On the night of February 21, 2024, at around 1:25 a.m., State Troopers responded to a local storage unit in Verona, NY, as part of their routine property checks due to the recent increase in criminal activities. During the property check, patrol units noticed a suspicious individual, later identified as Geoffrey J. Kaulback, 33, from Oneida, NY, present at the location with a set of tools and multiple locks on the property broken, and several units open. Further investigation revealed that Kaulback had been committing burglaries at the storage units in the past and was currently in the act of committing another burglary. The police promptly arrested Kaulback and took him into custody, transporting him to the State Police station in Oneida for processing. Kaulback was charged with Burglary of the third degree, a class "D" felony, and Criminal Mischief of the third degree, a class "E" felony, and was arraigned at Oneida County Jail before being released on bail. The police positively identified Kaulback in relation to past crimes, and his arrest was a significant step in curbing the recent uptick in criminal activities in the area. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/oneida-man-arrested-burglary-and-criminal-mischief-charges

On the afternoon of March 12, 2024, troopers belonging to the SP Rochester Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) Initiative were on a routine patrol in the city of Rochester when they observed a traffic violation involving a 2017 Honda Accord on Ringle Street. The troopers conducted a traffic stop and during the inspection, they discovered two semi-automatic handguns that were loaded, a high-capacity magazine, and several rounds of ammunition. The individuals in the vehicle were identified as two 17-year-old males from Rochester, NY. The first teenager was charged with Criminal Possession of Weapon 2nd (C Felony), while the second teenager was charged with Criminal Possession of Weapon 2nd (C Felony) and Criminal Possession of Weapon 3rd (D Felony). Both individuals were arraigned at the Monroe County Youth Part Court. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-arrest-two-17-year-olds-criminal-possession-weapon-2nd

On March 13, 2024, a tragic incident occurred on State Route 3 in the town of Harrietstown, which resulted in a fatal collision. The incident was reported to the New York State Police, and they immediately dispatched their troopers to the scene. Upon investigation, it was revealed that a 2013 red Mini Cooper was traveling westbound on State Route 3 when it suddenly exited the roadway, leading to a one-vehicle collision. Jean M. Crubaugh, a 65-year-old resident of Tupper Lake, NY, was the sole occupant and operator of the vehicle. Unfortunately, she was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. The authorities are investigating the incident, and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Collision Reconstruction Unit are working together to determine the cause of the accident. The State Police were assisted by the Saranac Lake Fire and Rescue and Tupper Lake Fire and Rescue teams, who were instrumental in responding to the scene of the accident. An autopsy is scheduled to be performed at Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital on Thursday, March 14, 2024. However, the investigation is still ongoing, and the authorities are yet to make any conclusive statements regarding the incident. Souces: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/troopers-investigate-fatal-collision-town-harrietstown

The New York State Police today announced the promotion of Lieutenant Trenee Young. Young has been named Captain, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Troop NYC and is the first African American female in the history of the New York State Police to earn the rank of Captain. Her appointment is effective today. New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven G. James said, “I send my sincere congratulations to Captain Young on becoming the first African American female in the history of the State Police to earn this prestigious rank. Captain Young has shown remarkable commitment to serving the people of New York honorably, with dignity and the highest moral character. I have the utmost confidence that she will continue to provide excellent service to all in her new role. This is a well-deserved milestone in Captain Young’s career.” “It is an honor and a privilege to be the first African American female Captain in the history of the New York State Police,” said Captain Trenee Young. “I stand on the shoulders of those who inspired and encouraged me, those who mentored me, and those who challenged me to never give up.  I am humbled by the opportunity to pave the way for those who will come behind. Leadership has been defined in different ways by many, but the underlying theme is to set an example that others want to follow.” Captain Young entered the State Police Academy on August 16, 2007, and after field training, was first assigned to Troop K, SP Somers in Westchester County. Captain Young remained at SP Somers for eight years until she was promoted to Sergeant in 2016, and assigned to Troop L, SP Farmingdale. She was transferred back to Troop K in 2020. Shortly after returning to Troop K, Young was promoted to Sergeant/Station Commander and assigned to SP Cortlandt. In 2021, she was promoted to Lieutenant and was the first Black female in the New York State Police to earn the permanent rank of Lieutenant. Young was then assigned to the Professional Standards Bureau-South Regional Office and served in the Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Troop K. We congratulate Captain Young on her momentous achievement and thank her for her dedication to public service and the New York State Police.

