Westchester Insider: Westchester County District Attorney: BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS IN STATE PRISON FOR KILLING HIS WIFE.

 

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS IN STATE PRISON FOR KILLING HIS WIFE.

 

WHITE PLAINS, NY – Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah announced that Bronx resident Kirk Fisher, 60, was sentenced on September 29, 2022, to 20 years in state prison for killing his wife, Kaya Green, during a dispute in her home in Mount Vernon. 

 

“This is a devastating case of domestic violence and we hope the family of Kaya Green has some sense of closure,” DA Rocah said. “Domestic violence cuts across boundaries of age, gender, race and economic status, and the dedicated prosecutors in my office will fight for all victims in the courtrooms of Westchester County to hold their abusers accountable.” 

 

On the night of April 8, 2021, the defendant repeatedly stabbed the 47-year-old victim, who suffered numerous stab wounds to various parts of her body and blunt force trauma to her head, which caused her death. Three days later, the victim’s family found the her dead on her living room floor and called the police.   

 

The Mount Vernon Police Department arrested the defendant in Manhattan on May 18, 2021, following an investigation, with assistance from the FBI’s Safe Street Task Force, the Westchester County Department of Public Safety and the District Attorney’s Office.  

 

On July 28, 2022, the defendant pled guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree, a violent felony. In accordance with his sentence, the defendant will also be subject to five years of post-release supervision. 

 

The case was before Judge James McCarty in Westchester County Court, and was prosecuted by Senior Counsel Brian Bendish and Assistant District Attorney Owein Levin.  

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Parks: On Sale Now: Westchester’s Winter Wonderland Drive-thru Holiday Light Extravaganza at Kensico Dam Plaza Tickets!

 

Tickets on sale now for Westchester's Winter Wonderland Drive-thru Holiday Light Extravaganza at Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla!

Event runs from Friday, Nov. 25 through Sunday, Jan. 1.

Open most nights.

$25 to $35 per car.

To Buy: https://maingatetickets.com/events/view/1318/

Westchester Insider: Save the Date - WestCOP's Winter Blue Carpet Mixer.

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County District Attorney: MOUNT VERNON MAN SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS IN STATE PRISON FOR FATAL STABBING.

 

MOUNT VERNON MAN SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS IN STATE PRISON FOR FATAL STABBING.

 

WHITE PLAINS, NY – Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah announced that Mount Vernon resident Richard Vincent, 43, was sentenced on September 29, 2022, to 18 years in state prison, with five years of post-release supervision, for the 2019 fatal stabbing of a Mount Vernon man. 

 

During the evening of March 12, 2019, the defendant cut 39-year-old Randy Streete’s throat and stabbed him multiple times during a physical altercation in the victim’s apartment on South Sixth Avenue in Mount Vernon. The next day, the victim’s girlfriend found him dead on his bedroom floor and called the police.  

 

Following an investigation by the Mount Vernon Police Department, the defendant surrendered himself and was arrested on March 20, 2019.  

 

After a weeklong bench trial in April 2022, the defendant was found guilty of Manslaughter in the First Degree, a violent felony.  

 

The case was before Judge George Fufidio in Westchester County Court, and was prosecuted by Bureau Chief Laura Murphy and Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Marcus, both of the Trials and Investigations Division.  

 

Westchester Insider: News from Westchester Putnam Central Labor Body - AFL CIO.

 

https://act.aflcio.org/ticketed_events/wpclb-celebration-of-labor/?link_id=0&can_id=422ace5942de94b1b93cc19a2f2d8052&source=email-tickets-ad-space-available-celebration-of-labor&email_referrer=email_1683427&email_subject=dont-miss-out-deadline-approaching

The Westchester/Putnam Central Labor Body AFL-CIO will hold our

“Celebration of Labor” on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at 7PM. The cost of

the event is $125.00 per person which includes a cocktail hour and sit-down

dinner. The event will be held at Castle Royale (92 Waverly St., Yonkers.)

***

Our Labor Service Award honoree is Anthony Castiglione, 32BJ SEIU and WPCLB Vice President, for his ongoing dedication to the labor movement and to the WPCLB over his many years of service.

