Westchester Insider: Westchester County District Attorney's Office: FORMER MAMARONECK PUBLIC LIBRARY BUSINESS MANAGER SENTENCED FOR STEALING MORE THAN $43,000 FROM LIBRARY.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 31, 2024.

 

FORMER MAMARONECK PUBLIC LIBRARY BUSINESS MANAGER SENTENCED FOR STEALING MORE THAN $43,000 FROM LIBRARY.

Defendant, who used library funds on personal expenses for seven years, paid full restitution.

 

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah announced today that the former business manager of the Mamaroneck Public Library was sentenced to three years of probation for stealing more than $43,000 from the library between 2016 and 2023. 

 

DA Rocah said: “This defendant violated the trust of her employer and the Mamaroneck community by stealing funds from the Mamaroneck Public Library to benefit herself. Today’s sentence includes the return of money stolen from the Mamaroneck Public Library.” 

 

The defendant, Mary Soto, 62, of Mamaroneck, pleaded guilty on April 24 to Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, a felony. As part of her plea agreement, the defendant paid full restitution in the amount of $43,940.  

 

Between May 2016 and February 2023, the defendant stole approximately $43,940 from the library’s bank accounts in the form of credit card and recurring debit transactions for personal expenses. The defendant resigned from the library in March 2023 after 27 years.  

 

The DA’s Criminal Investigators Squad arrested the defendant on Dec. 14, 2023.  

 

The case was before New York State Supreme Court Justice Larry Schwartz in Westchester County Court and prosecuted by the Public Integrity and Law Enforcement Integrity Bureau, with assistance from Forensic Accountant Michael Frenza. 

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: WESTCHESTER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT SHARES HEAT ADVISORY.

 

WESTCHESTER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT SHARES HEAT ADVISORY.

 

Heat Advisory Issued Through Thursday, August 1 at 8 p.m.  

 

(White Plains, NY) – The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Westchester County through Thursday, August 1 at 8 p.m. During this period, heat and humidity are expected to combine to make outdoor temperatures feel close to 100 degrees.

 

With heat and humidity in mind, the Westchester County Health Department warns residents that these conditions pose significant health risks. To protect themselves, residents are urged to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and check on vulnerable family members and neighbors.

 

Westchester County Commissioner of Health Sherlita Amler, MD, said: “The heat can overcome you. Drink lots of water and don’t overexert yourself outdoors when it is this hot and humid. If you leave pets outdoors, be sure they have an abundant supply of water and shade. They need it just like we do.”

 

Amler said the very young, seniors, people who are obese and those with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or lung conditions are most vulnerable to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke and dehydration can surprise you. High humidity, chronic health conditions and some medications can also increase a person’s risk for heat stroke.

 

Heat stroke is a serious and life-threatening condition that claims many lives nationwide each year. Symptoms include hot red, dry skin, shallow breathing, a rapid, weak pulse and confusion. Call 911 if you suspect heat stroke and immediately cool the overheated person while waiting for emergency help to arrive.

 

Another concern during a heat wave is heat exhaustion. Signs include headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness and exhaustion, as well as cool, moist, pale or flushed skin. Anyone suffering from heat exhaustion should move out of the sun and apply cool, wet cloths to their skin.

 

Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures. Use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to an air conditioned place. If you don't have home air conditioning, continue to seek out cool spaces each day as long as it remains hot. Check on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors.

 

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Health Department recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.

 

Amler reminded residents never to leave people or pets in a car. Temperatures can quickly rise to unsafe levels, so motorists should always look before they lock their vehicles.

 

“To avoid tragedy, never leave infants, children, seniors or pets in a closed car no matter how brief the time,” Amler said. “Closed vehicles can quickly heat up to a life-threatening 140º F or more.”

 

“During a heat wave, seniors and young children especially should avoid vigorous outdoor activity, seek the shade, spend time in air-conditioned locations and drink lots of water throughout the day,” Amler said. “Especially when they’re swimming and playing in the water, children often forget to drink, so parents and caregivers should prompt children to take breaks to hydrate.”

