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Press Release - Charles M. Burgher Conviction

January 20, 2017, 11:07 am
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FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: JANUARY 20, 2017
RE: PRESS RELEASE

DISTRICT ATTORNEY D. HOLLEY CARNRIGHT ANNOUNCES:  KINGSTON MAN CONVICTED OF MULTIPLE COUNTS OF AGGRAVATED FAMILY OFFENSE

After less than two hours of deliberations, an Ulster County jury found Charles M. Burgher, 25, guilty of three counts of Aggravated Family Offense. The Hon. Donald Williams presided over the trial.

On February 24, 2016, Kingston Police Department responded to multiple calls reporting a woman screaming. The victim had tried to protect herself that morning by shutting herself inside her bathroom. The defendant broke down the bathroom door around her, then threatened and hit her with a metal pot until she was cornered in her bathroom, lying in a box of cat litter. The victim managed to secretly call the police. Simultaneously, a downstairs neighbor who had heard the victim screaming also called the police. Officers Michael Ryan, Christopher Spylios and Keith Pagan arrived on the scene within minutes of the phone calls and arrested the defendant.

Aggravated Family Offense is a relatively new felony offense. The Legislature enacted the law in 2012 to address repeat domestic violence offenders who continue to commit misdemeanor offenses against their victims. Burgher had previously been convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor in January of 2015 against a different victim. This prior conviction elevated his crimes on February 24, 2016 to the felonies of Aggravated Family Offense. Burgher has three other convictions for domestic violence crimes.

Burgher will be sentenced on March 24, 2017 and faces up to two to four years in state prison for his convictions.

The case was prosecuted by Ulster County Assistant District Attorney Carly P. Wolfrom and Assistant District Attorney Timothy Lawson.  The defendant was represented by Eric Naiburg, Esq.







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Press Release - Johnnie Simpson Appeal

January 20, 2017, 11:20 am
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FROM:     HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE:     JANUARY 20, 2017



On January 19, 2017, the Appellate Division, Third Department unanimously affirmed the April 14, 2015 conviction of Johnnie Simpson, a/k/a Gazoo upon his plea of guilty of the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a class B felony.

Defendant’s conviction stems from a series of cocaine sales he made to a confidential informant under the supervision of Kingston Police.  After the CI arranged a third controlled buy, defendant was arrested and found to be in possession of cocaine prior to the completion of the sale.  Defendant was thereafter charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree and criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree.   Defendant subsequently pled guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, and was sentenced by County Court Judge Donald A. Williams to a determinate term of six years to be followed by two years of postrelease supervision. 

On appeal, defendant argued that his attorney was ineffective and that he had a conflict of interest. These claims were, however, properly rejected by the Appellate Division, Third Department after a full exploration of the underlying facts.

On appeal, the defendant is represented by Raymond D. Sprowls, Esq. of Walden, New York.  Assistant District Attorney Joan Gudesblatt Lamb, Esq. handled the appeal for the District Attorney’s Office.

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Press Release - Hearing Aids

January 23, 2017, 8:13 am
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FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: JANUARY 23, 2017
RE: PRESS RELEASE - I THINK I MAY NEED A HEARING AID.  WHAT
    SHOULD I DO?

If you think you might need a hearing aid, you should have a hearing evaluation performed by a licensed audiologist before making a purchase. You can also contact the New York State Education Department (518-474-3817 X100) for audiologist information.

Audiologists who sell hearing aids must be registered with the Department of State as hearing aid dispensers, in addition to being licensed by the State Education Department as audiologists. 

To obtain a copy of New York State’s A Consumer’s Guide to Hearing Aids, call the Ulster County District Attorney’s Division of Consumer Affairs at 340-3260.

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Press Release - Consumer Health Care Information

January 31, 2017, 10:41 am
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FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: JANUARY 31, 2017
RE: PRESS RELEASE - CONSUMER HEALTH CARE INFORMATION AND COMPLAINTS ABOUT CARE

According to the Ulster County District Attorney’s Division of Consumer Affairs, the New York State Department of Health’s (www.health.ny.gov) website includes information concerning physician credentials and disciplinary actions, results of recent hospital and nursing home surveys, performance measures for managed care plans, and physician and hospital performance for cardiac bypass surgery. Consumers and providers will also find information on how to file a confidential complaint about healthcare quality, review public health laws and regulations, and gain access to clinical guidelines and other healthcare best practices.

