State Police arrest four for shoplifting in Clifton Park
On February 26, 2025, State Police of Clifton Park arrested
Layannah M. Morales, 20, of Albany, for
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- Grand Larceny in the fourth degree
- Two counts of Conspiracy in the fifth degree
- Conspiracy in the sixth degree
- Three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child
- Petit Larceny
Ketia J. Louis, 43, of Albany, for
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- Grand Larceny in the fourth degree
- Conspiracy in the fifth degree
- Endangering the Welfare of a Child
Also arrested was a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old each for
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- Grand Larceny in the fourth degree
- Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the fourth degree
- Conspiracy in the fifth degree
- Conspiracy in the sixth degree
- Petit Larceny
On February 26, 2025, at about 6:26 p.m., Troopers responded to the Target in Clifton Park, NY, for the reports of a larceny in progress. The suspects fled in a vehicle before the Troopers arrived, and the vehicle was located at approximately 6:26 p.m. in Kohl’s parking lot. Louis and the two juveniles were located in the vehicle with items that had been reportedly stolen.
The investigation determined Morales and the two juveniles entered Target and reportedly worked together to steal more than $400 worth of merchandise. After that theft, they traveled to Kohls, where Morales and the two juveniles entered that store and reportedly worked together to steal more than $1,000 worth of merchandise. All stolen items from both thefts were recovered from within the vehicle. Louis allegedly knew about the ongoing crime.
Louis and the two juveniles were arrested at the scene. Morales was located walking nearby and was taken into custody. All four were transported to SP Clifton Park for processing. Morales and Louis were issued appearance tickets returnable to the Clifton Park Town Court on March 19, 2025. Louis was then turned over to the Colonie Police Department due to an unrelated arrest warrant and Morales was released.
The 15-year-old and a 16-year-old were issued appearance tickets returnable to the Saratoga County Family Court at a later date and then released to their guardians.
Update: State Police investigating fatal accident on Route 17 in the town of Chester
On March 5, 2025, at approximately 1:47 a.m., troopers from the New York State Police Monroe responded to a two-car motor vehicle collision on State Route 17 westbound near Exit 126 in the Village of Chester.
The preliminary investigation indicates that a 2009 Nissan, driven by Sydnie M. Haines, age 25, of Blackwood, NJ, was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of State Route 17. The Nissan collided head-on with a 2014 Honda Odyssey, resulting in the death of the driver of the Honda, identified Mordichy Zafir, age 54, of Kiamesha Lake, NY. A 17-year-old male passenger of the Honda, also from Kiamesha Lake, was seriously injured and was transported to Garnet Medical Center in Middletown for treatment. Haines and Zafir both succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene.
This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is urged to contact the State Police Monroe Bureau of Criminal Investigation at 845-344-5300.
On March 5, 2025, a head-on collision occurred on Route 17 westbound near Exit 126 in the town of Chester, Orange County. The crash involved two vehicles, and preliminary investigation reveals the incident was caused by a wrong-way driver. Tragically, two individuals were pronounced deceased at the scene, while one other person sustained serious injuries and was transported to the hospital. The westbound lanes is open. Troop F BCI is investigating the accident. Anyone who may have witnessed the accident is asked to call SP Monroe BCI at 845-344-5300.
State Police arrest Schenectady man on multiple warrants
On February 24, 2025, State Police arrested Jason A. Cruz, 43, of Schenectady, NY, on multiple warrants for Four counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, Three Counts of Grand Larceny in the fourth degree, and Attempted Grand Larceny in the fourth degree.
On August 8, 2022, State Police received a complaint from an Erie County resident reporting fraudulent bank account activity. The investigation determined on the same day, Cruz reportedly possessed and attempted to cash a forged check at a financial institution in Halfmoon, NY. Also, on the same day, Cruz allegedly possessed and cashed a forged check at a financial institution in Troy, NY, resulting in the theft of more than $1,000.
An additional complaint was received on August 23, 2022, from a Greene County resident reporting fraudulent Bank activity. That investigation determined Cruz allegedly possessed and cashed two fraudulent checks on August 5, 2022. Those checks were cashed at financial institutions in Mechanicville, NY, and Clifton Park, NY, resulting in the theft of more than $7,000.
