Ulster County District Attorney's Office

🇺🇸🎇 We hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July! To all our law enforcement and first responders at work today and tonight keeping our community safe: thank you!

🛑 STOP DWI New York PSA to our community as we head into 4th of July weekend! Be safe!

Ulster County supports New York State’s Stop DWI initiative to remind our communities about the danger of impaired driving. As we head into the July Fourth weekend, we want to remind all Ulster County residents to be smart and have a plan for a safe ride.

Download STOP DWI’s mobile app to help you find a safe ride home: www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp.

PETER BONAVITA INDICTED FOR SMUGGLING DRUGS INTO ULSTER COUNTY JAIL PENDING TRANSFER TO STATE PRISON

Kingston, NY—On June 13, 2024, Peter Bonavita, age 49, of Kingston, was sentenced to 4 ½ years in State Prison related to his drug dealing; on the same day, he was sentenced to serve 1 to 3 years in prison for Conspiracy to distribute drugs in the Ulster County Jail by visiting Sullivan County Judge James Farrell. These convictions were secured through his pleading to two separate indictments on February 26 of this year.

Bonavita’s conviction for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell in the Third Degree, a class B felony, involved extended investigations conducted by New York State Police’s VGNET and other local law enforcement agencies. The Conspiracy conviction was secured when various arms of the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office and URGENT identified Bonavita as one of several individuals involved in the trafficking of narcotics and other contraband into the Ulster County Jail.

Following sentencing on these matters on June 13, Bonavita was remanded to Ulster County Jail prior to being sent to state prison. During the Jail’s intake process, Ulster County Sheriff’s Office Correctional Officers determined that Bonavita was in possession of unknown contraband concealed inside his body. After being placed on a one-on-one watch, the contraband was recovered after four days. The contraband was determined to be a synthetic cannabinoid, also known as K2 or Spice, with a street value in the thousands of dollars. Bonavita was then arraigned on June 26 for charges of Promoting Prison Contraband in the First Degree, a class D felony, and faces up to 3 ½ to 7 years in prison, in addition to his previous sentences.

“The smuggling of any contraband, drugs and/or synthetic cannabinoid is not considered just a minor infraction within our facility’s walls—it is extremely dangerous, which must be taken seriously to protect the security and well-being of all incarcerated individuals and staff,” said Ulster County Corrections Superintendent Anthony Maggio. “All violators will be treated with the utmost seriousness to the fullest extent of the law. I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the District Attorney’s Office for following through in prosecuting these cases as they arise.”

“The conduct in this case is an example of the depth to which drug dealers go to bring their product into the facilities, and the vigilance required on the part of law enforcement to combat drug trafficking to inmates. This is an example of what law enforcement is up against in the efforts to reduce and prevent drug overdoses and deaths. For inmates struggling to achieve sobriety, Bonavita’s persistent conduct, alone and with others, over an extended period of time, makes it nigh impossible. As a community, we owe it to ourselves to remain vigilant and report drug conspiracies and activities to law enforcement.” said District Attorney Emmanuel C. Nneji.

The pending Promoting Prison Contraband case is being prosecuted by Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Paul V. Derohannesian. Defendant is represented by Marlborough attorney Matt Mahan.

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If you or a loved one is dealing with substance use disorder of any kind, the Ulster County Sheriff's Office Opioid Response as County Law Enforcement (ORACLE) Initiative is nationally recognized in treating substance use disorder without judgment and provides a community response.

The ORACLE hotline is (888) 996-0940 and can be emailed at [email protected]

👮 🧑‍🏫 Earlier this week, Chief Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Culmone-Mills and Deputy Chief Paul Derohannesian were pleased to join the Town of Lloyd Police Department’s Civilian Police Academy. The Academy gives residents an insight into what the police force does and how they approach their jobs. It was a pleasure to meet our community members engaged in this program and to support our law enforcement.

