Traffic stop in Massena leads to drug arrest
On April 7, 2025, Troop B – Violent Gangs and Narcotics Enforcement Team charged Daniel R. Jordan, age 28, of Massena, NY, with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 2nd degree (a Class A-II Felony), Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rddegree (a Class B felony) and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 4th degree (a C felony).
On that same day, members of the New York State Police initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle with an obstructed rear plate in the village of Massena. During the stop, Jordan was found in possession of approximately 26 grams of methamphetamine and 14 grams of cocaine.
Jordan was subsequently arrested and transported to the State Police station in Massena for processing. After being arraigned in the town of Massena Court, Jordan was remanded, without bail, to St. Lawrence County Correctional.
The New York State Police were assisted in this case by the Massena Police Department, U.S. Border Patrol, Canton Police Department, St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, St. Lawrence County Drug Task Force and St. Lawrence County District Attorney’s Office.
Critic for child abuse arrested for sex crimes against children
On April 9, 2025, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation stationed at SP Clarence arrested John C. Todaro, 49 of Amherst, NY for Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child (D Felony) and Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child (E Felony).
The Bureau of Criminal Investigation out of SP Clarence with the assistance from the Troop A Computer Crimes Unit, conducted an Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation in the town of Amherst. Investigation determined Todaro possessed child pornography and was disseminating child pornography.
Todaro is the Vice President and active member of, Bikers Against Child Abuse Buffalo Chapter. Todaro would have had opportunities to be around children and child victims.
Todaro was arraigned in the town of Amherst Court and was released on own recognizance and scheduled to return to court in May 2025.
If you have any information, you can contact the NYSP at 585-344-6200.
The mission of the ICAC Task Force is to identify individuals online who are attempting to lure children to meet for sex or those disseminating child sexual abuse material. The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program (ICAC program) helps state and local law enforcement agencies develop an effective response to technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and Internet crimes against children.
Former SUNY Canton Professor Arrested for Bribery
On April 8, 2025, the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) in Canton, in coordination with the New York State Inspector General’s Office, arrested Rajiv R. Narula, age 45, for eight counts of Bribery in the Third Degree, a class “D” felony.
Narula, a former professor at SUNY Canton, is accused of accepting monetary bribes from students in exchange for higher grades. He was dismissed from SUNY Canton in May 2023 following allegations related to this conduct.
Narula was processed at State Police Canton and arraigned before Town of Canton Justice Michael Morga. He was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to reappear in the Town of Canton Court on April 28, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.
The investigation remains ongoing.
**UPDATE** NY State Police Investigate Trooper-Involved Shooting in Malta
UPDATE: April 9, 2025 at 7:15 p.m.
On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at approximately 1:43 p.m., Troopers inside the SP Saratoga Barracks heard gunfire originating from outside the station and immediately responded to the active threat. The individual, later identified as David M. Levine, age 69, of Malta, NY, was located outside the building, standing in the parking lot armed with a long gun. Troopers instructed Levine to drop the firearm. Levine refused to follow multiple commands and aimed the gun in the direction of Troopers, at which time the Troopers fired their division-issued firearms, fatally striking him. Investigators have confirmed that Levine had fired several rounds into the occupied State Police Barracks. Multiple body-worn cameras captured the incident, and due to the active investigation, that footage will not be released at this time.
State Route 9 was closed in both directions between the State Route 67 traffic circle at Dunning Street and Saratoga Village Boulevard. The southbound lanes have been reopened but the northbound lanes remain closed and are anticipated to be reopened by 9 p.m.
The Attorney General’s Office has been notified and responded to the scene.
State Police want to extend our sincere thanks to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office for assisting the New York State Police on the scene.
Updates will be added to the Newsroom as they become available.
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UPDATE: April 9, 2025 at 5:55 p.m.
MEDIA ADVISORY- Officer involved shooting in Malta
State Police will hold a press conference concerning an officer involved shooting event that occurred on April 9, 2025 In Malta, NY.
Location: SP Wilton- 301 Ballard Rd, Gansevoort, NY 12831
Time: 7:00 p.m. today
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Original published April 9, 2025 at 3:15 p.m.
