Family Dollar Killing: Teen Admits Gunning Down Man At Store In Region Family Dollar Killing: Teen Admits Gunning Down Man At Store In Region
Family Dollar Killing: Teen Admits Gunning Down Man At Store In Region Nearly a year after a husband and father of five was shot to death outside a Family Dollar store in the region, a teenager has formally confessed to killing him. Jahteek Sanchez, age 17 or 18, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in Rensselaer County Court on Friday, May 17, in the death of Alexander Crawford. The 39-year-old Crawford, of Troy, was fatally shot on July 2, 2023, outside the Family Dollar store located near 102nd Street and 2nd Avenue in Troy.  According to Police, Sanchez and Crawford got into an argument in front of the business and Sanchez opened fire. Ear…
22-Year-Old Attacks, Robs Victim Outside Salvation Army In Region, Police Say 22-Year-Old Attacks, Robs Victim Outside Salvation Army In Region, Police Say
22-Year-Old Attacks, Robs Victim Outside Salvation Army In Region, Police Say A 22-year-old suspect is behind bars following a violent robbery in the region that sent a man to the hospital. The attack happened shortly after 8 p.m. Sunday, May 19, in Albany, outside the Salvation Army building on Clinton Avenue. When officers arrived, the 60-year-old victim told them that a man had punched him several times in the face and head, knocking him unconscious. The culprit then stole his wallet and fled the scene. The victim was taken to Albany Medical Center Hospital and treated for injuries to his face. A description of the suspect was put out over police radio, and he …
3 Employees Severely Burned In Explosion At Hydro Plant In Region 3 Employees Severely Burned In Explosion At Hydro Plant In Region
3 Employees Severely Burned In Explosion At Hydro Plant In Region Three employees are hospitalized following an explosion at a hydroelectric plant in the region. Emergency crews in Rensselaer County were called at around 8:20 a.m. Tuesday, May 21, for an explosion at the Mount Ida Hydroelectric plant in Troy, located along Poesten Kill creek near Congress and Cypress streets. Troy Fire Chief Richard Cellucci said the city was working with National Grid to shut off power at the station when three men were hit by "a large electrical arc." All three victims suffered severe burns but were able to escape the building and call 911. Two were flown to a bur…
Burglar Found In Closet Threatens Area Homeowner With Liquor Bottle, Police Say Burglar Found In Closet Threatens Area Homeowner With Liquor Bottle, Police Say
Burglar Found In Closet Threatens Area Homeowner With Liquor Bottle, Police Say A man broke into a stranger’s home in the region before threatening to harm the victim with a liquor bottle, police said. The Saratoga County incident happened just before 2 p.m. Sunday, May 19, in the town of Halfmoon. Sheriff’s officials said a woman called 911 saying she had found a burglar hiding in her closet after she arrived at her residence on Hudson River Road. The man threatened her with a liquor bottle before slapping her phone from her hand to stop her from calling the police, she told investigators. He allegedly then stole alcohol before fleeing the home. The woman, who has …
Gilgo Beach Murders: Medical Examiner At Suspect Rex Heuermann's NY Home Amid Renewed Search Gilgo Beach Murders: Medical Examiner At Suspect Rex Heuermann's NY Home Amid Renewed Search
Gilgo Beach Murders: Medical Examiner At Suspect Rex Heuermann's NY Home Amid Renewed Search Investigators in the Gilgo Beach serial killings case were back at accused murderer Rex Heuermann’s New York home looking for additional evidence on Monday, May 20. Multiple New York State Police vehicles were seen outside Heuermann’s Long Island residence, located in Massapequa Park, throughout the day, video that was taken by NewsNation reporter Laura Ingle and posted on X shows. A team from the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office was also at the residence, and white tents could be seen setup outside. Related Report: Gilgo Four: A Look At Women At Heart Of Serial Murder Case …
Fatal Crash, Car Fire: Woman ID'd As Victim In Single-Vehicle Wreck In Area Fatal Crash, Car Fire: Woman ID'd As Victim In Single-Vehicle Wreck In Area