⚖️📣 : Last week, our office was pleased to join prosecutors from all over NY State for a forum hosted by the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office at the Brooklyn Law School discussing the Domestic Violence Survivors’ Justice Act. We learned how to better serve victim and their families and emerging issues in prosecuting this new area of the law. Thank you for having us!

📣 BROOKLYN MAN SENTENCED TO STATE PRISON FOR DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED IN SAUGERTIES

Kingston, NY—On Thursday, June 13, 2024, Tyrone Taylor, age 47, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced to one to three years in State Prison on his February 26 guilty plea of guilty to the Class D felony of Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated before the Honorable James Farrell.

The conviction stemmed from defendant operating a motor vehicle in an erratic manner on June 10, 2023, swerving all over the road while traveling above the speed limit in the Town of Saugerties portion of the Thruway. Defendant's conduct was so dangerous that four motorists called 911 to report his hazardous driving. During his arrest, defendant placed his hand on a New York State Trooper’s handgun, further exacerbating his dangerousness at the time. He had a .23 blood alcohol level, nearly three times the legal limit. In addition, his license was revoked from prior DWI convictions in 2021. Defendant was under probation supervision on another DWI case out of New Jersey at the time of the incident. This was defendant's fourth DWI arrest since 2021, all taking place while under probation supervision.

District Attorney Emmanuel C. Nneji said, “This man is a danger to himself and everyone on the road, including families and emergency responders. His persistence to drive drunk despite being under supervision by probation and while his license was suspended signify a selfishness too dangerous to tolerate. Hopefully his time in prison will open his eyes to realize this and to get help with his driving under the influence of alcohol.”

The case was prosecuted by Deputy Chief Assistant Paul V. Derohannesian. The defendant was represented by defense counsel Brandon Hellwig of Albany.

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📣 Wishing everyone a Happy Juneteenth today as we reflect on the struggles and resilience to overcome slavery. We need similar fortitude nowadays for our community safety and wellbeing so we can realize the promise of safety, freedom, and liberty for all.

🙏🏽🎊 Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers, father-figures, and everyone in our office and beyond! Thank you for everything that you do for the office and your sacrifices for the community; we celebrate you!

⚖️ JOSEPH KAROLYS CONVICTED BY JURY OF MANSLAUGHTER AND OTHER CHARGES IN CONNECTION TO KILLING OF DAVID “MICKEY” MYER

KINGSTON, NY—Joseph Karolys, age 39, of Saugerties, was convicted of Manslaughter in the First Degree, Assault in the First Degree, and Tampering with Physical Evidence following a two-week jury trial before the Honorable Bryan Rounds. The manslaughter and assault convictions carry a sentence of up to twenty-five years in State Prison. The jury began their deliberations at 11 a.m. and reached their verdict at 1:00 p.m.; the verdict was announced in court at 1:40 p.m.

On October 29, 2022, Joseph Karolys, David “Mickey” Myer, and Michael Cummins were driven home by Joseph Karolys, Jr., following a Halloween party at a Greene County Bar. David “Mickey” Myer’s beaten body was found the next day on the side of Route 32 in Saugerties. The ensuing investigation of the homicide was conducted by the Saugerties Police Department with assistance from the New York State Police.

The People’s case established that Karolys had kicked Mickey Myer in the head and taken steps to conceal the crime, including burning the boot used for the killing in his wood stove. Karolys and Cummins then spent several days moving around the Lake George area, ultimately leading to Cummins turning himself in to law enforcement officials to cover for the defendant. Eventually Cummins cooperated with the prosecution and revealed information previously unknown in the case. The joint investigation by New York State Police and Saugerties Police revealed Mickey Myer’s blood in the Karolys truck and in the Karolys home, as well as on the floor mats at their home that also contained Myer’s DNA.

The case was presented to the Grand Jury and Karolys was indicted in February 2023; he was remanded to the Ulster County Jail and his several attempts for bail failed.