Malta, NY – On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at approximately 1:43 p.m., the New York State Police responded to a report of shots fired in the vicinity of the State Police Saratoga Barracks located in Malta, Saratoga County.
The preliminary investigation has determined that a male subject arrived at SP Malta with a hunting-style rifle and fired several rounds at the barracks. Troopers then exited the barracks and engaged the suspect, fatally wounding the individual.
The investigation is active and ongoing, State Route 9 is closed between the State Route 67 traffic circle at Dunning Street and Saratoga Village Boulevard.
There is no current threat to public safety resulting from this incident.
The New York State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Rockland County Sheriff’s Office, and the Town of Ramapo Police Department collaborate in Undercover Child Exploitation Detail in the Town of Ramapo, in Rockland County, NY, Leads to the Ar
The New York State Police, in partnership with Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office and the Town of Ramapo Police Department, successfully conducted an undercover operation targeting individuals involved in the online exploitation of children. The operation, which took place over several days, resulted in the identification and apprehension of multiple suspects engaged in illegal activities related to child exploitation and trafficking.
The detail deployed highly trained Investigators to infiltrate online platforms where these crimes are often facilitated. Utilizing advanced cyber tactics, Investigators were able to identify individuals attempting to exploit vulnerable children through the internet and meet them in person.
As a result of the operation, the following six individuals were arrested and charged with various offenses. A historical investigation will continue into each of these individuals that were exposed during this investigation.
Jose B. Tombriz-Ixquiactap, age 28, of Monticello, NY
- Attempted Rape 1st, a Class C Felony
- Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class B Misdemeanor
Remanded to the Rockland County Jail in lieu of $50,000 cash, $100,000 bond, $150,000 partially secured bond and ordered to appear in Montebello Village Court on April 11, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
Yessachar D. Klahr, age 51, of Monsey, NY
- Attempted Rape 1st, a Class C Felony
- Attempted Patronizing for Prostitution 3rd, a Class A Misdemeanor
- Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class B Misdemeanor
Remanded to the Rockland County Jail in lieu of $7,500 cash, $15,000 bond, $30,000 partially secured bond and ordered to appear in Montebello Village Court on April 11, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
Adrian Rosas, age 33, of Stony Point, NY
- Attempted Rape 1st, a Class C Felony
- Endangering The Welfare of a Child, a Class B Misdemeanor
Remanded to the Rockland County Jail in lieu of $50,000 cash, $20,000 bond, $30,000 partially secured bond and ordered to appear in Montebello Village Court on April 11, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
Diego Patricio D. Pachar Corte, age 38, of Cortlandt Manor, NY
- Attempted Rape 2nd, a Class D Felony
- Attempted Disseminating Indent Material to Minors 1st, a Class E Felony
- Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class B Misdemeanor
Remanded to the Rockland County Jail in lieu of $50,000 cash, $100,000 bond, $150,000 partially secured bond and ordered to appear in Montebello Village Court on April 11, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
Nayib J. Valdivia, age 33, of Ossining, NY
- Attempted Disseminating Indent Material to Minors 1st, a Class E Felony
- Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class B Misdemeanor
Remanded to the Rockland County Jail in lieu of $50,000 cash, $100,000 bond, $150,000 partially secured bond and ordered to appear in Montebello Village Court on April 11, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
Carl W. Ellis, age 55, Maplewood, NJ
- Attempted Rape 2nd, a Class D Felony
- Attempted Disseminating Indecent Material to Minors 1st, a Class E Felony
- Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class B Misdemeanor
- Criminal Possession Controlled Substance 7th, a Class A Misdemeanor
Remanded to the Rockland County Jail in lieu of $50,000 cash, $100,000 bond, $150,000 partially secured bond and ordered to appear in Montebello Village Court on April 11, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
Motorcycle and Town of Woodbury Police Department Vehicle Collision Under Investigation in the Village of Woodbury
On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at approximately 6:37 p.m., troopers from the New York State Police in Monroe responded to a reported collision involving a motorcycle and a Town of Woodbury Police Department vehicle on U.S. Route 6 in the village of Woodbury.
