HUDSON—Two defendants pleaded guilty in Columbia County Court to felony robbery charges in separate incidents, according to a press release from District Attorney Paul Czajka, June 2.
Christopher Arsenault pleaded guilty to second degree robbery, a class C felony, before Judge Richard M. Koweek.
Mr. Arsenault was charged with stealing cash from the Blue Stores Xtra Mart in Livingston, January 8 while armed with a rifle. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and arrested Mr. Arsenault. Judge Koweek has scheduled sentencing for July 28. The Columbia County Public Defender represents Mr. Arsenault.
Michael Cristaldi pleaded guilty to first degree attempted robbery, a class C felony, before Judge Koweek. Mr. Cristaldi was charged with stealing cash from the Sunoco in Kinderhook, January 15, while armed with a large knife. State Police investigated the case and arrested Mr. Cristaldi. Judge Koweek has scheduled sentencing for July 28. The Columbia County Public Defender represents Mr. Cristaldi.
Court cases:
The following court cases were dealt with in Columbia County Court, May 13. Information about the cases was provided by the office of Columbia County District Attorney Paul Czajka.
*Sam Wassilie, 36, of Pittsfield, MA, was convicted of 10 counts of unlawful surveillance before Judge Richard M. Koweek. Columbia County Sheriff’s Investigator Mark Dunspaugh arrested Mr. Wassilie after a lengthy investigation in Canaan and New Lebanon. Mr. Wassilie secreted his smart-phone in public restrooms and took pictures of unsuspecting patrons.
*Winston Wilburn was sentenced to 8 1/3 years with the State Department of Corrections along with 5 years of post release supervision by Judge Jonathan D. Nichols. Mr. Wilburn was convicted of second degree criminal possession of a weapon, fourth degree grand larceny and fourth degree possession of stolen property. Hudson Police arrested Mr. Wilburn soon after he stole a State Police service handgun. The DA and Hudson Police Chief commended the quick and efficient work of HPD officers, but reserved their greatest praise and appreciation for an observant citizen who provided invaluable information to Chief Moore that led to the arrest and recovery of the weapon. The Columbia County public defender represents Wilburn.
*Stephen Pabon was sentenced to 1 1/2 to 3 years in state prison upon his conviction of fourth degree criminal possession of stolen property by Judge Nichols. Mr. Pabon was convicted by plea of two counts of fourth degree criminal possession of stolen property and driving while ability impaired by drugs. State Police found Mr. Pabon to be in possession of a stolen motor vehicle after a traffic stop during which he was driving under the influence of marijuana in Kinderhook. In another incident in Greenport, Sheriff’s deputies also arrested Mr. Pabon for possession of a stolen motor vehicle. Columbia County Conflict Defender John Leonardson represented Mr. Pabon.
*Danielle Reynolds was convicted of fourth degree grand larceny, a class E felony, before Judge Nichols. Ms. Reynolds was charged with stealing a debit card and taking cash in excess of $1,000 between the dates of October 16 and November 10, 2014 in Clermont. State Police investigated the case and arrested Ms. Reynolds. Judge Nichols scheduled sentencing for July 13.
The public defender represents Ms. Reynolds.
*Chatayia Brown was convicted of fourth degree grand larceny, a class E felony, before Judge Nichols. Ms. Brown was charged with using a forged check to obtain funds in excess of $1,000 August 26, 2014 in Kinderhook. State Police investigated the case and arrested Ms. Brown. Judge Nichols scheduled sentencing July 22. The public defender represents Ms. Brown.
*Peter Quickenton was convicted of second degree attempted rape, a class E felony, before Judge Nichols. Mr. Quickenton was charged with attempting to have sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 15 years, October 26, 2014 in Chatham. Columbia County Sheriff’s deputies investigated the case and arrested Mr. Quickenton. Judge Nichols scheduled sentencing for July 22. The public defender represents Mr. Quickenton.
*Andre Perry was convicted of third degree criminal possession of weapon, a class D felony, before Judge Nichols. Mr. Perry was charged with possessing an illegal firearm, November 16, 2014 in Hudson after having been previously convicted of a crime. Hudson Police investigated the case and arrested Mr. Perry. Judge Nichols scheduled sentencing for July 22. Michael Howard, Esq., represents Mr. Perry.
Sheriff’s personnel attend civil school
ALBANY—Members of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office recently successfully completed a week-long course in Civil Law Enforcement at the New York State Sheriff’s Association Institute, according to a press release from Sheriff David P. Bartlett.
Newly-promoted patrol sergeants are required to take this course as a requirement for all front line supervisors. Civilian personnel assigned to the civil division, are also required to take this course as part of their daily duties in preparing civil papers for service by the uniform patrol.
The Sheriffs’ Association Institute held a week-long Basic School for deputy sheriffs and civilian staff last week. Deputies and other staff from Sheriffs’ Offices around the State attended the program, which was taught by Sheriff’s Office staff with expertise in civil enforcement law.
The school is required training for sheriffs’ offices seeking civil office accreditation. The institute provides the only statewide training program for civil deputies, and the training is provided without charge to any civil personnel nominated for the school by a Sheriff.
