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…
$1M Scam: Man From Region Sentenced For Stealing Federal Funds $1M Scam: Man From Region Sentenced For Stealing Federal Funds
$1M Scam: Man From Region 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 UAlbany 18-Year-Old In Coma Nabbed Nearly Month Later, Police Say Hit-Run Biker Who Left UAlbany 18-Year-Old In Coma Nabbed Nearly Month Later, Police Say
Hit-Run Biker Who Left UAlbany 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: Man From Region Admits Abusing Victim Under Age Of 11 Child Rape Plea: Man From Region Admits Abusing Victim Under Age Of 11
Child Rape Plea: Man From Region 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.
Wrongful Conviction? Jury Misunderstood Assault Charge Against UAlbany Student, Activists Claim Wrongful Conviction? Jury Misunderstood Assault Charge Against UAlbany Student, Activists Claim
Wrongful Conviction? Jury Misunderstood Assault Charge Against UAlbany Student, Activists Claim A University at Albany student accused of slashing a woman with a knife on campus was wrongly convicted after jurors misunderstood the charges against him, activists claim. Dozens of people gathered in front of the Albany County courthouse on Wednesday, May 22, to rally in support of 20-year-old McKyle Hall, who was found guilty in connection with the September 2022 incident. According to Saratoga Black Lives Matter (BLM), the then 18-year-old Hall was attacked on campus by a group of 12 to 15 people. In an attempt to escape, he accidentally cut one of the female attackers with a knife, the…
12-Year-Old Shooter Tried Murdering Woman In Region, Police Say 12-Year-Old Shooter Tried Murdering Woman In Region, Police Say
12-Year-Old Shooter Tried Murdering Woman In Region, Police Say A 12-year-old boy is facing an attempted murder charge after allegedly shooting a woman in the region. Albany Police were called at around 4 p.m. Monday, May 13, for a shooting near South Pearl and Schuyler streets. They found a 43-year-old woman suffering from a gunshot wound to her arm. The victim was taken by ambulance to Albany Medical Center Hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators tracked down the 12-year-old suspect and arrested him in Albany on Tuesday night, May 21. It was not immediately clear whether he and the victim knew one another. The bo…
Alert Issued After Pastries Sold In NY With Undeclared Allergens Alert Issued After Pastries Sold In NY With Undeclared Allergens
Alert Issued After Pastries Sold In NY 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…
Village In Region Hit Hard By Severe Storm Village In Region Hit Hard By Severe Storm
Village In Region 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…
New York Native Sean 'Diddy' Combs Faces New Sexual Abuse Allegation: Report New York Native Sean 'Diddy' Combs Faces New Sexual Abuse Allegation: Report
New York 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…
Family Dollar Killing: Teen Admits Gunning Down Man At Store In Region Family Dollar Killing: Teen Admits Gunning Down Man At Store In Region
Family Dollar Killing: Teen Admits Gunning Down Man At Store In Region Nearly a year after a husband and father of five was shot to death outside a Family Dollar store in the region, a teenager has formally confessed to killing him. Jahteek Sanchez, age 17 or 18, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in Rensselaer County Court on Friday, May 17, in the death of Alexander Crawford. The 39-year-old Crawford, of Troy, was fatally shot on July 2, 2023, outside the Family Dollar store located near 102nd Street and 2nd Avenue in Troy.  According to Police, Sanchez and Crawford got into an argument in front of the business and Sanchez opened fire. Ear…
22-Year-Old Attacks, Robs Victim Outside Salvation Army In Region, Police Say 22-Year-Old Attacks, Robs Victim Outside Salvation Army In Region, Police Say
22-Year-Old Attacks, Robs Victim Outside Salvation Army In Region, Police Say A 22-year-old suspect is behind bars following a violent robbery in the region that sent a man to the hospital. The attack happened shortly after 8 p.m. Sunday, May 19, in Albany, outside the Salvation Army building on Clinton Avenue. When officers arrived, the 60-year-old victim told them that a man had punched him several times in the face and head, knocking him unconscious. The culprit then stole his wallet and fled the scene. The victim was taken to Albany Medical Center Hospital and treated for injuries to his face. A description of the suspect was put out over police radio, and he …
3 Employees Severely Burned In Explosion At Hydro Plant In Region 3 Employees Severely Burned In Explosion At Hydro Plant In Region
3 Employees Severely Burned In Explosion At Hydro Plant In Region Three employees are hospitalized following an explosion at a hydroelectric plant in the region. Emergency crews in Rensselaer County were called at around 8:20 a.m. Tuesday, May 21, for an explosion at the Mount Ida Hydroelectric plant in Troy, located along Poesten Kill creek near Congress and Cypress streets. Troy Fire Chief Richard Cellucci said the city was working with National Grid to shut off power at the station when three men were hit by "a large electrical arc." All three victims suffered severe burns but were able to escape the building and call 911. Two were flown to a bur…
Gilgo Beach Murders: Medical Examiner At Suspect Rex Heuermann's NY Home Amid Renewed Search Gilgo Beach Murders: Medical Examiner At Suspect Rex Heuermann's NY Home Amid Renewed Search
Gilgo Beach Murders: Medical Examiner At Suspect Rex Heuermann's NY Home Amid Renewed Search Investigators in the Gilgo Beach serial killings case were back at accused murderer Rex Heuermann’s New York home looking for additional evidence on Monday, May 20. Multiple New York State Police vehicles were seen outside Heuermann’s Long Island residence, located in Massapequa Park, throughout the day, video that was taken by NewsNation reporter Laura Ingle and posted on X shows. A team from the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office was also at the residence, and white tents could be seen setup outside. Related Report: Gilgo Four: A Look At Women At Heart Of Serial Murder Case …