The preliminary investigation determined that a marked 2024 Dodge Durango, operated by Town of Woodbury Police Officer was traveling eastbound in the passing lane of Route 6 when he activated the emergency lights to make a U-turn. The Officer was in the process of completing the U-turn into the westbound lanes when his vehicle was struck on the rear driver’s side tire by a 2021 BMW motorcycle traveling eastbound.
The operator of the motorcycle, identified as 20-year-old of Highland Mills, NY, was ejected from the vehicle upon impact. He sustained serious injuries and was transported to Westchester Medical Center for treatment. The Officer was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to contact the New York State Police Middletown at (845)344-5300 and reference case number NY2500296696.
State Police arrest Saugerties woman on multiple charges
New York State Police Poughkeepsie announce the arrest of Shana D. Shaw, 30, of Saugerties, NY for multiple charges, including Possession of a Forged Instrument 2nd, Grand Larceny 4th, Falsify Business Records 1st, Offering a False Instrument for Filling 1st and Endangering the Welfare of a Physically Disabled Person 1st.
Shaw was arrested on April 9, 2025, by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) following an investigation that revealed that while employed as a home health care aide, she had forged a vehicle title belonging to the victim and presented it to the Department of Motor Vehicles to claim ownership of the vehicle.
Shaw was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to return to the City of Poughkeepsie Justice Court on April 15, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
Malone male arrested for menacing 3rd
On April 9, 2025, State Police arrested Chad E. Lavare, age 43, of Malone, NY, for multiple offenses, including criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree (due to a previous conviction), criminal mischief, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, and menacing in the third degree.
On April 9, 2025, at approximately 6:27 p.m., State Police responded to a report of menacing on State Route 30 in Malone. The investigation revealed that Lavare was wielding a baseball bat and threatening to use it harmfully against the victim. During the altercation, he also caused damage to property at the residence.
Lavare was arrested and taken to SP Malone for processing. He was subsequently arraigned in the Town of Malone Court and released on his own recognizance.
**UPDATE** State Police and Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Investigate Officer-Involved Shooting in Malta
UPDATE: April 10, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
On April 10, 2025, at approximately 8:53 a.m., Troopers and Saratoga County Deputies responded to the report of a physical domestic dispute that occurred in the Ellsworth Apartment Complex, called into Saratoga County 911. On arrival at about 9:04 a.m. an individual involved in the dispute later identified as Brandon R. Moore, age 37 who resides in the unit refused to cooperate and barricaded himself in the apartment. Law Enforcement was advised he may have access to firearms in the unit. While in the process of attempting negotiations at about 10:37 a.m. Moore exited the apartment with what appeared to be a handgun. Law Enforcement instructed Moore to drop the firearm. Moore refused to follow the multiple commands and aimed the weapon at State Police members and Deputies, at which time the Troopers and Deputies fired their department-issued firearms, fatally striking him. Two Troopers sustained minor injuries during the incident.
Investigators have examined the weapon displayed by Moore and determined that the weapon is a CO2 powered BB pistol which was found to be loaded at the time of the incident.
The Ellsworth apartment building #2 was evacuated out of an abundance of caution when law enforcement arrived, prior to the shooting. This incident was unfortunately complicated by a sprinkler system activation in the building, which will require flooding mitigation to an unknown number of apartments and has made the building uninhabitable at this time.
Notification has been made to the Attorney General’s Office, who responded to the scene.
State Police want to extend our sincere thanks to Sheriff Zurlo and the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance at the scene.
Additional updates with be published here as they become available.
below is a photo of the imitation weapon displayed by Moore
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UPDATE April 10, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
MEDIA ADVISORY- Officer involved shooting in Malta
State Police will hold a press conference concerning an officer involved shooting event that occurred on April 10, 2025, in Malta, NY.
Location: SP Wilton- 301 Ballard Rd, Gansevoort, NY 12831
Time: 4:30 p.m. today
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The New York State Police and the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office are currently investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred earlier today at the Ellsworth Commons Apartments, located at 2113 Route 9 in the Town of Malta.
The incident began as a response to a domestic dispute involving an individual at the location. During the encounter, an officer-involved shooting occurred. The suspect is deceased.
