Crime

Suffern Clergy Member Charged With Multiple Sex Crimes

Published

5 years ago

February 21, 2020

Suffern Police Department working in conjunction with the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Special Victims Unit charged Fidel Hernandez, age 51, with the crimes of Rape 1st Degree, Criminal Sexual Act 1st Degree, Sexual Abuse 1st Degree and Forcible Touching. Hernandez is a member of Tagaste Monastery and Sacred Heart Church located in the Village of Suffern.

The investigation started after a congregant notified a Priest at Tagaste Monastery about an incident that occurred in 2018 where she alleges she was sexually assaulted here in Suffern. The clergy member then contacted the NY Archdiocese who contacted the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office. The District Attorney’s Office then contacted the Suffern Police Department Detective Bureau who opened an investigation. During the course of the investigation a second victim came forward stating that she was sexually assaulted by the defendant as well.

This is an ongoing investigation and anyone that feels they were a victim or knows of a potential victim is asked to contact either the Suffern Police Department or the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office. Hernandez was arraigned this afternoon in Suffern Justice Court and released on $50,000 bail pending a future court date.

Crime

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

Published

7 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Rockland Report Admin

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.”

Crime

Haverstraw Police Department Arrests Pomona Man on Weapon and Drug Charges

Published

2 days ago

April 26, 2025

Rockland Report Admin

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.