By DEVON ST. CLAIRE

On Saturday, a Cohoes woman was arrested and charged with two counts of promoting prison contraband. She was also charged with trying to smuggle drugs into Downstate Correctional Facility in Fishkill.

Her name was Erin Kowalewski, 39, and she was also charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, criminal possession of a controlled substance, and a misdemeanor for drug possession. She was going to visit an inmate and intended to provide him with the drugs, stated Police. Diazepam, Suboxone, hydrocodone and marijuana was found in her possession. She was sent to the Dutchess County Jail in lieu of $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 bond.

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By JUSTICE CAMPBELL

 

A 57-year-old Brooklyn man recklessly killed a 35-year-old Queens cyclist and advocate Matthew von Ohlen. He left the scene of the fatal crash and was sentenced to five to 15 years in prison.

 

“The reckless and dastardly actions of this defendant took the life of a beloved cyclist and advocate for safe streets. We cannot tolerate this kind of violent behavior by motorists and I am committed to continue doing my part in ensuring the safety of everyone who uses Brooklyn roads – drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike,” said Acting District Attorney Gonzalez.

 

The defendant has been identified as Juan Maldonado, 57, of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Today he was sentenced to the maximum sentence of five to 15 years in prison by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Suzanne Mondo. This sentence followed last month’s conviction of second-degree manslaughter, leaving the scene of an incident without reporting and reckless driving after a jury trial. The Department of Motor Vehicles has been contacted by the judge who requested a lifetime revocation of the defendant’s driving license.

 

On July 2, 2016, at approximately 2:37 a.m., the defendant was behind the wheel of a black Chevy Camaro in the vicinity of Grand Street and Manhattan Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, states the Acting District Attorney.

 

The defendant sped through a red light at an intersection, swerved into a designated bike lane on Grand Street where the victim was riding his bike, and then struck the victim. The defendant hit the victim’s bicycle from behind causing the victim to fall according to the evidence. The defendant ran over the victim and dragged him approximately 10 to 20 feet as he continued driving and sped away. The victim was pronounced dead after he was taken to Bellevue Hospital. Blunt force trauma was the cause of death.

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By DEVON ST. CLAIRE

The New York State Fraternal Order of Police, Empire State Lodge, the oldest and largest national association of law enforcement professionals with over 20,000 members statewide, along with significant, deep support from law enforcement unions on Long Island and New York City endorsed Nassau County Executive candidate Jack Martins.

“We have based our endorsement upon Jack Martins’ demonstrated and continued support of police professionals. Further, as police professionals who most experience and witness the trauma and effects of criminal behavior wrecked upon our fellow citizens, we understand, all too well, the significance of dedicated public servants like Jack who possess the courage and compassion to promote the confidence in our government and courts.” said, President Michael Essig.

Jack Martins said, ”I am honored to have the endorsement of the New York State Fraternal Order of Police. The men and women of the NYS FOP put their lives on the line every day to keep New Yorkers safe. I am proud that they trust in my experience and ability to lead Nassau County forward.”

Jack Martins substantially reduced Mineola’s debt and returned the village to a sound financial footing by developing balanced fiscally responsible budgets and debt management plans. He also expanded the village’s economic base through smart growth principles and led the effort to create Mineola’s award-winning master redevelopment plan.

As a State Senator, Martins cut state taxes on middle class families to the lowest level in 50 years, enacting the state property tax cap and delivering record state funding for Nassau County schools all while enacting an historic series of balanced, on-time state budgets.

Martins has the right experience and ability to lead Nassau forward along with securing deep union support for his candidacy, in particular with law enforcement unions. His union support includes: the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association, Patrolman’s Benevolent Association of the City of New York, the Correction Officer Benevolent Association, the Superior Officers Union, Nassau Correction Officers Benevolent Association, Detectives’ Association Incorporated, Deputy Sheriff’s Benevolent Association, Inc., Police Medic Benevolent Association, Fire Marshal Benevolent Association, Local 237 Teamsters, the Northeast Regional Council of Carpenters and the NYC District Council of Carpenters, the Civil Service Employees Association. Martins has also earned the endorsement of former New York Governor George E. Pataki and Congressman Peter King.

Jack Martins is the Republican, Conservative and Reform Party nominee for Nassau County Executive. Jack is a former three-term New York State Senator, the former Mayor of Mineola, and he lives in Nassau with his wife and four daughters. Jack Martins is focused on making Nassau County a better place to live, work and raise a family. As Nassau County Executive, Jack is committed to ending the corruption that has compromised the public’s trust in government, protecting local property taxpayers and creating an economic renaissance to provide a brighter future for the middle class.  The election is November 7, 2017.