Fatal Crash, Car Fire: Woman ID'd As Victim In Single-Vehicle Wreck In Area Authorities have identified a woman who died in a single-vehicle crash and car fire in the region. The Saratoga County wreck happened at around 10:20 a.m. Friday, May 17, in Clifton Park. Sheriff’s officials said emergency crews were called about a single-vehicle crash and subsequent car fire that occurred on North Parkwood Drive near State Route 9. The female driver and sole occupant of the car was pronounced dead at the scene, deputies said. No other cars were involved and nobody else was injured. On Monday, May 20, deputies publicly identified the victim as Deborah Bushey, age 60, of C…
Hudson Valley Councilman, Ex-NYPD Detective Dies Suddenly At 54 Hudson Valley Councilman, Ex-NYPD Detective Dies Suddenly At 54
Hudson Valley Councilman, Ex-nypd Detective Dies Suddenly At 54 A popular and accomplished Hudson Valley councilman died after suffering a heart attack at age 54. Rockland County Councilman Mark Woods, of Clarkstown, died on Friday, May 17, from an apparent heart attack, town officials said.  Woods, a member of the Clarkstown Board and director of peer veteran services at the nonprofit BRIDGES was elected to represent Ward 1 in November 2023. A graduate of the Citadel, Woods was a decorated retired New York Police Department (NYPD) detective and combat US Army veteran who served in Iraq.  "From an early age, Mark chose service to others…
Travel Advisory For US Citizens Issued By State Department: Here's What To Know Travel Advisory For US Citizens Issued By State Department: Here's What To Know
Travel Advisory For US Citizens Issued By State Department: Here's What To Know The US State Department has just issued a worldwide travel advisory for Americans. The statement, issued Friday, May 17, warns of the “potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against US citizens and interests.” The department said it is advising US citizens overseas to exercise increased caution.  "The Department of State is aware of the increased potential for foreign terrorist organization-inspired violence against LGBTQI+ persons and events," the statement noted. The department said US citizens should: Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists, in…
Man, Woman, 6-Year-Old Killed After Amtrak Train Crashes Into Pickup Truck In NY Man, Woman, 6-Year-Old Killed After Amtrak Train Crashes Into Pickup Truck In NY
Man, Woman, 6-Year-Old Killed After Amtrak Train Crashes Into Pickup Truck In NY Three people, including a young child, were killed after their vehicle was struck by an Amtrak train in New York. The incident happened around 8 p.m. Friday, May 17 just north of Buffalo, in the Niagara County city of North Tonawanda. According to North Tonawanda Professional Firefighters Local 1333, the train was heading northbound at the time in the area of Felton Street and River Road. Emergency crews were able to extricate all three individuals from the heavily damaged vehicle, a Dodge pickup truck, and attempted resuscitation efforts. Still, all three were pronounced dead at the scene…
18-Year-Old Admits Accidentally Shooting GF During Family Fight In Hudson Valley 18-Year-Old Admits Accidentally Shooting GF During Family Fight In Hudson Valley
18-Year-Old Admits Accidentally Shooting GF During Family Fight In Hudson Valley An 18-year-old Hudson Valley man has formally confessed to accidentally shooting his girlfriend during a family fight. Orange County resident Joseph Lightfoot, of Wallkill, pleaded guilty to possession of a weapon in Orange County Court on Tuesday, May 14, stemming from a shooting that occurred in the Village of Walden on Thursday, April 25. According to prosecutors, Lightfoot, his girlfriend, and another man exited a truck and began physically fighting with a man during a family argument over property that was allegedly stolen from the relative’s driveway. During the fight, Lightfoot pul…
Hudson Valley Man Admits Attacking Corrections Officer Hudson Valley Man Admits Attacking Corrections Officer
