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Press Release - Kevin Warren Appeal

April 12, 2018, 10:56 am
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PRESS RELEASE

FROM:     HOLLEY CARNRIGHT, DISTRICT ATTORNEY
DATE:     APRIL 12, 2018


The Appellate Division, Third Department has unanimously affirmed the November 13, 2015 conviction of Kevin Warren upon a jury verdict convicting him of the crimes of driving while intoxicated and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree.

Defendant’s convictions stem from an incident in May, 2014, when he was stopped by Town of Saugerties Police after being observed operating his vehicle in excess of the posted speed limit and in an erratic and reckless manner.  When police approached his vehicle, defendant was observed moving from the driver’s seat over the center console into the passenger seat.  At that time, the officer also noticed the indicia of intoxication.  Despite the absence of footprints in the freshly fallen snow outside the driver’s door defendant claimed he had not been driving and that the driver had fled.  Defendant subsequently refused to submit to a chemical test.

After being convicted as charged, defendant was sentenced by County Court Judge Donald A. Williams to an aggregate prison term of two and one-third to seven years. 

On appeal, defendant claimed that he was arrested without probable cause, and that County Court erred in allowing evidence of his refusal to be heard by the jury.  The Appellate Division, Third Department, however, rejected this claim and also concluded that his additional arguments, to wit, that the Judge exceeded his authority during the suppression hearing by assuming a prosecutorial role and that certain of the prosecutor’s remarks on summation deprived him of a fair trial were without merit.

On appeal, the defendant is represented by Alexis K. Rounds, Esq. of Rounds and Rounds, LLP of Kingston, New York.  Assistant District Attorney Joan Gudesblatt Lamb, Esq. handled the appeal for the District Attorney’s Office.

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Press Release - Ryan O'Connor Plea

April 12, 2018, 11:15 am
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FROM:  HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE:  APRIL 12, 2018
RE:  PRESS RELEASE – PEOPLE V. RYAN O’CONNOR


On April 11th, 2018, Ryan O’Connor of Hannacroix, New York entered a guilty plea to Robbery in the Third Degree before the Honorable Donald A. Williams.  O’Connor was indicted by an Ulster County Grand Jury earlier this year for the January 18, 2018 robbery of Key Bank on Wall Street in the City of Kingston.  The incident was one of a series of bank robberies alleged to have been committed by O’Connor in Albany, Rensselaer and Ulster Counties over a several week period last Winter.

The Kingston Police Department handled the investigation and arrest of O’Connor, with assistance from the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office, Ulster County Sherriff’s Office and other local law enforcement agencies. 

The case was prosecuted by Chief Assistant District Attorney Michael Kavanagh.  The defendant was represented by the Public Defender’s Office.

O’Connor is scheduled to be sentenced by the Hon. Donald A. Williams on June 12, 2018.
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Press Release - Dylan M. Diottaviano

April 13, 2018, 10:58 am
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Investigators from the Ulster County Family and Child Advocacy Center report the arrest of Dylan M. Diottaviano 18, of 57 Mackey Rd. Highland, NY.

On March 28, 2018, the Ulster County Family and Child Advocacy Center began investigating the Assault of a ten month old child in Town of Lloyd.  The investigation revealed that Dylan Diottaviano, on a least two occasions, assaulted the child, causing multiple bruising to his buttocks. 

On April 12, 2018, Dylan M. Diottaviano was charged with Assault in the Second Degree, class D Felony and Endangering the Welfare of the Child, class A Misdemeanor.  He was arraigned in the City of Kingston Court before Honorable Kirschner and released on his own recognizance.  An Order of Protection was issued on behalf of the victim. Diottaviano was ordered to appear in the Town of Lloyd Criminal Court on 04/17/2018.

The Ulster County Family and Child Advocacy Center was assisted by members of the Town of Lloyd Police Department.  

The Ulster County Family and Child Advocacy Center comprised of members of the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office, Ulster  County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police and  Ulster County Child Protective Services.  

Any information or questions may be referred to the Ulster County Family and Child Advocacy Center at 845-334-5155.