Scammers stealing Facebook accounts are nothing new but the new way they are doing it is even scarier. We would like to remind you right away, that Facebook will never reach out, never message you, and never ask you to call them. The scams start with the scammers messaging a real business with a burner Facebook account, stating that their account is scheduled to be deleted, suspended, or has copyright issues. Now when most people see this for the first time may think it is real in the moment of stress. But these are all fake. Usually, they set their profile pic to something that looks semi-official like a support icon, and links to a fake image or website image showing you how to contact "Facebook to get your account fixed". Some of them even share a link for you to conveniently click on. If you click on the link they send you, you might be sent to another Facebook page and asked to sign in again. once you do this, you quite literally give them your login because this login might look real but is just a fake page made to look real. if this happens, immediately change your password, in settings and make sure you do not have a login from an unknown location. The damage a scammer can do in a matter of minutes on your account can be huge from messaging the same scam link to all your clients to posting scams on your Facebook pages, to even posting inappropriate images. this damage can not just damage your Facebook page but also your business credibility. The second way the scam can work is they refer you to a fake website that tells you to call the number so "Facebook to resolve the issue". We can't stress this enough this is all fake. When you call they will try to get you to download peer-to-peer software that allows them to access your computer and steal your info and will always try to get you to give them either banking details to verify, or even ask you to make a payment to them. Now where are these scams coming from? most of these scam centers are in poorer communities in Nigeria and India. Once you send them money, there is no way to get it back. As well as once they get into your Facebook account and lock you out, you are in big trouble. How can you prevent this? First, never trust any message claiming to be from Facebook or anyone reaching out and claiming this. Additionally, never click a link sent to you or even email you. If you have fallen for any Facebook, social media, or other forms of scams and would like to tell your story, send us an email, we would be honored to tell your story and help prevent others from falling for these terrible scams. Below are some more examples of the scam messages that we have received from our businesses.

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Scams on Facebook are extremely common not just from scammers selling fake tickets but other scams such as fake vent cleaning services, verification scams, fake marketplace listings, and countless others. The ticket scam starts with a user stating they have tickets and can't attend an event or show due to some random reasons. Usually, when you check their page, they may even seem real with a long history of posting. But this is where it starts taking a turn. The reason why they look like a real profile is because the profile might have been real at one point but these accounts are usually ones that have been hacked by a foreign person or group. They do this to appear more real and give you the victim a level of trust through their vail of a stolen profile. After you send the scammer a message, they ask for you to send an amount of money (cheap which should be the first red flag) to a Venmo or a cash app. These payment accounts are operated in one of two ways, the first way is through a stolen Vemmo account that has been hacked to be used as the in-between account from the hacker to you. The second way which is arguably the even darker way is sadly the more common way they get the money to them out of the country. They start by finding people who are usually low-income or desperate to make money and offer them a "job". But the dark truth is the scammers are using them as a way to exploit the said person to receive the money from the victim unknowingly and sending to the actual scammer account while keeping a percentage of it as their "payment for their work". The scammer lies to this person, usually telling them they are working as an assistant to receive payments for stuff like rent, product purchases, payroll payments, and countless other excuses that are all lies. But what happens to the poor middleman? Well, after a while his account will get banned, as a result of protecting the scammer's real account that was getting the money. Once this money is laundered out of county there are near-impossible ways of getting it back. There is also legal repercussion to the middle man too, he can be audited by the IRS and be arrested for being a part of a scam he unknowingly was helping with. These scammers are stealing thousands and getting away with it. So how can you help stop them? Send this article to someone you know, especially someone younger who might be the kind of person to fall for this. The best way to protect is awareness. Thousands of people fall for these types of scams almost daily across not just Facebook but all over many other social media platforms. Sources: cnyonline.org's own social media moderation team.

Press Release - March 8th, 2024 On March 8, 2024, at around 1:00 PM, several concerned citizens called the police after they had observed unusual behavior from a woman inside her vehicle which was parked in the Hannaford Plaza located off Kellogg Road in the Town of New Hartford. New Hartford Police Officers responded to find that a female, identified as Jessica Roman, 40 years of age of Utica was in possession of several corner knotted bags that had the appearance of crystalline powder methamphetamine. Officers had learned through further investigation that Jessica Roman was an absconder from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office for a violation of Probation stemming from a Grand Larceny charge. Ms. Roman was arrested, transported to the New Hartford Police station, and charged with one count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 5th degree, a class D Felony, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th degree, a class A misdemeanor. Ms. Roman was transported to the Oneida County Centralized Arraignment Court where she will be held for arraignment. Sources: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid022rnM6RErArKqPhpWFQ1hCR5aW2J1pKYj9RqZAj6NkLMMMuTo46pKFE29HmrhTJdAl&id=100064364722662