Two New York State Troopers sustained minor injuries during the incident. They were treated at the scene and are expected to recover fully.
This was an isolated incident, and there is no threat to public safety.
Additional details will be released as the investigation continues.
Media Availability will be held later today at SP Wilton located at 301 Ballard Rd, Gansevoort, NY 1283, time to be determined.
Brier Hill male arrested on multiple charges including Possessing Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child Under 16
On April 9, 2025, State Police charged Eric A. Olcott, age 44, of Brier Hill, NY, with multiple offenses, including two counts of Unlawful Surveillance in the 2nd degree, two counts of Promoting Sexual Performance by a Child Under 17 (Sexually Motivated), two counts of Possessing Sexual Performance by a Child Under 16, two counts of Possessing Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child Under 16, two counts of Promoting Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child Under 17 (Sexually Motivated), two counts of Obscenity in the 3rd degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd degree, and 16 counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd degree related to ammunition feeding devices.
On February 28, 2025, at approximately 1:45 p.m., State Police received a report of an unlawful surveillance incident. The investigation revealed that Olcott had been unlawfully observing two juvenile victims.
Multiple search warrants were executed, revealing that Olcott was downloading and saving images from video surveillance of both victims. Additionally, an assault rifle and 16 high-capacity magazines were found.
Olcott was arrested and processed at SP Ogdensburg. He was arraigned in the Town of Morristown Court, where he was remanded to the St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility with bail set at $1,000,000 cash, $200,000 bail bond, or $100,000 partially secured appearance bond with a 100% deposit required.
The Canton BCI Unit and Troop B Computer Crime Unit were assisted by Homeland Security Investigations and the St. Lawrence County District Attorney’s Office.
Traffic Stop in Port Byron Leads to Firearm Arrest and Drug Seizure
On April 8, 2025, at approximately 8:54 p.m., troopers from SP Auburn conducted a traffic stop on State Route 31 in the town of Mentz, Cayuga County, on a 2000 Buick with a suspended registration due to no insurance in effect.
The operator, identified as Cayla L. Blaisdell, age 21, of Wolcott, NY, could not produce valid proof of insurance.
During the investigation, the passenger, Robert T. Wickman, age 36, of Wolcott, NY, was found to be in possession of a firearm inside the vehicle.
A further search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun loaded with a magazine containing seven live rounds. Additionally, troopers discovered approximately 122 grams of concentrated cannabis.
Wickman was arrested and transported to SP Auburn for processing. Wickman was charged with the following:
- Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd (C Felony)
- Unlawful Possession of Cannabis (Violation)
Wickman was taken to Cayuga County CAP for arraignment.
State Police Investigating Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash on I-684 in Putnam County
The New York State Police from the Somers barracks, along with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred on Interstate 684 southbound near mile marker 26.4 in the town of Southeast, Putnam County.
On April 10, 2025, at approximately 6:35 a.m., Troopers responded to a two-vehicle collision involving a 1999 Honda Civic and a 2024 Ford F-150 pickup truck. Upon arrival, Troopers observed the Honda Civic with significant front-end damage in the left lane. Inside the vehicle, the rear seat passenger, identified as Marcela Romero, age 74, of the Bronx, NY, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Preliminary investigation determined that the Honda Civic, operated by Yaxkin G. Ramos Romero, age 24, of the Bronx, NY, was traveling southbound with two passengers—her sister, Glenis O. Ramos Romero, age 25, in the front seat, and their grandmother, Marcela Romero, in the rear seat.
According to statements from both Yaxkin and Glenis, the vehicle attempted a lane change from the left to the center lane when Yaxkin noticed another vehicle occupying the space. In an attempt to avoid a collision, the operator steered abruptly back into the left lane, causing the Honda to strike the left guide rail before striking the side of a Ford F-150 pickup truck.
The driver of the Ford F-150 pickup truck, Richard W. Valentine, age 35, of Larchmont, NY, was not injured. He reported that the Honda veered into his lane and, after hitting the guide rail, struck his vehicle’s rear driver’s side panel.
The investigation remains ongoing.
