HUDSON—Four county residents were arraigned in Columbia County Court this week on charges stemming from the beating of Kinderhook resident Harold Handy in July.
District Attorney Paul Czajka announced Wednesday, October 7, that Judge Richard M. Koweek has unsealed an indictment and arraigned the defendants on the following charges:
• Alex Rosenstrach, 37, of Kinderhook, second-degree gang assault, a class C felony; second-degree assault, a class D felony; two counts of third-degree assault, a class A misdemeanors; first-degree unlawful imprisonment, a class E felony; third-degree coercion, a class A misdemeanor; second-degree reckless endangerment, a class A misdemeanor;
• Bryan Haag, 37, of Kinderhook, second-degree gang assault, a class C felony; second-degree assault, a class D felony; three counts third-degree assault, class A misdemeanors; first-degree unlawful imprisonment in the, a class E felony;
• Cory Gaylord, 31, of Craryville, second-degree gang assault, a class C felony; two counts third-degree assault, class A misdemeanors; first-degree unlawful imprisonment, a class E felony; third-degree coercion , a class A misdemeanor; second-degree reckless endangerment, a class A misdemeanor;
• Kelly Rosenstrach, 32, of Kinderhook, second-degree gang assault a class C felony; three counts official misconduct, class A misdemeanors; third-degree coercion, a class A misdemeanor; first-degree unlawful imprisonment, a class E felony.
All the charges stem from an incident in the town of Kinderhook on July 4 and 5. A Columbia County Grand Jury reported the sealed indictments September 30.
The district attorney expressed gratitude to The New York State Police Special Investigations Unit in Albany for “thoroughly investigating this matter in an expert and expeditious matter under less than ideal conditions. The law enforcement community and all county residents have benefited from their work, their diligence and their integrity,” according to a press release.
DA Czajka also commended two sheriff’s deputies for their work in the first minutes after having been contacted by E911; and Sheriff’s investigators for their highly proficient investigation beginning immediately after having been contacted by superiors.
The release from the district attorney’s office does not refer to Sheriff David Bartlett.
DA Czajka declined further comment, stating that “not unlike all investigations, this investigation continues, both with respect to that which directly resulted in this indictment, as well as collateral issues.” He did not discuss what those the collateral issues are.
Ms. Rosenstrach is represented by attorney William Roberts; Mr. Gaylord by attorney Michael Howard; Mr. Haag by attorney Paul DerOhannesian; and Mr. Rosenstrach by attorney Mark Portin.
Following arraignment, all four were released on their own recognizance.