 

Those who plan to travel by car should prepare their vehicle before hitting the road. Always travel with a spare cell phone battery, and avoid leading radios, phone chargers and other accessories running when the engine is not. Check to make sure your air conditioning is properly functioning and coolant is at the proper level. If you plan to travel in less populated areas, bring water and an umbrella for shade if it becomes necessary to leave the car. Always keep air flowing throughout the vehicle, and try to park in the shade. 

 

For tips to prevent heat-related illness and places to stay cool, residents can visit the Health Department website at www.westchestergov.com/health. 

 

To beat the heat, residents can cool off at a County beach or pool. Glen Island Beach in New Rochelle is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Croton Point Beach in Croton-on-Hudson is open Wednesdays through Sundays, 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. All four pools, Saxon Woods in White Plains, Sprain Ridge and Tibbetts in Yonkers and Willson’s Waves in Mount Vernon are all open daily from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Last entry at all facilities is at 6 p.m. Proof of Westchester County residency is required at Glen Island Beach and all pools. Admission fees apply; parking fees apply at Glen Island, Croton and Tibbetts.

 

Elevated heat and humidity can also lead to unhealthy levels of ozone, a gas produced by the action of sunlight on organic air contaminants from auto exhaust and other sources.  For air quality updates, go to https://www.airnow.gov. The   New York State Department of Environmental Conservation forecasts daily ozone conditions at (http://www.dec.ny.gov), or call the New York State Air Quality Hotline at 1-800-535-1345.

The County’s Department of Emergency Services is monitoring the weather forecast, tracking the opening of local Cooling Centers and is in contact with Con Edison and NYSEG concerning the potential for power outages. 

For more tips to prevent heat-related illness and places to stay cool, residents can visit the Health Department website at www.westchestergov.com/health. 

 

 

Westchester Insider: TSA PRECHECK® APPLICATION “POP-UP” RETURNS TO WESTCHESTER COUNTY AIRPORT AUGUST 5 TO 9.

TEMPORARY TSA PRECHECK® APPLICATION “POP-UP” SET TO RETURN TO WESTCHESTER COUNTY AIRPORT AUGUST 5 TO 9.

 

(Westchester, NY) – County Executive George Latimer announced that residents of Westchester County and surrounding areas will be able to enroll in the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) TSA PreCheck® program at Westchester County Airport from August 5 to 9, where Idemia will host a temporary “pop-up” enrollment center event.

 

Latimer said: “For the third time, we are excited to bring back this opportunity for local community members to enroll right here in our own centrally-located Westchester County Airport. We know this has been a widely popular pop-up opportunity in the past, and we are thankful to the TSA for their continued collaboration to offer this limited-time event once again.”

 

TSA PreCheck is a valuable travel option that expedites a traveler’s  airport security checkpoint screening process. TSA PreCheck allows travelers to leave on their shoes, light outerwear and belt, keep their laptop in its case and their 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag in a carry-on, in select TSA airport checkpoint screening lanes. More than 200 airports participate in TSA PreCheck nationwide and approximately 100 airlines participate in the program.

 

The application fee is $78 and is good for five years. It must be paid at the time of your appointment by credit card, money order, company check, or certified/cashier’s check. Cash and personal checks are not accepted. Fingerprints and a photograph also are required during the in-person enrollment session.

 

After completing enrollment, successful applicants will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) via U.S. mail within about 10 days that is valid for five years. 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County District Attorney's Office: NEW ROCHELLE CONTRACTOR CONVICTED AND SENTENCED FOR FAILING TO PAY EIGHT WORKERS MORE THAN $31,500 IN WAGES.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 31, 2024. 

NEW ROCHELLE CONTRACTOR CONVICTED AND SENTENCED FOR FAILING TO PAY EIGHT WORKERS MORE THAN $31,500 IN WAGES.

DA’s Office Economic Crimes Bureau secured full restitution for eight victims.

 

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah announced today that a New Rochelle contractor who owned and operated Fuerte Construction LLC was convicted on eight misdemeanor counts of wage theft and sentenced to three years of probation and a $12,000 fine for failing to pay more than $31,500 to eight workers he employed between 2020 and 2023 as painters, carpenters and laborers.  

