(Long Island, NY) The Nassau County Police Department has arrested a Hempstead man for Possession of a Forged Instrument on Monday, February 10, 2014 at 4:20 P.M. in West Hempstead.

According to detectives, on Wednesday, October 2, 2013 Trevor Lawry, 28, of 171 Pierson Avenue, Hempstead presented an employee at Rite Aid Pharmacy a forged prescription. He was placed under arrest at Nassau Boulevard and Hawthorne Street at which time he was found to be in possession of 2 baggies of Methamphetamine (Molly).

According to Nassau County detectives, Trevor Lawry, 28, of Hempstead presented a forged prescription. He was placed under arrest at Nassau Boulevard and Hawthorne Street where he was also found to be in possession of 2 baggies of Methamphetamine (Molly). File photo by Christopher Boyle.

Lawry is charged with Possession of a Forged Instrument 2nd degree and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and will be arraigned on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at First District Court in Hempstead.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

(Far Rockaway) The Homicide Squad is investigating a Homicide that occurred on Monday, February 10, 2014 at 6:55 AM in East Meadow.

According to detectives, Kevin Brown, 47 years of age, an inmate at the Nassau County Correctional Center, 100 Carmen Avenue was found unresponsive inside his jail cell. Kevin Brown was pronounced deceased by a Nassau County Ambulance Medical Technician at 6:55 AM. Brown was a resident of Far Rockaway and was serving a sentence for Petit Larceny.

Dated look inside Nassau County Correctional Center, 100 Carmen Avenue, where police say inmate Kevin Brown was pronounced deceased by a Nassau County Ambulance Medical Technician at 6:55 AM.

There is no criminality at this time. The cause of death will be determined pending Medical Examiners findings.

(Long Island, NY) The following statement was released today by Senator Bill Perkins in regard to remarks made by Senator Dean Skelos:

Today, Senator Dean Skelos publicly stated that he will not allow a vote on constitutionally authorized home-rule legislation that would implement the cornerstone components of Mayor de Blasio’s Universal Pre-Kindergarten plan—including the funding mechanism—an exceptionally modest surcharge on NYC’s wealthiest. This type of preemptive prognostication has no place in the legislative process of a representative democracy like the Senate where 63 individuals are elected to express and act upon local priorities.

Ironically, myself and all of my colleagues stood on the Senate floor just last week and earnestly supported Senator Skelos when he brought much needed home rule legislation (Senate Bill 5922) to the floor that would authorize the City of Long Beach to issue bonds to help pay for Hurricane Sandy related damages. It was the right thing to do and we had his back; today it appears that his back is turned on our youngest and most vulnerable.

The constitutionally protected right of home rule—and the educational future of NYC’s three and four year olds—cannot be subject to the ideological whims and political calculations of a single State Senator.

Therefore, I urge Senator Skelos to honor the principle of home rule and let Mayor de Blasio’s Universal Pre-K plan to the floor for a vote when the Senate receives a home rule message from the NYC Council—just as we did with Senate Bill 5922 when the City of Long Beach needed our support.

(Long Island, NY) The Nassau County Police Department has arrested a Manorhaven man, yesterday, February 9, 2014 for an incident that occurred at 6:40 pm in Manorhaven.

According to Third Squad detectives, while snow plowing the private parking lot of 25 Matinecock Avenue, a 34 year old male driver and his 22 year old male passenger were approached by Raymond Hounigringer, 49, of 30 Matinecock Avenue, who was armed with a shotgun.

Hounigringer, who was irate that snow was being plowed onto his property, threatened to shoot the truck as well as the two victims and before returning to his home, he “racked” the shotgun. The victims then called 911.

Responding officers went to Hounigringer’s home and placed him under arrest without incident. The shotgun used in the confrontation was recovered.

The defendant is charged with two counts of Menacing 2nd Degree, Possession of a Dangerous Weapon 4th Degree and an unrelated warrant charge.

Hounigringer was scheduled to be arraigned in First District Court, Hempstead today, February 10th, 2014.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

(HUNTINGTON STATION, NY) In support of American Heart Month, Walt Whitman Shops will host the second annual Paint tthe Mall Red health and wellness event on Saturday, February 22, 2014 from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. in Center Court.