Fatal Crash, Car Fire: Woman ID'd As Victim In Single-Vehicle Wreck In Area Fatal Crash, Car Fire: Woman ID'd As Victim In Single-Vehicle Wreck In Area
Fatal Crash, Car Fire: Woman ID'd As Victim In Single-Vehicle Wreck In Area Authorities have identified a woman who died in a single-vehicle crash and car fire in the region. The Saratoga County wreck happened at around 10:20 a.m. Friday, May 17, in Clifton Park. Sheriff’s officials said emergency crews were called about a single-vehicle crash and subsequent car fire that occurred on North Parkwood Drive near State Route 9. The female driver and sole occupant of the car was pronounced dead at the scene, deputies said. No other cars were involved and nobody else was injured. On Monday, May 20, deputies publicly identified the victim as Deborah Bushey, age 60, of C…
Burglar Found In Closet Threatens Area Homeowner With Liquor Bottle, Police Say Burglar Found In Closet Threatens Area Homeowner With Liquor Bottle, Police Say
Burglar Found In Closet Threatens Area Homeowner With Liquor Bottle, Police Say A man broke into a stranger’s home in the region before threatening to harm the victim with a liquor bottle, police said. The Saratoga County incident happened just before 2 p.m. Sunday, May 19, in the town of Halfmoon. Sheriff’s officials said a woman called 911 saying she had found a burglar hiding in her closet after she arrived at her residence on Hudson River Road. The man threatened her with a liquor bottle before slapping her phone from her hand to stop her from calling the police, she told investigators. He allegedly then stole alcohol before fleeing the home. The woman, who has …
Councilman From Region Dies Suddenly At 54 Councilman From Region Dies Suddenly At 54
Councilman From Region 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 Region 18-Year-Old Admits Accidentally Shooting GF During Family Fight In Region
18-Year-Old Admits Accidentally Shooting GF During Family Fight In Region 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…
Man From Region Admits Attacking Corrections Officer Man From Region Admits Attacking Corrections Officer
Man From Region 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 Driver In Region Raped, Assaulted Teens FedEx Sued After Former Driver In Region Raped, Assaulted Teens
FedEx Sued After Former Driver In Region 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…
Child Sex Abuser Who Fled Police, Crashed Car Into River In Region Pleads Guilty Child Sex Abuser Who Fled Police, Crashed Car Into River In Region Pleads Guilty
Child Sex Abuser Who Fled Police, Crashed Car Into River In Region Pleads Guilty A Hudson Valley man who crashed his car into a river while attempting to flee from police formally confessed to sexually abusing a child. Orange County resident Craig Merlock, age 45, of Goshen, pleaded guilty to predatory sexual assault against a child in Orange County Court on Wednesday, May 15. According to prosecutors, he admitted that he engaged in oral sex with a child who was under the age of 13 in July 2023. Earlier Report: Hudson Valley Man Wanted For Child Sex Assault, Flees, Drives Car Into River Months later, on Sunday, Feb. 25, troopers spotted Merlock driving around G…
Capitol Riot: MTA Worker, Wife From NY Participated In Jan. 6 Breach, Feds Say Capitol Riot: MTA Worker, Wife From NY Participated In Jan. 6 Breach, Feds Say
Capitol Riot: MTA Worker, Wife From NY Participated In Jan. 6 Breach, Feds Say A husband and wife from New York are the latest to be charged in connection with the breach of the US Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Long Island residents Kevin Moore, age 61, and Carol Moore, age 57, of Massapequa, are named in a four-count criminal complaint that was filed in US District Court in Washington, DC on Monday, May 13. According to investigators, the couple attended then-President Donald Trump’s speech at the Ellipse that morning before making their way to the Capitol building. Along the way, Carol Moore was seen draped in a blue Trump flag. Earlier Report: Pot-Smoking NY Rioter …
'Microsoft' Scammer From Region Cons Woman Out Of $8K, Police Say 'Microsoft' Scammer From Region Cons Woman Out Of $8K, Police Say
'Microsoft' Scammer From Region Cons Woman Out Of $8K, Police Say A man from the region conned an unsuspecting victim out of thousands by posing as a Microsoft employee, police said. Ming Shan Zhu, age 33, of Albany, was arrested on suspicion of grand larceny Tuesday, May 14, following a multi-agency investigation. Bethlehem Police said they were contacted by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office in Florida after someone called a woman there claiming they worked for Microsoft. The scammer told the victim they needed $8,500 in Lowe’s gift cards in order to repair her computer. The woman then went to the retailer and bought 17 gift cards worth $500 each and gav…
New Affordable Health Center Opens In Shopping Plaza In Region: Here's Where New Affordable Health Center Opens In Shopping Plaza In Region: Here's Where
New Affordable Health Center Opens In Shopping Plaza In Region: Here's Where 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 From Area Paid Friend To Stab Neighbor To Death, Jury Finds Contract Killing: Man From Area Paid Friend To Stab Neighbor To Death, Jury Finds
Contract Killing: Man From Area Paid Friend To Stab 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 Orange County Home Of Trooper's Father After Getting Traffic Tickets: DA Man Sets Fire To Orange County Home Of Trooper's Father After Getting Traffic Tickets: DA
Man Sets Fire To Orange County 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 …