By DIANE VALDEN
HUDSON—Wednesday, October 23, Hudson Police arrested Cristobal Orlando Ascencio-Chacon, 34, of Hudson on four separate counts of first degree sexual abuse of a child less than 11 years old, a class D felony.
Hudson Police received information after a reported domestic incident, that Mr. Ascencio-Chacon had allegedly sexually abused young children, September 7. Hudson Police contacted the New York State Child Abuse and Maltreatment Register and began working with the Columbia County Department of Social Services, Child Protective Division (CPS). The criminal investigation was then immediately turned over to HPD detectives. During the investigation, it was discovered that all children at the time of the alleged sexual abuse were less than seven years old. Subsequent to arrest by HPD, Mr. Ascencio-Chacon was arrested by the New York State Police for additional charges of first degree sexual abuse and predatory sexual assault against a child that occurred outside the City of Hudson.
Mr. Ascencio-Chacon was arraigned in Hudson City Court before Judge John Connor and sent to the Columbia County Jail with no bail. He is due back in City Court at a later date.
“I want to thank that collaborative effort of the New York State Police–BCI Livingston, the Columbia County Department of Social Services–Child Protective Unit, and the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) of Columbia County during this investigation. HPD’s top priority remains the safety of our victims and protection of our children and we are committed to providing support for those affected,” Hudson Police Chief Mishanda Franklin said in a press release.
Claverack
State Police investigated a gang assault at Brookwood Secure Center, 419 Spook Rock Road (County Route 29).
October 19 at 7:30 p.m., five residents of Brookwood Secure Center allegedly assaulted a fellow resident.
Investigation determined an 18-year-old and a victim began to fight, then four additional individuals allegedly began to attack the victim. The victim suffered serious injuries including multiple lacerations caused by a makeshift cutting weapon.
Brookwood Secure Center staff broke up the fight and rendered aid to the victim who was then taken to Albany Medical Center.
James Gomez, 20; Miguel Gonzalez, 19, and two 18-year-olds, were arrested for second degree gang assault, a class C felony, and second degree assault, a class D felony, October 21.
A 16-year-old suspect was arrested for first degree assault, a class B felony; second degree gang assault, and second degree assault.
All five subjects were arraigned before Justice Michael Brandon in Claverack Court. Mr. Gomez, Mr. Gonzalez, and the two 18-year-olds were sent to the Columbia County Jail without bail. The 16-year-old was sent back to Brookwood Secure Center. They were all scheduled to appear back in court at a later date.
Hillsdale
State Police in Livingston arrested two women for cruelty to 40 cats in Hillsdale, October 18.
After receiving a tip about possible abuse to animals, members of the State Police in conjunction with the Columbia-Greene Humane Society, Animal Nation Incorporated, and the Town of Hillsdale Building Department, determined Jennifer Rossi, 45, and Peggy Card, 45, both allegedly failed to provide sustenance and care for the animals.
Animal Nation in Westchester County volunteered to care for the cats at their shelter. Two cats had to be sent to a local veterinarian due to their poor condition. They were pronounced dead.
Ms. Rossi and Ms. Card were both charged with 40 counts of Agricultural and Market Law torturing or injuring animals/failure to provide sustenance, a class A misdemeanor. Both were issued appearance tickets returnable in Hillsdale Court, November 20 at 6 p.m.
To contact Diane Valden email dvalden@columbiapaper.com.