Sponsored by North Shore-LIJ CareConnect Insurance Company, Inc., the program will promote awareness of heart disease, the number one health threat to women in the United States, as well as educate the public about the associated risks and warning signs. Participating health care providers will dispense expert guidance on topics including weight loss, holistic methods, sleep apnea and more. Retailers from Walt Whitman Shops will be on-hand as well.

As part of Paint the Mall Red, Board Certified Cardiologist and Lipidologist Dr. Perry Frankel from Advanced Cardiovascular Diagnostics will be performing heart screenings, including Carotid Doppler and Abdominal Aorta Ultrasound. These tests are free to anyone who presents a valid insurance card, with no out-of-pocket costs or co-payments.

Participants can visit a variety of exhibitors including Dr. David J. Rogers – Take Shape for Life (weight loss); Dr. Sergey Kalitenko (holistic doctor); DeLiceful (lice removal/prevention); Adult Care Advisors (information on senior communities); Schlessinger Eye and Face (facial cosmetic surgery, Botox); Jim Ryan Talks (emotional health); Neurological Surgery P.C. (brain and spine care); Long Island Speech (speech services); Chase Dental SleepCare (sleep apnea); North Shore Eye Care (ophthalmology practice) and more.

“We’re thrilled to host the Simon Paint the Mall Red health and wellness program at Walt Whitman Shops,” said Kathleen Herrmann, director of marketing and business development for Walt Whitman Shops. “The event will provide a wealth of valuable health-related information, which is especially meaningful during American Heart Month.”

Paint the Mall Red is free and open to the public. For event information visit www.facebook.com/waltwhitmanshops. Businesses interested in participating should contact Barbara Kaplan at (516) 621-1446.

Providing shoppers with everything they could ask for, Walt Whitman Shops, formerly Walt Whitman Mall, is located on Route 110 in Huntington Station and managed by Simon Property Group, Inc., headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. A major transformation was unveiled on November 21, 2013 when the property introduced a number of new stores and dining destinations to its stellar line-up of more than 80 specialty stores and anchors Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s. Shoppers will experience unsurpassed customer service with amenities including complimentary wheelchairs; Ticketmaster retail outlet at Simon Guest Services and American Express® Simon Giftcards®, which can be used everywhere American Express® cards are welcomed, and VISA® Simon Giftcards®, good everywhere VISA® debit cards are accepted. Gift cards are available in denominations from $20 to $500.

For more information, please go to www.simon.com. For the latest mall events and updates, visit www.waltwhitmanmall.com, check out www.facebook.com/WaltWhitmanShops and follow the center on Twitter: @WaltWhitmanShop.

(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Michael Montesano (R,I,C-Glen Head) is officially co-sponsoring legislation to prevent the elimination of services by Glen Cove Hospital. Assembly bill 8327 is sponsored in the state Senate by Sen. Marcellino and would stop the Commissioner of Health from eliminating beds and services from the hospital unless a public hearing showing that there will be no negative effect on the community-at-large is held.

Montesano has been an outspoken advocate for maintaining services and beds at Glen Cove Hospital, petitioning both Commissioner of Health Nirav P. Shah and the U.S. Department of Justice to stop changes that would cost 1,200 hospital employees their jobs and severely impinge the abilities of the over 50,000 community members who rely on the hospital to receive the treatment and attention they need and deserve. This year’s legislation is the next step in preserving jobs and top-notch medical care while also ensuring residents have their voices heard on this serious matter.

“Simply put: Our community needs Glen Cove Hospital,” said Montesano. “We must oppose any move by bureaucrats to change the hospital, without public input, into an entity that fails to meet the needs of our residents. Glen Cove Hospital provides important services to this community and we deserve to have a voice in discussing any restructuring of the facility.

“The bill I am co-sponsoring will provide for a public hearing on this matter and would stop the elimination of beds and services at Glen Cove Hospital unless a responsible plan is put forth that meets our community’s approval and maintains the high level of medical care and attention Glen Cove residents deserve.”

Timothy Griffin, Acting President Of United Hebrew Cemetery, Embezzled Nearly $2 Million In A Series Of Unauthorized Wire Transfers; Schneiderman: Those Who Abuse Their Positions At Nonprofits To Line Their Own Pockets Will Be Held Accountable 

(NEW YORK) New York State Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced the arrest of Timothy Griffin, former acting president of United Hebrew Cemetery, on felony grand larceny charges for embezzling nearly $2 million from the nonprofit. He faces up to 25 years in prison.

