HUDSON–An Ulster County man faces numerous charges in connection with giving hospital officials false insurance information so he could get drugs and medical services without paying for them.
Douglas L. Sertl, 48, of Highland was charged with five counts of using fraud or deceit to obtain a controlled substance, two counts of third degree grand larceny (over $3,000), three counts of fourth degree grand larceny (over $1,000), five counts of first degree falsifying business records and five counts of second degree criminal impersonation by Sergeants Randy Clark and Thomas Foutch, November 2 at 5:45 p.m.
Hudson police say they have been investigating Mr. Sertl since March and discovered that on five occasions Mr. Sertl allegedly went to the Columbia Memorial Hospital emergency room and using a different false identity each time gave the hospital false insurance information to obtain drugs and medical services without having to pay for them.
He allegedly did this on: March 26 when he incurred $2,375.62 worth of medical expenses; January 9 when he incurred $1,354.96 worth of medical expenses and morphine; January 7 when he incurred $3,687.08 worth of medical expenses and morphine; December 5, 2008 when he incurred $2,739.73 worth of medical expenses and drugs; and July 29, 2008 when he incurred $5,553.52 worth of medical expenses and drugs. He did not pay for any of the medical costs or drugs, according to police.
State Police in Highland took Mr. Sertl into custody on warrants during a traffic stop and turned him over to Hudson Police in Kingston.
Mr. Sertl was arraigned in Hudson City Court before Judge Richard Koweek and was sent to the county jail in lieu of $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bail bond.
*Jean-nane-taye Rowell, 21, of Hudson was charged with second degree menacing and third degree criminal possession of a weapon by Officer Jason Finn, November 7 at 12:46 a.m.
Ms. Rowell allegedly possessed a black-handled knife and threatened to cut a woman with it. She was taken into custody on an arrest warrant and held for arraignment.
*Rahsean D. Bowman, 22, of Hudson was charged with third degree assault on an arrest warrant by Catskill Police and was turned over to Officer Rodney Waithe, November 6 at 10:59 p.m.
Mr. Bowman allegedly intentionally caused physical injury to a woman by slamming her left arm into the dashboard of his vehicle several times.
He was held for arraignment.
*Clayton P. Cowan, 29, of Hudson was charged with second degree criminal contempt by Officer David Miller, November 9 at 9:36 a.m.
Mr. Cowan allegedly violated a Family Court order of protection by contacting the woman protected by the order. He was held for arraignment.
Drugs/alcohol
The following face drug- or alcohol-related charges:
*Danielle Nistico, 41, of Hudson was charged with driving while intoxicated and driving while ability impaired by drugs by Officer William Wrigley, November 9 at 6 p.m.
Police say they charged Ms. Nistico after investigating a report about a hit and run driver, who was trying to flee the accident scene July 30. She was also charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and criminal possession of a controlled substance (cocaine.)
She was issued tickets to appear in City Court.
To contact Diane Valden email dvalden@ColumbiaPaper.com