Below is a list of telephone numbers for Complaints about Care…

Adult Care and Assisted Living Complaints – 1-866-893-6772
Funeral Homes/Directors Complaints – 518-402-0785
Home Care and Hospice Complaints – 1-800-628-5972
Hospital Patient Care Complaints – 1-800-804-5447
Hospital and Diagnostic and Treatment Center Complaints – 1-800-804-5447
Laboratory Complaints – 1-800-682-6056
Medicaid Fraud Hotline – 1-877-87FRAUD
Managed Care Complaints (including commercial health plans and Medicaid managed care) – 1-800-206-8125
Nursing Home Patient Care Complaints – 1-888-201-4563
Professional Medical Conduct Complaints – 1-800-663-6114

The New York State Department of Health can be reached at 518-474-7354. Ulster County Consumer Affairs can be reached at 340-3260.
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Press Release - Khalil Waheed indictment

February 2, 2017, 7:55 am
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FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE:  FEBRUARY 2, 2017
RE: PRESS RELEASE – KHALIL WAHEED INDICTMENT

KHALIL WAHEED INDICTED ON CHARGES OF CRIMINALLY NEGLIGENT HOMICIDE AND LEAVING THE SCENE WITHOUT REPORTING

Khalil Waheed, 24, of 112 Mountain View Ave., Kingston, was charged by an Ulster County Grand Jury with the felony charges of Criminally Negligent Homicide and Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting.

On September 20, 2016, Ashlee Crescione, 23, of Bruyn Ave., Kingston, was seriously injured by a vehicle driven by Waheed. The incident occurred near Crescione’s residence. Waheed fled the scene.

Crescione succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead on September 23, 2016. An investigation by the Kingston Police Department and the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office led to Waheed’s arrest on October 6, 2016.
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Press Release - "Can You Hear Me" Phone Scam

February 6, 2017, 12:05 pm
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FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: FEBRUARY 6, 2017
RE: PRESS RELEASE - “CAN YOU HEAR ME?” PHONE SCAM ON THE RISE

If you receive a call and the caller asks, ”Can you hear me?”, you might end up a victim to fraud if you say “Yes.” It’s the latest phone scam targeting people across the country, according to the Ulster County District Attorney’s Division of Consumer Affairs.

Scammers are using robots to call and secretly record you. The answers you give them are then used against you – and your wallet. Here is an example…

Caller: “Hi, this is Josh from the consumer department – can you hear me okay?”

If you answer “Yes,” it’s secretly recorded. Later, the scammer calls back demanding payment, using the recording as proof that you agreed to pay for goods or services.

Scammers are using local numbers to get you to pick up. Ulster County Consumer Affairs advises screening calls or simply hanging up on a pre-recorded sales call or if someone asks, “Can you hear me?”


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Press Release - Donald Fairweather Jr. appeal

February 10, 2017, 7:22 am
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PRESS RELEASE

FROM:     HOLLEY CARNRIGHT, DISTRICT ATTORNEY
DATE:     FEBRUARY 10, 2017



The Appellate Division, Third Department recently unanimously affirmed the July, 2014 conviction of Donald Fairweather, Jr. upon his plea of guilty convicting him of the crime of vehicular manslaughter in the first degree. 

On September 25, 2013, the defendant was driving his vehicle at a high speed while intoxicated and struck an oncoming vehicle, causing the death of Vadim Mushtak and serious injuries to Mushtak’s wife. 

Defendant was thereafter charged by indictment with various offenses stemming from the incident. Subsequently, defendant pled guilty to vehicular manslaughter in the first degree and waived his right to appeal.  County Court sentenced defendant to five to 15 years in prison with a recommendation that the defendant serve the full 15 years. 

