By DIANE VALDEN
GERMANTOWN—An Albany woman faces numerous felony charges in connection with unlawfully entering a Germantown home.
State Police from the Livingston barracks arrested Mackenzie Golden, 44, from Albany on multiple charges, including second degree burglary, a class C felony; fourth degree grand larceny, a class E felony; possession of burglary tools, a class A misdemeanor, and endangering the welfare of a child, a class A misdemeanor, March 13.
The investigation revealed that Ms. Golden allegedly unlawfully entered an occupied home in Germantown, took items, and redecorated the home. She fled the scene when confronted by the homeowner, according to State Police.
Troopers later located Ms. Golden parked behind a nearby residence.
She was arraigned in Claverack Court and released to probation. She is scheduled to return to court at a later date.
Canaan
Columbia County 911 dispatched Canaan and Red Rock firefighters, Chatham Rescue and State Police March 23 at 4:53 p.m. for a reported personal injury accident with wires down in front of the Canaan Post Office on Route 295.
A State Police investigation revealed that the vehicle was traveling south on Route 295 when it left roadway for an unknown reason, subsequently striking a utility pole.
Red Rock firefighters were not needed at the scene and were returned. No power lines were involved. Chatham Rescue took the driver to the Berkshire Medical Center for a complaint of pain. New York State Department of Transportation, Spectrum, and Consolidated Communications crews responded to the scene. Firefighters were back in service at 9:22 p.m.
To contact Diane Valden email dvalden@columbiapaper.com
Slashing leads to indictment of three for gang assault
CLAVERACK—An October assault at the Brookwood Secure Center for Youth, 419 Spook Rock Road (County Road 29), sent one man to the hospital with serious injuries and resulted in the March 21 indictment of three alleged offenders on felony assault charges, according to a press release from Columbia County District Attorney Chris Liberati-Conant.
The three indicted by a Columbia County grand jury include a 16-year-old juvenile who was 15 at the time of the attack. Due to his age, his name is being withheld by authorities. The teen was indicted on seven charges that include two counts of first degree assault, class B felonies; second degree gang assault, a class C felony; second degree assault, a class D felony; first degree promoting prison contraband, a class D felony; fourth degree criminal possession of a weapon, a class A misdemeanor, and third degree assault, a class A misdemeanor.
As a juvenile offender, he faces a minimum of one-to-three years and a maximum of three-and one-third to 15-years in prison.
The other defendants, James Gomez, who was 20 at time of attack, now 21, and Miguel Gonzales, 19 at time of attack, now 20, were both indicted for second degree gang assault, and second degree assault, class C and D felonies respectively. As adult offenders, they face a minimum of three-and one-half and a maximum of 15 years in prison.
Mr. Gomez, Mr. Gonzales and the alleged juvenile offender are awaiting arraignment in Columbia County Court. A date has not yet been set.
Two additional offenders, both 18 at the time, are facing lesser charges in connection with the October 19, 2024 attack on the 18-year-old victim and are in negotiations with the District Attorney’s Office regarding a possible plea deal, the release said.
Records show the attack took place when a fight broke out during a basketball game. Video review and direct observation showed the five accused attacking the victim, striking, kicking and punching him while he was on the ground. It also showed the indicted juvenile making slicing movements with what was later classified as a “sharp object.” Authorities believe the juvenile had the weapon, which was never recovered, hidden in his waistband.
The victim suffered a gash to his face that extended from his mouth to his ear, in addition to deep cuts on his back, torso and leg. He was taken to Albany Medical Center for treatment that night. Reports show he received more than 100 stitches. He was released back to Brookwood the following day where he, along with the 16-year-old juvenile, remain housed.
Mr. Gomez, Mr. Gonzales and the other two offenders facing lesser charges are no longer being held at Brookwood, but remain in the custody of the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.
Following the attack, four of the offenders, including Mr. Gomez and Mr. Gonzales, were initially sent to the Columbia County Jail following arraignment in Claverack Town Court. The juvenile, due to his age, was sent back to Brookwood following arraignment.
Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Nicholas Rohfing is representing the state while Conflict Defender Mark Portin represents the 16-year-old juvenile. Mr. Gomez is represented by Steven Patterson of Poughkeepsie and Mr. Gonzales is represented by William Roberts of Albany.
According to its website, the Brookwood Secure Center houses male and female offenders who, while younger than 16, committed certain violent felonies and were convicted and sentenced in adult criminal court or following adjudication by family court. Depending on the sentence, youth are eligible to remain there until age 21.
Firefighters squelch trash fire at Canaan Transfer Station
Columbia County 911 dispatched the Canaan Task Force (Canaan, East Chatham, Lebanon Valley and Red Rock), March 21 at 11:51 a.m. for a reported trash trailer fire at the B3 Transfer Station at 25 Flints Crossing in the Town of Canaan. Additional mutual aid was requested from Richmond, MA. The trailer was placed on its side to assist with extinguishment. Firefighters were back in service at 1:39 p.m. Photos by RE Lindmark
Sheriff’s Office warns of another ruse to get your money
GREENPORT—In a Facebook post, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office tells residents, “No legitimate federal agency will call and ask for money or personal information or request payment in the form of digital currency or gift cards.”
On March 21, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office received a fraud complaint from a county resident, who reported that he received numerous phone calls from someone he thought was an agent with the U.S. Marshals Service.
The victim was advised that his personal information was being utilized by an individual in Texas and in order to clear up the matter he was instructed to send $9,000 in bitcoin. The victim told deputies that the call came from 518-828-0601, which is the phone number for the Civil Enforcement Division of the Sheriff’s Office.
However, the Sheriff’s Office says no such call was placed from that agency and the phone number used by the “suspected party was spoofed.” County residents are encouraged to report any type of fraudulent activity directly to the Sheriff’s Office at 518-828-3344.
