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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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Stony Point Police Department Needs Your Help in Identifying This Individual

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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.

 

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Crime

Rockland County Teams with NYS Police to Take Down Online Child Traffickers in Bold Operation

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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

 

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.

 

klahr

 

 

Yessachar D. Klahr, age 51, 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.

 

rosas

 

 

 

Adrian Rosas, age 33, 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.

 

corte

 

 

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.

 

valdivia

 

 

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.

 

ellis

 

 

Carl W. Ellis, age 55, 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.

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