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

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10 months ago

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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

Seven Arrested After Haverstraw Police Execute Search Warrants in Narcotics Investigation

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1 day ago

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February 12, 2026

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HAVERSTRAW, N.Y. — The Haverstraw Police Department executed two search warrants at residences within the Village of Haverstraw during the early morning hours of February 11, 2026, resulting in seven arrests.

Police said all individuals located at the residences were taken into custody without incident.

Authorities reported recovering a significant quantity of narcotics along with packaging materials consistent with the sale and distribution of controlled substances.

The following individuals were charged:

  • Henry Villegas, 40, of Haverstraw: Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia (2nd Degree); Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (7th Degree)

  • Claudio Santana, 42, of Haverstraw: Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (7th Degree); Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia (2nd Degree)

  • Richard O. Estrella, 35, of Garnerville: Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (1st Degree, 2 counts); Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance (1st Degree, 2 counts)

  • Vanessa Quezada, 33, of Garnerville: Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (1st Degree, 2 counts); Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance (1st Degree, 2 counts)

  • Monica E. Avila, 35, of Nanuet: Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (1st Degree, 2 counts); Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance (1st Degree, 2 counts)

  • Dahon D. Alston, 26, of Haverstraw: Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (1st Degree, 2 counts); Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance (1st Degree, 2 counts)

  • Christian E. Minaya, 31, of Garnerville: Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (1st Degree, 2 counts); Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance (1st Degree, 2 counts)

The investigation was led by the Haverstraw Police Department Special Operations Unit, with assistance from the department’s Detective Bureau and Patrol Division.

“These arrests are the result of a coordinated, focused investigation targeting the distribution of dangerous narcotics within our community,” said Chief John Gould Jr. “We will continue to take proactive measures to identify and dismantle drug trafficking operations that threaten the safety and quality of life of our residents.”

Assisting agencies included the New York State Police, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force–Westchester, the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Rockland County REACT Team, and the Rockland County Intelligence Center.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Crime

Spring Valley Police, FBI Recover Missing Juveniles After Ransom Threat

Published

5 days ago

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February 8, 2026

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SPRING VALLEY, N.Y. — Spring Valley Police, with assistance from federal authorities including the FBI NY–Westchester Safe Streets Task Force, successfully recovered multiple missing juveniles following an investigation prompted by an alleged ransom threat.

According to police, officers located a missing 12-year-old girl on Sunday, February 8, 2026, after her parents reported she had been missing since the early morning hours. The family also reported receiving a phone call from a foreign phone number in which the caller claimed to have their child and demanded $1,000, threatening the family would never see her again if the demand was not met.

Spring Valley Police officers and detectives immediately launched an investigation. Due to the seriousness of the report and the potential risk to the child, federal partners were brought in to assist.

Through coordinated efforts between local and federal law enforcement, the missing juvenile was located at a residence in Spring Valley. During the course of the investigation, three additional missing juveniles from other Rockland County jurisdictions were also found at the same location.

Authorities said that, at this time, none of the juveniles appeared to have been harmed or held against their will. The investigation remains ongoing, particularly regarding the alleged ransom demand and the circumstances surrounding the juveniles’ presence at the residence.

The Spring Valley Police Department emphasized that the response was based on a report of a potentially kidnapped juvenile and credited the swift cooperation between local and federal agencies for the safe recovery of all involved.

Information and photo courtesy of Monsey Scoop.

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