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Village of Spring Valley Employees Indicted on Felony Charges

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SPRING VALLEY EMPLOYEES INDICTED ON FELONY CHARGES

Indictments Are Part of the Evergreen Fire Investigation

Rockland County District Attorney Tom Walsh announced the indictments of two Village of Spring Valley building department employees. A Rockland County Grand Jury handed the indictments as a result of the continuing investigation into the fatal fire that occurred in March at the Evergreen Adult Home in Spring Valley.

Defendant Raymond Canario, 45, was indicted on 3 counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, 3 counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the Second Degree, and 3 counts of Falsifying Business Records in the Second Degree.

Defendant Wayne Ballard, 64, was indicted on 1 count of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, 1 count of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the Second Degree, and 1 count of Falsifying Business Records in the Second Degree.

Rockland County District Attorney Tom Walsh said,” These indictments are a result of the continuing investigation into the fatal fire that claimed the lives of a volunteer firefighter and a resident of the Evergreen home. My office continues to work hard, following through on our commitment to leave no stone unturned in this tragic incident.”

Arraignment dates have not yet been provided for either Defendant.

The case is being prosecuted by Executive Assistant District Attorney Michael Dugandzic and Supervising
Assistant District Attorney Ryan Sweeney.

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

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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

Haverstraw Police Department Arrests Pomona Man on Weapon and Drug Charges

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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.

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