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NARCOTICS INVESTIGATION NETS 2 ARRESTS, 5 KILOS OF COCAINE AND GUNS

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2 years ago

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People attending a press conference
Rockland County District Attorney Tom Walsh and Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, NY Division, announced the arrests of two residents from Congers, NY for possession of a controlled substance and two handguns. The arrests were the result of search warrants executed last week, stemming from a month’s long investigation conducted by the Rockland County District Attorney’s Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Westchester Resident Office Tactical Diversion Squad.
On Friday February 10, 2023, the Rockland County District Attorney’s Drug Task Force and DEA Tactical Diversion Squad executed the search warrants at residences in Congers, NY and Nyack, NY. The basis of the search warrant was the result of a multi- agency investigation that identified a Rockland man who was selling a large amount of controlled substances throughout Rockland County. With the assistance of the Clarkstown Police Department’s Critical Incident Response Team and the Orangetown Police Department, both the suspected drug dealer and an acquaintance of his were taken into custody. Carl Desir, 48, of Congers, NY and Melissa Brown, 43, of Congers, NY were arrested and charged with the following crimes:
Criminal Possession Controlled Substance 1st Degree (A-I felony)
Criminal Possession Weapon 2nd Degree (two counts) (C felony)
Criminal Possession Weapon 3rd Degree (D felony)
Both defendants were arraigned in Clarkstown Justice Court and were remanded to Rockland County Jail. They are scheduled to return to court on February 16, 2023. The multi-agency investigation included the Rockland County District Attorney’s Drug Task Force, DEA Westchester Resident Office Tactical Diversion Squad, Clarkstown Police Department, Orangetown Police Department, Rockland County Sheriff’s Office, and the Haverstraw Police Department. The DEA Westchester Resident Office comprises agents and task force officers of the DEA, Westchester County Police Department, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Yonkers Police Department, Rockland County Sheriff’s Office, and Orangetown Police Department. The case will be prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Michael Delohery and Senior Assistant District Attorney Matt Martinez.
DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino stated: “These arrests and seizures take two major threats off our streets: guns and drugs. Drug traffickers like Desir profit off the sale of narcotics putting our communities in danger of addiction, overdoses and poisonings. I applaud the hard work by all of our law enforcement partners throughout this investigation aimed at making our communities safer and healthier.”
District Attorney Tom Walsh said, “Keeping our streets and communities safe from dangerous drugs and violence is a top priority of my Office. I have pledged to use every available resource to investigate and prosecute drug dealers selling their poison to our children. These arrests are another example of my Office working with local and federal agencies to bring justice to our community. I commend the outstanding work performed by all our law enforcement partners.”
The Rockland County District Attorney’s Drug Task Force is comprised of investigators of the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office and officers from the Clarkstown Police Department, Orangetown Police Department, the Haverstraw Police Department and the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office.
DA Walsh would like to thank Cathy and Lisa from Hope Not Handcuffs – Hudson Valley, NY for attending today’s press conference and the work they do helping individuals struggling with substance abuse get treatment.
Video of the press conference can be viewed at the link below –
* It should be noted that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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Rockland County Department of Consumer Protection is Warning Residents About a Resurfacing Scam

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8 hours ago

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March 31, 2025

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Recent reports from local businesses and residents indicate that scammers are posing as legitimate contracting companies, falsely claiming urgent structural issues to convince homeowners to sign expensive contracts for unnecessary repairs.

In one instance, scammers impersonated a reputable roofing company, Gikas Roofing, and tricked a homeowner into signing a $78,000 contract for fraudulent roof repairs. A similar case involved an elderly woman who paid $60,000 for a roof replacement she didn’t need—only for the scammers to disappear after causing damage to her home.

“These types of scams follow a familiar pattern, with unlicensed contractors using scare tactics to rush homeowners into making costly decisions,” said Rockland County Consumer Protection Director Kimberly Von Ronn. “Our department successfully impounded a vehicle and is working closely with the company being impersonated, along with Orangetown Building and Police Departments, but we urge families to be vigilant.”

Always remember to:

  • Ask for proof of a Rockland County license and insurance. A New Jersey license does not qualify in Rockland County.
  • Do not make immediate decisions under pressure. Take time to research and compare contractors.
  • Never pay in full upfront. Legitimate contractors will provide a written contract and schedule reasonable payments.
  • If approached by an unsolicited contractor, contact Rockland County Consumer Protection immediately.

If you suspect a scam, contact the Rockland County Department of Consumer Protection at [email protected] or 845-364-3901.

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Rockland County Honors Marine Corps Veteran Elizabeth Rubio with 2025 Freedom Award

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5 days ago

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March 26, 2025

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County Executive Ed Day and Director Susan Branam of the Rockland County Veterans Service Agency recognized a female veteran with the Freedom Award Monday, an annual County honor made to female veterans for outstanding service to our nation.

“Acknowledging those who have worked and sacrificed to protect the freedoms we enjoy is crucial, particularly women whose contributions to building and protecting our country have long been overlooked.” said County Executive Ed Day.

The 2025 Freedom Award was presented to Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Veteran Elizabeth “Lisa” Rubio. Rubio, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, served honorably from 2011 to 2019, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. Throughout her career, she held key roles across multiple commands, including Marine Corps Recruiting Command and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command. A dedicated leader, she supported multinational training exercises, mentored recruits, and earned multiple commendations, including two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals.

After her military service, Lisa continued her commitment to others as a Veterans Service Officer in the County of Rockland, securing $12 million in benefits for local veterans and surviving spouses. Now pursuing a law degree, she remains devoted to advocacy and service.

“I am so proud to present this award to Lisa who not only has been a trailblazer as a female Marine, but a dedicated Veteran Service Officer, and now is completing her first year in law school. I have no doubt that she will continue to do well and serve as an inspiration to future generations,” said Veterans Service Agency Director, Susan Branam.

“We thank Lisa for her bravery and continued commitment to our residents. We are proud to list your name among the women recipients of the Rockland County Freedom Award in years past,” concluded County Executive Ed Day.

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