Grand Larceny Investigation Leads to an Arrest for Misappropriated Funds of Corning-Painted Post PTA
The New York State Police are investigating a grand larceny case involving the alleged misappropriation of funds from the Corning-Painted Post Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Local Union.
The State Police in Painted Post received a larceny complaint from the Calvin U. Smith Parent Teacher Association. An investigation determined Kari A. Warner, age 35, of Painted Post, NY, acted as the treasurer for the Calvin U. Smith PTA and the Corning-Painted Post CSEA Union 8710, and from August 2024 to January 2025, she stole a cumulative amount of over $45,000.
On February 26, 2025, Warner was arrested for Grand Larceny 3rd (D Felony). She was transported to Steuben County Jail for CAP arraignment and was released on her own recognizance to appear in the town of Erwin Court on a later date.
Traffic Stop Leads to Vehicle Pursuit and Arrests in Syracuse
UPDATE:
During the investigation, Erica S. Allen falsely identified herself to police as Jade A. Allen, the sister of the suspect. Due to conflicting information, State Police sought assistance from the Syracuse Office of the FBI to verify the suspect’s identity. Their efforts confirmed that the individual was, in fact, Erica S. Allen.
As a result, she was arrested for Criminal Impersonation 2nd degree (class “A” misdemeanor), while no legal action was taken against Jade A. Allen.
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Syracuse, NY – On February 26, 2025, at approximately 5:50 PM, New York State Troopers conducted a traffic stop on a 2016 Honda on East Milford Drive in the city of Syracuse for multiple vehicle and traffic violations, including switched license plates. As Troopers approached the driver’s window, the vehicle fled the scene, turning onto Northcliffe Road.
While attempting to catch up to the fleeing vehicle, Troopers discovered that it had collided with a 2015 Chevrolet at the intersection of Northcliffe Road and South Midler Avenue. Troopers responded to the scene and detained the driver, Najhaliek S. Booker, and a backseat passenger, Bryant L. Brown. The front-seat passenger, Erica S. Allen, was trapped inside the vehicle and required assistance.
Emergency medical personnel responded, and the occupants of the Honda were evaluated. Mr. Brown was uninjured, while Mr. Booker reported a possible broken leg, and Ms. Allen complained of chest pain. Both Mr. Booker and Ms. Allen were transported to Upstate Hospital by AMR for treatment.
A records check with the Department of Motor Vehicles revealed that the Honda had been reported stolen out of the City of Syracuse.
The occupants of the Chevrolet, identified as Bimenyimana Onesime (driver) and Adeline Nshimirimana (front-seat passenger), were also transported to Upstate Hospital by AMR with possible neck injuries.
Following an investigation, the following charges were filed:
Bryant L. Brown, age 33, of Syracuse, NY, was charged with:
- Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 3rd Degree (Class D Felony)
- Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
Mr. Brown was transported to SP North Syracuse and subsequently turned over to the Onondaga County Justice Center pending arraignment on February 27, 2025, at 9:00 AM in the City of Syracuse.
Najhaliek S. Booker, age 32, of Syracuse, NY, was charged with:
- Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 3rd Degree (Class D Felony)
- Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
- Reckless Endangerment (Class A Misdemeanor)
- Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle (Class A Misdemeanor)
- Criminal Mischief in the 4th Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
Mr. Booker remains in custody at Upstate Hospital pending medical clearance and subsequent arraignment.
Erica S. Allen, age 26, of Syracuse, NY, was charged with:
- Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 3rd Degree (Class D Felony)
- Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
Ms. Allen remains in custody at Upstate Hospital pending medical clearance and subsequent arraignment.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Theresa Man Arrested on Sex Offense Charges
On February 25, 2025, State Police arrested Christopher Faircloth, age 30, from Theresa, NY, for:
• (5) counts – Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child (class “D” felony)
The arrest was a result of an on-going joint investigation by members of the State Police Troop D Bureau of Criminal Investigation – Alexandria Bay, Computer Crime Unit – Troop D, and Homeland Security Investigations.
