Crime

6 Arrested in Connection with Fatal Evergreen Fire in Spring Valley

Published

3 years ago

June 30, 2021

Rockland County District Attorney Tom Walsh announced the arrests of 4 Rockland County men as a result of the multi-agency 3-month long investigation into the fatal fire in the Evergreen Assisted Living Home on March 23, 2021, claiming the life of Volunteer Firefighter Jared Lloyd and a resident of the facility.

The identities of the individuals, as well as their charges, are attached to this press release. The investigation into the tragic fire is still ongoing and limits the amount of information that can be shared at this time.

Aaron Sommer and Nathaniel Sommer are both charged with the same crimes for their actions that have been determined to cause the fire. They were both arraigned in Spring Valley Justice Court before the Honorable David Fried. Bail was set and they were transported to the Rockland County Jail. Wayne Ballard and Raymond Canario are charged with falsely filing reports to New York State regarding fire inspections. Both men were processed and released on appearance tickets. They will appear in Spring Valley Justice Court in July. Two arrest warrants were issued for Denise Kerr and Manuel Lema. Their charges are for their actions from within the facility prior to the start of the fire.

Watch full press conference below

FULL LIST OF CHARGES:

Nathaniel Sommer

Manslaughter in the 2nd Degree (2 Counts)
Assault in the 2nd Degree (2 Counts)
Arson in the 4th Degree
Assault in the 3rd Degree (7 Counts)
Reckless Endangerment in the 2nd Degree (2 Counts)

Aaron Sommer

Manslaughter in the 2nd Degree (2 Counts)
Assault in the 2nd Degree (2 Counts)
Arson in the 4th Degree
Assault in the 3rd Degree (7 Counts)
Reckless Endangerment in the 2nd Degree (2 Counts)

Wayne Ballard

Offering False Instrument 1st Degree
Falsifying Bus. Records 2nd Degree

Raymond Canario

Offering False Instrument 1st Degree (3 Counts)
Falsifying Bus. Records 2nd Degree (3 Counts)

Denise Kerr

Reckless Endangerment in the 2nd Degree

Manuel Lema

Criminal Impersonation in the 2nd Degree
Obstructing Governmental Administration

The investigation involves the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, Spring Valley Police Department, Rockland County Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York State Police, and the Rockland County District Attorney’s Special Investigations Unit. The case is being prosecuted by Executive Assistant District Attorney Michael Dugandzic and Senior Assistant District Attorney Ryan Sweeney.

Rockland County District Attorney Tom Walsh said, “Today is a culmination of an intensive multi- agency investigation that left no stone unturned. I informed the Lloyd family of the arrests made today.

While we can’t bring Jared back, today is a step in the right direction. Although we have made arrests in this case, the investigation is far from over.”

Photo via Rockland County DA/Instagram.

Crime

HPD Announce Arrest Of A Staten Island Man For Burglary Of Pomona Business

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Rockland Report Admin

The Haverstraw Police Department announces the arrest of Jeffrey Reader (33) of Staten Island, New York in connection with a burglary of a Pomona business that occurred in March 2024.

Reader was located and arrested yesterday in Staten Island by the Haverstraw Police Department and transported back to Rockland County where he is charged with Burglary 3rd degree (Class D Felony), Criminal Mischief 4th degree (Class A Misdemeanor) and Petit Larceny (Class A Misdemeanor). Reader was arraigned last evening and remanded into custody of the Rockland County Correctional Facility.

It should be noted that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Crime

Haverstraw Man Sentenced To State Prison Following Jury Trial Conviction On Felony Sexual Abuse Charge

Published

3 weeks ago

November 1, 2024

Rockland Report Admin

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced today that Elmer Oviedo Sandoval, 47 of Haverstraw, New York was sentenced to six years in state prison following an August 8, 2024, conviction after a Rockland County jury trial on one count of Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the Second Degree (Class D Felony).

From 2016 to 2019, beginning when the victim was nine years old, the defendant subjected her to sexual contact on multiple occasions while she resided in two separate residences within the Town of Ramapo. In 2023, when the victim 16 years old, disclosed the previous abuse by the defendant to her mother and it was reported to the Ramapo Police Department.

District Attorney Tom Walsh said, “Sexual abuse of a minor is a heinous crime, leaving victims with lasting physical, emotional, and psychological effects. I admire the courage of the victim in this case who bravely came forward to tell her story. I commend the thorough and professional prosecution by the Assistant District Attorneys and investigation by the Ramapo Police Department working with the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Special Victims. My Office will continue to work tirelessly to protect and keep innocent children in our community safe.”

On October 29, 2024, the defendant was sentenced by Judge Anne Bianchi to six years in state prison followed by ten years of post-release supervision. Once the defendant is released from prison, he will be required to register as a Sex Offender.

The investigation was conducted by the Town of Ramapo Police Department with assistance from the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Special Victims Unit. Supervising Assistant District Attorney Gerard M. Damiani III and Senior Assistant District Attorney Kaitlin Deluca prosecuted the case.