Scammers Posing As Well-Known Businesses, Agencies: Here's What To Know, Feds Say Scammers Posing As Well-Known Businesses, Agencies: Here's What To Know, Feds Say
Scammers Posing As Well-Known Businesses, Agencies: Here's What To Know, Feds Say Federal authorities are sounding the alarm over scams that impersonate well-known businesses and government agencies.  In 2023, data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) alone show more than 330,000 reports of business impersonation scams and nearly 160,000 reports of government impersonation scams. That amounts to nearly half the frauds reported directly to the agency, the FTC said. Combined, reported losses to these impersonation scams topped $1.1 billion for the year, more than three times what consumers reported in 2020. Reports show an increasingly blurred line between busine…
Security For World Cricket Cup In NY Ramped Up After Apparent Terror Threat Security For World Cricket Cup In NY Ramped Up After Apparent Terror Threat
Security For World Cricket Cup In NY Ramped Up After Apparent Terror Threat In the wake of an ominous message shared by a pro-ISIS group, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced that the World Cricket Cup, held at a Long Island stadium, will see increased security measures. Hochul’s announcement came on Wednesday, May 29, just days before the first match of the International Cricket Council’s World Cup is set to be held at Eisenhower Stadium in East Meadow. Though stating that “there is no credible public safety threat at this time,” the governor noted that the situation will be monitored and that the matches will see increased law enforcement presence, advanced…
$1M Scam: NY Man Sentenced For Stealing Federal Funds $1M Scam: NY Man Sentenced For Stealing Federal Funds
$1M Scam: NY Man Sentenced For Stealing Federal Funds A New York man who admitted to turning federal aid into a personal treasure chest of around $1 million has been sentenced. In previously pleading guilty, Asjid Parvez, age 38, of Albany, admitted that in May 2023, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) sent him a US Treasury check for $972,564.61.  In 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act authorized the FSA to financially assist certain distressed borrowers who had fallen behind on repaying their federally guaranteed farm loans.  The US Attorney's Office of the Northern District of…
Hit-Run Biker Who Left NY 18-Year-Old In Coma Nabbed Nearly Month Later, Police Say Hit-Run Biker Who Left NY 18-Year-Old In Coma Nabbed Nearly Month Later, Police Say
Hit-Run Biker Who Left NY 18-Year-Old In Coma Nabbed Nearly Month Later, Police Say Nearly a month after a University at Albany student from Long Island was severely injured in a hit-and-run dirt bike crash, a suspect is behind bars. Albany Police arrested Austin Breyette, age 25, of Watervliet, early Thursday morning, May 23, in connection with the collision that left 18-year-old UAlbany freshman Alexa Kropf in a medically induced coma. Kropf, a Long Island native from Floral Park, was struck by a dirt bike rider just blocks from the UAlbany campus at around midnight Saturday, April 27. Earlier Report: New Update: 18-Year-Old Severely Injured In NY Hit-Run Awake …
Child Rape Plea: Hudson Valley Man Admits Abusing Victim Under Age Of 11 Child Rape Plea: Hudson Valley Man Admits Abusing Victim Under Age Of 11
Child Rape Plea: Hudson Valley Man Admits Abusing Victim Under Age Of 11 A man is facing years behind bars after formally confessing to sexually abusing a young child in the region. Orange County resident Justin Babb, age 41, of New Hampton, pleaded guilty to criminal sexual act in Orange County Court on Thursday, May 23. According to prosecutors, Babb admitted that he engaged in anal sexual conduct with the victim, who was under the age of 11, in August 2023. “This defendant’s unspeakable actions demand a lengthy prison sentence,” said Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler. “It is inconceivable that a child could be subjected to the horrific acts perpe…
Casting Call: Cooking Commercial Needs To Fill Husband, Wife, Teen Roles Casting Call: Cooking Commercial Needs To Fill Husband, Wife, Teen Roles
Casting Call: Cooking Commercial Needs To Fill Husband, Wife, Teen Roles A cooking commercial that will be produced in New York City needs to fill the roles of a husband, wife, and teenager. The exact shooting dates will depend on the role, but the casting call says to keep Wednesday, May 29, and Thursday, May 30, open. Men and women interested in playing the couple should be between ages 30 and 50, and the teen between 18 and 25. For more information, including salary, and to apply, click here.