 

DA Rocah said: “Not paying workers for months on end is a crime and not a business model. We will continue to hold employers who commit wage theft accountable and that includes securing from them the full amount of backpay owed to workers. Additionally, I applaud the October 2023 law enacted by the state legislature that expands wage theft greater than $1,000 to be charged as a felony. This will aid in preventing and combating this pernicious problem that has dire consequences for working families and communities.” 

 

Artemio Fuerte, 38, of New Rochelle, was sentenced before Judge Eileen Songer-McCarthy today in New Rochelle City Court, following his guilty pleas on May 1 to six counts of Failure to Pay Wages and again on June 7 to two additional counts of Failure to Pay Wages.   

 

The defendant’s sentence includes a $1,500 fine on each of the eight counts totaling $12,000 to be paid through probation, which will run concurrent on all three of his cases. 

 

As part of his plea agreement, the defendant paid full restitution in the amount of $31,583 to the eight victims prior to sentencing. 

 

The Economic Crimes Bureau of the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office launched an investigation into the defendant and his business in 2022 after complaints were filed by individuals who did not get paid working for Mr. Fuerte. 

 

The DA’s Office Criminal Investigators Squad arrested the defendant on May 23, 2022 for failing to pay four workers a total of $21,150 between December 2020 and November 2021. Investigators arrested the defendant a second time on Oct. 14, 2022 for failing to pay two additional workers a total of $2,370 between March and August 2022, and arrested the defendant, a third time, on Jan. 30, 2024 for failing to pay two additional workers a total of $8,063 between November 2022 and February 2023.   

 

The District Attorney thanked workers’ rights advocates at St. John Bosco Parish-Don Bosco Workers in Port Chester, Catholic Charities Community Services-Archdiocese of New York in Yonkers, and United Community Center of Westchester in New Rochelle for assisting the victims with filing complaints with the DA’s Office. 

 

Victims and witnesses of wage theft and labor fraud, regardless of immigration status or language, can file a complaint directly with the DA’s Office at (914)995-TIPS (8477) or online at www.westchesterda.net. 

 

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Emily Rowe-Smith of the Economic Crimes Bureau, with assistance from Forensic Accountant Michael Frenza, both of the Trials and Investigations Division. 

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: MOSQUITOES WITH WEST NILE VIRUS FOUND IN WESTCHESTER.

 

MOSQUITOES WITH WEST NILE VIRUS FOUND IN WESTCHESTER.

 

County Health Department Reminds Residents to Remove Standing Water and Use Repellents.

 

(White Plains, NY) – The Westchester County Health Department announced that this season’s first batches of mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus in Westchester were found in Croton, Mount Vernon, Rye, White Plains and Yonkers. The Health Department will inspect areas surrounding the positive mosquito batches and if needed, treat any nearby catch basins that hold standing water to protect against further mosquito breeding nearby.

 

These are the first positives out of 45 batches of mosquitos collected by the County Health Department from eight locations throughout Westchester that were tested for West Nile Virus by the New York State Department of Health

 

Commissioner of Health Sherlita Amler, MD said: “As you spend more time outdoors, protect yourself and your family by using repellents, especially from dawn to dusk, when many mosquitoes are active. Apply sunscreen first, and repellent second.”

 

Throughout the season, the Department also traps and tests mosquitoes to track the presence of mosquito-borne viruses.

 

Symptoms of West Nile include fever, headache, body aches and joint pain, but can be more serious for people 60 and older, and those with underlying medical conditions.

 

Tips to Avoid West Nile:

·         Avoid the outdoors in the late afternoon and early evening when mosquitoes are active and feeding. When outdoors use insect repellents and follow the label instructions.

·         Adults can use insect repellents with up to 30 percent DEET on infants over two months of age by applying the product to their own hands and then rubbing it onto their children, avoiding their children's hands, eyes and mouth.

·         Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks when outdoors, especially in areas where mosquitoes are active and feeding.

·         Check around your property for anything that can hold water, and pour it out or put it away.  Mosquitos don’t travel far from a water source.

