HUDSON–A correction officer with about 18 years on the job at the Hudson Correctional Facility faces charges in connection with the April 2 escape of two inmates on work release from that facility.
Joseph Scalera, 55, of Claverack was charged with first degree falsifying business records and fourth degree criminal facilitation by State Police investigators at Livingston, May 12.
An investigation revealed that Mr. Scalera allegedly made a false entry in an official correctional facility log book on the day of the escape to conceal the whereabouts of two inmates.
One inmate was quickly taken into custody just outside the fence, while the other, Daniel Tariol, 25, was arrested by troopers on Route 9, Greenport about 40 minutes later April 2 at 10:40 p.m. He was charged with first degree escape.
Mr. Scalera was arraigned in Hudson City Court before Judge Richard Koweek and was committed to Columbia County Jail in lieu of $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 bond. He was to reappear at a later date.
Canaan
State Police at New Lebanon and Livingston are investigating a robbery that occurred just after midnight May 12 at the Canaan Truck Stop on Route 22 near the Thruway.
A man wearing a ski mask entered the store and demanded cash. No one was hurt and the robber left on foot in a northerly direction. A weapon was implied, though none was displayed.
Anyone at the truck stop that night who has any information is asked to contact State Police investigators at Livingston (518) 851-2001.
*Two men, one wanted in Louisiana, the other from Connecticut were charged following a traffic stop on Route 295, April 7 at 10:46 p.m., according to a press release from Sheriff David Harrison, Jr. Resident Deputy Todd Hyson stopped a vehicle driven by Sean P. Dauber, 39, of Waterbury, CT for traveling at 50 mph in a 35 mph speed zone.
The deputy found that the vehicle passenger, William E. Jackson, Jr., 41, who gave an address in New York City, was wanted by New Orleans Police for firearms and heroin possession.
Additionally, about three-and-a-half pounds of high-grade marijuana with a street value of about $15,000, and loose pills identified as Valium were found in the vehicle.
Mr. Jackson was charged with being a fugitive from justice and Mr. Dauber was charged with speeding, operating in New York with a suspended Connecticut driver’s license, second degree criminal possession of marijuana, a D felony and seventh degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, an A misdemeanor.
Both men were arraigned before Canaan Justice Louis Hatch. Mr. Jackson was sent to the Columbia County Jail without bail pending further action as a fugitive. Mr. Dauber was released and will return to Canaan Court at a later date. Deputy Cindy Madison and Sheriff’s Investigator Paul Graziano assisted as did State Police from New Lebanon and Columbia County Chief Assistant DA Michael Cozzolino.
As a result of the traffic stop and subsequent drug investigation, Inv. Graziano, also acting in his capacity as a member of the US Drug Enforcement Administration Capital District Drug Task Force, contacted the Berkshire County Drug Task Force after his investigation took him into Pittsfield, MA the next day, April 8.
At about 4 p.m. agents from several agencies executed a Massachusetts State search warrant at 114 Elizabeth Street, Pittsfield, where $12,000 cash, about one pound of marijuana and equipment used in a small marijuana growing operation were found and seized from the residence.
Ricky Sambucco, 26, of Pittsfield was charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana.
Sheriff Harrison praised the job done by Deputy Hyson, Inv. Graziano and the other members of the Sheriff’s Office working this investigation, and thanked the other agencies for their involvement and cooperation. “This shows how a traffic stop can turn into a multi-state law enforcement effort.” The investigation is continuing and further charges and arrests are possible.
Chatham
Kenneth DuBose, 43, of Chatham faces several charges and was sent to jail after two separate encounters with Chatham Police, April 16.
Police say a neighbor of Mr. DuBose complained that he used threatening and foul language toward her. He was charged with second degree harassment at 3:55 a.m. and released with an appearance ticket returnable in Village Court.
Less than an hour later, at 4:46 a.m., police were called to a residence on
Railroad Avenue where somebody was reportedly trying to break-in. When police got there, they determined that Mr. DuBose had attempted to enter someone else’s apartment in the building. He allegedly threatened and was uncooperative with officers trying to investigate.
He was subsequently charged with second degree attempted burglary, endangering the welfare of a child, second degree obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest. He was arraigned before Justice Mark Portin in Chatham Village Court and was sent to the county jail on bail, pending a later Village Court date.
*Charles G. Lockenwitz Jr., 39, of Chatham was charged with second degree obstructing governmental administration by Chatham Police, April 22 at 12:40 a.m.
Police responded to a fight in progress at a private residence on Church Street. Police say, Mr. Lockenwitz was intoxicated and became uncooperative with officers who were investigating.
He was arraigned before Justice Doris Appel in Chatham Town Court and was sent to the county jail on bail, pending a later village court appearance.
*John R. Moskaluk, 43, of Mellenville was charged with third degree aggravated unlicensed operation, operating with a suspended registration and unlawful possession of marijuana by Chatham Police, April 20 at 8:50 p.m. Police stopped Mr. Moskaluk on Austerlitz Street for an equipment violation. It was discovered that his license and vehicle registration were both suspended. He was also found to have marijuana. He was released with appearance tickets returnable in village court.
Drugs/alcohol
The following face drug and/or alcohol related charges:
*Ryan Kelly, 22, of Chatham, was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated and vehicle and traffic law violations by State Police at Livingston during a traffic stop on the Taconic State Parkway in Ghent, April 10. Troopers were dispatched to the parkway for a vehicle off the road. They determined Mr. Kelly was intoxicated. He submitted to a breath test resulting in a .23% blood alcohol content. He was issued tickets returnable in Ghent Court.
*Melissa Slater, 40, of Red Hook was charged with driving while intoxicated by State Police at Livingston on County Route 7, Ancram, April 10. Troopers went to investigate a reported car/deer property damage auto accident. Troopers administered field sobriety tests which Ms. Slater could not perform. She refused to submit to a chemical test. She was issued a ticket returnable in Ancram Court.
*Roary Shook, 46, of East Schodack was charged with felony driving while intoxicated by State Police at Kinderhook, April 14. Police were called to investigate an erratic driver in a local business parking lot. He was arraigned in Kinderhook Court and sent to the county jail.
*Cassandra Meyerson, 27, of Valatie was charged with seventh degree criminal possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) and driving while intoxicated by State Police at Livingston, April 19. Police pulled Ms. Meyerson over on Maple Avenue, Philmont after they saws her talking on her cell phone. She was released with appearance tickets returnable in Philmont Court.
*Joshua Hunt, 22, of Valatie was charged with driving while intoxicated and failure to keep right by State Police at Kinderhook, April 23 at 1:45 a.m. Troopers went to check out a vehicle off County Route 28 in Chatham. The driver, Mr. Hunt could not perform field sobriety tests. A chemical test resulted in a .17% blood alcohol content. He was issued tickets returnable in Chatham Town Court.
*Corey Steeneck, 23, of Germantown was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated by State Police at Rhinebeck during a traffic stop on Route 9G, Red Hook, April 24 just before midnight. Troopers pulled Mr. Steeneck over after seeing him littering. He was subsequently found to be intoxicated. A breath test resulted in a .18% blood alcohol content. He was issued tickets returnable in Red Hook Court.
To contact Diane Valden email dvalden@columbiapaper.com