On appeal, defendant argued that the sentence imposed was harsh and excessive.  In his pro se brief, defendant argued that he was denied the effective assistance of counsel.  These claims, however, were rejected by the Appellate Division, Third Department. 

On appeal, the defendant is represented by Neal D. Futerfas, Esq. of White Plains, New York.  Assistant District Attorney Joan Gudesblatt Lamb, Esq. handled the appeal for the District Attorney’s Office.

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Press Release - Jeffrey C. Brown Plea

February 23, 2017, 12:59 pm
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FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: FEBRUARY 23, 2017
RE: PRESS RELEASE

DISTRICT ATTORNEY D. HOLLEY CARNRIGHT ANNOUNCES:  SAUGERTIES MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO COURSE OF SEXUAL CONDUCT AGAINST A CHILD

Jeffrey C. Brown, 54, of 227 Partition Street in Saugerties, pled guilty Thursday, February 23, 2017, to Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the First Degree, a Class “B” violent felony, before Hon. Donald A. Williams of Ulster County Court.  Brown admitted that between September 1, 2014 and December 29, 2014, he engaged in at least two acts of sexual conduct which included at least one act of sexual intercourse, oral sexual conduct or anal sexual conduct with a child who was less then thirteen years old.  An investigation conducted by the Ulster County Family and Child Advocacy Center led to Brown’s arrest on August 25, 2016.

District Attorney Holley Carnright noted, “This man stole the trust and innocence of a child which cannot be replaced. It took great courage for this child to come forward and expose this man for what he is, a pedophile.”

Jeffrey C. Brown is scheduled to appear before Hon. Donald A. Williams on April 24, 2017 for sentencing.    

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



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Press Release - Gregory C. Williams Sentencing

February 23, 2017, 1:09 pm
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FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: FEBRUARY 23, 2017
RE: PRESS RELEASE

DISTRICT ATTORNEY D. HOLLEY CARNRIGHT ANNOUNCES:  SEX TRAFFICKER SENTENCED FOR PROMOTING PROSTITUTION OF A CHILD

Gregory C. Williams, 39, who last resided at the Capri Motel in Port Ewen but previously lived in the City of Kingston, was sentenced Thursday, February 23, 2017, in Ulster County Court before Honorable Donald A. Williams.  Gregory C. Williams was sentenced to spend 2 1/3 to  7 years in state prison, the maximum sentence permitted by law, on his conviction for Promoting Prostitution in the Third Degree, a Class “D” felony.  On December 15, 2016, he admitted that on or about April 10, 2016, he advanced or profited from prostitution of a child under nineteen years old.    

The defendant was arrested on November 3, 2016 and charged with Promoting Prostitution in the Third Degree, Disseminating Indecent Material to a Minor and Offering a False Instrument for Filing after a joint investigation of the Ulster County Family and Child Advocacy Center and the Kingston Police Department.  The investigation revealed that the defendant was prostituting a then, sixteen year old child.

This is the first felony conviction for child trafficking since the Ulster County Department of Social Services was selected to receive funds under the Safe Harbour Program run the by New York State Office for Family and Child Services.  While the Safe Harbour Program is primarily aimed at protecting and securing services for sexually exploited youth, the monies are also used for raising community awareness and training of both service providers and law enforcement.

District Attorney Carnright cited the importance of the Safe Harbour Program in “shining a spotlight” on criminal activity taking place in every community that would often be overlooked. Traffickers, including Gregory Williams, use various forms of manipulation to get vulnerable children into “the life” as it is commonly called and to keep them from leaving or reporting to law enforcement.  This manipulation can be physical abuse but also commonly includes promises of love, introducing a young adolescent to a lifestyle they could otherwise not afford and getting victims addicted to drugs which force the victim to continue participating in prostitution to support their habit.

The case was prosecuted by Ulster County Special Victims Bureau Chief Katherine R. Van Loan.  The defendant is represented by John Evans, Esq., a member of the Dutchess County Public Defender’s assigned due to a conflict with the Ulster County Public Defender’s Office.   