·         Check and remove standing water from children’s toys and play houses left outside.

·         Remove discarded tires.

·         Drill holes in the bottoms of all recycling containers that are left outdoors.

·         Turn over plastic wading pools, buckets and wheelbarrows when not in use.

·         Change the water in birdbaths at least twice weekly.

·         Keep storm drains and gutters clear of leaves and debris.

·         Continue to chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor spas and hot tubs until properly winterized or drained for the season. Also, if not chlorinated, drain any water that collects on their covers.

 

 

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County District Attorney Office: PEEKSKILL MAN INDICTED FOR THE MURDER OF WESTCHESTER SOCIAL WORKER MARIA COTO.

PEEKSKILL MAN INDICTED FOR THE MURDER OF WESTCHESTER SOCIAL WORKER MARIA COTO.

Defendant is charged with repeatedly punching and kicking the victim while she was on a site visit in Peekskill ultimately causing her death.

 

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah announced today that a Peekskill man was indicted for the murder of 56-year-old Maria Coto, a Westchester County Department of Social Services case worker, who was conducting a site visit in Peekskill when she was allegedly attacked.  

 

DA Rocah said: “Maria Coto was performing her job when she became the victim of a ruthless and brutal attack that led to her tragic death. We are committed to securing justice for Ms. Coto.” 

The defendant, Hasseem Jenkins, 31, was arraigned today before New York State Supreme Court Judge Anne E. Minihan in Westchester County Court following an indictment by a Westchester County Grand Jury for two counts of Murder in the Second Degree, two counts of Burglary in the First Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, and Robbery in the First Degree, all felonies, and Resisting Arrest, a misdemeanor.  

 

The defendant remains remanded to Westchester County Jail. His next court date is Aug. 6. 

 

At approximately 3:08 p.m. on May 14, while the victim was conducting home visits on South Street in Peekskill, it is alleged that the defendant repeatedly punched her in the face, chased her into a neighbor’s apartment and repeatedly kicked her in the head while wearing heavy boots.  

 

The Peekskill Police Department responded to the scene and arrested the defendant, who allegedly resisted. Police also recovered the victim’s cell phone from the defendant’s pocket.  

 

The victim, who sustained severe brain bleed, brain swelling and multiple facial fractures, was treated for her critical injuries at the Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla. The victim was placed on a ventilator and remained unconscious until she was pronounced dead on June 19.  

 

The case is being prosecuted by Major Case Bureau Chief Nadine Nagler and Assistant District Attorney Kevin Jones, both of the Trials and Investigations Division. 

 

The charges against the defendant are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.     

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester Putnam Central Labor Body (AFL CIO): Tomorrow - Support New Rochelle FUSE!

 

HEY, WPCLB - We need ALL HANDS ON DECK - JULY 30th- IN SUPPORT OF OUR SISTERS & BROTHERS OF NEW ROCHELLE FUSE!

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

-Join the meeting in person or via zoom (address/link below)

-Sign up to speak (sign up by phone or email below)

-SHARE THIS MESSAGE with friends/family/neighbors!

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The City School District of New Rochelle invites you to join a public hearing on a charter school in our community. See participation details below

AGENDA

City School District of New Rochelle Superintendent Dr. Corey Reynolds will facilitate a hearing on an application filed by Capital Prep Charter School with the SUNY Charter Schools Institute seeking to open a charter school in our community. The application signed by Rev. Dr. David Holder states that "Capital Preparatory Charter School New Rochelle will provide historically disadvantaged students from New Rochelle with the college and career readiness skills needed to become responsible and engaged citizens for social justice."

Community members are encouraged to visit the City School District of New Rochelle's webpage - https://www.nred.org/page/proposed-charter-school providing information about charter schools and how a charter school would affect our public schools. Community members are invited to speak at the hearing. Please register by calling 914-576-4219 or emailing the District Clerk and Secretary to the Board of Education at mbonilla@nredlearn.org.

Speakers may also sign up in person at the public hearing and will be afforded two minutes to speak. Please note that public comment will be limited to those participating in person.