Faircloth was arraigned at Jefferson County CAP Court and was remanded to the Jefferson County Public Safety Building on $10,000 cash bail/ $50,000 secured bond/ $100,000 partially secured bond.
The New York State Police Announces That Major Andre Terry Will Serve as The 20th Troop Commander of Troop F
The New York State Police is pleased to announce the appointment of Major Andre Terry as the 20th Troop F Commander, effective February 27, 2025. With 23 years of dedicated service across multiple Troops, Major Terry’s exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to public safety will serve as an inspiration to both his colleagues and the communities he serves.
In his new role, Major Terry will oversee all State Police patrol and investigative operations across five counties in the region which include Rockland, Orange, Ulster, Sullivan and Greene counties. He will manage over 500 sworn and civilian personnel. His leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the continued safety and security of the communities within Troop F.
Major Terry began his distinguished career with the New York State Police in 2002, training in Troop F and serving for 13 years at the State Police Pine Bush station. Over the years, he steadily advanced through the ranks, first as a Sergeant at the State Police Greenville station in Orange County. He then took on leadership roles, becoming a Lieutenant in the Office of Planning and Research in Albany, before further broadening his experience as a Lieutenant in Troop NYC. In 2023, Major Terry returned to Troop F as a Captain.
With a strong foundation in both operations and management, Major Terry brings invaluable leadership to Troop F. His career trajectory reflects a deep commitment to public safety, law enforcement excellence, and the well-being of the communities he serves. This appointment underscores the New York State Police continued focus on developing and promoting talented leaders dedicated to the service of others.
State Police Arrest Riverhead Male for Course of Sexual Conduct 1st and Sexual Abuse 1st
On December 13th, 2024 New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) received a Child Abuse Referral initiated by a minors doctor. The doctor stated that they were performing a routine annual physical on a female minor when she disclosed to the doctor that they were sexually abused by an adult male. That adult male was later identified as Edgar Nova Lopez, age 29 of Riverhead. Investigation by the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) determined that over the course of a four-month period, Nova Lopez would make that minor watch pornography and perform the pornography that they watched, touched the minor in inappropriate places along with having the minor perform sexual acts. Nova Lopez’s relationship to the minor was as a family friend.
On Tuesday, February 25th, 2025 New York State Police members arrested Edgar Nova Lopez for Sexual Conduct 1st (B Felony) and Sex Abuse 1st (D Felony). Nova Lopez was arraigned at Riverhead Town Court and was given bail ($150,000 cash, $300,000 partially secured bond, $800,000 Fully secured bond) then remanded to Yaphank Correctional Facility until his next court date on February 28th at 9:00 am.
Two-dozen animals removed from multiple properties in Otsego County
On February 27, 2025, the New York State Police executed a search warrant at multiple properties on State Highway 80 in the town of Springfield for a case of possible animal neglect.
The investigation resulted in the removal of over two-dozen animals. Eight dogs, thirteen cats and one turtle were in need of immediate medical care and were turned over to the care of the Susquehanna SPCA.
The New York State Police was assisted by the Susquehanna SPCA, the Otsego County of Emergency Services and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
The investigation is on-going, charges are likely.
State Police investigate a two car collision in the town of Hopkinton
On February 27, 2025, at approximately 11:21 a.m., state police responded to a two-car collision on State Highway 11B in the town of Hopkinton. An investigation revealed that a 2017 gray Nissan, driven by 64-year-old Shirley M. Gollinger of Canton, NY, with a passenger, 71-year-old Gary W. Gollinger, was traveling southwest when she failed to maintain her lane. As a result, her vehicle entered the northbound lane and struck a 2020 Freightliner Lowes box truck operated by 36-year-old Chad Lashomb of Malone, NY, who had a passenger, 37-year-old Peter M. Butler of Brushton, NY.
Shirley and Gary Gollinger were transported to Canton-Potsdam Hospital for medical treatment, while Lashomb and Butler did not sustain injuries from the collision.
Shirley Gollinger was issued a traffic ticket for failing to maintain her lane.