Hudson Valley Man Admits Attacking Corrections Officer A Hudson Valley man in jail for alleged grand larceny and burglary charges has pleaded guilty to attacking a corrections officer while behind bars. Rockland County resident Shaquille Gage, age 21, of Spring Valley, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, May 14, to one count of assault for injuring a Rockland County corrections officer, said Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II. According to Scott Waters with the District Attorney's Office, Gage, who was in the Rockland County Jail, failed to comply with multiple verbal instructions by Rockland County corrections officers on Tuesday, Apr…
NY Financial Advisor Stole Over $1M From Clients To Buy Car, High-End Clothing, Jury Finds NY Financial Advisor Stole Over $1M From Clients To Buy Car, High-End Clothing, Jury Finds
NY Financial Advisor Stole Over $1M From Clients To Buy Car, High-End Clothing, Jury Finds A former investment adviser and founder of a New York financial advisory firm could spend decades in federal prison for conning his clients out of more than $1 million. Long Island resident Jeffrey Slothower, age 46, of Southampton, was found guilty of wire fraud and related charges by a jury in Central Islip federal court on Thursday, May 16. According to prosecutors, in 2017 Slothower targeted a California couple whose money he had managed at another financial services firm, promising them he could beat any rate of return they were receiving at his own firm, Battery Private. He offered t…
FedEx Sued After Former Dutchess County Driver Raped, Assaulted Teens FedEx Sued After Former Dutchess County Driver Raped, Assaulted Teens
FedEx Sued After Former Dutchess County Driver Raped, Assaulted Teens One of the victims of a former delivery driver in the region who was convicted of sexually assaulting three teens while on the job is now suing FedEx and the local parcel service for negligence. The lawsuit, which was filed on Monday, May 6, alleges that FedEx and the Dutchess County Parcel Service were negligent in the rape of a teen girl by Poughkeepsie resident Joshua J. Ginyard. This new suit comes less than four months after Ginyard, age 33, was released from prison on parole concerning the 2021 incident. Original Story: FedEx Driver Accused Of Raping, Sexually Abusing Teens…
Hudson Valley Child Sex Abuser Who Fled Police, Crashed Car Into River Pleads Guilty Hudson Valley Child Sex Abuser Who Fled Police, Crashed Car Into River Pleads Guilty
Hudson Valley Child Sex Abuser Who Fled Police, Crashed Car Into River Pleads Guilty A Hudson Valley man who crashed his car into a river while attempting to flee from police formally confessed to sexually abusing a child. Orange County resident Craig Merlock, age 45, of Goshen, pleaded guilty to predatory sexual assault against a child in Orange County Court on Wednesday, May 15. According to prosecutors, he admitted that he engaged in oral sex with a child who was under the age of 13 in July 2023. Earlier Report: Hudson Valley Man Wanted For Child Sex Assault, Flees, Drives Car Into River Months later, on Sunday, Feb. 25, troopers spotted Merlock driving around G…
Capitol Riot: MTA Worker, Wife From NY Participated In Jan. 6 Breach, Feds Say Capitol Riot: MTA Worker, Wife From NY Participated In Jan. 6 Breach, Feds Say
Capitol Riot: MTA Worker, Wife From NY Participated In Jan. 6 Breach, Feds Say A husband and wife from New York are the latest to be charged in connection with the breach of the US Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Long Island residents Kevin Moore, age 61, and Carol Moore, age 57, of Massapequa, are named in a four-count criminal complaint that was filed in US District Court in Washington, DC on Monday, May 13. According to investigators, the couple attended then-President Donald Trump’s speech at the Ellipse that morning before making their way to the Capitol building. Along the way, Carol Moore was seen draped in a blue Trump flag. Earlier Report: Pot-Smoking NY Rioter …
'Microsoft' Scammer From Region Cons Woman Out Of $8K, Police Say 'Microsoft' Scammer From Region Cons Woman Out Of $8K, Police Say