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Press Release - Publishers Clearing House Scam

April 18, 2018, 6:32 am
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FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: APRIL 18, 2018
RE: PRESS RELEASE – PUBLISHERS CLEARING HOUSE SCAM

Publishers Clearing House has gotten many reports about scammers using the Publishers Clearing House name to deceive people. Scammers call, claiming you’ve won the sweepstakes, but to collect your prize you need to send money to pay for so-called fees and taxes.

According to the Ulster County District Attorney’s Division of Consumer Affairs, paying to collect a prize is a scam. Scammers will ask you to send money by Western Union or MoneyGram, or by getting a prepaid card or gift card because it’s nearly impossible to trace.

If you think you’ve won a prize, Consumer Affairs advises:
·       Publishers Clearing House will never ask you to pay a fee to collect a prize. In fact, no legitimate prize promoter will ever charge you to win.
·       If anyone calls asking you to pay for a prize, hang up.
·       Never send money to collect a prize. It’s a scam.
·       Publishers Clearing House doesn’t call ahead to say you’ve won.
·       Check the Publishers Clearing House’s fraud protection page, https://info.pch.com/fraud-protection-2/

Consumer Affairs can be reached at 845-340-3260.

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Press Release - Richard Dana Plea

April 18, 2018, 11:45 am
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FROM:     HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE:     APRIL 18, 2018
SUBJECT: PRESS RELEASE – RICHARD DANA

On April 17, 2018, RICHARD DANA, age 55, of 965 Upper Mountain Road, Pine Bush, New York, pled guilty to Hindering Prosecution in the Third Degree before Judge Michael Voss in the Town of Shawangunk Justice Court. Dana was charged by the New York State Police on September 8, 2017 in connection with his rendering criminal assistance to two fugitives wanted on attempted murder charges out of Tennessee.

On June 20, 2017, the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office in Tennessee issued an alert in connection with fugitives Jarret Cole Heitman and Makayla Danielle Stillwell, who were wanted for attempted second degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment and aggravated robbery.   At the time, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation indicated the man and woman were armed with an assault rifle and shotgun, and “should be considered armed and dangerous.” 

The New York State Police were alerted to sightings of the fugitives in Pine Bush and Bloomingburg, and began an intensive, multi-county manhunt. Over the course of several days, the State Police called to bear multiple resources including K-9 units, aviation, uniform and BCI members.  Other area law enforcement agencies participated in the search.  Multiple public service announcements were dispatched via the NYSWatchCenter alert system. 

On June 23, 2017, Richard Dana found Heitmann and Stilwell hiding in a shed on his property on Upper Mountain Road. Despite knowing that these fugitives were the subject of a multi-state manhunt, Dana provided them with food, shelter, pillows and a blanket.  Furthermore, Dana allowed them to shower in his home and to stay the night.  In the early morning hours of June 24, 2017, Dana drove the fugitives across state lines to a Walmart store in Matamoras, Pennsylvania.  At that time, he provided them with a daypack, clothing, emergency pouches, blankets and a knife. 

Aside from the risk posed to the public, the State Police estimate that the man-hunt for these fugitives cost in excess of $100,000.00 in taxpayer money. Sentencing in the Town of Shawangunk is scheduled for June 19, 2018.





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Press Release - Jason Wands/Damon Dunn/Joshua Sickler Appeals

April 19, 2018, 11:02 am
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PRESS RELEASE

FROM:     HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE:     APRIL 19, 2018


The Appellate Division, Third Department has unanimously affirmed judgments of convictions in the following cases:

People v Jason Wands

In May, 2016, defendant was convicted upon his plea of guilty of the crime of attempted burglary in the second degree. Defendant, a second violent felony offender, was subsequently sentenced by County Court Judge Donald A. Williams to a State prison term of seven years followed by five years of postrelease supervision. 

On appeal, the defendant argued that the sentence imposed was unduly harsh and excessive. The Appellate Division, Third Department found such claim was precluded by defendant’s valid waiver of appeal.

On appeal, defendant is represented by Michael C. Ross, Esq. of Bloomingburg, New York.  Assistant District Attorney Joan Gudesblatt Lamb, Esq. handled the appeal for the District Attorney’s Office.

People v Damon Dunn

In July, 2013, defendant pled guilty to the crime of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree in the Ulster County Court as a result of a series of drug sales he made to a confidential informant in the presence of an undercover officer in the City of Kingston. 