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By JUSTICE CAMPBELL

On September 21, 2016 former New York City Police officer, Eduardo Cornejo, plead guilty to conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor. He was sentenced to 66 months in prison, five years of supervised release, and sex offender registration. Cornejo was ordered to pay $5,000 in forfeiture. United States District Judge Brian M. Cogan imposed the sentence.

Acting United States Attorney Rohde stated, “Cornejo conspired to engage in the sex trafficking of a 16-year-old girl during his off-duty time, a violation of his oath to protect the community and uphold the law. Together with our law enforcement partners, this Office will continue to address and bring to justice those who occupy positions of trust at any level and who engage in criminal conduct.”

Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney said, “The subject in this case used information he knew from being a sworn member of law enforcement to elude officers who would know he was doing something illegal. He was aware of the laws, and continued to break them even after being arrested.  We wear badges as law enforcement to serve and protect our communities, not to endanger and exploit children for financial gain.”

The then-NYPD police officer Cornejo engaged in an interstate prostitution scheme that involved at least 10 different women, according to court documents. Upon completing a tour a duty with the NYPD Cornejo transported the women to motels throughout the New York metropolitan area, including New Jersey and Long Island. The illegal purposes of his activities were confirmed by judicially authorized interceptions of communications inside Cornejo’s vehicle.  Cornejo was heard saying, “The girls is at the [a motel] so it nice and clean, it’s picking up now it was alright last night.”  Soon thereafter, he stated, “That might make it hot though, standing outside with a bunch of girls. . . . [Members of law enforcement] going to know what’s up real quick.”

At least one of the women transported by Cornejo (“Jane Doe”) appeared to be particularly young, when members of law enforcement observed this in January 2016.  Members of law enforcement interviewed Jane Doe shortly after members of law enforcement observed Cornejo transport her to a motel since they were concerned about the possibility that Cornejo might be trafficking a minor. Even though Jane Doe presented an identification document reflecting that she had turned 18 years old two months earlier, further investigation revealed that Cornejo began transporting Jane Doe to participate in prostitution activity when she was just 16 years old. It was also confirmed that she engaged in commercial sexual acts at Cornejo’s direction.  In his post-arrest statement, Cornejo confirmed that he had transported Jane Doe for numerous months with the intent that she engage in prostitution.

When Judge Cogan revoked Cornejo’s bond, Cornejo has been in custody since August 10, 2016. Cornejo had been continuing to promote prostitution by driving multiple women to motels throughout the New York metropolitan area even after his arrest and release on bond.

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By JUSTICE CAMBELL

Four gang members were sentenced to 25 years to life in prison after being convicted of robbery and murder at trial earlier this year. Today a fifth gang member has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty.

“Today’s sentencing brings to justice the final defendant in this harrowing case in which an innocent young man was killed and his brother was injured. We have now held all five defendants who participated in the robbery accountable and ensured they will spend many years in prison for their actions,” says Acting District Attorney Gonzalez.

The defendant has been identified as Celestino Martinez, 25, of Prospect Park South, in Brooklyn. Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Evelyn Laporte sentenced him to 20 years in prison and five years’ post-release supervision following his guilty plea to first-degree manslaughter on August 16, 2017. Four co-defendants, Carmello Bello, 28, and Miguel Bello, 34, of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Javier Ortiz, 35, and Martin Carillo, 36 of Sunset Park, Brooklyn were convicted of second-degree murder and first-degree robbery earlier this year following a jury trial before Justice Laporte. Each of the defendants was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.

On September 7, 2014, at approximately 1:50 a.m., on Myrtle Avenue in Bedford Stuyvesant, the defendants approached and demanded money from the victims, Juan Carlos Luna-Juarez, 23, and his 27-year-old brother as they returned home from work. The defendants, repeatedly punched, kicked and stabbed the two victims, when they did not comply. According to the trial testimony the defendants stole a bike and backpack. Juan Juarez was stabbed approximately 10 times and died as the result of a puncture wound to the heart, said The Acting District Attorney.

Shortly after the attack all members of the Ninos Malos gang, were apprehended near the crime scene. Two of the defendants had blood on their clothing, which was later determined to belong to the victims, and officers found a knife in the pocket of one defendant, at the time of their arrest. Two additional knives were recovered from the crime scene. The evidence also showed that the defendant Miguel Bello subsequently admitted to being at the crime scene and stabbing someone.

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By JUSTICE CAMPBELL

Wilber Quintana is a NYS parolee of Bennett Avenue, Rochester NY who was arrested for trespassing on Gentile’s Farm Market located at 1080 Penfield Road on Wednesday, August 30, 2017.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office announced that deputies were in the area of 1092 Penfield Road conducting investigations involving a burglary, several vehicle larcenies and a stolen vehicle. On Wednesday, around 6:30 in the morning while deputies were on scene investigating these incidents, a neighbor informed the deputies that a male ran from the area when he saw the deputies arrive. After the deputies found the male in the area of 1060 Penfield Road and chased him on foot, the male was taken into custody.