  

 


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Press Release - Dayshawn Allen Plea

February 24, 2017, 11:38 am
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FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: FEBRUARY 24, 2017
RE: PRESS RELEASE - Kingston Young Man Pleads Guilty in Ulster County Court, Admits Forcible Burglary

A Kingston young man pleaded guilty on Wednesday in Ulster County Court to Burglary in the first degree for an incident which occurred on July 21, 2016, where he forced his way into a home on Cedar Street in Kingston and robbed the occupants.

Dayshawn Allen, age 23, and another man threatened the use of a tire iron and what appeared to be a handgun as they forced their way into the Cedar Street apartment in the middle of the night. One of the intruders threatened the victims with a crowbar/tire iron and used it to smash the victim’s phone. They then stole various items, including electronic games, jewelry, and other personal property.

      Unbeknownst to them during the burglary and robbery, one of the occupants of the apartment fled from the premises and flagged down a Kingston Police Officer. As the police arrived, one officer observed Allen jump a fence into an adjacent Henry Street yard. Another officer was able to stop Allen a few minutes later after he emerged on Henry Street from the yard, sweating and carrying a bag containing electronic games, jewelry and other personal items belonging to the victims. All the stolen items were recovered. The second subject has not been arrested.

Burglary in the first degree is a class B violent felony with a maximum sentence up to 25 years in prison.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 19, 2017.
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Press Release - The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

February 27, 2017, 7:11 am
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FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: FEBRUARY 27, 2017
RE: PRESS RELEASE - THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is the federal law that prohibits collectors from using abusive, deceptive or unfair practices to collect money, according to the Ulster County District Attorney’s Division of Consumer Affairs. It also requires them to provide consumers with information about themselves and the debt. In addition to making some collection activities illegal, the FDCPA also gives consumers the right to verify that a debt is valid and to dispute debts they don’t believe they owe.

Generally, the FDCPA only governs third-party debt collectors – those who work on behalf of the original creditor. A debt collector is defined as someone who regularly collects debts owed to others. This includes collection agencies, lawyers who collect debts on a regular basis, and companies that buy delinquent debts and then try to collect them (debt buyers).

The FDCPA does not apply to original creditors – those who initially extended the credit or loan. The exception to this rule is a creditor that collects on its own debts but under a different name, giving the impression of being a third party. The law applies only to personal, not business-related debt.

For a copy of the brochure on how the FDCPA restricts collectors and protects consumers, contact Ulster County Consumer Affairs at 340-3260.
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Press Release - Earl Edwards Jr. Plea

February 28, 2017, 11:24 am
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FROM:  HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE:  FEBRUARY 28, 2017
RE:  PRESS RELEASE – PEOPLE V. EARL EDWARDS, JR.


On February 28, 2017, prior to the completion of jury selection, Earl Edwards, Jr. pleaded guilty to Murder in the 2nd Degree.

Earl Edwards, Jr. was charged by indictment with Murder in the Second Degree for killing Rameen Perry on May 26th, 2016 at approximately 3:20 a.m. in the Village of Saugerties.  On the morning of the murder, Edwards broke into the house of his estranged wife and stabbed Perry in the heart which caused his death.  Immediately after Killing Perry, Edwards fled the scene to New York City where he purchased a train ticket to South Carolina.  Edwards was intercepted in Washington D.C. by members of the Amtrak Police Department and extradited back to Ulster County.

The case was prosecuted by Chief Assistant District Attorney Michael Kavanagh and Senior Assistant District Attorney Clifford Owens.  Edwards is scheduled to be sentenced by the Hon. Donald A. Williams on April 25th, 2017. The defendant faces a sentence from 15 to life to 25 to life in state prison.
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DA Annual Report 2016

February 28, 2017, 1:42 pm
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                             2016
 
                 ULSTER COUNTY
             DISTRICT ATTORNEY
                ANNUAL REPORT


The District Attorney is an independently elected public official.  The District Attorney has the sole responsibility for the prosecution of all crimes and offenses which occur within the geographic confines of the county in which he holds office.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

The simple fact is that public safety and economic prosperity go hand in hand.  One cannot exist without the other.  For us to prosper as a community, our citizens must be safe.

