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Criminal Justice Reform

New Haven Woman Pardoned By President Biden For Drug Offense New Haven Woman Pardoned By President Biden For Drug Offense
New Haven Woman Pardoned By President Biden For Drug Offense A 33-year-old Connecticut woman was one of 11 people in the country who received a pardon from President Joe Biden for a non-violent drug offense. Alexis Sutton of New Haven pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense and was sentenced to 48 months of probation in 2014. Since then, the White House has said that Sutton has taken classes to earn her nursing degree and is hoping to become a registered nurse.  According to the White House, she is an active participant in her church, and colleagues, friends, and neighbors describe her as resilient, reliable, caring, hard-working, and a ro…
Stony Point Man Who Refused To Stop Nabbed For DWI, Police Say Stony Point Man Who Refused To Stop Nabbed For DWI, Police Say
Stony Point Man Who Refused To Stop Nabbed For DWI, Police Say A 41-year-old Hudson Valley man was nabbed by police for alleged DWI and refusing to stop when police spotted him using a cell phone while driving. Rockland County resident Cristhian Cruz-Rojas of Stony Point was arrested on Sunday, July 16 around 10 a.m. on North Liberty Drive in Stony Point. When an officer attempted to stop the vehicle Cruz-Rojas refused to pull over and continued to drive to his residence which was approximately two miles away, said Lt. Greg Becker, of the Stony Point Police. Once at his home, Cruz-Rojas attempted to run into his house to avoid arrest. A…
Rockland County Man Nabbed Using Fake ID To Cash $60K Check At Stony Point Bank, Police Say Rockland County Man Nabbed Using Fake ID To Cash $60K Check At Stony Point Bank, Police Say
Rockland County Man Nabbed Using Fake ID To Cash $60K Check At Stony Point Bank, Police Say A Hudson Valley man was charged with attempted grand larceny after allegedly trying to cash a $60,000 check with a forged driver's license. The incident took place in Rockland County on Wednesday, July 5 at the TD Bank in Stony Point at 82 S. Liberty St. According to Lt. Greg Becker of the Stony Point Police, Jeremy Pierre, age 23, of New City, was charged with the crime following an investigation that found the driver's license was a fake. He was charged with attempted grand larceny and criminal possession of a forged instrument and released with an appearance ticket as per …
Middletown Sex Offender Charged With Violent Assault, Police Say Middletown Sex Offender Charged With Violent Assault, Police Say
Middletown Sex Offender Charged With Violent Assault, Police Say Police in the Hudson Valley have charged a sex offender with a violent assault and robbery of a man after it was caught on a public camera system. The incident took place in Orange County around 11:10 a.m., Sunday, March 12 in the area of 8-10 Main Street in Middletown. According to Lt. Jeffry Thoelen of the Middletown Police, officers responded to the area after receiving a call reporting a fight. Using the public camera system located at the front desk of the police department, Sgt. Jordan McInerney saw a Black man lying on top of another man on the sidewalk, violently assaulti…
New Poll Reveals Who NYers Favor In Governor's Race Based On Inflation, Crime, Abortion New Poll Reveals Who NYers Favor In Governor's Race Based On Inflation, Crime, Abortion
New Poll Reveals Who NYers Favor In Governor's Race Based On Inflation, Crime, Abortion As Election Day draws nearer, new polling is highlighting the issues that are top of mind for New York voters when choosing their next governor. Overall, incumbent Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul leads her Republican opponent, Rep. Lee Zeldin, by six points, 47 to 41 percent, according to a SurveyUSA poll released Thursday, Oct. 20. Earlier Report: Zeldin Holds Edge Over Hochul In NY's Suburbs, Among Independents In Brand-New Poll Four percent of likely voters said they plan to vote for another candidate, while 8 percent were undecided. Hochul’s lead has shrunk dramatically from August …
3 Busted In Spree Of Attempted Car Burglaries, Madison Police Say 3 Busted In Spree Of Attempted Car Burglaries, Madison Police Say
3 Busted In Spree Of Attempted Car Burglaries, Madison Police Say Three suspects from Irvington were busted in a spree of attempted car burglaries throughout Madison, local police said. Officers responded to a report of three suspects trying to break into vehicles near Madison Plaza (300 Main St.) shortly after 4:50 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 23, Madison Police said. Officers then found Jaquane Simmons, Raemir Peaks, and Randolph Peaks, all age 20, in the immediate vicinity and matching the suspects’ descriptions, police said. The suspects were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit burglary to a motor vehicle, hindering apprehension, investigation, p…