Investigators believe the suspect identified as Wilber Quintana, is also responsible for a number of burglaries, stolen vehicles and car larcenies in Monroe County. The investigation is ongoing.

Sheriff Patrick O’Flynn comments, ”Once again we see the all-too familiar story of a lifelong criminal with an extensive record victimizing our community while under the supervision of New York State parole. We will continue to work with our local law enforcement partners to push for parole reform at the state level.”

Quintana is currently being held without bail on a parole violation in the Monroe County Jail.

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By JUSTICE CAMPBELL

Today 29 gang members have been indicted in attacks on fellow inmates and two New York City Department of Correction Officers in Rikers Island, announced Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark.

“Some of these defendants may have thought they were free and clear for crimes on Rikers Island because they had left there, but if you beat, slash or stab anyone while in jail we will arrest you, prosecute you and urge consecutive sentences if you’re convicted. No one will escape justice for violence committed against inmates or staff. These indictments show that you will pay for such brutality,”  states District Attorney Clark.

The defendants are charged with disfiguring an inmate with multiple cuts, beating a Correction Officer who was protecting a slashed inmate, and attacking a rookie Correction Officer with a chair, fists and feet. They’ve been charged with four separate incidents as well.

Acting Department of Correction Commissioner Brann said, “These arrests send a clear message: If you violently assault our hardworking staff or people in our custody, you will suffer certain consequences. Regardless of whether you have already been released, you will be prosecuted for any violent acts committed while in custody. We thank the Bronx D.A, the NYPD, the court, and our Correction Intelligence Bureau and Investigation Division for their work on these cases.”

The defendants — members of the Bloods, Trinitarians,  MS-13 and Folk Nation gangs — were brought before the court by the Bronx District Attorney’s Rikers Island Prosecution Bureau, the DOC Correction Intelligence Bureau and the NYPD Field Intelligence Investigation Unit, in a coordinated effort dubbed “Operation Zero Tolerance.” Nine of the defendants are currently incarcerated in state prison where they are serving sentences for various crimes, 13 defendants are currently in DOC custody, five defendants were arrested on felony warrants, one defendant is in federal custody and one defendant remains at large.

One of the indictments charges six men with second-degree Harassment, third-degree Assault, fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon first and second-degree Gang Assault, two counts of first-degree Assault, and three counts of second-degree Assault. The defendants attacked an inmate, causing multiple, deep lacerations to his face, arms and hands, requiring over 100 sutures according to the investigation, on Oct. 20, 2016.

On Jan. 24, 2017 the defendants slashed an inmate in a housing area. Another indictment charges eight defendants with two counts of second-degree Assault and two counts of Obstructing Governmental Administration.

In the third indictment, six defendants are charged with third-degree Menacing, second-degree Obstructing Governmental Administration, three counts of second-degree Assault and fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon. On Feb. 20, 2017 the defendants covered a camera with peanut butter, put sheets over their heads and beat a rookie Correction Officer, striking him with a chair, according to the investigation.

In the fourth indictment, nine defendants are charged with four counts of second-degree Assault, two counts of second-degree Harassment, two counts of third-degree Menacing, two counts of third-degree Assault, and second-degree Obstructing Governmental Administration.  On Nov. 17, 2016, the defendants proceeded to beat a Correction Officer when the officer got between the attackers and the victimized inmate. They also slashed an inmate.

The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Tiesha R. Peal and Gary Kropkowski of the Rikers Island Prosecution Bureau, under the supervision of Sheryl Konigsberg and Carmen Martinez, Supervisors of the Bureau, and Deanna Logan, Chief of the Rikers Island Prosecution Bureau; and the overall supervision of Stuart Levy, Deputy Chief of the Investigations Division and Jean T. Walsh, Chief of the Investigations Division.

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By JUSTICE CAMPBELL

A Brooklyn court officer has been indicted for official misconduct and other charges for allegedly coercing a woman to perform a sex act on him in a public stairwell while she was waiting in Criminal Court, states Acting Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. The victim believed that her boyfriends case would be adversely impacted if she didn’t comply. She also believed that the defendant would help her boyfriends case if she did comply.

“What this defendant – a public servant – allegedly did was a disgrace to his fellow court officers who day in and day out serve the public with respect and work hard to keep our courthouses safe. He allegedly abused his authority to exploit a young woman who needed assistance in order to gratify himself. Such conduct will not be tolerated and we will now seek to hold him accountable for this despicable act,” said Acting District Attorney Gonzalez

 

The defendant has been identified as Sergeant Timothy Nolan, 58, of Lake Grove, NY, by The Acting District Attorney. Today he was charged with official misconduct, second-degree coercion, public lewdness and exposure of a person, before the Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun. He was ordered to return to court on October 4, 2017 and released without bail. If convicted of the top count, the defendant faces up to a year in jail.