BUDGET

In 2016 the Ulster County District Attorney budget was $4,327,000.00. Of this total $3,408,800.00 was for personnel expenses. In 2016 our office received $773,299.00 in non-forfeiture, non-county taxpayer revenues which offset the non-personnel expenses.


COLLABORATION WITH OTHER COUNTY DEPARTMENTS OR OUTSIDE AGENCIES

The Department of Social Services: Investigation and prosecution of social services fraud, prosecution of deadbeat child support obligators, and our joint task force regarding Crimes Against Children through the Child Advocacy Center (CAC).

Police agencies: We work hand in hand with all police agencies that serve the people of Ulster County in training, investigations and prosecution of all criminal behavior committed in Ulster County.

State agencies: We collaborate with NYS Department of Tax and Finance, the NYS Comptroller’s Office and the NYS Attorney General’s Office.

Federal agencies: We work with the US Attorney’s Office and all federal agencies that assist them, to wit, the US Marshalls, the FBI, Customs and Immigration, Secret Service and AUSA.

2016 IN REVIEW

In 2016 we filed 189 indictments and 122 Superior Court (felony) Informations.  We conducted 14 felony jury trials which resulted in 7 convictions, 1 hung jury and 1 plea on the day of jury selection.  Our overall felony conviction rate, including felony pleas, was over 94%.

CARP: (Crimes Against Revenue). Under our Crimes Against Revenue prosecutions we recovered $304,671, and procured an additional $231,571 in court ordered restitution. Many of our fraud prosecutions are a result of our coordination with Ulster County Department of Social Services investigators. Through this coalition we entered into civil settlements as a result of fraud investigations that did not result in prosecutions but reduced the social services rolls by $44,024.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: We continue our fight against domestic violence. Domestic Incident Reports (DIR’s) in Ulster County in 2016 were 1846.  We will continue our focus on domestic violence awareness and prosecution and will continue to work closely with the Ulster County Interagency Council on Domestic Violence and the Ulster County Child Advocacy Center.

SIGNIFICANT CASES IN 2016

2016 saw a moderate (10%) increase in felony prosecutions driven primarily by a dramatic increase in narcotics cases (38%); assaults (73%) and homicides.  Last year we indicted 5 homicide cases and have 1 pending Grand Jury action.  2016 was the worst year for murder cases we have seen since I took office in 2008.

In addition to the significant cases that we prosecuted, 2016 stands out for two cases that did not result in criminal prosecution. The first involved the tragic death of four young men in a car accident in Saugerties in 2015.  The significance of that loss, coupled with the Grand Jury’s decision not to indict, a decision which I believe was supported by the evidence, polarized our community.  The second case was a barricaded police stand-off in New Paltz.  John Tozzi, a felon, held members of the New Paltz Police Department, NYS Police and UC Sheriff officers at bay firing numerous shots at them with a high powered rifle.  No police officer was struck.  Mr. Tozzi died as a result of a significant gunshot wound.

The sole murder trial in 2016 resulted in Nicholas Pascarella’s conviction for murdering his father.

2016 saw the arrest and indictment of Kingston anti-law enforcement activist Ismail Shabazz for selling illegal firearms to federal law enforcement personnel.  That case ultimately led to Mr. Shabazz’s conviction and sentencing to state prison.

Our office continues to aggressively prosecute animal cruelty cases and 2016 saw the conviction of Eric Napoli for felony cruelty to animals.


CONCLUSION

The extraordinary success we continue to register here at the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office is a testament to the dedication and talent of as fine a group of assistant district attorneys and investigators as there are in New York State.






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Press Release - Jason Scofield Plea

March 2, 2017, 11:19 am
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FROM:    HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
         ULSTER COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY

DATE:    MARCH 2, 2017

SUBJECT:  PRESS RELEASE – JASON R. SCOFIELD

On March 2, 2017, JASON R. SCOFIELD, age 33, a resident of 40 Bonnie Brae Lane in Shokan, New York, entered a plea to Attempted Burglary in the Second Degree before the Honorable Donald A. Williams. 