Newark Man, 18, Stole 9 Cars From North Jersey Dealership: Prosecutor Newark Man, 18, Stole 9 Cars From North Jersey Dealership: Prosecutor
Newark Man, 18, Stole 9 Cars From North Jersey Dealership: Prosecutor A Newark man was slapped with a slew of theft and burglary charges after stealing a total of nine cars from a Morris County auto dealership, authorities said. Ahjhir Jones, 18, is accused of stealing the vehicles from GT Motors in Morristown August 6, 2021, Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said Monday. He was identified via surveillance footage and fingerprinting, Carroll said. Jones was taken into custody Jan. 19 and charged with conspiracy to commit theft, theft by unlawful taking, conspiracy to commit burglary, burglary, criminal mischief and unlawful means of conveyance. Jon…
Memorial For Actor Michael K. Williams Held In Harrisburg [Video] Memorial For Actor Michael K. Williams Held In Harrisburg [Video]
Memorial For Actor Michael K. Williams Held In Harrisburg [Video] A memorial service for "The Wire" and "Boardwalk Empire" star, Michael Kenneth Williams was held in Harrisburg on Tuesday. Posted by St. Stephen's Episcopal Cathedral on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 The memorial service was held at St. Stephen's Episcopal Cathedral located at 221 N Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17101. Harrisburg is the adoptive city of Williams after he became friends with several locals when he was visiting the area around the time he was filming "The Wire," according to Pennlive. His mother current lives in  the city. Williams got his breakout role shortly after his 25th …
Lamont Signs Legislation Legalizing Cannabis In Connecticut Lamont Signs Legislation Legalizing Cannabis In Connecticut
Lamont Signs Legislation Legalizing Cannabis In Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont made it official and signed a bill into law legalizing the adult use of cannabis in Connecticut. Lamont signed legislation on Tuesday, June 22 that will legalize and regulate the use of marijuana in Connecticut with a bill that “contains comprehensive reforms that address many areas, including equity, criminal justice, public health, and public safety.” “For decades, the war on cannabis caused injustices and created disparities while doing little to protect public health and safety,” Lamont said. “The law that I signed today begins to right some of those wrongs by crea…
Secaucus PD: Burglar Injures Resident During Break-In, Found Hiding By K9 Officer In Warehouse Secaucus PD: Burglar Injures Resident During Break-In, Found Hiding By K9 Officer In Warehouse
Secaucus PD: Burglar Injures Resident During Break-In, Found Hiding By K9 Officer In Warehouse A man who injured a Secaucus resident during a burglary was found hiding in a nearby warehouse by a police K9, authorities said. George Maztek, 29, had forced his way into a woman's County Avenue apartment, stole an item then fled around 2:40 p.m. June 3, Secaucus Police Chief Dennis Miller said. During the incident, Maztek pushed the resident into a wall causing minor injuries to her hand and arm, police said. Maztek fled the apartment complex toward Windsor Drive, where he broke into the second floor and was located in a darkened, second-floor office by Police K9 Strobe, Miller said. Ma…
WRONG NUMBER: Atlantic County Prosecutor's Telephone Number Is 'Spoof-Scammed' WRONG NUMBER: Atlantic County Prosecutor's Telephone Number Is 'Spoof-Scammed'
Wrong Number: Atlantic County Prosecutor's Telephone Number Is 'Spoof-Scammed' If you get a call from the main number for the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, and they ask for money, hang up. The public office number has been misused recently in a so-called "spoof-scam," allegedly to solicit money for a family member's bail, according to Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner. Multiple people have called the ACPO and reported that they have received a call from the ACPO’s phone number—609-909-7800– and the caller requested money and stated that a family member is in jail and needs bail money, Tyner said. The public is advised that the ACPO’s phone number is no…
Popular Morris County Restaurant Owner Accused Of Sexually Assaulting His 17-Year-Old Staffer Popular Morris County Restaurant Owner Accused Of Sexually Assaulting His 17-Year-Old Staffer
Popular Morris County Restaurant Owner Accused Of Sexually Assaulting His 17-Year-Old Staffer The owner of a popular Morris County restaurant was arrested on accusations he sexually assaulted his 17-year-old employee, authorities said Wednesday. Robert Grow, 61 -- the owner of Potbelly's Riverside Cafe in Rockaway -- was arrested March 8 and charged with sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child, Acting Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said. Grow engaged in sexual acts with the female victim between Dec. 1, 2018 and March 8, 2019, Carroll said alongside Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker and Rockaway Borough Police …
