Walmart Robbery Suspects Arrested

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WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. From the White Plains Department of Public Safety. UPDATED 4:40 P.M. E.S.T. December 10, 2010:


 


Commissioner David E. Chong and the City of White Plains Department of Public Safety announce the arrests of four subjects in the ongoing investigation of the armed Walmart robbery that occurred at approximately 0248 hours on Monday November 29th, 2010. 


 


The two armed suspects entered Walmart during an employee break dressed head to toe in tyvex suits, with gloves and masks.  They proceeded to a backroom with a manager and tied the manager up with plastic zip ties and emptied a safe containing approximately $230,000 in cash.  The subjects then fled in a waiting SUV. No injuries occurred during this robbery.


 


Detectives working in three teams, round the clock, supervised by Det. Lieutenant Eric Fischer, Det. Sgt. Dennis Doherty, Det. Sgt. Patrick Oggeri and lead Detectives, Rick Lee, Patrick Kirby, Bryan Hembury, Edward Rutledge, and Timothy Byrne quickly noticed distinct similairities to the Robbery of the Old Navy store located at 100 Main Street in White Plains that occurred on September 7th 2010. The amount reported stolen in this robbery was over $30,000.  Both robberies were committed after heavy holiday shopping weekends.


 


Throughout this investigation, the White Plains Detectives were assisted with the full cooperation and coordination of Walmart Security Director Anthony Williams and Old Navy Security Director John Dursten, both of whom provided Detectives with valuable leads in the investigation.  Multiple video surveillance systems from within the stores and in and around the City of White Plains also provided the Department with leads.


 


In all, four suspects were identified and arrested in the past 24 hours. They are as follows,


Christopher Fountain, 28 years of age, of 8 Custis Ave. North White Plains NY.


 


Phillip Fountain, 20 years of age, of 558 S. 7th Ave. Mount Vernon, NY


 


Autumn Jordan, 22 years of age, homeless.


 


Tyrone Cramer, 36 years of age, of 1170 E. 229th Street, Apt. 4H Bronx, NY


 


Each of these Defendants are charged with Robbery in the 1st degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd degree. Both Felony charges.


 


Additionally, Christopher Fountain and Autumn Jorden will be charged with Robbery in the 1st degree for the Old Navy Robbery on September 7th 2010.


 


During the course of the investigation, leads were developed in cooperation with the Clarkstown Police in Rockland County NY about a robbery that occurred in the Victoria’s Secret Store located in the Palisades Mall on June 7th 2010. Working with Clarkstown Detectives Robert Shine and Lorraine McGrath, WPPD Detectives were able to positively identify Christopher Fountain as the subject wanted in connection with that armed robbery as well.  He is expected to be charged later in Rockland County for that robbery.


 


Multiple Search Warrants have been executed on the subject’s homes, automobiles, and a storage container/locker.  Bags of cash have been recovered but not yet counted, two vehicles have been siezed and multiple other items of evidentiary value recovered.


 


White Plains Public Safety Commissioner David Chong commended the actions of his Detectives and the cooperation and coordination with both Walmart Security and Old Navy Security. He also credited the assistance of the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office and the Westchester County Intelligence center and the Clarkstown NY Police Department with assistance in this investigation. “This was a full court press by our Detectives, and our law enforcement and private security partners worked seamlessly to bring these individuals to justice”.


 


The investigation is ongoing and active.


 


 


 


 

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It’s Official: Castelli Wins Full 2-Year Assembly Term by 112 Votes

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WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2010. December 10, 2010 UPDATED WITH STATEMENT FROM ROBERT CASTELLI:


The recanvass of Westchester County voting machines in the 89th Assembly district confirmed today, as reported first by WPCNR two days ago, confirmed Robert Castelli of Lewisboro the winner of the Assembly seat (formerly held by Adam Bradley) the winner by 112 votes of 42,414 votes cast, 21,263 votes for Mr. Castelli to 21,151 for White Plains’ Tom Roach. 


In court Friday, New York State Supreme Court Justice Lester Adler denied a motion by Castelli’s opponent to block certification of the race and order a manual hand recount of all ballots in the 89th Assembly District. Justice Adler also ordered the Westchester County Board of Elections to certify the race with Castelli as the winner.