Defendant, a second felony offender, was subsequently sentenced to a determinate State prison term of six years followed by three years of postrelease supervision by Ulster County Court Judge Donald A. Williams and ordered to pay $450 in restitution.

On appeal, the defendant challenged the validity of his oral and written waiver of appeal and the amount of the restitution assessed at the time of sentence, claiming that it did not reflect the terms of the plea agreement.  In fact, on appeal, the People conceded that they had inadvertently requested the incorrect amount of restitution at the time of sentence and the award was modified to $250.  In all other respects, the Appellate Division, Third Department rejected defendant’s claims and affirmed his conviction. 

On appeal, defendant is represented by Donna Maria Lasher, Esq. of Youngsville, New York.  Assistant District Attorney Joan Gudesblatt Lamb, Esq. handled the appeal for the District Attorney’s Office.

People v Joshua Sickler

In September, 2014, defendant pled guilty to attempted sexual abuse in the first degree and was sentenced to six months in the Ulster County Jail to be followed by 10 years of probation. Less than one year later, defendant violated a number of the conditions of his probation and a declaration of delinquency was filed by the Probation Department.  County Court (Donald A. Williams, J.) subsequently revoked his probation and sentenced him to the maximum allowable term of imprisonment for attempted sexual abuse in the first degree of four years followed by 10 years of postrelease supervision.

While defendant argued on appeal that the maximum sentence imposed by County Court was unduly harsh and excessive, the Appellate Division, Third Department disagreed.  In fact, the Court emphasized that defendant, a sex offender, had violated the terms and conditions of his probation in a significant respect by, among other things, having unsupervised contact with minors, using the Internet to email a young girl from Mexico and possessing pornographic material. 

On appeal, defendant is represented by Assistant Public Defender Michael K. Gould, Esq. of Kingston, New York.  Assistant District Attorney Joan Gudesblatt Lamb, Esq. handled the appeal for the District Attorney’s Office.

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Press Release - Driveway Repair Scams

April 25, 2018, 11:26 am
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FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: APRIL 25, 2018
RE: PRESS RELEASE – DRIVEWAY REPAIR SCAMS





Spring is here and the Ulster County District Attorney’s Division of Consumer Affairs advises consumers to be alert for driveway repair scammers. The office cautions homeowners to be wary of businesses who solicit door-to-door; be wary of pressure to have the work done immediately; get a written estimate/contract beforehand and make certain the paperwork has the name, address and telephone number of the business; compare estimates; and always note license plate numbers and vehicle descriptions. Consumer Affairs can be reached at 340-3260.


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Press Release - Swartz and Surdis Appeals

April 26, 2018, 12:06 pm
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TO:       ALL NEWS MEDIA
FROM:     HOLLEY CARNRIGHT, DISTRICT ATTORNEY
DATE:     APRIL 26, 2018



The Appellate Division, Third Department has unanimously upheld judgments of convictions in the following cases:

People v Troy Swartz

Defendant was convicted in July, 2015 of sexual abuse in the first degree and strangulation in the second degree following a jury trial in the Ulster County Court. The defendant’s charges stem from an incident which occurred on Henry Street in the City of Kingston on January 8, 2014, where defendant broke into the victim’s ground floor apartment, physically assaulted her, and then strangled her.  After pinning her down on her sofa, the defendant sexually abused her.  He then rifled through her belongings and after stealing cash and prescription drugs, fled the scene. 

The defendant, a persistent felony offender, was sentenced by County Court Judge Donald A. Williams to concurrent indeterminate terms of 25 years to life. 

On appeal, defendant maintained that County Court improperly sentenced him as a persistent felony offender and that the Judge was biased against him and should have recused himself.  The Appellate Division, Third Department, however, after examining all of the appropriate criteria, including defendant’s four prior felony convictions, concluded that County Court had not abused its discretion by sentencing defendant as a persistent felony offender.  In addition, the Third Department found defendant’s claim of judicial bias was both unpreserved for appellate review and, in any event, without merit.

On appeal, the defendant is represented by Michael K. Gould, Esq. of the Public Defender’s Office.  Assistant District Attorney Joan Gudesblatt Lamb, Esq. handled the appeal for the District Attorney’s Office.