Family Of NY Woman Who Died After Eating Mislabeled Cookie At Stew Leonard's Files Lawsuit Family Of NY Woman Who Died After Eating Mislabeled Cookie At Stew Leonard's Files Lawsuit
Family Of NY Woman Who Died After Eating Mislabeled Cookie At Stew Leonard's Files Lawsuit The family of a 25-year-old woman who died in Connecticut has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Stew Leonard’s and an independent manufacturer for their alleged negligence in not properly labeling a cookie made with peanuts. Órla Baxendale, a dancer from New York City, died in Connecticut as a result of "gross negligence and reckless indifference" after she ate a mislabeled cookie sold by grocery chain Stew Leonard’s, according to a lawsuit reported by ABC News. Earlier Report: ID Released For 25-Year-Old Woman Who Died After Eating Mislabeled Cookie Sold In Danbury The 25-yea…
Severe Storms Knock Out Power To Thousands In Putnam, Westchester Severe Storms Knock Out Power To Thousands In Putnam, Westchester
Severe Storms Knock Out Power To Thousands In Putnam, Westchester Thousands of residents in Westchester and Putnam counties are waiting for their lights to turn back on following a line of severe storms that knocked down power lines across the region.  The storms arrived on Thursday morning, May 23, bringing heavy rains, gusty winds, and even hail in some areas, according to the National Weather Service.  Related Report - Line Of Severe Thunderstorms With Downpours, Gusty Winds, Lightning Now Sweeping Through Region As of around around 2 p.m. on Thursday, Con Edison reported just over 220 outages in Westchester, while NYSEG reported just o…
Alert Issued After Pastries Sold In Hudson Valley With Undeclared Allergens Alert Issued After Pastries Sold In Hudson Valley With Undeclared Allergens
Alert Issued After Pastries Sold In Hudson Valley With Undeclared Allergens Check your pantry. A consumer alert issued by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets on Wednesday, May 22, warns of undeclared wheat allergens in several products that were manufactured by Local Roots Bakery and sold throughout New York State. The Columbus, Ohio-based company – considered an unapproved/unlicensed source by the state – failed to declare wheat allergens in its cinnamon buns, mini cinnamon buns, alfajores duos, brownies, and muffins. Affected products were sold in the Hudson Valley and on Long Island. Food inspectors discovered the misbranding following a c…
Hudson Valley Village Hit Hard By Severe Storm Hudson Valley Village Hit Hard By Severe Storm
Hudson Valley Village Hit Hard By Severe Storm Trees are down, and power to more than 2,000 homes and businesses is out following heavy winds during a thunderstorm in a Hudson Valley village. Click here for a new, updated story: Tornado May Have Touched Down In Greenwood Lake During Round Of Severe Storms The severe storm occurred in Orange County around 7:20 a.m., Wednesday, May 23, in the Village of Greenwood Lake, a hamlet of Warwick. The Orange County Emergency Services Division of Emergency Management is currently on scene in the village, assisting the Village of Greenwood Lake Police Department, Fire Department, and EMS wi…
Hudson Valley Native Sean 'Diddy' Combs Faces New Sexual Abuse Allegation: Report Hudson Valley Native Sean 'Diddy' Combs Faces New Sexual Abuse Allegation: Report
Hudson Valley Native Sean 'Diddy' Combs Faces New Sexual Abuse Allegation: Report Following several previous accusations, well-known hip-hop artist and longtime New Yorker Sean "Diddy" Combs is facing a new lawsuit filed by a former model who claims the producer sexually assaulted her, according to reports.  CNN reports that former model Crystal McKinney, the winner of MTV's 1998 Model Mission competition show, filed the latest lawsuit against Combs, a 54-year-old New York City native who grew up in Westchester County in Mount Vernon, on Tuesday, May 21. McKinney alleges that Combs drugged and sexually assaulted her in 2003 following a Men's Fashion Week event in Ne…
Movie 'Summerhouse' Filming In Danbury Hiring Actors, Extras Movie 'Summerhouse' Filming In Danbury Hiring Actors, Extras
Movie 'Summerhouse' Filming In Danbury Hiring Actors, Extras A Vietnam-era movie filming in Fairfield County is looking for local actors and extras for over a dozen openings.  "Summerhouse" tells the story of a freshly graduated Ned Stern (portrayed by "Somewhere in Queens" actor Jacob Ward) as he waits to get drafted into the Vietnam War.  Stern spends his last summer of freedom caring for a belligerent, wealthy alcoholic man (played by actor Malcolm McDowell) at his lakeside mansion, only to find himself falling in love with a girl while questioning his commitment to his country, according to IMBD. Parts of the movie will …
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 …
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 Hudson Valley Driver Raped, Assaulted Teens FedEx Sued After Former Hudson Valley Driver Raped, Assaulted Teens
FedEx Sued After Former Hudson Valley 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 …
New Affordable Health Center Opens In Hudson Valley Shopping Plaza: Here's Where New Affordable Health Center Opens In Hudson Valley Shopping Plaza: Here's Where
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,…
$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…
Hudson Valley Man Convicted In Fatal Stabbing Of Roommate Hudson Valley Man Convicted In Fatal Stabbing Of Roommate
Hudson Valley 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 Sentence Drug Dealer Linked To Fatal Overdose In Southeast Gets Prison Time: Here's Sentence
Drug Dealer Linked To Fatal Overdose In Southeast Gets Prison Time: Here's 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…