Multiple arrest warrants were issued for Cruz as a result of this investigation. Cruz was taken into custody with the assistance of the Schenectady Police Department. He was transported to SP Clifton Park and SP Brunswick, where he was processed on all charges. Cruz was arraigned at both the Clifton Park Town Court and the Troy City Court, where he was released on his own recognizance from both.
You get arrested if you make forced entry into a home with a weapon
On March 4, 2025, The Bureau of Criminal Investigation out of SP Lockport arrested Jaquan J. Wright, 29 of Lockport, NY for Burglary 2nd degree, Menacing 2nd degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd degree.
On January 3, 2025, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation received a menacing complaint involving a handgun at Dysinger Road in the town of Lockport. Investigation determined that Wright forced partial entry into a residence and menaced numerous victims with a black handgun. The BCI was issued an Arrest Warrant for Wright from the town of Lockport Court.
On March 4, 2025, the BCI working with the US Marshalls Task Force located and arrested Wright at Chapel Street in the city of Lockport. Wright was in possession of a 9mm handgun with no serial number and a loaded high-capacity magazine.
Wright was transported to SP Lockport and processed. Wright was then transported to the Lockport Police Department and held for CAP arraignment.
State Police Arrest Two Kingston Residents on Charges of Promoting and Possessing Child Pornography
On March 4, 2025, State Police Kingston Bureau of Criminal Investigation arrested John F. Boyle, 33, and Danielle F. Scofield, 33, both of Kingston, following an investigation into indecent material involving minors.
Boyle was charged with Promoting an Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child less than 17, Possessing Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child less than 16, Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child less than 17 and Possessing Sexual Performance by a Child less than 16.
Scofield was charged with Promoting an Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child less than 17, Possessing Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child less than 16 and Possessing Sexual Performance by a Child less than 16.
The investigation started last October after State Police received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The investigation determined that John F. Boyle, 33, and Danielle F. Scofield, 33, both of Kingston, were exchanging indecent material involving minors online.
Scofield and Boyle arraigned in the City of Kingston Court on March 4, 2025, and are due to appear in the Town of Ulster Court on April 15, 2025.
UPDATE: Troopers seek public assistance to locate teen
UPDATE:
The New York State Police reports the Brenden, the previously reported missing male has been located and is in police custody. We appreciate the public’s assistance and cooperation in this matter.
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The New York State Police is actively searching for Brenden M. Warner, age 16, who was last seen at his residence in the town of Clay, by a family member at approximately 10:00 AM this morning.
Brenden is described as:
• White male with fair skin
• 5’7” tall, 130 lbs
• Brown hair, blue eyes
• Last seen wearing a black cap, red hoodie, and black or red pants
• Carrying a red designer backpack
His direction of travel is unknown, and he was last seen on foot. However, it is possible that he has obtained vehicle transportation.
WARNING: Brenden is believed to be armed with a weapon and may be in distress.
Multiple locations have been checked with negative results. It is believed he may be in the City of Syracuse.
If you see Brenden or have any information on his whereabouts, DO NOT APPROACH HIM. Immediately contact 911.
State Police arrest a Chase Mills male for sexual abuse 1st
On March 5, 2025, State Police members arrested Aaron Maslin, age 37, of Chase Mills, NY, following an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse.
On March 4, 2025, at approximately 6:05 p.m., State Police responded to a residence located on County Route 44 in the town of Madrid for a domestic dispute. An investigation determined Maslin was engaging in sexual contact with victims less than 11 years of age. As a result of the investigation, Maslin was charged with sexual abuse 1st: sexual contact with individuals less than 11 years old and endangering the welfare of a child.
Maslin was processed at SP Massena and later arraigned in the Town of Madrid Court. He was remanded to St. Lawrence County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond.
State Police arrest two individuals for endangering the welfare of a person with developmental disabilities
On March 4, 2025, State Police arrested Nellie McCaul, 43, of Copake Falls and Brandy Shook, 36, of Hudson, for Endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent or Physically Disabled Person and four counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
An investigation that began from an incident that occurred on July 5, 2024, determined that Shook and McCaul instructed and watched four juveniles physically assault an adult victim with developmental disabilities.
Shook and McCaul were arraigned in the City of Hudson Court on March 4, 2025, and are due back in Copake Town Court on March 24, 2025.
