Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh, II, announced today that, in a decision issued on March 25, 2025, Rockland County Court Judge Kevin F. Russo rejected the latest attempt by convicted murderer Amer Zada to have his conviction vacated. The court noted that this motion is the eighth time Zada has sought to reverse or vacate his conviction.
In 1980, Zada was convicted of the murder of seventeen-year-old Shirley Smith in a Village of Nyack parking lot. He was also convicted of Attempted Sodomy in the First Degree and Aggravated Sexual Abuse as a result of his attack on Ms. Smith. At his trial, Zada was represented by William Kunstler, a world-renowned defense attorney who had gained notoriety for successfully defending many high profile and controversial clients.
In its decision, the court described the defendant’s current motion as being largely based on Zada’s claim that certain documents were not turned over to him prior to trial.
“The court found that Zada had failed to adequately establish this speculative claim as he provided no direct evidence that he had never received the documents. I would like to commend Executive Assistant District Attorney James Dolan for his dedication and professionalism representing the Office in this proceeding.” said District Attorney Tom Walsh.
The court also found that, even assuming that the documents had not been turned over, they were of little importance in the case against Zada and none of them were exculpatory within the meaning of the law. In addition, the court found that Zada’s motion to vacate his conviction raised only minor inconsistencies in the case against him, most of which were thoroughly explored by Mr. Kunstler during the trial. In conclusion, the court found that Zada had not offered anything to justify vacating his conviction.
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.