According to the official statement of votes cast in Westchester County at the General Election of November 2nd 2010, for the office of Member of the Assembly 89th District that appeared in the Westchester County Board of Elections Statement of Canvass that was transmitted to the New York State Board of Elections, the final results are as follows:


Thomas M. Roach, Dem.     received:     19,100

Robert J. Castelli, Rep.    received:    18,851

Thomas M. Roach, Ind.    received:       995

Robert J. Castelli, Con.    received:    2,347

Thomas M. Roach, Wor.    received:    1,056

Robert J. Castelli, Tax.    received:         65


TOTAL:    42,414


Thomas Roach, the Common Council President in White Plains, conceded today.


Mr. Castelli’s office issued the following statement:



“I expected this to be a hard race, and went into it without any illusions,” Castelli said. “We needed to fight for every single vote, and we did, and the end result was a victory. I congratulate my opponent on a hard fought race and the civil discourse and debate that was the hallmark of our race, and look forwards to working with him once again for the betterment of the people of White Plains and the 89th Assembly District,” Castelli said. “I also look forward over the next two years to working with my friends across the aisle to achieve meaningful reforms in State Government, and in some small way, to restore the tarnished reputation of those who hold public office in Albany.”


 

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Deeply Dissappointed in Verdict: Bradley. Cites Grounds for Appeal

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WPCNR WHITE PLAINS LAW JOURNAL. From Mayor Adam Bradley of White Plains. December 9, 2010:



Mayor Adam Bradley Chairing the Common Council meeting Monday evening.


Mayor Adam Bradley issued a statement to the media this afternoon on today’s verdict from Judge Susan Capeci in Westchester County Family Court finding him guilty on charges of Contempt, Attempted Assault 3rd, and three charges of harassment,  2nd Degree for the February 28 alleged hand-slamming incident and harrassment stemming from the March 5 to April 2nd period when he was under restraining orders from the Judge.


Here is the Mayor’s statement, issued Thursday at 4:33 P.M.:


Today’s verdict is deeply disappointing, and one with which I disagree.



From the beginning, I have been unequivocal in stating that the charges against me were false and unfounded, and that I did not in any way mistreat my wife. I still believe that the truth will ultimately come out in the judicial process, and it is for this reason that I will appeal.



The legal basis for this appeal is strong and compelling, including but by no means limited to the following:



·     Relevant and germane evidence from doctors and counselors that corroborate my testimony and show my wife’s testimony was untrue were not allowed into evidence or even considered in camera.



·     Numerous relevant and material witnesses, including friends and neighbors of my wife, as well as our former au pair, who would have directly refuted allegations against me yet who were prohibited from testifying or were severely restricted in what they could say.



·     Notes and testimony from CPS workers who visited our home and interviewed my daughter in the aftermath that portray a very different picture and were not considered in these proceedings.



This trial represents a deprivation of due process. It is my strong belief that when these and other facts that were ignored in this court are considered during the appellate process, this decision today will be rightly overturned and justice will ultimately prevail. Most importantly, the truth will come out.



In the meantime I want to very clearly reiterate that, as I have done every day since I took office, I will continue to work as Mayor for the people of White Plains. My commitment to this city and my devotion to my duties as Mayor remain steadfast.



The people of White Plains, and most importantly my children, have the right to know the truth of this matter. My two precious daughters, whom I love more than anything, are my greatest responsibility. I am innocent and I do not want them to have to live with a legacy of lies.



To the many friends and residents in White Plains and beyond who have offered their prayers, love and support for my children and me during this ordeal, I offer my deepest heartfelt thanks.  



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D.A.: Verdict Testimony to Fumiko Bradley Credibility, Courage. 1 Yr. Jail Poss.

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WPCNR WHITE PLAINS LAW JOURNAL. Statement From the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office on the Bradley Verdict. (EDITED)December 9, 2010:


 


Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore announced that Adam T. Bradley (DOB 07/13/61) of 16 Little John Place, White Plains, New York was convicted today after a bench trial of:


 



  • one count of Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree, a class “A” Misdemeanor,
  • one count of Attempted Assault in the Third Degree, a class “B” Misdemeanor,
  • three counts of Harassment in the Second Degree, Violations,

 


relating to domestic violence incidents which occurred over a period of time against his wife Fumiko Bradley. Every single incident was credited by a conviction.


 


”The Court’s verdict spoke to the courage and credibility of Fumiko Bradley and her faith in the criminal justice system,” said District Attorney Janet DiFiore after the Court’s verdict. “The fact that this defendant is an elected official had no bearing on the prosecution of this case and demonstrates that we will support victims of domestic violence no matter who the abuser may be.”