Sometime between January and March of 2016, Scofield, an admitted heroin addict, unlawfully entered the residence of a relative in Shandaken and stole a rifle.  The rifle was recovered at an area antique store.  

The investigation was handled by members of the Town of Shandaken Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kathleen Klein.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 28, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. at which time the District Attorney’s Office will recommend a sentence of 3 ½ years in state prison.
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Press Release - "Help Grandma, I've Been Arrested"

March 3, 2017, 11:27 am
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FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: MARCH 3, 2017
RE: PRESS RELEASE - “HELP GRANDMA, I’VE BEEN ARRESTED”

Ulster County seniors are warned of phony “emergency” calls asking grandparents to wire money to help a grandchild who is “in trouble.” According to the Ulster County District Attorney’s Division of Consumer Affairs, there are several warning signs of the grandparent scam:
•    An urgent call for financial help with an emergency such as a car crash, medical emergency or trouble with the law;
•    A request to send money by wire transfer via Western Union or MoneyGram;
•    A request to keep the call confidential.

Grandparent scam con artists sometimes trick their victims into mentioning names or they might already have information gleaned from social networking sites like MySpace or Facebook.

They intentionally try to get their victim confused and anxious and they can be quite accomplished.  The best defense is to be skeptical. Ask questions to verify the caller’s identity. Call parents or other family members. Try and speak with your grandchild. Don’t be rushed. Don’t wire money, which is like sending cash and is impossible to recover. Never give credit card or bank account information over the phone.

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


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Press Release - Hasenflue Sentence

March 7, 2017, 1:05 pm
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FROM:     HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
          ULSTER COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY
DATE:     MARCH 7, 2017
SUBJECT: PRESS RELEASE – CHRISTOPHER D. HASENFLUE

On March 7, 2017, CHRISTOPHER D. HASENFLUE, age 38, a resident of 53 Clinton Avenue in Kingston, was sentenced by Judge Donald A. Williams to twenty years in state prison and five years post release supervision. Hasenflue received this sentence in connection with his plea on December 21, 2016, to one count of Robbery in the First Degree, a Class B Violent Felony.  The plea stemmed from an incident which took place in the City of Kingston on the evening of August 9, 2016.  On that night, Hasenflue stole two purses from an outdoor table where women were dining at a Wall Street restaurant. After grabbing the purses, Hasenflue ran up Wall Street, where he was tackled by a Good Samaritan.  As a result of the interference, Hasenflue dropped the purses.  He then displayed a knife, and briefly chased one of the victims.  Minutes later, Hasenflue confronted a third victim on John Street and robbed her of her purse at knife point.  He then fled up Fair Street, where he was chased by additional witnesses.  With the assistance of involved citizens, members of the Kingston Police Department were able to apprehend Hasenflue on Saint James Street only fifteen minutes after the initial crime.  Hasenflue has an extensive criminal history dating back to 1997, which includes a prior conviction for Attempted Robbery in the Second Degree in 2007. 


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Press Release - Kalya Pagan Plea

March 9, 2017, 12:45 pm
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FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: MARCH 9, 2017
RE: PRESS RELEASE – KAYLA PAGAN PLEA

MOTHER PLEADS GUILTY FOR DAUGHTER’S DROWNING IN BATHTUB LAST SUMMER

In Ulster County Court 26 year old Kayla Pagan pleaded guilty to Criminally Negligent Homicide for the drowning death of her 10 month old daughter, in a bathtub at their home at 8 Hideaway Lane, in Marlboro. She was indicted last August by an Ulster County Grand Jury for one count of Criminally Negligent Homicide, a class E felony, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a misdemeanor. 

According to Ulster County DA Holley Carnright, the drowning death occurred in the evening of July 8, 2016, when Kayla Pagan left her daughter for several minutes in a plugged bathtub filling with water while she attended to other minor matters and interests inside and outside of the house. The child’s father, Richard Ryerson, returned home from work to find his daughter floating face down in a bathtub full of water. Mr. Ryerson removed the child from the tub, started CPR, and called 911. CPR performed by the father and a neighbor with instructions from the 911 operator did not save the child’s life. She was rushed by Mobile Life Support Services to St. Luke’s Hospital in Newburgh where she was pronounced dead.

