Crime

Ramapo Gymnastics Coach Joseph Lewin Pleads Guilty To Sex Abuse Charges

Published

7 years ago

June 22, 2019

Rockland County Sheriff's Office/Daily Voice

RAMAPO, NY – Joseph Lewin (also goes by Lewondaski) 67 years old, who now lives in Port Chester, has admitted to having sexual contact with minors during a hearing on Tuesday, June 18, in which he pleaded guilty, said the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office.

Lewin admitted to having sexual contact with young individuals at Joe’s Gym in Hillburn between 2007 and 2014. In addition to Joe’s Gym, Lewin was also co-owner and director of Universal Gymnastics in Spring Valley, The Mini Gym of Pomona, and was the founder of Mini Gym program for preschoolers and gymnastics in White Plains. (via Daily Voice)

“As a youth coach, this defendant held a position of power over his students,” said acting Rockland County District Attorney Kevin Gilleece. “He abused their trust and took advantage of his vulnerable victims. He has pled guilty, waived his right to appeal and will now be held accountable for the terrible crimes he committed.”

The 68-year-old, who is scheduled to be sentenced in September, faces four years in state prison, according to the Rockland County district attorney’s office.

Lewin must also register as a sex offender under the provisions of ‘Megan’s Law’ and remain under supervision for five years after his release from prison.

Crime

Attempted Murder Arrest After Barbershop Shooting in Ramapo; Suspect in Custody

Published

18 hours ago

April 18, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Police in Ramapo have arrested a suspect in connection with a late-night shooting that left a man seriously injured.

According to the Ramapo Police Department, officers responded around 10:30 p.m. on April 17, 2026, to reports of gunfire at Veloz Barbershop. When officers arrived, they found a 59-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

Emergency responders from Rockland Paramedics and Spring Hill Ambulance treated the victim at the scene before transporting him to Westchester Medical Center. Officials said he is currently listed in stable condition.

Authorities said the suspect fled the scene in a vehicle but was later located by a patrol unit from the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office near 150 West Eckerson Road. Responding Ramapo officers took the 50-year-old man into custody without incident.

The Spring Valley Police Department and New York State Police assisted at the scene. Investigators later recovered both the vehicle believed to have been used in the incident and the firearm at a separate location, with help from the Rockland County Sheriff’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

The suspect has been charged with attempted murder in the second degree, assault in the first degree, reckless endangerment in the first degree, and criminal use of a firearm. He was arraigned before Judge Silva, who set bail at $750,000 cash, $900,000 bond, or $1,000,000 partially secured bond. The defendant was remanded to the Rockland County Jail pending a future court appearance.

Police said the shooting appears to be an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Crime

Spring Valley Double Murder Arrest: Two Charged in 2025 Dutch Lane Shooting

Published

1 day ago

April 18, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

On September 20, 2025, around 5:12 PM, officers from the Spring Valley Police Department responded to reports of gunfire near 2 Dutch Lane. They found a 20-year-old man with a gunshot wound and began CPR until EMS arrived. The victim was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

After several months of investigation, on April 16, 2026, police arrested two suspects:

Doodly Metellus, 21, of Ramapo
Smay Dornaison, 20, of Spring Valley

Metellus was found with a loaded firearm at the time of his arrest. He faces charges of second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon. Dornaison is also charged with second-degree murder.

Both were arraigned in Spring Valley Justice Court and are being held at the Rockland County Jail.

Authorities emphasize that the charges are accusations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police at 845-356-7400.