 


The defendant faces a maximum of one year in the County Jail on the top count when sentenced on March 17th, 2011.





The first incident occurred at their home on Fernwood Road in White Plains, New York on January 11, 2010 at approximately 6:30 p.m. when the defendant, during a discussion with his wife, became angry and threw a mug of hot Jasmine tea on her chest. 


 


The second incident occurred at their home on Fernwood Road in White Plains, New York on February 28, 2010, at approximately 9:30 a.m. when the defendant grabbed his wife’s left arm and placed it against a door frame and proceeded to bang the door, twice, against her left hand bruising it.


 


On March 5, 2010 the defendant went to a residence in Scarsdale, New York where the


victim was with her two children.


 


He approached the victim while she was alone and accused her of lying in the pending


criminal action against him.  The defendant claimed that she was the one who had


attacked him, that he was defending himself and that the criminal case was going


to result in him losing his career.


 


He spoke in a loud voice that increasingly became louder. He then told the victim that


she should check herself into a mental hospital for five days. The victim asked him


why and the defendant told her that in order to save him and his career she had to


either go to a mental hospital and say she was crazy or say that she lied in her


statement to the police and go to jail.


 


In doing so, the defendant harassed the victim in direct violation of a temporary


order of protection issued by the Court. 


 


On the evening of March 10, 2010, at the Fernwood Road residence, the victim was at


home sleeping in her bedroom. Upon entering the home, defendant awakened the


victim and said “you did it, you lied; It’s your fault.” 


 


The following morning, on March 11, 2010, the defendant again tried to speak with


the victim about the criminal charges and the victim asked the defendant to stop.


He refused to do so. 


 


Later that evening at approximately 5:30 p.m. the defendant again started yelling


at her and blaming her for the criminal charges pending against him. He yelled at


her that he had not done anything, that the victim was physically abusing him and


that he was defending himself. 


 


At approximately 9:00 a.m. on March 25, 2010, while the victim was taking a shower,


 the defendant entered the bathroom shouting that he had received a telephone call


that emails had come out and the defendant then screamed “It’s over, it’s over, you


should hang yourself!”  and left the home slamming the door. 


 


At approximately 9:15 a.m. on April 2, 2010, the defendant entered the home holding


a newspaper. The defendant walked over with the newspaper and hit the victim’s hand


several times and said loudly, “you have to read it, you have to read it.” 


The victim felt frightened, asked the defendant to speak to her lawyer and ran to


the bedroom upstairs. 


 


”The Court’s verdict spoke to the courage and credibility of Fumiko Bradley and her faith in the criminal justice system,” said District Attorney Janet DiFiore after


the Court’s verdict. “The fact that this defendant is an elected official had no bearing on the prosecution of this case and demonstrates that we will support


 victims of domestic violence no matter who the abuser may be.”



 


A temporary order of protection in favor of his wife remains in effect.


 


Second Deputy District Attorney Audrey Stone, Chief of the Special Prosecutions Division and


 Assistant District Attorney Amy Puerto, Deputy Chief of the Domestic Violence Bureau are prosecuting the case.


 


 


 


 

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Mayor Found Guilty of Attempted Assault, Contempt, 3 Harassments

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WPCNR WHITE PLAINS LAW JOURNAL. Special to WPCNR from Peter Katz. December 9, 2010 UPDATED DECEMBER 10 8:35 A.M. E.S.T.WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:


 


There was a mixed verdict today in the domestic violence trial of White Plains Mayor Adam Bradley.


 


Bradley was found not guilty of 3 charges of assault in the 3rd degree. However, he was found guilty of attempted assault and harassment against his wife, Fumiko, and contempt for violating a court-issued order of protection. The verdicts were rendered by Judge Susan Capeci in Westchester County Family Court.


 


The Mayor was found guilty of attempted assault in the February 28 door-slamming incident involving his wife, and on 3 charges of harassment in the 2nd degree.


 


The three charges of assault of which Bradley was found not guilty were related to the February 28 incident. The judge also found Mayor Bradley not guilty on charges of witness tampering during the period March 5 through April 2, and not guilty of attempted assault relating to the January 11 alleged tea throwing incident.


 


The Judge set sentencing of the Mayor for March 17.


 


Later, outside of the Westchester County Courthouse, Bradley’s attorney, Luis Penichet, said his client would be found totally innocent on appeal. Penichet said they will file their appeal in 30 to 45 days.