Our Outstanding Leadership Award honoree is Benjamin Boykin II, Westchester County Legislator, District 5, for his dedication to the labor movement and the working men and women in Westchester County.

We will also be posthumously honoring Jacqueline Baker, AFT 860 Delegate and Founder of Westchester Sickle Cell Outreach, for her dedication to the labor council and her advocacy efforts.

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Legislator Margaret Cunzio 3rd District: Valhalla American Legion Post 1038 Tag Sale - Saturday, 10/1.

 

Join the Valhalla American Legion Post 1038 for a fun indoor and outdoor shopping experience.

Saturday, October 1, 2022 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(Rain Date: October 2nd)
27 Legion Drive, Valhalla, NY

Something old, something new but most importantly something for everyone.

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: PUMPKIN PICKING FUNDRAISER AT MUSCOOT FARM.

 

PUMPKIN PICKING FUNDRAISER AT MUSCOOT FARM.

 

(Katonah, NY) – Fall into the autumn season at Muscoot Farm for pumpkin picking and hay rides at its Pumpkin Picking Fundraiser, Saturday through Monday, Oct. 8 through 10, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

Event is free; pumpkins vary in price based on size. Hayrides are $5 per person, ages 3 and under are free; cash only.

 

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, “There’s so much to do in Westchester County this autumn and pumpkin picking at Muscoot Farm is one of the best fall traditions in the County!”

 

Westchester County Parks Commissioner Kathy O’Connor said, “Muscoot Farm is a great place for family and friends to come together and its pumpkin picking weekend is an added perk!”

 

You will be able to visit the animals, but the trails will be closed all weekend. The Farmers Market is open Sunday, Oct. 9, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

 

Event benefits the Friends of Muscoot Farm, which preserves and interprets, for the public benefit, the agricultural, cultural and natural heritage of a Westchester County farm, circa 1880 – 1930.

 

Alfred B. DelBello Muscoot Farm, a 777-acre, early 1900s interpretive farm, is a Westchester County Park. It is open daily and offers a variety of interpretive programs to the public on weekends throughout the year.

 

For more information, visit muscootfarm.org or call (914) 864-7286.

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Legislator Catherine Parker 7th District: Fall 2022 Community Compost Bin and Rain Barrel Sale.

 

Fall 2022 Community Compost Bin and Rain Barrel Sale.

Backyard Composting is an excellent way to reduce trash going to the incinerator and make your own compost. Orders must be placed by September 30th and picked up on October 1st.

For more information, visit http://westchester.compostersale.com/

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Legislator James Nolan 15th District: The Board of Legislators Celebrates Italian-American Heritage Month - Monday, 10/3.

 

Please join us virtually Monday night for our annual Italian-American Heritage Month Celebration streaming live from the BOL Chamber at 7 p.m. Video link will go live at westchestercountyny.legistar.com. To access, click on the link and scroll down to “Board of Legislators Meeting.” Scroll across to the video column and click where it says “in progress.” 

We're so proud to be celebrating two exemplary honorees -- Anthony Amiano and Judy DelVecchio Fix

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: September 27: County Executive George Latimer Gives Westchester Weekly Update.

 

September 27: County Executive George Latimer Gives Westchester Weekly Update.

 

Watch full briefing here: https://youtu.be/9hdPMgE9Oog

 

During his weekly Westchester briefing, Latimer discussed:

·         Guest: Village of Tarrytown Deputy Mayor Becky McGovern

·         Westchester County’s Fiscal Stress Score Raised to “No Designation,” the Highest Designation Attainable by the New York State Comptroller’s Office

 

 

COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER RETURNS WESTCHESTER’S FISCAL STRESS SCORE TO THE HIGHEST CATEGORY ACHIEVABLE.

 

Westchester County’s Fiscal Stress Score Raised to “No Designation,” the Highest Designation Attainable by the New York State Comptroller’s Office.

 

(White Plains, NY) – When County Executive George Latimer first took office in 2018, one of his top priorities was restoring the County’s finances to solid, fiscal ground. According to the New York State Comptroller, Westchester’s finances have improved dramatically for fiscal year 2021, with the County’s fiscal stress score raised to “no designation” – the highest category achievable. Coupled with the County’s bond ratings now standing at “stable” by all three major rating agencies, Latimer has put the County’s finances on the path to fiscal success.