According to the indictment unsealed today in Richmond County Supreme Court and statements made by the prosecutor at arraignment, the Attorney General’s investigation revealed that Timothy Griffin, 54, of Ridgefield, Connecticut, stole the money from United Hebrew Cemetery between October 2012 and January 2014. During this period, Griffin was the acting president of United Hebrew Cemetery, having assumed that role after the former president and his wife were indicted by the Attorney General’s office for embezzling more than $1 million. Griffin abused his position to make six unauthorized wire transfers ranging from $250,000 to $385,000 to his own attorney escrow account.

“It’s always sad and shocking when we discover that someone used a charity as their own personal piggy bank,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “New York has the greatest nonprofit sector in the nation, but a case like this reminds us of the need to remain vigilant and strengthen our oversight of the industry. Stealing from not-for-profit organizations is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Those who abuse their positions at not-for-profits to line their own pockets will be held accountable.”

United Hebrew Cemetery is a Jewish nonprofit cemetery located at 122 Arthur Kill Road in Staten Island. A prior investigation by the Attorney General’s Office revealed that the Cemetery’s former administrator, Ilana Friedman, stole over $850,000 between 2005 and 2011. Ilana Friedman was convicted of felony grand larceny charges in April 2013. Both she and her husband Arthur Friedman, the former president of United Hebrew Cemetery, were permanently banned from working in the funeral or cemetery industry.

After the Friedmans were removed by the board, United Hebrew Cemetery appointed Griffin, their outside counsel, as acting president. A subsequent audit by United Hebrew Cemetery and investigation by the Attorney General’s Office revealed that after his appointment, Griffin himself then embezzled almost $2 million from United Hebrew Cemetery.

Griffin is charged with one count of Grand Larceny in the First Degree (a class “B” felony) and six counts of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree (a class “C” felony). Griffin was arrested this morning and arraigned before the Honorable Stephen Rooney in Richmond County Supreme Court. He is currently being held on $750,000 bond over $250,000 cash bail.

If convicted, Griffin faces a maximum sentence of 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison. The charges against the defendant are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Attorney General’s Office thanks the New York State Department of State, Division of Cemeteries, for their valuable assistance in this case.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Chin-Ho Cheng, with the assistance of Legal Analyst II Paul Strocko of the Criminal Enforcement and Financial Crimes Bureau, under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Stephanie Swenton, Bureau Chief Gary Fishman and Executive Deputy Attorney General for Criminal Justice Kelly Donovan.

The investigation was handled by Investigator Sixto Santiago, under Supervising Investigator Luis Carter, Deputy Chief of Investigations Vito Spano and Chief Dominick Zarella.

(Huntington, NY) Councilwoman Susan A. Berland attended the Court of Honor ceremony for Gareth Thomas Schaefer, member of Boy Scout Troop 52 in East Northport who attained rank of Eagle, the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America.

The Eagle Scout Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Boy Scout Association of America and is only given upon completion of a rigorous course of set requirements that benefits both the troop and community. For his Eagle project, Gareth built shelves and bins for the St. Vincent DePaul food pantry at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in East Northport.

“Earning the Eagle Scout Award is such an honor in a scout’s life and it was a pleasure to recognize Gareth for that achievement,” commented Councilwoman Berland. “The principles and skills learned in the process of becoming an Eagle Scout last a lifetime. I would like to congratulate Gareth on becoming an Eagle Scout and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

(Long Island, NY) Due to logistical reasons, the Super Star Tribute Band Concert benefiting The Mosaic Foundation for Autism originally scheduled for Saturday, February 15, 2014 has been postponed for Saturday, May 3, 2014.

• More information will be made available in the weeks ahead.
• For further information, please call 516-765-3696.

(Long Island, NY) The Public Information Office of the Nassau County Police Department has reported the details of a baby delivery that occurred on Monday, February 10, 2014 at 9:41 AM.

According to police, a 35 year old pregnant female was being driven to a local hospital when she began to experience labor pains. The escort stopped their vehicle on Sunrise Highway and Old Mill Road, Wantagh and called 911.

According to Nassau County Police, Ambulance Medical Technicians responded to the scene at Sunrise Highway in Wantagh and assisted mom in the delivery of a healthy baby boy.

Nassau County Police Department Ambulance Medical Technicians Matthew Field and John Episcopo responded to the scene and assisted mom in the delivery of a healthy baby boy.

Mom and son were transported to South Nassau Communities Hospital, Oceanside and are doing well.