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Rockland County Man Convicted for Felony Illegal Commercialization of Ivory

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ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and New York County District Attorney’s (DA) Office today announced the conviction of a Rockland County man for felony illegal commercialization of elephant ivory worth approximately $70,000, concluding a joint investigation that first began in 2020. On Feb. 8, defendant Kenneth Kerner, 59, from the town of Clarkstown pleaded guilty to a class D Felony for the illegal commercialization of ivory over $25,000. The judge’s sentence mandated five years’ probation, 200 hours of community service, an obligation to donate $10,000 to a wildlife Non-Governmental Organization, relinquishing the three ivory pool cues offered during the illicit sale, and reimbursing the DA’s Office for the $15,000 cash. Kerner was also compelled to post a public statement on his social media account to increase awareness and discourage the illegal ivory trade.

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “I applaud the hard work, diligence, and dedication of DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement and our partners at the New York County District Attorney’s Office in investigating this case and bringing the defendant to justice. The fight to protect the world’s wild elephant population is ongoing and New York remains on the front lines of that fight as we bust the businesses that fuel the illegal ivory trade and promote, directly or indirectly, the horrific and senseless poaching of these awe-inspiring animals.”

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said, “Kenneth Kerner illegally sold and offered for sale $70,000 in pool cues manufactured from elephant ivory. In Manhattan, we will continue to hold those accountable who attempt to take part in the illegal ivory trade. I thank our law enforcement partners for their partnership in this case.”

Investigators from the New York County District Attorney’s Office and DEC Division of Law Enforcement Bureau of Environmental Crimes Investigators (BECI) began a joint investigation in summer 2020 into the illegal commercialization of billiard cues made of elephant ivory. The high-end items, with asking prices as high as $45,000, were offered for sale on social media sites. Undercover Investigators contacted the seller and arranged an in-person buy in September 2020. The seller offered three ivory cues for sale, one of them for $15,000. Once the BECI Investigator cleared the sale, Officers with the District Attorney’s Office arrested the seller.

DEC Division of Law Enforcement Director Karen Przyklek said, “A precise and coordinated effort by two elite law enforcement divisions resulted in the shutdown of another lucrative illegal ivory operation. I hope this serves as a message to other sellers of illegal ivory in New York City and beyond that my Officers will investigate these cases thoroughly and ensure lawbreakers are held accountable.”

John F. Calvelli, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) said, “We congratulate the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and New York County District Attorney’s Office for their continued efforts to enforce laws around the sale of elephant ivory. This effort in New York State is vital to efforts to protect elephants in Africa and Asia. We were proud to partner with DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos on our ’96 Elephants’ campaign to strengthen the law banning the sale of elephant ivory in New York State. At WCS, our teams in the elephant range countries have seen the positive effects of governments across the world taking stands to end the sale of elephant ivory.”

Wild elephant populations worldwide number fewer than 500,000 and are listed as endangered species. New York’s Environmental Conservation Law makes the sale of ivory without a permit illegal.

In 2014, New York State strengthened its laws on interstate ivory sales, increasing penalties against buyers and sellers whose actions further endanger elephant populations worldwide. Since the law took effect, DEC has focused on the illegal ivory trade and charged several corporations and individuals, including those brought down during “Operation White Gold,” an undercover operation launched by DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement from 2015 to 2018 in New York City focused on high-end antique dealers and wholesale distributors throughout the five boroughs. The ivory seized during the undercover operation weighed two tons and had a combined market value of more than $12 million. DEC destroyed most of the seized ivory in a massive crush in New York City’s Central Park in 2017.

In May, 2023, just prior to Endangered Species Day, DEC partnered with the New York State Museum to announce a new display featuring some of the remaining ivory as a reminder of the rampant and continued slaughter of the African elephant, rhinoceros, and other majestic endangered species that fuel the transnational illegal trade in wildlife. The display remains at the New York State Museum for visitors to observe. More information is on DEC’s website and at the New York State Museum website.