'Microsoft' Scammer From Region Cons Woman Out Of $8K, Police Say A man from the region conned an unsuspecting victim out of thousands by posing as a Microsoft employee, police said. Ming Shan Zhu, age 33, of Albany, was arrested on suspicion of grand larceny Tuesday, May 14, following a multi-agency investigation. Bethlehem Police said they were contacted by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office in Florida after someone called a woman there claiming they worked for Microsoft. The scammer told the victim they needed $8,500 in Lowe’s gift cards in order to repair her computer. The woman then went to the retailer and bought 17 gift cards worth $500 each and gav…
New Affordable Health Center Opens In Carmel Plaza New Affordable Health Center Opens In Carmel Plaza
New Affordable Health Center Opens In Carmel Plaza A new urgent care center in a Hudson Valley shopping center is now open to provide treatment. An all-new Nuvance Health-GoHealth Urgent Care center in Putnam County at 186 Route 52 in the Carmel ShopRite Plaza celebrated its opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Nuvance Health announced on Monday, May 13.  Located around four miles from Putnam Hospital, patients who visit the new center will be able to quickly see an urgent care provider for diagnosis and treatment of non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries. Additionally, they can receive referrals to Nuvance Health primary and sp…
NY Resident Loses $341K In 'Pig Butchering' Scheme: Here's What It Is NY Resident Loses $341K In 'Pig Butchering' Scheme: Here's What It Is
NY Resident Loses $341K In 'Pig Butchering' Scheme: Here's What It Is The US Secret Service has seized a web domain used in a cryptocurrency confidence crime scheme known as “pig butchering” after a New York resident was swindled out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. According to federal authorities, scammers in pig butchering schemes encounter victims in various ways, including on dating applications, social media websites, and even random text messages masquerading as the wrong number. Scammers initiate relationships with victims and slowly gain their trust, eventually introducing the idea of making a business investment using cryptocurrency.  Vict…
Contract Killing: Man Paid Friend To Stab Hudson Valley Neighbor To Death, Jury Finds Contract Killing: Man Paid Friend To Stab Hudson Valley Neighbor To Death, Jury Finds
Contract Killing: Man Paid Friend To Stab Hudson Valley Neighbor To Death, Jury Finds A Hudson Valley man has been convicted in a murder-for-hire deal that saw his 53-year-old neighbor stabbed to death. Orange County resident Enoch Lowe, age 25, of Wallkill, was found guilty of first-degree murder and related charges by an Orange County jury on Thursday, May 16. Prosecutors said Lowe agreed to pay 24-year-old Damante Stansberry, of Middletown, $15,000 to kill his neighbor, with whom he had a longstanding feud. Earlier Report: Hudson Valley Man Accused Of Paying Friend To Kill His Neighbor The victim was found dead from multiple stab wounds inside his detached garage…
Man Sets Fire To Hudson Valley Home Of Trooper's Father After Getting Traffic Tickets: DA Man Sets Fire To Hudson Valley Home Of Trooper's Father After Getting Traffic Tickets: DA
Man Sets Fire To Hudson Valley Home Of Trooper's Father After Getting Traffic Tickets: DA A 26-year-old has been accused of setting fire to the Hudson Valley home of a state trooper’s father after being issued traffic tickets. According to Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler, the man, Tyler Williams, was pulled over and issued traffic tickets by a trooper while driving in Middletown on the evening of Dec. 20, 2023.  Early the next morning, a fire was started at the home of the trooper’s father in Warwick.  After a five-month investigation and the execution of over 20 judicially-authorized search warrants, largely focused on digital forensics, as well as n…
NY Man Who 'Lived Large' Off $1 Million Ponzi Scheme Sentenced NY Man Who 'Lived Large' Off $1 Million Ponzi Scheme Sentenced
NY Man Who 'Lived Large' Off $1 Million Ponzi Scheme Sentenced A former New York investment broker has received a lengthy stay in prison for running a million-dollar Ponzi scheme. Long Island resident Rand Heckler, age 67, of Glen Cove, was sentenced to up to seven-and-a-half years in prison on Wednesday, May 15, the Nassau County District Attorney (NCDA) announced. Heckler was an investment broker in 2015 when he began his scheme, recommending that his friend and his friend’s son that they invest in a hedge fund of stocks and securities that Heckler was managing. Original Story - $1 Million Ponzi Scheme: Glen Cove Investment Broker Pleads …