Prosecutor: Morris County Man, 29, Harassed Woman, Followed Her Home And Watched Her Change Prosecutor: Morris County Man, 29, Harassed Woman, Followed Her Home And Watched Her Change
Prosecutor: Morris County Man, 29, Harassed Woman, Followed Her Home And Watched Her Change A Morris County man is facing charges for stalking and invasion of privacy after he was accused of harassing a woman, following her home and looking into her bedroom window while she changed clothes on several occasions, authorities said. Luis Rodriguez-Ponce, 29, allegedly stalked a woman he knew as an acquaintance, harassing her, following her home and looking into her bedroom window while she changed numerous times between Dec. 1 and Jan. 9, Acting Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said in a joint release with Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of Investigations Christoph Ki…
NJ Man Arrested For Selling Heroin, Coke Hours After Parole Release Under Murphy COVID Law NJ Man Arrested For Selling Heroin, Coke Hours After Parole Release Under Murphy COVID Law
NJ Man Arrested For Selling Heroin, Coke Hours After Parole Release Under Murphy COVID Law A Sussex County man was arrested for selling heroin and crack cocaine, just hours after being released from parole supervision last week, authorities said. Leighton A. Brown, 42, of Newton, was arrested at his home last Wednesday, and charged with distribution of heroin and crack cocaine, as well as selling CDS within 1,000 feet of a school zone, police said. Brown was released from parole supervision on Nov. 4, under Gov. Murphy’s COVID-19 law that reduced and ended parole time, police said. He was being held at Morris County Jail in accordance with the Criminal Justice Reform Act. …
NJ Lawmakers Approve Early Prison Releases For Thousands Of Inmates, It's Up To Murphy Now NJ Lawmakers Approve Early Prison Releases For Thousands Of Inmates, It's Up To Murphy Now
NJ Lawmakers Approve Early Prison Releases For Thousands Of Inmates, It's Up To Murphy Now It’s now up to Gov. Phil Murphy whether thousands of New Jersey inmates will soon be freed early from state prisons following approval of the move Thursday by the state Assembly. The state Senate, which had already approved a broader version, rubber-stamped the more limited bill that passed the Legislature’s other house. Murphy has said he’ll sign the measure into law. Early releases could begin a little over two weeks after that. Initial estimates are that 2,500 to 3,000 inmates whose prison sentences end within the next 12 months could be granted early release – nearly 20% of the current…
Harckham, Astorino Trade Barbs Over Parole For Killer Of Northern Westchester Moms Harckham, Astorino Trade Barbs Over Parole For Killer Of Northern Westchester Moms
Harckham, Astorino Trade Barbs Over Parole For Killer Of Northern Westchester Moms State Sen. Peter Harckham and Republican challenger Rob Astorino traded barbs over the New York State Parole Board's recent decision to release Sam Ayala, convicted for murdering two Northern Westchester mothers in their homes in 1977 within earshot of their children.  Earlier story - Parole Of Man In Rape/Murder Case Of Two Northern Westchester Women Sparks Outrage Harckham and Astorino are battling it out in the race for the 40th district, which includes parts of Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess. "The New York State Parole Board should resign in disgrace after voting to re…
Pressure Grows For State Attorney General To Probe Police-Involved Westchester Shooting Pressure Grows For State Attorney General To Probe Police-Involved Westchester Shooting
Pressure Grows For State Attorney General To Probe Police-Involved Westchester Shooting Pressure is mounting on New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Attorney General Letitia James to launch an outside investigation into a fatal police-involved shooting in Westchester. Earlier story - Video Released Of Police-Involved Shooting In Westchester Police in New Rochelle attempted to stop a vehicle in which 24-year-old city resident Kamal Flowers shortly before 11 p.m. on Friday, June 5. When the vehicle stopped, Flowers took off on foot fleeing at the intersection of Potter Avenue and Pierce Street. It is alleged that after a struggle with officers, Flowers displayed a handgun and attempt…
Move To Scale Back New York's Hotly Contested Cash Bail System Added To State Budget Move To Scale Back New York's Hotly Contested Cash Bail System Added To State Budget
Move To Scale Back New York's Hotly Contested Cash Bail System Added To State Budget New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state lawmakers are scaling back the state’s cash bail system that has angered law enforcement officials since the measures took effect at the start of the year. An agreement was struck that added a number of new misdemeanor and felony crimes to the long list of those subject to a cash bail order. The lawmakers are expected to approve the measure on Thursday, April 2 as part of the state budget. The previous bail reforms went into effect in January, which no longer permitted judges to demand cash bail for non-violent misdemeanor crimes, no exceptions. Bail cou…
