Orange and Rockland Utilities (O&R) today warned its customers that crooks have launched a new round of predatory phone calls aimed at stealing O&R customers’ money. This latest round of harassing phone calls started last week when O&R customers reported a rash of phone calls seeking payment for bogus O&R bills.The scheme goes this way: Crooks posing as O&R employees call unsuspecting customers, inform them that their O&R account has been suspended for non-payment and that an O&R crew will be at their home in 15 minutes to disconnect their electric service.That threat is quickly followed by a demand for immediate payment of the bogus bill balance by prepaid debit card. Customers who have challenged the crook’s report about the fraudulent bill, saying that they checked their account balance online during the phone call, are dismissed as incorrect. The crook then aggressively renews the demand for immediate payment until the customer agrees to pay or hangs up on the crook.
Here are two big reasons not to believe any crook who makes a shutoff threat:
• NO PREPAID DEBIT CARDS – O&R does not accept bill payment for electric and gas utility bills by Green Dot or any other prepaid debit cards. Never has.
• NO IMMEDIATE SHUTOFF – Disconnecting O&R electric or gas service for non-payment of bills involves a multi-step process – including written communications from O&R to the customer over a period of several days, or even weeks — not hours. That process is regulated by the NYS Public Service Commission and NJ Board of Public Utilities.
Customer vigilance is key to fighting off these crooks.
Remember, if you are feeling threatened or otherwise uncomfortable about your security during the exchange, immediately report the incident to your local police department at 911.
Stony Point Police needs your help – this incident occurred on 4/10/25 in the Town of Stony Point, NY and we are asking for your assistance in identifying this individual in regards to a theft investigation. If you have any information, please contact the Stony Point Police at 845-786-2422. Or- if YOU ARE this person – please stop by the Stony Point Police station so we may try to speak with you. Thank you.
In a coordinated effort, the New York State Police, along with the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office and the Town of Ramapo Police Department, carried out a successful undercover operation aimed at combating online child exploitation. Conducted over the course of several days, the operation led to the identification and arrest of several individuals involved in illegal activities related to child trafficking and exploitation.
Specialized Investigators used advanced cyber tools and techniques to infiltrate online platforms commonly used to facilitate these crimes. Through these efforts, they were able to track down suspects attempting to exploit minors online and lure them into in-person meetings.
As a result of the operation, the following six individuals were arrested and charged with various offenses. A historical investigation will continue into each of these individuals that were exposed during this investigation.
Jose B. Tombriz-Ixquiactap, age 28, of Monticello, NY
Attempted Rape 1st, a Class C Felony
Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class B Misdemeanor
Remanded to the Rockland County Jail in lieu of $50,000 cash, $100,000 bond, $150,000 partially secured bond and ordered to appear in Montebello Village Court on April 11, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
Yessachar D. Klahr,age51, of Monsey, NY
Attempted Rape 1st, a Class C Felony
Attempted Patronizing for Prostitution 3rd, a Class A Misdemeanor
Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class B Misdemeanor
Remanded to the Rockland County Jail in lieu of $7,500 cash, $15,000 bond, $30,000 partially secured bond and ordered to appear in Montebello Village Court on April 11, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
Adrian Rosas, age33, of Stony Point, NY
Attempted Rape 1st, a Class C Felony
Endangering The Welfare of a Child, a Class B Misdemeanor
Remanded to the Rockland County Jail in lieu of $50,000 cash, $20,000 bond, $30,000 partially secured bond and ordered to appear in Montebello Village Court on April 11, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
Diego Patricio D. Pachar Corte, age 38, of Cortlandt Manor, NY
Attempted Rape 2nd, a Class D Felony
Attempted Disseminating Indent Material to Minors 1st, a Class E Felony
Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class B Misdemeanor
Remanded to the Rockland County Jail in lieu of $50,000 cash, $100,000 bond, $150,000 partially secured bond and ordered to appear in Montebello Village Court on April 11, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
Nayib J. Valdivia,age 33, of Ossining, NY
Attempted Disseminating Indent Material to Minors 1st, a Class E Felony
Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class B Misdemeanor
Remanded to the Rockland County Jail in lieu of $50,000 cash, $100,000 bond, $150,000 partially secured bond and ordered to appear in Montebello Village Court on April 11, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
Carl W. Ellis,age55, Maplewood, NJ
Attempted Rape 2nd, a Class D Felony
Attempted Disseminating Indecent Material to Minors 1st, a Class E Felony
Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class B Misdemeanor
Criminal Possession Controlled Substance 7th, a Class A Misdemeanor
Remanded to the Rockland County Jail in lieu of $50,000 cash, $100,000 bond, $150,000 partially secured bond and ordered to appear in Montebello Village Court on April 11, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
It should be noted that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.