People v Kristopher Surdis

Defendant was convicted in September, 2016, after pleading guilty to falsely reporting an incident in the first degree, a class D violent felony, for calling in a bomb threat to a grocery store while he was incarcerated on another conviction for the same crime.

Defendant pled guilty to that charge pursuant to a plea agreement which included a waiver of appeal. He was sentenced by County Court Judge Donald A. Williams to a seven year prison term followed by five years of postrelease supervision to run concurrently with the prison term he was then serving.  At that time, the Court also issued orders of protection.

Although defendant was sentenced consistent with the terms of the plea agreement, on appeal he argued that the five year period of postrelease supervision was unlawful.  The Appellate Division, Third Department, however, disagreed.  In addition, defendant maintained that the duration of the orders of protection exceeded the maximum permitted by law.  The Third Department, however, determined that the orders of protection could expire in 2036, the date set by County Court.

On appeal, defendant is represented by John Ferrara, Esq. of Monticello, New York.  Assistant District Attorney Carly Wolfrom, Esq. handled the appeal for the District Attorney’s Office.



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Brendan Darcy

May 4, 2018, 1:27 pm
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RE:  PRESS RELEASE – PEOPLE V. BRENDAN DARCY

An Ulster County Grand Jury filed an indictment on May 3rd, 2018, in New York State Supreme Court charging Brendan Darcy of Gardiner, New York with Robbery in the First Degree. The indictment charges Darcy with forcibly stealing property from an employee of the Valero gas station on State Route 209 in the Town of Wawarsing.  Darcy is charged with threatening to kill the employee while possessing what appeared to be a gun during the course of the robbery.  Darcy stole an amount of money from the cash register before fleeing the convenience store.

The case was investigated by the New York State Police.

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PRESS RELEASE: BUYING A USED CAR

May 10, 2018, 8:26 am
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Press Release
May 9, 2018



BUYING A USED CAR


The Ulster County District Attorney’s Division of Consumer Affairs offers these tips to consumers who are in the market for a used car…
  • Have the vehicle checked by a trusted mechanic before buying it;
  • Find out as much about the vehicle’s history as possible (title information, flood damage history, odometer readings) through online databases such as www.carfax.com and the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (www.vehiclehistory.gov);
  • Do not assume you can obtain a refund on a deposit;
  • Be advised there is no statutory right to cancel the purchase of a vehicle in New York State, unless financing cannot be obtained;
  • A private sale is not covered by New York State’s Lemon Law (the Used Car Lemon Law is contingent upon date/time limits as well as mileage at the time of purchase, www.ag.ny.gov/consumer-frauds/lemon-law).


Consumer Affairs can be reached at 340-3260.


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Ronk Plea

May 11, 2018, 11:49 am
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JOHN J. RONK PLEADS GUILTY TO VEHICULAR MANSLAUGHTER IN THE FIRST DEGREE

     John J. Ronk, 41, of 272 New Salem Road, in the Town of Esopus, entered a guilty plea to Vehicular Manslaughter in the First Degree in Ulster County Court today.
     Ronk admitted driving a Nissan Xterra SUV while intoxicated and causing the death of a bicyclist, Brian Jones, on September 14, 2017, at about 7:30 p.m. Jones was the father to six children. Ronk’s blood alcohol content  was .32.
    Evidence collected at the scene by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police revealed that Ronk crossed over the double yellow centerlines and struck the rear tire of Jones’ bicycle, causing Jones to be thrown from his bike and killed. After striking Jones, two wheels from Ronk’s vehicle drove up on a guiderail for several feet before correcting and striking a telephone pole. Ronk attempted to flee the scene on foot. A passing motorist called 911 and alerted the Sheriff’s Office, who apprehended Ronk within minutes of the crash.
    Ronk admitted drinking several large cans of beer with high alcohol content prior to driving. Ronk also stated that he was on his way to the store to buy more beer.
    Ronk is scheduled to be sentenced on July 26th.  Vehicular Manslaughter in the First Degree is a class C non-violent felony which carries a maximum sentence of five to fifteen years in state prison. Ronk is represented by Jeremiah Flaherty and the case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District District Attorney Gerard Van Loan.
    On July 4, 2000, Ronk killed a passenger in a pickup truck in Rhinebeck, N.Y. while Ronk was intoxicated. Ronk pled guilty to Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree in Dutchess County Court on August 17, 2000, and received a sentence of one to three years in state prison.
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Press Release - Sean Roff Plea