Furor Erupts Over Killing Of Witness Who Intervened In MS-13 Long Island Assault Furor Erupts Over Killing Of Witness Who Intervened In MS-13 Long Island Assault
Furor Erupts Over Killing Of Witness Who Intervened In MS-13 Long Island Assault A 36-year-old man who was found dead earlier this week in a Long Island residence was scheduled to testify against MS-13 gang members, authorities said. Wilmer Maldonado Rodriguez, who was allegedly attacked by nine members of the gang in 2018 when he intervened from them intimidating two teenagers, was found dead. Rodriguez was scheduled to testify against the gang members, who were arrested due to his interference in the 2018 assault. He was found dead on Sunday, Feb. 2, State Police said. His body was discovered behind an abandoned home in New Cassel on Broadway. Reportedly, gang member…
Bergen, Hudson Bail Reform Car Burglar Arrested Yet Again -- 500 Feet From Edgewater Police HQ Bergen, Hudson Bail Reform Car Burglar Arrested Yet Again -- 500 Feet From Edgewater Police HQ
Bergen, Hudson Bail Reform Car Burglar Arrested Yet Again -- 500 Feet From Edgewater Police HQ Police have nearly lost count of the number of times serial car burglar Isaiah Jones has been released only to strike again in community after community in Bergen and Hudson counties. It happened again Friday night when Edgewater police said they caught Jones entering unlocked vehicles in the parking lot of a River Road shopping center barely 500 feet from their headquarters. The 29-year-old Bayonne resident has become a local bail reform poster boy of sorts. Two weeks ago, Edgewater police arrested Jones for breaking into vehicles at the Viva Margarita Restaurant on Old River Road, across…
Rockland Religious School Serial Burglar Nabbed By Police Rockland Religious School Serial Burglar Nabbed By Police
Rockland Religious School Serial Burglar Nabbed By Police A 34-year-old man has been arrested for a string of burglaries at religious schools that took place in Ramapo and Spring Valley. According to the Town of Ramapo Police, Aharon Greenfeld, city unknown, was arrested after the department's investigation division identified him as a suspect and shared the information with area police departments. Based on the information developed by Ramapo police, a Spring Valley Police officer recognized Greenfield in a taxi cab and stopped the cab and arrested the wanted man.  In Ramapo, Greenfield was charged with seven counts of burglary, grand larce…
301 Suffolk Inmates Released After NY State Bail Reform Takes Effect, Sheriff Says 301 Suffolk Inmates Released After NY State Bail Reform Takes Effect, Sheriff Says
301 Suffolk Inmates Released After NY State Bail Reform Takes Effect, Sheriff Says Hundreds of inmates on Long Island are back on the street due to the state’s new Bail Reform Legislation, which ended cash bail for all misdemeanor and non-violent felony offenders in New York. The new reform, which took effect as of Wednesday, Jan. 1, 301 inmates in Suffolk County were released by the courts, according to the Sheriff’s Office. In the past, those inmates would have been held on bail or bond, depending on the severity of the crime and the inmates’ criminal histories. “Judges used to have some discretion on whether or not an individual should be held on bail,” Sheriff Errol T…
DV Plus - Westchester
VIDEO: Democratic Field Widens For Westchester Rep. Nita Lowey's Vacated Congressional Seat VIDEO: Democratic Field Widens For Westchester Rep. Nita Lowey's Vacated Congressional Seat
Video: Democratic Field Widens For Westchester Rep. Nita Lowey's Vacated Congressional Seat The list of Democrats seeking U.S. Rep. Nita Lowey's congressional seat continues to grow. State Sen. David Carlucci announced his interest in running on Monday, Oct. 21. Carlucci represents part of Westchester and Rockland counties that comprise the 38th Senate District. His announcement can be watched by clicking here or on the photo above.  Carlucci,, 38, became the third Democrat to announce his candidacy for the 17th Congressional District this week, a seat that will open up after next year's retirement of Lowey after 31 years in Congress. In Monday's speech about his decision to…
NY Lessens Penalties For Marijuana Possession NY Lessens Penalties For Marijuana Possession
NY Lessens Penalties For Marijuana Possession New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed into law a new bill that will further decriminalize marijuana use in the Empire State. The new legislation will “make enforcement fairer and more equitable by reducing the penalty for unlawful possession of marijuana to a violation punishable by a fine and removing criminal penalties for possession fo any amount of marijuana under two ounces. "Communities of color have been disproportionately impacted by-laws governing marijuana for far too long, and today we are ending this injustice once and for all," Cuomo said in a statement.  "By providi…