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Crime

A Day In The Life of Ramapo Police Officers

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Over the past 24 hours, Ramapo Police Officers have remained hard at work, responding to calls for service, enforcing traffic laws, and actively engaging with our community. Here’s a look at the highlights from another demanding day in public safety.


Traffic Enforcement & Public Safety

Our continued efforts to maintain roadway safety led to several enforcement actions:

  • Three motorists were cited for operating vehicles with suspended registrations.

  • Three drivers were stopped and cited for driving with suspended licenses.

These proactive measures are part of our ongoing commitment to keeping our roadways safe for all.


Arrests and Enforcement Actions

Officers made several arrests in connection with a variety of incidents:

  • Two individuals were taken into custody on active warrants. Both were later released on their own recognizance.

  • One arrest was made in a domestic incident for violating an Order of Protection. The individual was also released on recognizance.

  • An additional arrest was made for an open container violation, a part of our continued focus on quality-of-life enforcement throughout the Town of Ramapo.


Major Incident: Armed Robbery

A significant and violent incident occurred involving an armed robbery at the end of a residential driveway. During the altercation, the victim was pistol-whipped as they attempted to retain possession of a firearm. The suspect ultimately fled the scene with a substantial amount of cash. The victim sustained injuries and was treated at the scene.

Ramapo Police Officers and Detectives responded immediately and initiated a collaborative investigation with the New York State Police . Through coordinated efforts, a suspect was identified and located within hours.

A 42-year-old male from Middletown, NY was taken into custody and formally charged with:

  • Robbery in the First Degree

  • Assault in the Second Degree

  • Criminal Use of a Firearm in the First Degree

  • Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree

  • Menacing in the Second Degree

The suspect is currently being processed at Ramapo Police Headquarters. Arraignment is expected later today at Hillburn Justice Court.


Our officers remain dedicated to serving and protecting the residents of Ramapo. We thank the community for its continued support and vigilance.

Ramapo Police Department

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Crime

Spring Valley Police Arrest Taxi Driver in Violent Kidnapping and Robbery Incident on Ridge Avenue

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SPRING VALLEY, NY — In a disturbing early morning incident, Spring Valley Police responded to a report of a vehicle crash at approximately 1:45 a.m. on May 5, 2025, near 23 Ridge Avenue, only to uncover a far more serious crime involving kidnapping, assault, and attempted robbery.

Upon arrival, officers discovered a visibly injured and distressed female victim. Following a rapid investigation, authorities determined that the woman had been picked up earlier near Evergreen Supermarket by what she believed to be a taxi. During the ride, the driver began operating the vehicle erratically, refused to allow the passenger to exit, and escalated the situation into a violent criminal act.

The vehicle ultimately crashed into a fence, and the driver then attacked the victim with a screwdriver, attempting to rob her and preventing her from escaping. Despite the violent assault, the victim managed to flee the vehicle and call for help.

As the suspect attempted to flee the scene, he nearly collided head-on with another vehicle. Shortly thereafter, he was apprehended by the Ramapo Police Department.
Suspect Identified and Arrested

Following a thorough investigation by the Spring Valley Detective Bureau, 22-year-old Kevin Mazariego-Figueroa of Ramapo, NY was formally charged on May 7, 2025, with multiple serious offenses, including:

Attempted Assault (1st and 2nd Degree)

Kidnapping

Robbery (1st Degree)

Strangulation (2nd Degree)

Criminal Possession of a Weapon (4th Degree)

Mazariego-Figueroa was arraigned by Judge Sweet and remanded to the Rockland County Jail.
Community Safety and Ongoing Investigation

The Spring Valley Police Department commended the bravery of the victim and the swift coordination with Ramapo Police in apprehending the suspect. This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance and community cooperation in ensuring public safety.

Residents are encouraged to remain cautious when using ride services and to report any suspicious activity to authorities immediately.

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