 

Latimer said: “This designation is the result of more than four full years of smart, prudent fiscal management, no matter what variables were thrown our way. We have always had a plan in place to improve the County’s finances, and that plan has been successfully executed as proven by the New York State Comptroller’s Office. Our fiscal stress score dropped significantly from 56.7 to 14.6 in just one year, a direct result of exceptional 2021 financial results.”   

 

Westchester County Commissioner of Finance Karin Hablow said: “This is great news for Westchester County taxpayers. This administration has worked extremely hard to increase our reserves, cut taxes and implement fiscally responsible budgets. This score represents an independent validation that tax dollars are being managed responsibly under the leadership of County Executive Latimer.”

 

With the County’s fiscal stress score at “no designation,” and all three major bond rating agencies listing the County in “stable” condition, Latimer looks forward to further improving the County’s fiscal outlook throughout his second term as County Executive.

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: TRAILSIDE NATURE MUSEUM TO HOST SPOOKTACULAR OKTOBER FEST.

 

TRAILSIDE NATURE MUSEUM TO HOST SPOOKTACULAR OKTOBER FEST.

 

(Cross River, NY) – Calling all ghouls and goblins! Wear your Halloween costume and visit Trailside Nature Museum at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Cross River, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2 p.m. for its Spooktacular Oktoberfest. Discounted early-bird tickets go on sale, Monday, Oct. 3, at 12 noon on Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spooktacular-oktoberfest-tickets-425861401917.

 

Activities at the event include costume contests for children and adults; fall treats like s’mores, apple cider and donuts; cotton candy; hayrides; campfire ghost stories; crafts and more. Captain Lawrence will be on site in the designated food and drink area where refreshments will be available for purchase where attendees can listen to live music.

 

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, “Halloween is a fun holiday not only for kids, but for adults, too. I’m thrilled the County is able to offer an event where families and adults can celebrate Halloween and the fall season.”

 

Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, Kathy O’Connor said, “Trailside Nature Museum at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation has a history of folklore and is one of the most beautiful places in the County to experience the fall season.”

 

Early bird tickets go on sale, Monday, Oct. 3, 12 noon, and are available through Friday, Oct. 7 and are $20 per person ages 3+. This ticket provides entry to all activities and the food and drink section. Beginning Saturday, Oct. 8, these tickets are $25. Pumpkin carving is $15. Tickets to the food and drink only area are $15 per person, where refreshments will be available to purchase. Tickets will be available to purchase on Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spooktacular-oktoberfest-tickets-425861401917.

 

Parking is free; event is rain or shine. For more info or questions, call: (914) 864-7322.

 

Trailside Nature Museum is located at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Cross River at the junction of Routes 35 and 121 South in Cross River.

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County District Attorney: YONKERS MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO HATE CRIME FOR VIOLENT ATTACK ON ASIAN SENIOR.

 

YONKERS MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO HATE CRIME FOR VIOLENT ATTACK ON ASIAN SENIOR.

 

WHITE PLAINS, NY – Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah announced that Yonkers resident Tammel Esco, 42, pled guilty on September 27, 2022, to committing a violent hate crime in March 2022 against a 67-year-old Asian woman who was entering her apartment building. The defendant cursed at the victim, punched her more than 100 times in and around her head, repeatedly stomped on her upper body, and spit on her.  

 

“Today’s agreement secures justice for the brave victim who endured the shocking attack and its aftermath, and for a community impacted by the trauma of this hate-driven violence,” DA Rocah said. “I want to assure every community in Westchester County that my office will use every resource at our disposal to fight hate and hold perpetrators accountable. In addition to vigorously prosecuting these cases, we are continuing our work with our government partners and the community at large to offer training, education and outreach related to hate crimes and bias incidents.” 

 

The defendant pled guilty to Assault in the First Degree as a Hate Crime, a violent felony. According to his plea agreement, the defendant will be sentenced on November 29, 2022, to 17 ½ years in state prison, with five years of post-release supervision. The defendant was arrested by the Yonkers Police Department on March 11, 2022, and held without bail since. 