Wrong-Way Crash: Bar Receipts, Social Media Lead To Arrest After Woman, 25, Killed In Danbury Wrong-Way Crash: Bar Receipts, Social Media Lead To Arrest After Woman, 25, Killed In Danbury
Wrong-Way Crash: Bar Receipts, Social Media Lead To Arrest After Woman, 25, Killed In Danbury A months-long investigation aided by bar receipts and social media posts led to the arrest of a man in connection with a wrong-way alleged drunk driving Connecticut crash that took the life of a young Fairfield County woman. The crash happened on Route 7 in Danbury around 2 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 10 in the southbound lane just north of Exit 7. The victim, Danielle Dempsey, age 25, of Danbury, was driving a gray 2005 Honda Accord when a black 2018 Dodge Challenger driving in the wrong direction struck her vehicle head-on, Connecticut State Police said. The operator of the Dodge Challenger,…
Leandra's Law: Drunk 27-Year-Old Crashes In Region With Child In Car, Police Say Leandra's Law: Drunk 27-Year-Old Crashes In Region With Child In Car, Police Say
Leandra's Law: Drunk 27-Year-Old Crashes In Region With Child In Car, Police Say A 27-year-old woman from the region is accused of causing a drunk-driving crash involving a child. The Saratoga County incident happened at around 9:15 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, in the town of Ballston. Sheriff’s officials said Haley Czwakiel, of Ballston Spa, had a blood alcohol content (BAC) greater than .08 percent when she caused a property damage crash on Saratoga Road. At the time of the crash, she was traveling with a child under the age of 15, deputies said. Neither Czwakiel nor the child were injured. Czwakiel was arrested on suspicion of aggravated DWI (felony) and operating a motor…
$3 Million Scheme: NY Financial Advisor Sentenced For Fraud $3 Million Scheme: NY Financial Advisor Sentenced For Fraud
$3 Million Scheme: NY Financial Advisor Sentenced For Fraud A New York financial advisor will be spending time behind bars after he admitted to defrauding a local bank out of millions. Long Island resident Gary Confredo, a 61-year-old from East Northport, received his sentence of 42 months on Tuesday, May 14, the United States Attorney's Office Eastern District of New York announced. Confredo, also known as Gary Conte, is the former operator of Goldstar Financial Management Corporation, a financial services business based in Commack. Original Story: East Northport Financial Advisor Admits To $3M Bank Loan Scheme However, between November…
Dutchess County Man Convicted In Fatal Stabbing Of Roommate Dutchess County Man Convicted In Fatal Stabbing Of Roommate
Dutchess County Man Convicted In Fatal Stabbing Of Roommate A 33-year-old Hudson Valley man is facing up to 25 years behind bars after being found guilty of fatally stabbing his roommate in the skull.  Related: Arrest Made In Gruesome Murder Of Poughkeepsie Man Stabbed In Head Dutchess County resident Andrew Alex Fraser of Poughkeepsie was convicted of murder on Monday, May 13, after two days of jury deliberations. According to the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office, Fraser killed Dontay Brown, age 24, during a knife attack, which resulted in a fatal stab wound into  Brown’s skull, on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at…
Drug Dealer Linked To Fatal Overdose In Southeast Gets Prison Time: Here's His Sentence Drug Dealer Linked To Fatal Overdose In Southeast Gets Prison Time: Here's His Sentence
Drug Dealer Linked To Fatal Overdose In Southeast Gets Prison Time: Here's His Sentence A 47-year-old Hudson Valley drug dealer who sold a dangerous drug concoction connected to a fatal overdose will spend years in prison, officials announced.  Putnam County resident William Mancusi III of Kent was sentenced to nine years in state prison for selling a dangerous combination of heroin and fentanyl on two occasions, Putnam County District Attorney Robert Tendy announced on Tuesday, May 14.  Earlier Report - Drug Dealer From Kent Convicted After Being Linked To Fatal Overdose: 'Career Criminal' According to Tendy's office, the events leading to Mancusi's sentencin…
