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6 Arrested in Connection with Fatal Evergreen Fire in Spring Valley

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4 years ago

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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.

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Crime

Clarkstown Man Sentenced To 21 Years In Prison For Distributing Fentanyl

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7 hours ago

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February 23, 2025

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Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino and Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced today that following a 2022 investigation by the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force, Clarkstown PD, and the Drug Enforcement Administration into Justin Turnick, 26 of Congers, New York, has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Philip M. Halpern to over 21 years in prison.
Turnick previously pled guilty to conspiring to distribute fentanyl. In his plea agreement, TURNICK took responsibility for distributing fentanyl that resulted in three fatal fentanyl poisonings and three non-fatal fentanyl poisonings of teenagers and young adults between February 2020 and April 2022 in Rockland County, New York.
According to the allegations in the federal Indictment, Court filings, and statements made in Court:
Turnick engaged in the regular distribution of narcotics to members of his community in Rockland County, New York, including his friends, partners, and acquaintances. He knowingly distributed fentanyl — a deadly and highly potent opioid — in various forms, including fentanyl that had been packaged into pills, pure fentanyl, and fentanyl-laced powder.
Turnick distributed fentanyl that resulted in three fatal and three non-fatal poisonings:
– On or about February 3, 2020, Gustaf Olsen died at age 19 as a result of fentanyl received from Turnick.
– On or about July 11, 2020, Jonathan Shashoua died at age 22 as a result of fentanyl received from Turnick.
– On or about January 5, 2021, an 18-year-old girl experienced a non-fatal poisoning as a result of fentanyl received from Turnick.
– On or about July 30, 2021, Ione Koenig experienced a non-fatal poisoning as a result of fentanyl received from Turnick.
– On or about July 31, 2021, Ione Koenig died at age 18 as a result of fentanyl received from Turnick.
– On or about April 19, 2022, a 23-year-old man experienced a non-fatal poisoning as a result of fentanyl received from Turnick.
In addition to the prison sentence, Turnick was sentenced to 5 years of supervised release.
“Today’s sentencing reflects the commitment the DEA and our law enforcement partners have in targeting those individuals who are poisoning our communities. Fentanyl is a lethal drug that dealers mix into their product knowing the harmful effects it presents to those using it, including death” stated DEA New York Division Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino. “While we can never bring back those lives lost by Mr. Tunick’s reckless actions, the DEA will always continue to bring those responsible for this deadly distribution to justice.”
“The actions by the defendant in this case resulted in three individuals losing their lives and harming countless others. My Office is committed to keeping fentanyl and illegal narcotics off of our streets and our residents safe. I would like to commend the excellent work by the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force, Clarkstown Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Prosecutors from the Southern District of New York to hold the defendant accountable. Mr. Turnick will be facing a lengthy prison sentence for his actions.” said District Attorney Tom Walsh
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan W. Allison and Kathryn Wheelock. Some information above is from the Southern District of New York.

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Crime

FBI Offers $25,000 Reward for Information Leading To A Conviction In The Murder of Nicholas Jasiel In Spring Valley

Published

3 days ago

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February 20, 2025

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The FBI is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the identity, arrest, and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for the murder of Nicholas Jasiel.
At approximately 9:00 p.m., on December 7, 2019, 19-year-old Nicholas Jasiel was shot while in the street at the corner of Dwight Avenue and Mallory Road in the Hillcrest section of Spring Valley, New York, resulting in his death.
If you have any information concerning this person, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate. FBI NYC Field Office can be reached at (212) 384-1000.

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