 

On March 11, 2022, at approximately 6:07 p.m., the defendant yelled at the victim, who is of Filipino descent, that she was an “Asian bitch.” The defendant then approached the victim from behind as she entered the vestibule of her apartment building on Riverdale Avenue in Yonkers and punched her in the head, knocking her to the ground. The defendant continued to punch the victim more than 100 times, repeatedly stomped on her upper body in his construction boots, and then spit on her. The Yonkers Police Department arrested the defendant shortly after the incident, which was captured on video surveillance. 

 

The victim was transported to Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, where she was treated for bleeding on the brain, multiple facial fractures, and bruising and lacerations to the head and face. 

 

The case is before Judge Anne Minihan in Westchester County Court, and is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Catalina Blanco Buitrago of the Trials and Investigations Division. 

 

If you are a victim or witness to a hate crime or bias incident, please contact the District Attorney’s Office at 914-995-TIPS (8477) 

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Legislator Margaret Cunzio 3rd District: Mount Pleasant First Responders Appreciation Day - Sunday, 10/2.

 

Mount Pleasant First Responders Appreciation Day.

Sunday, October 2, 2022 from 11 A.M. - 3 P.M.
Broadway Field, 1 Broadway, Hawthorne, NY 10531

This FREE event will provide lots of delicious food, drinks, dessert, games,
live music and entertainment for kids.

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Legislator Mary Jane Shimsky 12th District: High Holiday Wishes.

 

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Today at sundown is Rosh Hashanah – the Jewish New Year, which begins the 10-day High Holiday season for our Jewish residents in Westchester County and around the world. It concludes with Yom Kippur – the Day of Atonement -- on October 5th. It is a time for both celebration with family and friends, and a time for personal introspection, contemplation, and remembrance of those who have passed.

The acknowledgment of “the sweet and sour” in life is reflected in many aspects of Jewish culture – in the foods that are served, the songs that are sung, the prayers that are chanted. Throughout our lives, we rejoice and we mourn, we have ups and we have downs. In the past couple of years, we’ve experienced this even more.

But, the wish is for a year that promises more sweet than sour and to have the fortitude to get through rough times when they come.

Shana Tovah – good year to all!

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Legislator Mary Jane Shimsky 12th District: Mobile Shredder is coming to Hastings-on-Hudson - Saturday, 10/8.

 

Mobile Shredder is coming to Hastings-on-Hudson.

​Saturday, October 8, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Chemka Pool Parking Lot (1 Chemka Pool Rd).

Residents can bring up to 4 file-size (10”x12”x15”) boxes of confidential papers per household for shredding.  Please remove all large binder clips and covers.  Papers from businesses, institutions or commercial enterprises are not acceptable and will be rejected, as will any junk mail or newspapers.

First come, first served

Service at the events works on a first-come-first-served basis, as the Mobile Shredder unit can reach its maximum capacity before closing time. In extreme weather, events may be cancelled or terminated early.

Please call the county's Recycling Helpline at (914) 813-5425 to check on a cancellation or early closure.

Important information

It is important to be aware of what you place the paper to be shredded – no matches, lighters or anything combustible. Staff at the events will be checking the material prior to being shredded.

Kinds of documents to shred

Remember, it's best to shred documents you're no longer using, that contain personal identifying information such as name, address, phone number, credit card number or social security number. Such documents should be shredded before they are thrown out for recycling. Some examples are:

• expired credit card statements and receipts
• old tax returns or any other personal documents containing you name, address or other identifying information.
• pre-approved credit card applications
• licenses

As this service is gaining in popularity, residents should be prepared to wait as lines are sometimes long. However, the wait doesn't have to be that long. Come prepared. This means you've removed all metal clips, fasteners, binders, folders and hard covers and placed the papers loosely in a box. Hard covers – cardboard or plastic covers on items such as ledger books, marble composition books and hard-cover books – cannot be shredded and will be turned away. Residents must rip pages out from hard cover books for shredding and throw the covers in their regular household trash. Up to four boxes of papers are allowed for shredding.

For more information about identity theft, call the Dept. of Consumer Protection (914) 995-2155. For questions about recycling, call (914) 813-5425, the Recycling Helpline.