28-Year-Old Father Killed, Second Victim Airlifted Following 2-Vehicle Crash In Region 28-Year-Old Father Killed, Second Victim Airlifted Following 2-Vehicle Crash In Region
28-Year-Old Father Killed, Second Victim Airlifted Following 2-Vehicle Crash In Region A young father was killed and another motorist was hospitalized with serious injuries following a two-vehicle crash in the region. The Rensselaer County wreck happened at around 11:30 p.m. Saturday, May 11, on State Route 67 in Pittstown. New York State Police said a disabled vehicle was stopped in the eastbound lane after several people moved it from the shoulder, when a motorcycle heading eastbound crashed into it. Matthew Disorda, age 28, of Hoosick Falls, was ejected from the bike and died at the scene, police said. The collision pushed the disabled vehicle into its owner, who was sta…
'Connected By Evil': Unsolved Murders Of Teens Found In Region Focus Of New Podcast 'Connected By Evil': Unsolved Murders Of Teens Found In Region Focus Of New Podcast
'Connected By Evil': Unsolved Murders Of Teens Found In Region Focus Of New Podcast An ex-cop turned podcaster is hoping to breathe new life into the cold case killings of two young women whose remains were discovered in upstate New York. On a recent episode of his true crime podcast, APB Cold Case, retired Costa Mesa, California police chief Mark Spawn discussed the murders of 18-year-old Jennifer Hammond and 19-year-old Christina White. The women disappeared in August 2003 and June 2005, respectively, and were last seen near mobile home parks in the Saratoga County town of Milton. According to New York State Police, Hammond, a native of Littleton, Colorado, was last see…
Northern Lights From Rare Solar Storm Could Be Visible Through Weekend Northern Lights From Rare Solar Storm Could Be Visible Through Weekend
Northern Lights From Rare Solar Storm Could Be Visible Through Weekend The northern lights produced by one of the strongest geomagnetic storms to hit the Earth in two decades could be visible throughout the weekend, and scientists are warning that the storm could disrupt electrical and communication systems. Although there were clouds around on Friday night, May 10, there were numerous reports from the region of spectacular aurora displays (known as the northern lights). Those displays will continue on Saturday, May 11, and Sunday, May 12, and possibly linger even longer. Severe Geomagnetic Storm conditions were first observed at Earth at 6:54 p.m. Eastern Ti…
Child Predator From Region Admits Blackmailing Kids Into Sending Nude Images Child Predator From Region Admits Blackmailing Kids Into Sending Nude Images
Child Predator From Region Admits Blackmailing Kids Into Sending Nude Images A convicted child sex abuser from the region will spend decades in federal prison after confessing that he blackmailed young kids into sending nude images. Rensselaer County resident Zachary Cota, age 31, of Castleton-on-Hudson, pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography in Albany federal court on Friday, May 10. According to prosecutors, Cota admitted to using SnapChat to get three children to send him nude photos. Two of the victims were 8 and 13 years old. Once the children provided the requested photos, he reportedly threatened to reveal what they had done in order to get more illic…
Support Pours In For Family Of Beloved Fallen Brewster Officer Who Died In Crash Support Pours In For Family Of Beloved Fallen Brewster Officer Who Died In Crash
Support Pours In For Family Of Beloved Fallen Brewster Officer Who Died In Crash A community is coming together to support the family of a US Army veteran and dedicated police officer from the Hudson Valley who died suddenly in a crash.  Following the untimely death of Putnam County's Jose Colon, a committed officer who served with the Brewster Police Department, dozens of friends, family members, and fellow officers have come together to support Colon's wife and son financially. Earlier report - Brewster Police Officer Jose Colon Dies Suddenly At Age 55 Colon, a US Army veteran who spent two decades with the New York City Police Department before serving in …