Father-Daughter Duo Who Stole $230K From Elderly Victim In Kingston Dodges Prison
A father and daughter who scammed a 92-year-old woman out of more than $230,000 in Ulster County won’t spend a day in prison.
Frank Whittaker, 56, of Kingston, and his daughter, Christine Ellsworth, 39, of Accord, were sentenced to probation and ordered to pay restitution in Ulster County Court on Tuesday, March 4.
The daddy-daughter duo gained the victim’s trust by helping with yard work and household tasks, according to the New York Attorney General’s office. Over time, Whittaker convinced the woman to grant him Power of Attorney over her finances.
But instead of managing her money resp…
Vehicle Break-In Spree: 2 More Teens Charged In Haverstraw, Police Say (Update)
Two 19-year-olds have been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into a string of vehicle break-ins in Rockland County, marking the latest development in a case that first led to the arrest of a teenage girl, police announced.
Miciah Cozart and Rinoe Mitchell, both 19, were arrested on Thursday evening, Feb. 27, in connection with larcenies from vehicles in the Garnerville area, Haverstraw Police announced on Friday, Feb. 28.
The arrests come just days after police first arrested a 17-year-old girl on Feb. 21, who was also charged with grand larceny and petit larceny befor…
Cop Impersonator Busted Shoplifting At New Hyde Park Target, Police Say
An accused cop impersonator was busted shoplifting from a Long Island Target store, police said.
Nassau County Police responded to the New Hyde Park Target store on Union Turnpike for an attempted shoplifting at around 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21, the agency said.
Employees told police that Yunzhi Xie, 43, had attempted to exit the store with unpaid merchandise. When a loss prevention employee confronted Xie, he claimed to be a police officer and presented a shield despite not being a law enforcement officer, according to police.
Xie, of Flushing, Queens, was arrested on suspicion of criminal …
State Workers Steal Debit Card Info From Disabled Residents In Clifton Park, Police Say
Three New York State employees are accused of stealing money from developmentally disabled residents in the Capital Region.
The women, all employees at the Capital District Developmental Disabilities Services Office (DDSO) in Clifton Park, were arrested on suspicion of fraud and larceny-related charges following an investigation by the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday, Jan. 26.
Officials identified the defendants as:
Lashea Pettway, 30, of Schenectady
Jessie Gabriel, 34, of Schenectady
Christin McGrath, 45, of Selkirk
An investigation found that all three women stole debit card …
Serial Car Prowler Busted Thanks To Surveillance Footage From Colonie Victims, Cops Say
An accused serial car prowler in the Capital Region is behind bars thanks to incriminating evidence from the victims.
Albany County resident Christopher White, 36, of Cohoes, was arrested Thursday, Jan. 23, in connection with a string of car break-ins in Colonie dating back to Christmas 2024, Colonie Police said.
While riding his bike through residential neighborhoods near the Colonie Mohawk-Hudson Bike Path, White stole numerous belongings from unlocked vehicles, including cash, gift cards, and personal property, police alleged.
Several break-ins occurred during the overnight hours on Chr…
Airmont Man Arrested In Connection With Vehicle Larcenies: Police
A 29-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a series of vehicle larcenies in the Village of Airmont, but police are still searching for additional suspects, authorities report.
The Ramapo Police Department arrested Keith Casas, age 29, of Airmont, in connection with multiple reports of larcenies from vehicles that occurred over two weekends in early December, said Det. Lt. Chris Franklin of the Ramapo Police.
According to Franklin, the thefts occurred overnight in Airmont, targeting unlocked vehicles. Items stolen included cash, credit cards, and personal belongings. The stolen c…