For more information about the mobile shredder, visit https://environment.westchestergov.com/residents/recycling-guidelines/mobile-shredder

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: WESTCHESTER COUNTY OFFICE FOR WOMEN INTRODUCES PROJECT DIRECTOR FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HIGH RISK TEAM.

 

WESTCHESTER COUNTY OFFICE FOR WOMEN

INTRODUCES PROJECT DIRECTOR

FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HIGH RISK TEAM.

(White Plains, NY) – Expanding the County’s mission to reduce domestic violence cases across Westchester County, the Office for Women (OFW) has received a federal grant for the Westchester County Domestic Violence High Risk Team (DVHRT). David Ryan, former Chief of Pound Ridge Police for the past 23 years and a member of law enforcement for over 40 years, will serve in the new post, through a contract with Hope’s Door, a Westchester-based domestic violence services provider funded by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women.

Ryan will be responsible for reviewing domestic violence cases from a law enforcement perspective, following the County Executive’s commitment to improving community/police response to family violence. The Team will help connect victims with the appropriate service providers. Ryan, along with DVHRT Coordinator Nancy Tunis of OFW, will oversee the continued DVHRT training of the County’s local police departments, with the five remaining police departments scheduled for training this fall.

 

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “Our Office for Women is a model for New York State and the Country, in response to serious family violence and intimate partner violence training. We introduced the DVHRT program in an attempt to prevent future high-risk violence, and we have seen this training pay dividends in the communities who are already using it. This program is effective because our police are participating in training with fellow members of law enforcement, and with their help, we are working towards establishing long-term safety and security for our victims.”

 

Director of OFW Robi Schlaff said: “When we look at all the partners involved to protect a family from domestic violence, law enforcement is often the first point of contact. We are fortunate to have the most professional and competent partners in law enforcement here in Westchester. Our utmost concern will always be protecting the safety of Westchester County’s residents and families, and by working together with our police, we know we can successfully accomplish that goal.”

 

Ryan said: “Reducing the risk of violence stemming from domestic disputes has always been my passion, and when you have a long career in law enforcement, it’s possible to experience too many tragic and violent homicides. I have seen enough pain and suffering over the years that I knew could have been prevented, so I am personally invested in seeing this program succeed. We have seen a dramatic difference in the way our police officers respond with this new training, and while public safety will always be our mantra, we have a much more empathic and compassionate approach when we are engaged with victims of domestic violence.”

 

Of the County’s 42 local police departments, only one remains to be trained, with Mount Vernon, Larchmont and Harrison scheduled for September. 

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Legislator James Nolan 15th District: Westchester County Youth Bureau Seeks the Next Youth Poet Laureate.

 

Westchester County Youth Bureau Seeks the Next Youth Poet Laureate.

The Westchester County Youth Bureau is seeking the next Youth Poet Laureate, the second in the history of Westchester County.

The Youth Poet Laureate will work with the Westchester County Youth Bureau by creating opportunities that encourage children and youth to engage in a myriad of activities ranging from creative writing, spoken word poetry, playwriting and film making.

If selected, the individual will collaborate with educational institutions, such as schools and colleges, local libraries, after-school programs, along with the current Westchester County Poet Laureate BK Fischer.

Any youth interested should email Susan Weisman from the Westchester County Youth Bureau at ssw9@westchestergov.com by Friday, October 7th.

Westchester Insider: Westchester County District Attorney: BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS IN STATE PRISON FOR ATTEMPTED RAPE IN YONKERS.

 

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS IN STATE PRISON FOR ATTEMPTED RAPE IN YONKERS.

 

WHITE PLAINS, NY – Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah announced that 29-year-old Bronx resident Steven Hernandez was sentenced on September 22, 2022, to five years in state prison for the attempted rape of a woman in Yonkers.  

 

On July 30, 2021, at approximately 1:20 p.m., the victim was pushing her grandchild in a stroller and was about to enter an apartment building in Yonkers when the defendant, who was unknown to the victim, grabbed the victim from behind, put his hands under her shirt and groped her. The defendant attempted to push the victim into a nearby bush and a struggle ensued as the defendant pulled at the victim’s hips and clothing, and then exposed and fondled himself. During the incident, the defendant repeatedly said the word “sex.” 

 

A bystander, who heard the victim screaming, approached the scene to help the victim and the defendant ran away. The Yonkers Police Department arrested Hernandez shortly after the incident.  