May 21, 2018, 8:03 am
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FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: MAY 21, 2018
RE: DISTRICT ATTORNEY D. HOLLEY CARNRIGHT ANNOUNCES:  PLATTEKILL  MAN ADMITS TO ENGAGING IN SEXUAL ACT WITH A CHILD  

Sean Roff, 25, of 1711 State Route 44/55 in the Town of Plattekill, entered a plea of guilty on Wednesday, May 16, 2018, to the Class “D” violent felony of Criminal Sexual Act in the Second Degree in Ulster County Court.  In doing so, Roff admitted that in July of 2017, he engaged in oral sexual conduct with another person who was less than fifteen years old. Roff also waived his right to appeal.

The defendant was arrested on July 23, 2017 following an investigation by the New York State Police Highland Barracks.  He was indicted by an Ulster County Grand Jury on December 21, 2017.

The defendant is to be sentenced on August 3, 2018.  He faces a maximum sentence of seven years in state prison which can be followed by up to ten years of post-release supervision.  He will also be required to register for a minimum of twenty years under the New York State Sexual Offender Registration Act. 

The case was prosecuted by Special Victims Bureau Chief, Katherine R. Van Loan.  The defendant was represented by the Ulster County Public Defender’s Office.      








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Press Release - Ulrich Arlt

May 22, 2018, 1:08 pm
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Ulster County Family and Child Advocacy Center
                                  PRESS RELEASE



Investigators from the Ulster County Family and Child Advocacy Center report the arrest of Ulrich Arlt, 36, of 2703 Route 208 Walden, NY.

On May 16, 2018, the Ulster County Family and Child Advocacy Center began investigating a Sexual Abuse of a 13 years old child in the Town of New Paltz.  The investigation revealed that Ulrich Arlt sexually abused the child repeatedly over the course of approximately three years.

On May 17, 2018, Ulrich Arlt was charged with Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the 1st Degree, a class B Felony. He was arraigned in the Town of New Paltz Court before Honorable Bacon and remanded to Ulster County Jail in lieu of $60,000 cash bail/$120,000.00 property bond. An Order of Protection was issued on behalf of the victim. Ulrich Arlt was ordered to reappear in the Town of New Paltz  Criminal Court on 05/22/2018 at 5:30pm.

The Ulster County Family and Child Advocacy Center was assisted by members of the Town of New Paltz Police Department and the New York State Police.  

The Ulster County Family and Child Advocacy Center comprised of members of the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office, Ulster  County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police and  Ulster County Child Protective Services.  

Any information or questions may be referred to the Ulster County Family and Child Advocacy Center at 845-334-5155.
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Press Release - Ronald Wood Appeal

May 24, 2018, 10:56 am
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FROM:     HOLLEY CARNRIGHT, DISTRICT ATTORNEY
DATE:     MAY 24, 2018


The Appellate Division, Third Department has today unanimously affirmed the June 3, 2015 conviction of Ronald Wood upon his plea of guilty convicting him of the crime of aggravated criminal contempt. 

Defendant’s conviction stems from an incident in October, 2014 during which he punched the victim in the face in violation of an order of protection.  As a result, he was sentenced to six months in the Ulster County Jail and five years probation and a no contact order of protection was issued in favor of the victim.  Two months later, however, defendant was charged with aggravated criminal contempt, two counts, and sexual abuse in the third degree, two counts, related to the same victim and was also charged with violating the conditions of his probation.  Defendant subsequently pled guilty to aggravated criminal contempt, waived his right to appeal and admitted that he had violated certain terms and conditions of his probation.  Upon revoking his probationary sentence, County Court (Donald A. Williams, J.) sentenced defendant, a second felony offender, to one and one-third to four years on the violation of probation to be served consecutively to a three and one-half to seven year sentence for aggravated criminal contempt. 

