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Town of Clarkstown Shuts Down Illegal Daycare Operating in Unfinished Basement

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6 months ago

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New City, NY — Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann, Police Chief Jeff Wanamaker, and Town officials announced that they have taken swift legal action to shut down an illegally operating daycare discovered at 86 and 96 Maple Avenue in New City.

Following multiple complaints and tips received by the Building Department, a search warrant was obtained through Justice Court. Upon inspection, officials uncovered a shocking array of violations that placed dozens of children at serious risk.

Serious Overcrowding and Licensing Violations

  • 69 children and 21 employees were found inside the building—more than double the legal occupancy limit of 33.

  • The operators lacked a New York State daycare license and had no special permit from the Town of Clarkstown to operate a daycare.

  • The premises were also improperly used for a U-Haul business, with no approval from the Town.

Unsafe Conditions: 30 Cribs in an Unfinished Basement

Investigators found 30 cribs located in a windowless, unventilated basement beneath a vape shop at 96 Maple Ave. The area failed to meet basic safety standards:

  • Only one access point via a rear staircase—violating NYS regulations requiring two ground-level exits for infant care.

  • Exposed electrical wiring, improperly stored flammable liquids, padlocked exits, and a lack of fire alarms were among 13 major fire and safety code violations identified.

Legal Action Underway

  • The Town has filed a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) in New York State Supreme Court seeking injunctive relief to shut down the facility.

  • Code Enforcement proceedings are being initiated in Justice Court for overcrowding and numerous violations.

  • The case has been referred to the Clarkstown Police Department to determine if any criminal statutes were violated.

  • Child Protective Services (CPS) has stepped in and temporarily shut down the operation while further investigations continue.

“This was a dangerous and completely illegal operation that put dozens of children in harm’s way,” said Supervisor Hoehmann. “Thanks to the quick work of our Building Department, Police Department, and CPS, we were able to act quickly to protect the safety of our youngest residents.”

Officials have not yet confirmed whether charges will be filed against the individuals responsible for operating the facility.

Photos provided by Town officials show the cramped, unsafe conditions inside the properties. To see more photos visit/follow the Rockandreport on Facebook.

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Police/Fire/EMS

Haverstraw Police Conduct Proactive Credit Card Skimming Inspections Across Village

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58 minutes ago

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January 20, 2026

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HAVERSTRAW, N.Y. — The Haverstraw Police Department, working in partnership with investigators from the Rockland County Intelligence Center, conducted a proactive operation Tuesday aimed at preventing fraud and identity theft within the community.

The operation took place on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, and focused on businesses with publicly accessible credit card machines. Detectives and Community Resource Officers visited all gas stations in the village, along with numerous convenience stores and other retail locations where skimming devices could potentially be installed.

Using specialized skimming detection equipment, officers inspected more than 130 credit card machines throughout the Village of Haverstraw. Police reported that no credit card skimming devices were found during the inspections.

“These proactive inspections are about staying ahead of criminal activity and protecting our residents and business owners before they become victims,” said Haverstraw Police Chief John Gould Jr. “We will not sit back and wait for crimes to occur or for our residents to be victimized.”

Chief Gould emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and advanced technology in preventing financial crimes, thanking Rockland County Sheriff Louis Falco for helping make specialized detection tools available to police departments throughout the county.

By using these tools, Chief Gould said, local agencies can take meaningful steps to deter fraud and prevent crimes before they occur.

Business owners who would like their credit card machines checked for potential skimming devices are encouraged to contact the Haverstraw Police Department at 845-354-1500.

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Police/Fire/EMS

Rockland County Sheriff Dispatchers Help Deliver Baby Girl During 9-1-1 Call in Spring Valley

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1 day ago

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January 19, 2026

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SPRING VALLEY, N.Y. — A Rockland County Sheriff’s Communications Division dispatcher helped guide new parents through the successful delivery of their baby girl during an early-morning emergency call on Sunday, January 11.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, a 20-year-old expectant mother went into active labor at home when the baby began to arrive before first responders could reach the scene. At approximately 4:31 a.m., the baby’s father dialed 9-1-1 and reported that the infant’s head was already visible.

James Sheridan, a Radio Operator I with the Rockland County Sheriff’s Communications Division, immediately took the call and calmly coached both parents through the delivery process. Following his instructions, the parents were able to safely deliver their daughter moments before police and emergency medical personnel arrived.

Spring Valley Police Department officers, Spring Hill Community Ambulance Corps, and Rockland Paramedic Services arrived on scene approximately six minutes later. The newborn baby girl and her mother were transported to Montefiore Nyack Hospital, where both were reported to be doing well.

Sheriff’s officials praised Sheridan’s actions, noting that he and all county radio operators are highly trained Emergency Medical Dispatchers (EMDs), certified by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED). Dispatchers regularly assist callers during a wide range of medical emergencies, providing critical instructions until help arrives.

Officials congratulated the new parents and highlighted the incident as an example of how teamwork between dispatchers and first responders helps protect and serve Rockland County residents.

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