Criminal Justice

Inquiring Photographer: Thoughts on the Controversy Surrounding Long Island Rep. George Santos

By DAVID GREENE
This week, amid new allegations of financial misconduct, reports of a federal investigation, and widespread calls for his resignation, we asked readers their thoughts on newly sworn-in, Republican congressman, Rep. George Santos (NY-3), who represents parts of Long Island and who, according to media reports, has admitted to lying about his experience and education. As reported recently by Norwood News, local Norwood congressman, Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY-15) has also called for an investigation into Santos’ campaign finances.   “You shouldn’t be a politician if you can’t be as honest as you’re supposed to be. If he was my representative, I would


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Man Gets 5 Years for Pulling Gun in Bronx Playground

By SÍLE MOLONEY
  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced Jan. 25 that a Manhattan man was sentenced to five years in prison after a jury convicted him of weapon possession for displaying a loaded gun in a Marble Hill playground.   “The defendant threatened the safety of the community, striking fear in people who use the Marble Hill Playground as a place to take their family,” Clark said. “The jury in this case was able to review the evidence and came back with a guilty verdict. We are sending a clear message that we are not tolerating gun violence in the


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University Heights: Police Release New Media in Search for Suspects Sought for Assault on Police Officer

By SÍLE MOLONEY
POLICE RELEASED THIS initial video of a person of interest sought for questioning by the NYPD in connection to an assault on a police officer that occurred on Nov. 22, 2022, at 2287 Loring Avenue in the University Heights section of The Bronx. Video courtesy of the NYPD. Police have released additional photos and video in the context of an assault on a police officer that took place in University Heights last November.   Officers from the 52nd Precinct had been asking for the public’s help identifying the two people seen in the attached media who were sought for questioning


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UPDATE Westchester Square: NYPD Launch Murder Inquiry after Boy, 15, Dies Apparently from Neck Trauma

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The NYPD has launched a murder inquiry following an incident in the Westchester Square section of The Bronx in which a 15-year-old boy died.   Police said that on Monday, Jan. 23, at around. 4.18 p.m., police responded to a 911 call regarding an aided, unconscious male who was inside an apartment building located on Doris Street.   “Prior to the arrival of police, EMS responded to the location and transported an unconscious and unresponsive 15-year-old male to NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi, where he was pronounced deceased,” an NYPD spokesperson said. “Further investigation revealed the male victim had sustained trauma


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Former SBA President Ed Mullins Pleads Guilty to Misappropriating SBA Funds

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Former president of the NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA), Ed Mullins, has pled guilty to misappropriating $600,000 from the SBA, it was announced on Thursday, Jan. 19. The news was confirmed in a brief press release by the SBA, whose current president is Vincent J. Vallelong.    “During his plea allocution, Mullins admitted to defrauding the union by submitting inflated expense reimbursement reports as well as characterizing personal expenses as SBA expenses, which he knew to be false,” the SBA statement read. “As part of the plea, the court entered a preliminary forfeiture order in the amount of $600,000. As


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Misdemeanor Mental Health Court Launches in Westchester County

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah joined advocates and government partners on Jan. 19 in announcing the launch of the Westchester Misdemeanor Wellness Court (WMWC), which will offer eligible individuals community-based, mental health treatment and services as an alternative to conventional prosecution.   Rocah said she was grateful to the courts and partner advocates for heeding the call and helping bring to Westchester County a misdemeanor mental health court. She said the court would serve as a practical and humane alternative for individuals who commit low-level crimes, and are in need of treatment and services.   “In addition to


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UPDATE Three Corrections Officers Charged with Misconduct, Falsifying Records amid Altercation with Inmate

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced Wednesday, Jan. 17, that three NYC Department of Corrections (DOC) officers have been charged with falsifying business records, official misconduct, and related charges for allegedly making false and misleading reports after one of the correction officers allegedly struck a Rikers Island inmate.   Clark said defendants, Carl Williams, 31, Roy Dewar, 58, and Jatan Das, 64, were arraigned on Jan. 17, on charges of first-degree falsifying business records, first-degree offering a false instrument for filing, second-degree falsifying business records, second-degree offering a false instrument for filing, and official misconduct. She said Williams was


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Williamsbridge: Wakefield Man Arrested following Fatal Shooting of 62-Year-Old Russell Scott Wells

By SÍLE MOLONEY
  A man has been a arrested following the fatal shooting of Russell Scott Wells in Williamsbridge, police said.   As reported, the NYPD launched a murder investigation following the fatal shooting of the 62-year-old man last October.   According to an NYPD spokesperson, on Saturday, Oct. 22, at approximately 5.08 a.m., police responded to a “ShotSpotter activation,” a device used to track the sound of gunshots, at 763 East 219th Street.   Upon arrival, officers from the 47th Precinct found a 62-year-old male, unconscious and unresponsive, with a gunshot wound to his head. “EMS responded to the location and


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Belmont: Charges Against 16-Year-Old Announced in Police-Involved Non-Fatal Shooting

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Charges have been announced following the arrest of an unnamed 16-year-old male following a police-involved shooting in Belmont, police said.   A police officer from the 48th Precinct public safety team is recovering at St. Barnabas Hospital in Belmont following a multiple shooting incident that occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, Jan. 17 in Belmont, police said. They said a 16-year-old male was taken into custody following the incident and two others are still sought. No details of any charges pertaining to the 16-year-old were initially announced during the press conference.   A press conference was held later on


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