On appeal, the defendant argued that the waiver of appeal was not valid and further that the plea colloquy was insufficient to establish his guilt.  The Appellate Division, Third Department, however, specifically concluded that defendant’s appeal waiver was valid and accordingly, his challenge to the sufficiency of the plea allocution related to the indictment was foreclosed.

On appeal, the defendant is represented by Donna Maria Lasher, Esq. of Youngsville, New York.  Assistant District Attorney Carly Wolfrom, Esq. handled the appeal for the District Attorney’s Office.



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Press Release - Leoneudi Agueda

May 24, 2018, 12:03 pm
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FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: MAY 24, 2018
RE: PRESS RELEASE - DISTRICT ATTORNEY D. HOLLEY CARNRIGHT ANNOUNCES:  LIBERTY MAN ADMITS TO ENGAGING IN SEXUAL ACT WITH A CHILD  

Leoneudi Agueda, 24, of 44 Dwyer Avenue in the Village of Liberty, Sullivan County, entered a plea of guilty on Thursday, May 24, 2018, to the Class “D” violent felony of Criminal Sexual Act in the Second Degree in Ulster County Court.  In doing so, Agueda admitted that on or about June 8, 2017, he engaged in oral sexual conduct with another person who was less than fifteen years old.  Agueda also waived his right to appeal.

The defendant was arrested on June 15, 2017, following an investigation by the New York State Police, Ellenville Barracks. He was indicted by an Ulster County Grand Jury for his conduct here on February 8, 2018.  The felonious sexual act was with a twelve year old child and occurred at a parking area off State Route 52 in the Town of Wawarsing.  The defendant also faced misdemeanor charges in Sullivan County.

In addition, the defendant was charged by the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office on February 6, 2018 with two counts of Bribing a Witness for offering monetary compensation to two witnesses in exchange for their altered testimony in this case.  The defendant had been released on property bond when the briberies took place.

The defendant is to be sentenced on July 27, 2018.  He faces a maximum sentence of seven years in state prison which can be followed by up to ten years of post-release supervision.  He will be required to register for a minimum of twenty years under the New York State Sexual Offender Registration Act. 

The case was prosecuted by Special Victims Bureau Chief, Katherine R. Van Loan.  The defendant was represented by the Ulster County Public Defender’s Office.      








  

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Press Release - Bradley Cook Sentence

May 29, 2018, 12:02 pm
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FROM:  HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE:  MAY 29, 2018
RE:  PRESS RELEASE – PEOPLE V. BRADLEY COOK


After having been found guilty by an Ulster County jury of Robbery in the Third Degree, Bradley Cook was sentenced to 2 1/3 years to 7 years in state prison by the Hon. Donald A. Williams. 

Cook was convicted of robbing the Key Bank on Wall Street in Kingston. Last summer, dressed in a black hoodie, a baseball hat, black sunglasses, a scarf covering his neck and chin, and wearing latex gloves, Cook approached a bank teller and handed her a note demanding money.  The note stated, “no tracers, no dye bags, no police, nobody gets hurt.”  In response, the teller handed Cook $699 which he took and exited the rear of the bank.

Shortly after the robbery, City of Kingston Police Officers responded to the bank and began attempting to apprehend the perpetrator.  A photo of the bank robber taken from security footage was distributed to members of law enforcement.  Within an hour, Cook was identified by Kingston Police Department, Sgt. Richard Negron, as the bank robber. 

Cook was apprehended that same day.  He was brought back for questioning and subsequently confessed to the crime.

The case was prosecuted by Chief Assistant District Attorney Michael Kavanagh and the defendant was represented by Thomas Petro. 

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Press Release - Alan Planthaber Plea

May 31, 2018, 7:34 am
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Alan Planthaber, age 58, of the Town of Ulster, was convicted of Assault in the second degree in Ulster County Court on May 30, 2018.
On December 1, 2017 at approximately 9:30 PM Police Officer Ralph Leiter of the Ulster Police Department responded to a panic alarm at a residence in the Town of Ulster. Through a window he observed blood on the walls inside and the victim, covered in blood, hovering in a corner. Upon investigation it was learned that the victim was repeatedly beaten by the defendant suffering a fractured jaw and numerous broken ribs.

