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State Grand Jury Decides on Paterson Police Shooting Incident
State Grand Jury Decides on Paterson Police Shooting Incident
**Trenton, NJ** – A state grand jury concluded its deliberations with a decision not to file criminal charges against Paterson Police Officers Anzore Tsay and Jose Hernandez following the police-involved shooting of Najee Seabrooks on March 3, 2023. This decision came after a thorough investigation by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) which presented extensive evidence, including video footage, ballistics reports, and witness testimony.
The investigation revealed that officers responded to a distress call early on March 3, 2023, and encountered Seabrooks behaving erratically in a Paterson apartment. Despite efforts from negotiators and the Emergency Response Team, the situation escalated when Seabrooks, armed with knives, set a fire and threw objects at officers. Officers Tsay and Hernandez discharged their weapons after Seabrooks exited a bathroom with at least one knife, leading to his death.
In response to incidents like this, Attorney General Platkin took steps to transform the Paterson Police Department in 2023 by appointing new leadership and introducing department reforms. These initiatives aimed to rebuild trust and improve community policing, supported by various
Queens Supreme Court to hear case on stolen homes, real estate fraud
Four Indicted for Allegedly Stealing Homes in Queens
**Queens, NY** – Four men and three companies have been charged with grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, conspiracy, and other crimes related to the alleged theft of three homes in Queens neighborhoods. Carl Avinger, Autumn Valeri, Lawrence T. Ray, and Torey Guice surrendered on Tuesday and were arraigned for their alleged roles in a fraud scheme involving falsified documents and false deeds recorded from March to July 2023.
According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, the defendants targeted properties to commit theft, forged documents, and filed false instruments with the city to illegally obtain homes. Avinger, Valeri, and Ray were arraigned on a 47-count indictment involving multiple charges, while Guice faced charges on the same indictment with slightly fewer accusations.
Supreme Court Justice Leigh Cheng has ordered the defendants to appear in court again on April 29. If convicted, Ray and Valeri could face up to 25 years in prison, Avinger faces up to 25 years as well, and Guice could see a sentence ranging from five to 15 years.
The fraudulent activities in question include filing false deed transfers for properties in