Following the public hearing, the Board of Education will hold its regular meeting

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: PHOTO/VIDEO: DEPUTY COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS GIVES WESTCHESTER WEEKLY UPDATE.

 

Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins Gives Westchester Weekly Update.

 

*Watch the full News Conference Here*

 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Eh7WRXrqp0

 

                                                                            

Westchester County Gives Free Back to School Vaccines

At Yonkers Schools and County Clinics in White Plains and Yonkers.

 

 

(White Plains, NY) – The Westchester County Department of Health will book appointments now for its free back-to-school vaccine clinics to assure children have the vaccines they need to attend school this fall.

 

New this year, the County Health Department will bring vaccines to two Yonkers schools – the Yonkers Montessori Academy and the Enrico Fermi School – where any Yonkers student who is eligible for the state’s Vaccines for Children (VFC) program can receive free immunizations. Appointments are required; for scheduling, call 914-995-5800.

 

The County Health Department’s nurses will visit the Montessori Academy on Thursday, August 8, where they will provide Tdap, Meningitis and Hepatitis B vaccines. On Friday, September 13, County Health Department nurses will give vaccines at the Enrico Fermi School.

 

The County Health Department is also expanding its vaccine appointments for all VFC eligible Westchester County students from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. as follows:

·         Mondays in the White Plains clinic;

·         Fridays in the Yonkers clinic; and

·         Thursdays, starting August 29, in the Yonkers clinic.

 

Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, said: “Yonkers schools have done a lot to encourage families to vaccinate their children, so we are pleased to support Yonkers parents by bringing free, convenient vaccines to their schools. Now is the right time for all parents to schedule vaccine visits for their children. If your child is eligible for Child Health Plus, Medicaid or has no insurance, we can help. You can also call your child’s healthcare provider.”

 

Children attending day care and Pre-K through 12^th grade in New York State must receive all required doses of vaccines on the recommended schedule to attend or remain in school.  

 

The Westchester County Health Department Health Navigators can help families and individuals sign up for the health insurance they need. Those without a regular doctor can learn where to go for ongoing primary care. For more information, call (914) 995-6350.

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Board of Legislators: **PRESS RELEASE**LEGISLATOR ERIKA PIERCE TAKES ON NATIONAL LEADERSHIP ROLE WITH NACo.

LEGISLATOR ERIKA PIERCE TAKES ON NATIONAL LEADERSHIP ROLE WITH NACo.

 

White Plains, NY — Legislator Erika L. Pierce (D - Bedford, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, North Salem, Pound Ridge, Somers) has been appointed Vice Chair of the Environment, Energy, and Land Use Steering Committee for the National Association of Counties (NACo). This announcement came during NACo's Annual Conference in Hillsborough County, Florida, where President James Gore made the appointments.

 

Pierce, who serves as the Legislature’s Public Works and Transportation Committee Chair, and Parks and Environment Committee Vice Chair said, “I am honored to take on this role and look forward to contributing to the important work of NACo. Addressing environmental and energy challenges is crucial for our communities, and I am committed to advancing sustainable policies.”

 

In addition to Pierce's appointment, Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins was appointed Vice Chair of the Transit/Rail Subcommittee. In total, 13 New York State County Legislators were appointed to NACo leadership positions.

 

NACo, established in 1935, represents nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees. The organization advocates for county priorities in federal policymaking, promotes exemplary county policies and practices, nurtures leadership skills, optimizes county and taxpayer resources, and enhances public understanding of county government.

 

The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC), founded in 1925, is an affiliate of NACo and collaborates closely with the organization to advance the priorities of New York’s counties at both the state and federal levels. Former Chair of the Westchester County Board of Legislators Benjamin Boykin currently serves as NYSAC President Elect and will become the NYSAC President in September 2024.

 

The Westchester County Board of Legislators consists of seventeen members and is the policy-making branch of County government, serving one million residents. The Board's primary responsibilities are to allocate funds, approve the budget, and impose taxes, in addition to passing local laws, acts, and resolutions. It is the longest-running elected body in New York, serving as the Voice of the People of Westchester County for over 300 years. Learn more by visiting www.westchesterlegislators.com