New York News

Suffolk County celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with local hero honors

Suffolk county celebrates hispanic heritage month with local hero honors

Suffolk County celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with local hero honors

BRENTWOOD, NY – Suffolk County recently recognized Hispanic Heritage Month through a celebration that honored the contributions of Hispanic individuals in the area. Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, in conjunction with the Suffolk County Hispanic Advisory Board and the Suffolk County Office of Multicultural Affairs & Community Engagement, hosted the event.

Among the honorees was Police Officer Kathy Hawkins, known for her dedicated service to the Hispanic community. As a first-generation American, Hawkins has roots in the Dominican Republic and emphasizes her cultural heritage in her work. She serves as a Spanish-speaking officer, facilitating communication with Spanish-speaking residents.

The keynote address was delivered by Chief of Operations Milagros Soto, the department’s first Hispanic chief. Deputy Commissioner Belinda Groneman was also present to congratulate the recipients.

The event highlighted the importance of Hispanic culture and contributions within Suffolk County. Organizers aimed to foster understanding and recognition of these contributions among all residents.

Celebrating diversity was a key focus of the evening, and it aimed to strengthen community bonds. Following the speeches, attendees engaged in discussions about the significance of the Hispanic community in Suffolk County.

The event provided an opportunity to reflect on the progress made and the work that remains in fostering inclusivity.

Suffolk County continues to strive for acknowledgment and support of its diverse communities.

In the spirit of honoring local heroes, the evening reinforced the value of cultural heritage in the county’s ongoing development.

Community comes together to provide food aid in Vestal

Community comes together to provide food aid in vestal

Community comes together to provide aid in Vestal

VESTAL, NY – Local law enforcement agencies and community partners collaborated over the weekend to distribute food to families in need. Participants included the New York State Police, Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies, Binghamton City Police, Vestal Police, Johnson City Police, and State University Police.

These organizations joined forces with Tracy Creek Memorial Church to carry out the food distribution. The initiative aimed to assist families facing food insecurity within the community.

Pastor Boothby, representative of the church, expressed gratitude to the volunteers who participated in the program. He stated, “Together we’re more than law enforcement – we’re neighbors, community partners and a helping hand.”

The event reflects a growing trend of collaboration between law enforcement and community organizations to address local needs. This partnership demonstrates a commitment to supporting vulnerable populations in the area.

Photos from the event can be found on the New York State Police’s social media page. The public is encouraged to view these images that capture the community’s efforts.

The collaboration underscores the importance of community involvement in addressing social issues. Many families benefited from this outreach as part of the community’s ongoing support initiatives.

The food distribution event highlights the joint efforts of various agencies in promoting well-being within the town.

Community health and welfare continue to strengthen through initiatives like these, marking a positive step forward for Vestal.

Residents united for a common cause, providing hope and sustenance to those in need.

Retirement marks end of an era for dedicated officer in Utica

Retirement marks end of an era for dedicated officer in utica

Retirement marks end of an era for dedicated officer

UTICA, NY — Investigator Shannon Acquaviva-Cinque retired on Friday, ending a twenty-year career with the Utica Police Department. Her service was recognized for dedication to public safety and commitment to professional standards.

Acquaviva-Cinque began her career in the Patrol Division in 2005. She later joined the Tactical Unit where she conducted street-level interdictions of weapons and drug offenders.

During her service in the Patrol Division, Acquaviva-Cinque faced a serious motor vehicle accident while providing backup for fellow officers. She returned to duty and earned a promotion to Investigator, while continuing her service with METRO SWAT despite ongoing injuries.

Acquaviva-Cinque contributed to training programs for Emergency Vehicle Operations and other operational protocols that became staples in Oneida County training initiatives.

Acquaviva-Cinque is also noted for honoring the memory of Officer Tom Lindsey, ensuring that his legacy is not forgotten within the department.

The department expressed its gratitude, wishing Acquaviva-Cinque the best in her retirement.

Shannon Acquaviva-Cinque leaves behind a legacy of commitment and resilience in the Utica Police Department.

Police arrest man with cocaine, outstanding robbery warrant

Police arrest man with cocaine, outstanding robbery warrant

Police arrest man with cocaine, outstanding robbery warrant

UTICA, NY — Police officers conducting a saturation patrol made a citizen stop on the 1600 block of Oneida Street on Wednesday evening. The officers, part of the Crime Prevention Unit, were assisted by Oneida County Sheriff Deputies and New York State Police personnel.

While engaging with two males, an officer noticed one provided false identifying information. When attempts were made to detain the male, he struggled with officers before being handcuffed.

Once detained, the male was positively identified as 37-year-old Samuel Crippen, who had a felony robbery warrant from the NYPD. A search of Crippen following his arrest led to the discovery of several corner knotted baggies containing a substance believed to be cocaine.

The contraband was seized, and Crippen was transported to the Utica Police Department for processing. Following the investigation, detectives from the Special Investigations Unit returned for charging purposes.

Crippen was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, obstruction of governmental administration in the second degree, and his outstanding robbery warrant.

Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Utica Police Department.

A man is behind bars facing charges after trying to mislead police during a stop.

NYC woman charged in $2.1 million pig butchering scam

Nyc woman charged in $2. 1 million pig butchering scam

Bayside woman charged in $2.1 million pig butchering scam

QUEENS, NY – Tiffany Yang has been arraigned on charges of grand larceny in the first degree and other related crimes, accused of stealing approximately $2.1 million from 17 victims nationwide through a so-called “pig butchering scam.”

This type of scheme involves scammers establishing relationships with victims under false pretenses, persuading them to invest in fraudulent financial ventures. The FBI’s Internet Complaint Center recorded nearly $6.57 billion in losses from investment scams in the U.S. last year.

Victims were reportedly befriended online and enticed into putting money into fake investments showcased on fraudulent websites. These sites displayed artificial profits to encourage further deposits until victims were locked out as their funds were funneled into accounts associated with multiple shell companies controlled by Yang.

District Attorney Melinda Katz stated, “As alleged, the defendant was part of a scheme that gained the trust of victims across the United States and then lured them into a fraudulent investment opportunity.” Katz emphasized the calculated nature of such scams and noted her office’s Cybercrime Unit’s role in addressing large-scale financial fraud.

Yang, 35, of Bayside, faced a 27-count criminal complaint upon her arraignment on Wednesday. The charges include grand larceny in the first degree and criminal possession of stolen property in the first degree, among others. She was remanded by Criminal Court Judge Maria T. Gonzalez and is scheduled to return to court on November 13.

According to the investigation, one victim interacted with someone claiming to be “Lily List” over Facebook Messenger starting in March 2023. The conversation transitioned to WhatsApp, where the victim was directed to a fraudulent trading platform known as Spread Ex Ltd. They ultimately wired $1,086,244 across 13 transactions, believing they were investing in a legitimate opportunity.

Investigators revealed that funds from the victim’s wire transfers were linked to a JP Morgan Chase account associated with an address in Flushing, New York. This address has been connected to numerous accounts allegedly involved in similar fraudulent activities.

In October, a court-authorized search warrant was executed at Yang’s residence in Bayside, resulting in her arrest for possession of a firearm after authorities found further evidence of fraudulent activity, including forged documentation. Yang was re-arrested for the grand larceny charges on October 7.

Yang’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys from the Cybercrime Unit, with support from the U.S. Department of State.

In a shocking twist, a woman has been charged with orchestrating a massive scheme that targeted victims across the nation.