On Friday, March 1st, 2024, around 9:45 a.m., Officers Montressor and Ryan were on routine patrol in the 600 block of Butternut Street when they witnessed a suspicious person carrying a white and brown bookbag enter a vehicle. The Officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle at the corner of Lodi and East Laurel Streets after observing the vehicle had no front license plate, tinted windows, and a cracked front windshield. Upon stopping the vehicle, the Officers identified four occupants inside. The suspicious person in question was identified as 23-year-old Daniel Bartell. When he was searched, Bartell was found to be in possession of a large quantity of illegal narcotics, an altered Mossberg 22 cal. rifle (converted to a handgun) wrapped in camo duct tape and various firearm parts. A total of over 500 individual doses of fentanyl (over 19 grams), two grams of cocaine, over one and a half grams of methamphetamine, $656 in cash, magazines, and live rounds were recovered from the vehicle, as well as the bag that Bartell was carrying. Bartell was lodged in Onondaga County Justice Center and charged with two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, one count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree and five counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree. ​ We would like to thank Officers Montressor and Ryan for their keen observation skills, which led to the recovery of illegal narcotics, as well as another gun off of City streets. Sources: https://www.facebook.com/SyracusePolice/posts/pfbid02paqkZErzYBv6Lpd4nTShfHxAEaNGpK5quQA9xhoJWx9pP5sFdeSbvnuoV1jV91FZl

On Thursday, February 8, 2024, at about 2:13 AM, patrol officers of the Rome Police Department conducted a traffic stop on Culverton Road and River Road. The operator gave a false name and was eventually identified as Gary L. Newell (33 yrs. old) of Rome. Newell had an active Rome City Court Bench Warrant and a Non-Driver ID only, with a suspended status. Newell was taken into custody. As a result, the vehicle was towed. A subsequent inventory was completed of the vehicle. After the inventory was complete, Newell was found to be in possession of a quantity of Fentanyl and Methamphetamine, along with a functional digital scale, a ledger, and a quantity of U.S. currency. In addition to Newell’s active Rome City Court Bench Warrant, he was also charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 3rd Degree, False Personation, two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd Degree, and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 4th Degree. Newell was booked, processed, and subsequently released on his own recognizance after arraignment. Sources: https://www.facebook.com/RomeNYPoliceDepartment/posts/pfbid031tYBUpekdTgxhke5uUr3pupw4XGrrensDTe3zQBJTPNwABbm9WCYKt1qWo5wLY8Ql

It is with deep sadness that Acting Superintendent Steven G. James must inform you of the death of New York State Trooper John M. Grassia III. Trooper Grassia, 30, lost his life on Friday, March 8, 2024, while serving our country as a pilot in the National Guard.  Trooper Grassia was on a federal mission with the National Guard when his helicopter crashed near the southern border of Texas. Trooper Grassia joined the New York State Police on April 4, 2022. His last assignment was at SP Livingston, Troop K, and just prior to deployment he was transferred to Troop G, SP Fonda. Trooper Grassia's sacrifice and his commitment to the service of New Yorkers and all Americans will never be forgotten. Trooper Grassia is from Rotterdam, NY. Funeral arrangements will follow. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/it-deep-sadness-acting-superintendent-steven-g-james-announces-death-new-york-state-trooper Contact Troop G Public Information Officer: Trooper Stephanie O’Neil Troop G Commander: Major Dennis Schager Contact us by phone: Office (518) 783-3284 Contact us by email: gpio@troopers.ny.gov

