steering wheel of a 2010 Hyundai while stopped at a traffic light at the intersection of Crooked Hill Road and North Middletown Road. The defendant was unresponsive. Patrol on scene administered Narcan and the defendant instantly became alert. The defendant was placed under arrest and transported to Nyack Hospital for treatment. A drug recognition expert from the Rockland County Sheriff’s Department assisted with the continuing investigation. The defendant provided a blood sample and upon discharge from the hospital was processed at OPD headquarters. The defendant was released to a family member and is due to return in Orangetown Court at a later date.

DWI
Anthony R. Santana, age 28, of Haverstraw, NY, was arrested on February 10, 2016 at approximately 4:39 a.m. for DWI, a misdemeanor. Mr. Santana was observed passed out behind the wheel of a 2000 Volkswagen he was operating. Mr. Santana failed field sobriety tests at the scene and was transported to Orangetown Police headquarters where he failed a breathalyzer test. Mr. Santana is to appear in the Village of Nyack Justice Court on February 23, 2016.

DWI
Valerie M. Popov, age 32, of Tappan, NY, was arrested on February 15, 2016 at approximately 2:45 a.m. for felony DWI and traffic violations. Ms. Popov was observed operating a 2004 Saturn eastbound on Veterans Memorial Drive in excess of the posted speed limit. Ms. Popov was found to be in an intoxicated condition and she failed field sobriety tests. Ms. Popov was transported to police headquarters where she refused to submit to a breathalyzer test. Ms. Popov was charged with felony DWI due to a previous DWI conviction in 2013. She is due in Orangetown Court on March 15, 2016.

CRIMINAL POSSESION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE
John F. Hall, age 52, of South Nyack, NY, was arrested on February 13, 2016 at approximately 4:18 a.m. for criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a misdemeanor. An Orangetown police officer observed Mr. Hall acting in a suspicious manner on High Avenue/North Franklin Street in Nyack. The officer approached Mr. Hall and observed him drop a small packet of alleged crack cocaine from his hand onto the ground. Mr. Hall is due in Nyack Court on February 23, 2016.

SUFFERN POLICE DEPARTMENT:

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY
On February 15, 2016 around 4:50 p.m., Suffern Police Department  was alerted by the NY State Police that a vehicle had pulled into the Sloatsburg rest area on the thruway and the male driver asked for directions to a train station. As the vehicle was pulling away, one of three female passengers quietly said to the gas station attendant who gave the directions, “call the police.” The attendant felt something wasn’t right with the vehicle and called the State Police and advised them about this incident. After, the department was notified that one of their officers on patrol had observed this vehicle on Orange Ave. and stopped it. Upon an investigation, it was determined that the three females had gotten into this man’s vehicle upstate after he offered them a ride to NYC where all the parties in the vehicle resided. The females became suspicious and concerned when they asked the driver to stop and he would not do so. The women were taken by the department to the Suffern train station where transportation back to the city was arranged and the male driver was briefly detained as officers obtained and verified his identification and had the State Police respond as it was their investigation. Upon an investigation by the troopers, there are no criminal charges as of yet, as the intent of the driver is still being determined.

BURGLARY & FALSE PERSONATION
A 30-year-old Pomona woman was arrested on February 13, 2016 on an outstanding warrant for her arrest on a burglary charge. An officer on patrol recognized the woman as having a warrant on her and when he placed her under arrest, she gave him a false name and was additionally charged with false personation. She was sent to the Rockland County Jail on bail.

HARASSMENT
A 53 year-old Suffern male was arrested on February 13, 2016 for harassment following an incident on Crestwood Drive. The suspect had become agitated when a UPS driver did not have his package and he pushed and threatened the driver. He was placed under arrest and released pending a future court date.

SUSPENDED REGISTRATION
Two drivers were charged on February 13, 2016 for operating with suspended registrations on Lafayette Avenue: a 57-year-old Nanuet man and a 51-year-old Monsey man following alerts by License Plate Readers.

KIDNAPPING, CARJACKING, ARMED ROBBERY, AGGRAVATED ASSAULT & POSSESSION OF A WEAPON
On February 12, 2016 at 9:45 p.m., members of the Suffern Police Department, along with the Rockland County SWAT team, conducted a search warrant at 11 Brook St. in the Village of Suffern and arrested Juan Chileseo-Vega, 19, for multiple crimes stemming from a carjacking in Bergen County, NJ in the Village of Ridgewood. Vega was part of a crew that got into a cab in Paterson, NJ around 3 a.m. on Dec. 26 for a ride to Waldwick. Once they got to Ridgewood, they decided to rob and kidnap the driver where they took his money, cell phone and watch. The driver was ordered into the back seat of the car where the suspects held him at gunpoint telling him they were going to kill him. The carjackers eventually took the driver onto the NYS Thruway where they pistol whipped him and stabbed him in the neck, eventually dumping him in Orange County in the Tuxedo area. The driver suffered serious injuries during this incident and the perpetrators fled the area. The Ridgewood Police Department developed information on the suspects and worked with our department over the last week as two of the suspects were believed to live here in Suffern. One of the Suffern suspects was arrested in Mahwah earlier this week and the second was found inside of 11 Brook St. last night by the SWAT team hiding in a closet. We were assisted by the Ridgewood Police as well as the FBI this past week and last night during the raid. The suspect is being held in our police lockup awaiting arraignment as a Fugitive from Justice and will be sent to the Rockland County Jail where he will wait for extradition to New Jersey. The suspect was charged with kidnapping, carjacking, armed robbery, aggravated assault, and possession of a weapon. It is also believed that this suspect was a member of the Central American street gang, the “18th Street Gang.”