 


Penichet said that the truth will come out when witnesses are allowed to testify.


 


He said that only about one-third of the witnesses he wanted to call to the stand in the Mayor’s defense were allowed to testify. Referring to the judge’s mix of guilty and not guilty decisions, Penichet said, “You either believe [the complainant Fumiko Bradley] or you don’t.” He opined that the judge’s action “…will not withstand appellate scrutiny.”     


 


Penichet intercepted questions aimed at Mayor Bradley by the reporters, pointing out that he was under a “gag order” preventing him from speaking about his on-going divorce case, which also is before Judge Capeci.


 


 Despite Penichet’s advice, Bradley did step forward to make a brief statement. Bradley said he will not step down from office. He said the the appeal process would be a “real trial,” and it will prove his innocence. He said he wants to be sure his children will not be left with “a legacy of lies.” He said that he needed to get back to city hall because there’s a lot of work to do there.


 


Neil Comer, Fumiko Bradley’s divorce attorney, said Mrs. Bradley could not be in court today because she had a job where she has to go every day. Comer characterized Bradley’s version of what happened or did not happen by saying, “…he’s a politician.”


 


Comer refused to comment on whether today’s verdict would affect the Bradley’s divorce case, saying all parties were under a “gag order” from Judge Capeci.


 


Outside of the courtroom, after the verdict was announced, the prosecutors Audrey Stone and Amy Puerto had jubilant expressions on their faces as they accepted congratulations from some observers.


 


A camera crew from Channel 7 was allowed inside the courtroom to provide coverage of the verdict. Despite requests to court officers, other media cameras were not allowed in. WPCNR learned that Channel 7 had sent a letter to the court in advance requesting permission to be there.


 


Mayor Bradley had been originally arrested on February 28th.


 


 


In related developments…


 


After the verdict, five members of the White Plains Common Council: Benjamin Boykin, David Buchwald, Milagros Lecouna, Tom Roach and Beth Smayda are reported by The Journal News as calling for the Mayor to resign in the wake of the Guilty verdicts, despite the fact the mayor was cleared of all assault charges. 


 


Mr. Roach, the President of the Common Council, who would have to initiate a resolution calling for the Mayor to resign or be removed on the grounds of disorderly conduct or misconduct calling for the Governor to remove the Mayor from office, did not return a WPCNR call for comment on the verdict and Mr. Boykin could not be reached (his answering machine did not pick up). 


 


The Journal News for the second time during the period the Mayor has been fighting for his reputation and his good name, published an editorial this morning calling for the Mayor to resign his office.


 


 


 


 

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Castelli Wins Full Term in 89th Assembly Dist, Beating Tom Roach by 108 Votes

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WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2010. By John F. Bailey. December 8, 2010:


In an exclusive interview with WPCNR this morning, Bob Castelli reported to WPCNR that the hand counts of all ballots, emergency ballots, affidavit ballots, absentee ballots and the approximately 100 challenged ballots have all been counted and that he “for all intents and purposes, I have won the election. However, Mr. Roach has not conceded yet.”



Assemblyman Robert Castelli at Liberty Park, White Plains, September, 2010. WPCNR File Photo


Castelli said the final count of approximately 41,000 votes shows he has won the election for the 89th New York Assembly District by 108 votes.


Castelli said the result is unofficial and that it is his understanding that Mr. Roach’s lawyers will not concede until the recanvass of the county voting machines that will take place at 10:30 A.M. Thursday morning at the County Board of Elections warehouse in Ardsley.

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Out of the Sun: Pearl Harbor Attack Remembered. 69 Years Ago Today

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Out of the Sun


 



The Arizona engulfed December 7, 1941 Pearl Harbor


 


Out of the sun on the quiet Sunday they came


Birds of death blazened with red suns raining fiery havoc on Battleship Row.


One by one, ruthless planes dove, destroyed to their nation’s shame.


Thunderous explosions scattered fiery death on Sunday dawn’s glow.


 


Flames belched from bowels of stricken Arizona, America’s pride,


On Hicham Field pilots raced to planes to defend


As their birds were crippled on ground by Zeros’ glide


Gunners in turrets on ships floundering filled skies with flack’s din.


 


In search of carriers, marauders could not find


Ruthlessly strafed and bombed leaving Pearl


In smoking ruin. Ships sunk, burning as raiders flew into the Sun


The day of infamy had been ignited in the Zeros’ swirl.