$41 Million Rehabilitation at Colonial II Apartments Preserves and Improves Homes for Seniors and People with Disabilities in the City of Rome Project Awarded $1 Million Through New York’s Buildings of Excellence Competition to Achieve Net-Zero Carbon Emissions Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of the rehabilitation and modernization of Colonial II Apartments in the city of Rome in Oneida County. Operated by the Rome Housing Authority, the development provides 74 affordable homes for seniors and people with disabilities. The project was awarded $1 million through the State’s Buildings of Excellence Competition, which aims to advance net-zero carbon multifamily buildings in New York. “Building a more equitable New York means ensuring that all residents have access to safe, secure, and affordable housing opportunities," Governor Hochul said. “Colonial II Apartments now provides modern, energy-efficient homes for seniors and individuals with disabilities, enhancing their quality of life, fortifying community bonds, and advancing our State's nation-leading climate objectives for a sustainable future.” In the last five years, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has created or preserved over 1,500 affordable homes in Oneida County. Colonial II Apartments continues this effort and complements Governor Hochul's $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan that will create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes. Colonial II Apartments was originally constructed in 1972 as a school and dormitory, and later converted to public housing in 1984. Prior to this rehabilitation, the building had not been upgraded in decades and was rendered functionally obsolete. Beacon Communities Development LLC and the Rome Housing Authority redeveloped the property and Colonial Apartments II now features one-bedroom units for residents with incomes at or below 50 percent of the Area Median Income. The scope of rehabilitation work included reconfiguring apartments to increase their size, and extensive energy upgrades that enabled the building to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. These energy enhancements include geothermal heating and cooling systems and a vast solar array that is expected to supply 98 percent of the building’s energy. Financing for Colonial II Apartments includes $2 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds, $16.6 million in Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, and $12.5 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. New York State Energy Research and Development Authority awarded the project $1 million through the Buildings of Excellence Competition and provided incentives of $296,000 from the Multifamily New Construction Program and $194,740 from the NY-Sun Program. Additional financing was provided by the Rome Housing Authority. Renovations to Colonial I Apartments, also financed by HCR, were completed in 2019. Colonial I offers 83 affordable homes for seniors and people with disabilities. Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “The rehabilitation of Colonial II Apartments preserves a vital community asset and exemplifies our dedication to the development of zero-carbon buildings across the State through the use ofmodern solutions like geothermal heating and on-site solar energy. This development, which improves the quality of life for 74 seniors and people with disabilities in Oneida County, underscores our collective efforts towards a greener, more inclusive future for all New Yorkers. Congratulations to the Rome Housing Authority and Beacon Communities for ensuring that Colonial remains a safe, comfortable and affordable place to call home.” NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “The Colonial II Apartments represent the best in class multifamily residential projects advancing through the State's Buildings of Excellence Competition and are paramount to achieving Governor Hochul’s goal of providing all New Yorkers with access to affordable, more energy efficient housing. NYSERDA congratulates Colonial II on this milestone and their vision for offering comprehensive amenities that will deliver significant health and environmental benefits for their residents and the community at large.” State Senator Joseph Griffo said, “I am pleased that the Colonial II Apartments in Rome have been renovated, rehabilitated and preserved. This project will provide seniors and individuals with disabilities in the community with access to modern and energy efficient housing. “ Assemblymember Marianne Buttenschon said, “I am proud to acknowledge that the Colonial II Apartments in Rome are complete after nine months of construction. At a time when we are facing a shortage of housing for our seniors and those with disabilities, the Colonial II Apartments will provide safe and affordable housing to our most vulnerable. I want to applaud the hardworking construction team who worked tirelessly to provide housing to seniors and people with disabilities. I thank NYS Homes & Community Renewal and the Governor for making this important announcement today.” Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. said, “The modernization of the Colonial II Apartments preserves and enhances much-needed public housing for the elderly and disabled in the City of Rome. This first-of-its-kind net-zero carbon project is a model for energy efficiency and I am happy to see it completed. I commend the Rome Housing Authority for its vision and thank New York State for the funding to make it happen.” City of Rome Mayor Jeffery Lanigan said, “On behalf of the City of Rome, I want to thank Governor Hochul, the Department of Housing and Community Renewal, NYSERDA and all of our state and local elected officials and project partners for their continued and significant investment in our community. I also want to thank and congratulate the Rome Housing Authority and Beacon Development for their exceptional dedication in successfully bringing this project to fruition. This project stands as a testament to our collective commitment to providing safe, modern, affordable, and accessible housing for our residents. This was a transformative endeavor which will have benefits to this community for many years to come.” Rome Housing Authority Executive Director Maureen Birmingham said, “The Rome Housing Authority is proud to be at the forefront of improving energy-efficiency in public housing, which will help the state meet its clean energy goals while reducing overall utility costs for tenants. This multi-stage renovation project has transformed and modernized Colonial II, making it a model for similar buildings statewide. I greatly appreciate all the work that went into this project and particularly thanks the tenants for their patience and flexibility. The results have been worth the wait!” Beacon Communities LLC CEO Dara Kovel said, “Completion of the Colonial II renovation demonstrates at a new level that combatting climate change and addressing the affordable housing crisis are not mutually exclusive. At Beacon, we have made sustainability a top priority, reducing carbon emissions and cutting energy costs – all while improving quality of life for residents. Preserving and improving existing public housing ensures individuals can remain in their communities for years to come. We are so grateful to everyone who worked to bring the Colonial II project across the finish line, setting a new standard for future housing investments across the State.” Contact the Governor's Press Office Contact us by phone: Albany: (518) 474-8418 New York City: (212) 681-4640 Contact us by email: Press.Office@exec.ny.gov