 

In May 2022, the defendant pled guilty to Attempted Rape in the First Degree, a violent felony. In accordance with his sentence, the defendant will also be subject to 12 years of post-release supervision and will be required to register as a sex offender.   

 

The case was before Judge James McCarty in Westchester County Court, and was prosecuted by Special Prosecutions Deputy Division Chief Michelle Lopez.  

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester CountyPHOTO/VIDEO: COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER, VETERANS SERVICE AGENCY DIRECTOR RON TOCCI HOST TRIBUTE CEREMONY FOR GOLD STAR MOTHERS.

 

PHOTO/VIDEO: COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER, VETERANS SERVICE AGENCY DIRECTOR RON TOCCI HOST TRIBUTE CEREMONY FOR GOLD STAR MOTHERS.

 

View full event here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXZ7u3lJHZw

 

(Valhalla, NY) –  Westchester County paused Friday afternoon to honor the sacrifice of the families of who lost children in the service of our country at the County's annual Gold Star Mothers & Families Memorial Tribute Ceremony.

 

When an active-duty service member dies, that service member's mother becomes a Gold Star Mother.

 

County Executive Latimer said, "These Gold Star Mothers cannot be appreciated more, cannot be honored more than we do.  We need to do this not just one day a year but as many times as we can. However many or few there are in this County, they have made a sacrifice that has defined their life with pain, but has given all of us a sense of the service they have given by having one of their own die on behalf of this country. We thank them in person. We thank them in general.  May this country never forget those sacrifices. May we always be ready at a moment's notice to help those that have made that sacrifice and show them the honor that they have earned forever, no matter how many years ago that sacrifice occurred."

 

Ronald C. Tocci, Director of the Westchester County Veterans Service Agency, said, "Every September we gather here at this Memorial Walkway to honor not just those heroic souls that Westchester County has lost in the service of our country, but also their families and their loved ones, because the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our freedom and way of life is a price not paid just by service members, but by the mothers, the fathers and their families who are left with a void for eternity. Hopefully we can make sure today and every day that these families know that they have our deepest gratitude and respect, that they and their loved ones are not forgotten."

Westchester Insider: Westchester County District Attorney: MOUNT VERNON BASEBALL COACH SENTENCED TO STATE PRISON FOR SEX ACT WITH A MINOR.

 

MOUNT VERNON BASEBALL COACH SENTENCED TO STATE PRISON FOR SEX ACT WITH A MINOR.

 

WHITE PLAINS, NY – Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah announced that 31-year-old Mount Vernon resident and baseball coach Robert Pope was sentenced on September 22, 2022, to the maximum term of four years in state prison for engaging in sexual activity with a 16-year-old.  

 

“This defendant was someone who was entrusted to care and mentor young people, and he egregiously violated the trust of the victim, the victim’s family and the entire community,” DA Rocah said. “Today’s sentencing serves as notice that there will be no sanctuary in Westchester for anyone who preys upon minors or children - our most vulnerable of victims. Our office is committed to helping survivors of sexual abuse while working to ensure abusers are fully held accountable.” 

 

In March 2022, the defendant pled guilty to Criminal Sexual Act in the Third Degree, a felony, in Westchester County Court. In accordance with his sentence, the defendant will also be subject to 10 years of post-release supervision and will be required to register as a sex offender.  

 

On April 11, 2021, at approximately 2:13 p.m., the defendant communicated with the victim through text messages and expressed his desire to see the victim. The defendant then traveled to the victim’s location, where the defendant subjected the victim to sexual activity. 

 

Following the defendant’s arrest by the Mount Vernon Police Department on June 15, 2021, the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, conducted an investigation into potential additional victims. As a result of that investigation, the defendant is currently facing additional federal charges.  

 

The case was before Judge Barry Warhit, and the sentence was imposed by Judge James McCarty, in Westchester County Court. The case was prosecuted by Child Abuse Bureau Chief Christine Hatfield and Assistant District Attorney Marissa Morra-Wynn.   

 

The public is encouraged to report any tips or incidents of sexual assault or child abuse to the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office at 914-995-TIPS (8477). Language assistance is available.