 



The Attack Begins 8 AM December 7, 1941


 


As America listened a world away,  somber FDR


Spoke of  this day that will live in infamy.


America must never forget that  Pearl Harbor Scar


When an unsuspecting America slept in complacency.


 


To the 2,403 perishing that day under merciless bombs


Hails of bullets,  terror of torpedos out of nowhere


America must remember forces against our freedoms


Relentlessly work always to surprise with deadly bombs’ glare.


 


Vigilence is the price of freedom always to be defended


Against those who would destroy our republic from within


By dark forces in far off places we have offended.


The answer is not curtailing freedom at home rather it to champion.


 


The USS Arizona lies in Pearl’s waters, bleeding the lives


Of her men through the eerie eternal slick marking the rusting hulk.


Beneath Pearl’s waters, the blood of free people oozes from the shadowy bulk,


Bleeding forever, freedom’s spirit living forever in lost lives remembered.


 


She never rests.


 


 



Note: The Pearl Harbor attack which took place 69 years ago today and its aftermath is dramatically depicted at http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/events/wwii-pac/pearlhbr/pearlhbr.htm


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Castelli Lengthens Lead Over Roach to 163 Votes.

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WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2010. From the Castelli Campaign. December 6,2010:


The Robert Castelli campaign advised a CNR correspondent that after all Absentee Ballots and all Emergency Ballots and all affidavit ballots have been counted, Robert Castelli leads City Common Council President Tom Roach for the New York 89th Assembly District by 163 votes with 239 “challenged” ballots to be considered for their validity.


Challenge ballots are ballots that representatives of Mr. Castelli and Mr. Roach’s legal teams have questioned as to their validity. The ballots were being analyzed Monday.

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Cohen Concedes to Oppenheimer the 37th NY Senatorial District

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WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2010. From the Bob Cohen Campaign. December 6, 2010:


In one of the closest State Senate races in New York this year, State Senate candidate Bob Cohen (R-C-I) today congratulated incumbent Senator Suzi Oppenheimer (D-WFP) on winning a 14th term. 


The race for the 37th State Senate district in Westchester, which featured Mr. Cohen, a businessman and first-time candidate for public office, against long-time incumbent Senator Oppenheimer – Ms. Oppenheimer has represented the district in the State Senate since 1984 – had been too close to call since Election Day. 




In one of the closest State Senate races in New York this year, State Senate candidate Bob Cohen



Mr. Cohen, who trails Senator Oppenheimer by approximately 600 votes, chose not to pursue a hand recount of the ballots, which would have been an expensive undertaking for taxpayers.




“I offer my sincere congratulations to Senator Oppenheimer on a hard-won victory,” Mr. Cohen said. “I am also enormously grateful to all my supporters in this race, including  The New York Times, The New York Post, Mayor Mike Bloomberg, County Executive Rob Astorino, and so many others.   Some supporters have urged me to press for a hand recount of the ballots because of voting irregularities, but I ran to stick up for Westchester taxpayers and I cannot ask them to pay that bill.”




Mr. Cohen, a community activist and volunteer firefighter, said he would remain active and visible in Westchester civic life.




“This race has only hardened my resolve to work for fiscal responsibility and tax relief in New York State,” Mr. Cohen continued. “I learned an enormous amount about public policy in this contest, but more importantly, I learned how prohibitively high taxes are squeezing Westchester families and inhibiting business development and job growth.  I am hopeful that Senator Oppenheimer will better serve and appreciate her constituents as a result of this hard-fought election.”

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Council to Vote to Acquire Bengal Tiger Block for $1.08 Million for Park Lot

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WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. By John F. Bailey. December 3, 2010:


In a surprise acquisition move, the City Common Council will vote on a bond ordinance (Item 20 on the council agenda), Monday evening to issue $1,400,000 in bonds to acquire the burned out East Post Road block from 134 to 142 East Post Road where7 stores were burned out in the July 7 fire of undetermined cause. The fire took the White Plains Fire Department 13 hours to extinguish.



THE BENGAL TIGER BLOCK BURNING, JULY 7, 2010



The Bengal Tiger block as it appeared July 12, 2010 in the fire aftermath.  The city is acquiring the site for a parking lot and possible future use by the city according to item 20 on the Monday, December 6 agenda


According to the Common Council agenda isued Friday, the council will vote Monday evening to borrow $1.4 Million to be used to buy the quarter acre of land from the present owners, fill the hole that now exists and turn it into a 28-space parking lot. The land is being purchased for $1,080,000.

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