Kayla Pagan remains in Ulster County Jail pending her sentencing in Ulster County Court on May 11, 2017.

The case was prosecuted by Ulster County Assistant District Attorney Emmanuel Nneji.  The defendant was represented by the Ulster County Public Defender’s Office.  



 

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Press Release - Kristen M. Casey Plea

March 10, 2017, 7:49 am
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FROM:     HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
          ULSTER COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY
DATE:     MARCH 10, 2017
SUBJECT: PRESS RELEASE – KRISTEN M. CASEY

On February 24, 2017, KRISTEN M. CASEY, age 36, a resident of 981 Oregon Trail in Pine Bush, entered a plea of guilty before Judge Donald A. Williams to Driving While Ability Impaired by the Combined Influence Drugs as a Class E Felony.  Casey was arrested on the afternoon of May 8, 2016 in connection with a one-car crash on Brimestone Hill Road in the Town of Shawangunk. At that time, she showed signs of impairment.  A toxicology report done by the New York State Police Lab revealed that Casey had at least four controlled substances in her blood at the time of arrest.  Casey, who has a prior conviction for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs from the year 2015, is scheduled to be sentenced on April 14, 2017.
The case was prosecuted by Ulster County Assistant District Attorney Kathleen Klein.  The defendant was represented by the Ulster County Public Defender’s Office.  


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Press Release - Rental Scam

March 15, 2017, 9:15 am
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FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: MARCH 15, 2017
RE: PRESS RELEASE – BEWARE THE RENTAL SCAM

The Ulster County District Attorney’s Division of Consumer Affairs is warning prospective tenants of the online rental scam, popular on Craigslist and elsewhere. Here’s how it works – the scammer lists a property which he does not own. The information, complete with photographs is accurate since he has downloaded a listing from a legitimate brokerage firm.  He will try to get you to accept the property (and pay for it) without your first seeing it. He will promise to send keys or to have  you pick them up from an agent after he receives your payment. Here are some tips to avoid becoming a victim.


•    You can verify the owner of a property by contacting the County Clerk’s Office where the property is located.  If it comes up under a different name, it’s a sign that a legitimate landlord’s ad has been hijacked.

•    Do not wire money to pay a security deposit, application fee or first month’s rent. Wiring money is like sending cash.

•    If you can’t see the place before signing a lease, walk away from the deal. You may not be dealing with a legitimate property owner or the place might not even exist.

Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 

Consumer Affairs can be reached at 340-3260.
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Press Release - Karon Bowden

March 17, 2017, 11:26 am
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DISTRICT ATTORNEY D. HOLLEY CARNRIGHT ANNOUNCES:  SAUGERTIES SHOOTER PLEADS GUILTY OF GIRLFRIEND’S MURDER  

Karon Bowden, 42, originally from Brooklyn, New York, pled guilty Friday, March 17, 2017 to Murder in the Second Degree.  Bowden admitted that he intentionally caused the death of his girlfriend, Amy Louise Burger, age 25. 

Members of the Saugerties Police Department were assisted in their investigation by members of the New York State Police, the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, the Kingston Police Department and the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office .   That investigation revealed that Bowden, unemployed, had lived with Ms. Burger for more than three years.  The evidence revealed that she had decided to break off the relationship.  On May 31, 2016 the police received a 911 call that was disconnected.  In response to that call, two members of the Saugerties Police Department went to Ms. Burger’s residence at 26 Randall Court, arriving just as Bowden shot Ms. Burger.  Police believe that Ms. Burger was shot in the face with a 9mm handgun from close range. 

Jury selection was to begin this coming Monday, March 20, 2017.  The case is being prosecuted by Special Victims Bureau, Chief Katherine R. Van Loan of the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office.  The defendant is represented by Daniel Gaffney, Esq.  Bowden, who has a prior felony for selling narcotics, is scheduled for sentencing May 24, 2017. 
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