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NYC Man Pleads Guilty Following Ongoing Rockland County DA Sting Operation Targeting Online Predators

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2 years ago

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ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY – Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced today that Dylan Choe, a 24-year-old male from New York City has pleaded guilty to disseminating indecent material to minors in the first degree for attempting to meet a minor.

In January of 2023, Choe engaged in an online conversation with a Rockland County District Attorney’s Office undercover investigator on a social media platform. The undercover investigator claimed to be a thirteen-year-old female from Rockland County. The defendant proceeded to have a sexually explicit conversation with the investigator, whom he thought was a minor. As conversations advanced, Choe made arrangements for the two to meet at a Rockland County hotel.

On January 19, 2023, Choe checked into a Rockland hotel and waited for the individual he believed to be a thirteen-year-old girl. Choe was arrested and charged with disseminating indecent materials to minors in the first degree.

Rockland County District Attorney Tom Walsh said, “Our office remains committed to ensuring the safety of innocent children in our community. This case is a clear warning to all that predatory behavior will be pursued relentlessly and brought to justice.”
Today’s announced guilty plea is the latest action in an ongoing cybercrime sting operation first launched by the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office in 2022. Last December, Rockland County District Attorney’s Office investigators arrested seven men for sex crimes following a separate operation called “Operation Catfish.”

The Rockland County District Attorney’s Office has been a member of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) since 2020. The ICAC is a national network of 61 coordinated task forces, representing over 5,400 federal, state, and local law enforcement, dedicated to investigating, prosecuting and developing effective responses to internet crimes against children.

The defendant pleaded guilty on October 16, 2023 before the Honorable Kevin F. Russo. Choe is scheduled to be sentenced on January 17, 2024. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Michael Delohery.

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Crime

Rockland County Sheriff’s Office and Consumer Protection Joint Investigation Leads to Arrest in Fraud Case

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7 days ago

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April 28, 2025

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New City, NY — Authorities in Rockland County have arrested a Nyack resident in connection with the use of a fake home improvement license, following a joint investigation by the Sheriff’s Office and the County Department of Consumer Protection.

Christian C. Kolarz, 48, faces felony charges of Second-Degree Forgery and Second-Degree Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument. Investigators allege that Kolarz created and attempted to use a counterfeit Rockland County Home Improvement License to fraudulently secure financing for a construction project.

The forged document came to light thanks to a coordinated effort by the Sheriff’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Consumer Protection investigators. Kolarz was taken into custody on April 18, arraigned in Clarkstown Justice Court, and released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear in court again on May 12.

Rockland County Executive Ed Day praised the collaboration between agencies, stating, “This joint effort is a prime example of how working together keeps Rockland safe. It sends a strong message: fraud will not be tolerated.”

Sheriff Louis Falco echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of interagency cooperation in protecting residents from scams. “We’re committed to pursuing those who attempt to take advantage of our community,” he said.

Consumer Protection Director Kimberly Von Ronn added that the misuse of official county documents is a serious matter. “Let this serve as a warning—we will take action to protect families and businesses from fraud.”

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Crime

Haverstraw Police Department Arrests Pomona Man on Weapon and Drug Charges

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1 week ago

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April 26, 2025

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Haverstraw, NY – April 26, 2025– On Friday, April 25, 2025, the Haverstraw Police Department arrested Michael Diaz, 28, of Pomona, NY, following a report of a male in possession of a firearm.
Responding to the call in Pomona, patrol units located Diaz and, upon investigation, discovered he was in possession of a loaded firearm and narcotics.
As a result, Diaz was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree: Loaded Firearm (Class C Felony), Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd Degree (Class D Felony), Criminal Possession of a Firearm (Class E Felony), and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree: Narcotic Drug Intent to Sell (Class B Felony), in addition to other narcotics-related charges.
“The swift and professional actions of our officers prevented what could have been a potentially violent encounter. Thanks to their training, tactics, and unwavering commitment to public safety, a loaded firearm and dangerous narcotics were safely removed from our community. Their vigilance and restraint exemplify the highest standards of the Haverstraw Police Department. We are proud of their courage, preparedness, and dedication to protecting the people of Haverstraw” said Chief John Gould Jr.
Diaz was arraigned in the Town of Haverstraw Justice Court where bail was set in the amount of $40,000 cash, $60,000 bond or $75,000 partially secured bond. Diaz was then transported to the Rockland County Correctional Facility.
It is important to note that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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