On October 21, 2016, the victim – who was 25-years-old at the time – was in Brooklyn Criminal Court at 120 Schermerhorn Street to bail out her boyfriend. According to the investigation, while she was sitting in the hallway, she was approached by the defendant, who was on duty and in uniform.

The investigation found that the defendant told her to take a walk with him and led her to a public stairwell. He allegedly told her “I got you” and “I will take care of you,” then exposed himself and asked for a sexual act. It is alleged that the victim took the statements to mean that the defendant would help with bailing out her boyfriend if she complied, but would adversely impact his case if she didn’t.

The defendant allegedly fondled the victim and grabbed her by the hair, and attempted to kiss her as she performed a sex act on him.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney William Neri of the District Attorney’s Blue Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Robert Walsh, Bureau Chief.

 

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By R. J. NICHOLAS

Trifon Dimitropoulos has always been fascinated with film. He graduated from Seton Hall University in 2006 with a degree in Film & Philosophy. From there, Trifon was an assistant editor at As The World Turns, where he coincidentally met his mentor, Bob Mackler, who is a 3 time Emmy award winning editor. Dimitropoulos would begin to start writing his own scripts and in turn, start to direct his own short films. They would range from comedy web series to a few thrillers.

Not until 2013, is when Trifon started plotting his first feature, The Method, a psychological thriller, which was released in 2015. The film was screened privately in Tribeca & Red Bank, NJ & was selected to a few film festivals that gave Trifon momentum that would inspire him towards his next project, The Five In Merseyside, which will begin shooting in late August of 2017.

The Five In Merseyside is a tale of a post apocalyptic world, where a small town does whatever it takes to survive. World War III has just ended and immigrants from England come over state side to create their own “Merseyside” (An actual town in Liverpool). Five babies are born at the same time and grow up together, only to wake up with a virus on their 21st birthdays that in turn has them wreak havoc throughout the beloved makeshift town. Trifon will tell you it is a hybrid between Django Unchained & 28 Days Later. He describes the film as a Sci-Fi / Spaghetti Western.

Watching movies at an early age propelled Dimitropoulos for his passion of film. Growing up watching films directed by Tarantino, Scorsese, Fincher, Kubrick & The Coen Brothers has had such an impact on his vision. Pushing the envelope and provoking human thought are two main reasons why he’s become a filmmaker.

“I thrive on energy and emotion. The decisions I make with my projects are simply coming from the heart. Nothing more. I want the audience to have many emotions as they watch my work. Telling a story, character development, great acting, production value…..these are all essential. However these don’t come to life unless you create vibrations for your crew and talent. Its all about rhythm. And that stems from my heart and the passion I have for my vision….”

 

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By JUSTICE CAMPBELL

Today, a 31-year-old man was sentenced to 10 years in prison for attempting to rape a woman who was walking on a sidewalk in Williamsburg said Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. Another man and his stepson were exiting their car at the same time the attempted rape was taking place. They saw the man on top of the woman and came to her rescue.

“I commend the men who thwarted this horrific attack and helped the police catch this violent defendant. He’s a dangerous person who has now been held accountable for his actions and removed from the streets of Brooklyn” said, Acting District Attorney Gonzalez.

 

The defendant was identified by the Acting District Attorney as Todd Deas, 31, of Porter Street, Brooklyn. Today he appeared before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Dena Douglas and was sentenced to 10 years in prison and 15 years’ post-release supervision. Todd Deas pleaded guilty to first-degree attempted rape on July 18, 2017.

On October 18, 2016, at approximately 12:25 a.m., in the vicinity of White and McKibben Street, according to investigation, the defendant followed a 27-year-old woman as she was walking along McKibben Street. He was trying to talk to her. The victim attempted to walk away from him while at the same time ignoring him but he grabbed her arm. The next thing the victim remembered was waking up in the ambulance.

Two men had just parked their car and when they heard a disturbance. One male was 28 years-old and the other was his 46-year-old stepfather. They saw the defendant repeatedly slamming the woman’s body onto the ground while on top of her. When the men approached, the defendant stood up, tightened his pants and walked away. The older man stayed with the woman, whose pantyhose and underwear had been ripped off of one leg.

The 28 year-old man called 911 while pursuing the defendant on foot. He then flagged down a passing patrol car and canvassed the area with police. With the assistance of these two men the defendant was apprehended on Harrison Place.

The woman had been strangled by the defendant, which left her in and our of consciousness. A bone fracture resulted in her inner neck and she was badly beaten about the face. Her one eye was swollen shut and the other badly bruised, she also suffered numerous cuts and scratches on her face and neck.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Michelle Haddad and Senior Assistant District Attorney Lauren Silver, of the District Attorney’s Special Victims’ Bureau. While under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Miss Gregory, Bureau Chief.

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