Defendant, who has a prior criminal history, which includes a domestic assault in Alaska is scheduled to be sentenced by County Court Judge Donald A. Williams on August 2, 2018.

If you are the victim of domestic violence you can get help through many services in Ulster County.  Family of Woodstock 338-2370; Crime Victims Assistance 340-3443 or 340-3442; EVOLVE 331-7080.  There is also a 24 hour hotline 800-942-6906 (English) and 800-942-6908 (Spanish).  The child protective services hotline is 800-342-3720 and the Ulster County Family and Child Advocacy Center 334-5155.
There were 2360 domestic incidents reported in Ulster County last year.

The case was prosecuted by Sr. Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth A. Culmone-Mills.  The defendant is represented by the Public Defender’s Office.

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Press Release - Brandon M.Ward Appeal

May 31, 2018, 11:21 am
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PRESS RELEASE

FROM:     HOLLEY CARNRIGHT, DISTRICT ATTORNEY
DATE:     MAY 31, 2018



The Appellate Division, Third Department has unanimously affirmed the conviction of Brandon M. Ward rendered December 22, 2015 upon his plea of guilty of the crime of sexual abuse in the first degree. 

Defendant’s conviction stems from a series of incidents which occurred in the Village of Ellenville in the summer and fall of 2014 involving a ten year old victim.  Defendant was eventually charged with the crimes of criminal sex act in the first degree, sexual abuse in the first degree, three counts, and endangering the welfare of a child.

Following his arrest, defendant waived indictment and pled guilty to a superior court information charging him with sexual abuse in the first degree and waived his right to appeal.  Thereafter, County Court (Donald A. Williams, J.) imposed the agreed upon State prison sentence of seven years to be followed by 10 years of postrelease supervision. 

On appeal, defendant challenged the validity of his waiver of appeal and argued that he was denied the effective assistance of counsel due to numerous alleged failures on counsel’s part.  The Appellate Division, Third Department, however, rejected all of defendant’s claims. 

On appeal, the defendant is represented by Theodore J. Stein, Esq. of Woodstock, New York.  Assistant District Attorney Joan Gudesblatt Lamb, Esq. handled the appeal for the District Attorney’s Office.

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Press Release - Robocalls

June 1, 2018, 7:07 am
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FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: JUNE 1, 2018
RE: PRESS RELEASE -  WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I GET A ROBOCALL?

If you answer the phone and hear a recorded message instead of a live person, it’s a robocall. You’ve probably gotten these calls about political candidates or charities asking for donations. These robocalls are legal. But if the recording is a sales message and you haven’t given your written permission to get calls from the company on the other end, the call is illegal. In addition to the phone calls being illegal, the pitch may also be a scam.

According to the Ulster County District Attorney’s Division of Consumer Affairs, if you get a robocall:
·       Hang up. Don’t press 1 to speak to a live operator and don’t press any other number to get your number off the list. If you respond by pressing any number, it will probably lead to more robocalls.
·       Consider contacting your phone provider and ask them to block the number (there may be a charge for that service). Remember telemarketers change Caller ID information easily and often, so it might not be worth paying a fee to block a number that will change.
·       Report your experience to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222.

Consumer Affairs can be reached at 340-3260.
                                                             
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Press Release - Brian Lazor Jr - Indictment

June 7, 2018, 12:01 pm
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FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: JUNE 7, 2018
RE: BRIAN LAZOR JR. INDICTMENT

Grand Jury Indicts Pennsylvania Man for Making Methamphetamine 

     Brian Lazor, Jr., age 36, of Bedford Street in Wood, PA, has been indicted by an Ulster County Grand Jury for Manufacturing Methamphetamine in the Third Degree, a class D non-violent felony. Lazor was arrested on March 3rd, 2018, in the parking lot of an Ulster Avenue business. An employee of the business observed Lazor unresponsive in his vehicle and called police. Officers and emergency services responded and roused Lazor. A brief investigation revealed several hypodermic needles and syringes along with various items for making methamphetamine. Lazor also had a quantity of methamphetamine and other illegal substances. 

Lazor is presumed innocent until proven guilty. He is represented by the office of Ulster County Public Defender. Assistant DA Emmanuel Nneji is handling this case.

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