Dutchess County Justice & Transition Center Size, Cost To Be Reduced, Molinaro Says Dutchess County Justice & Transition Center Size, Cost To Be Reduced, Molinaro Says
Dutchess County Justice & Transition Center Size, Cost To Be Reduced, Molinaro Says The size and cost of the plans for the Dutchess County Justice & Transition Center have been reduced due to budgetary and legislative changes, Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro announced Wednesday, May 22. Officials say the County received agreement from the New York State Commission of Correction (COC) to push back the final design plan approval for the center, citing New York State bail reforms and Dutchess County’s successful diversion programs. The COC agreed to extend the final design approval until the end of the year and consider a redesign intended to “significantly reduce…
Photos: Dutchess County Sheriff's Office Demolition Photos: Dutchess County Sheriff's Office Demolition
Photos: Dutchess County Sheriff's Office Demolition The 100-year-old Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office is in the progress of being demolished following the department’s move to a multi-million dollar facility. The building at 150 N. Hamilton Street in Poughkeepsie is being demolished, as members of the Sheriff’s Office move to their new headquarters on Parker Avenue. The Sheriff’s Office headquarters have been relocated to the 56,000-square-foot, $34.2 million Law Enforcement Center on Parker Avenue in Poughkeepsie as of February. To keep some of the spirit of the old historic building alive, the former front doors have been placed …
New Marijuana Prosecution Policy To Take Effect In Westchester, DA Says New Marijuana Prosecution Policy To Take Effect In Westchester, DA Says
New Marijuana Prosecution Policy To Take Effect In Westchester, DA Says As lawmakers move to legalize recreational marijuana use in New York, Westchester County District Attorney Anthony Scarpino Jr. announced changes to how lower level marijuana offenses will be prosecuted. Beginning on Monday, Jan. 14,  violations for marijuana possession will no longer be prosecuted and misdemeanor possession of marijuana will be prosecuted as violations. Under the new policy, the possession of small amounts (2 ounces or less) of marijuana will no longer result in a criminal conviction negating the collateral damage such a conviction might impose, Scarpino sai…
State AG Candidates Vow To Take On Corruption In Albany At Forum In Westchester State AG Candidates Vow To Take On Corruption In Albany At Forum In Westchester
State AG Candidates Vow To Take On Corruption In Albany At Forum In Westchester Candidates for Attorney General and state Senate visited the Mediterranean Political Action Committee in Yonkers on Thursday to discuss statewide issues. The election is Nov. 6. Democrat Letitia "Tish" James and Green Party Candidate Michael Sussman spoke at the forum, discussing the criminalizaing of mental illness, criminal justice reform, corruption in Albany, gender and race.Republican Keith Wofford did not attend.  "Mental illness should not be a crime, and poverty should not be a crime," James said.  Sussman pointed out that 40 elected officials have been prosecu…
Westchester Children's Association Welcomes New Executive Director Westchester Children's Association Welcomes New Executive Director
Westchester Children's Association Welcomes New Executive Director The Board of Directors of Westchester Children’s Association (WCA) announced the selection of Allison Lake as the organization’s new executive director. Lake’s appointment, which is effective July 1, comes as the result of a lengthy executive search process. She will succeed longtime Executive Director Cora Greenberg, who is retiring.  Lake joined the 104-year-old advocacy organization in 1998 as program director and was promoted to deputy director in 2008. As deputy director, Lake oversaw all of WCA’s program initiatives, and also managed a number of core, administrative functions. One of…
Gov. Cuomo Touts Progressive Agenda At State Of State Address Gov. Cuomo Touts Progressive Agenda At State Of State Address
Gov. Cuomo Touts Progressive Agenda At State Of State Address New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said New York was once again the nation's vanguard for social justice at his annual State of the State address Tuesday. The governor's address included proposed criminal justice reform and initiatives to combat the new federal tax reform bill that Cuomo called a federal assault on the state. "The state has made unprecedented progress," Cuomo, who is running for a third term this year, said. "The economy is stronger than ever. Crime is down statewide. We have more high school graduates. We have conserved more land than ever before. We have made histo…