Saugerties Police Department Chief Robert Nuzzo said, “This verdict is the result of a tremendous amount of hard work and once again demonstrates the great cooperation between the law enforcement agencies involved. Hopefully it brings some comfort to the family of David “Mickey” Myer.”

New York State Police Troop F Bureau of Criminal Investigations Captain Joseph Kolek said, “This investigation and subsequent conviction of Joseph E. Karolys are evidence of the commitment we share with our law enforcement partners to hold violent criminals accountable for their actions. We send our deepest sympathies to the loved ones of Mickey Myer and we hope this convictions brings them some measure of solace.”

District Attorney Emmanuel C. Nneji commented, “There is no more serious crime than that which involves the taking of another person’s life. The crime scene photo of Mickey Myer’s lifeless body on the side of Route 32, as though he was roadkill, and that his life was disposable, has stayed with me since I first saw it. Today’s verdict speaks to Mickey Myer’s family and loved ones in Saugerties and surrounding areas. Joseph Karolys has found out today that no human being is disposable or expendable.”

The case is being prosecuted by District Attorney Emmanuel C. Nneji and Assistant District Attorney Kristen Druse, who also supervises the Gun Violence Unit. Joseph Karolys is represented by defense attorneys Carol Morgan and William Pretsch.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 1, 2024.

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📚📖 Providing continued training for our law enforcement agencies is central to our successful collaboration to pursue public safety. Thank you Chief Investigstor Weishaupt for instructing Town of New Paltz Police Department yesterday!

A huge thank you to the Ulster County District Attorney's Office, especially Chief Investigator Weishaupt, for instructing a Search Warrant training at NPPD yesterday. Five of our members along with several other agencies around the county attended this outstanding training.

📣 FORMER WALKILL FIREFIGHTER ROBERT CROMIE SENTENCED TO STATE PRISON FOR ARSON

Kingston, NY—Robert Cromie, age 56, of Wallkill, was sentenced in Ulster County Court to 1⅔ to 5 years in State Prison by the Honorable James Farrell. Cromie was convicted of Arson in the Third Degree, a Class C Felony, on March 7, 2024. Cromie was a member of the Wallkill Fire Department at the time he committed the crime.

Cromie intentionally started a fire on December 7, 2021 inside a garage attached to his apartment located at 18 Bona Venture Avenue in the Town of Shawangunk. The ensuing fire consumed the entire apartment. Although no one was injured, the defendant ended up carrying his wife, who was sleeping at the time, out of the apartment after starting the fire.

The case was investigated by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of the Ulster County Department of Emergency Services.

“I want to stress that arson is treated as a serious crime, especially when committed by firefighters who are entrusted with protecting our community. It's unacceptable to put our public and those that protect our public at risk through such reckless acts,” said Ulster County Director of Emergency Services Everett Erichsen. “I commend the District Attorney’s Office for taking this case seriously, sending a clear message that such actions will face consequences. Furthermore, I applaud the collaborative efforts of our County Fire Investigation Unit and the Ulster County Sheriff's Office for their dedicated work in investigating this case. Their partnership underscores our commitment to ensuring public safety and holding perpetrators accountable.”

“Arson is a grave offense, particularly when perpetrated by firefighters entrusted with safeguarding our community. It is intolerable to endanger both the public and those sworn to protect them through such reckless acts," emphasized Sheriff, Juan Figueroa. "I commend the

District Attorney’s Office for its earnest pursuit of justice in this matter, sending a resolute message that such crime will be met with consequences. Additionally, I extend my appreciation to the collaborative endeavors of our County Fire Investigation Unit and the Ulster County Sheriff's Office for their unwavering commitment investigating crimes of this nature. Their coordinated efforts underscore our dedication to upholding public safety and ensuring that wrongdoers are held accountable.”



“Our public officials who are duty-bound to protect the public from emergencies including fire, like this defendant, must be held accountable when they betray the trust of the community, in addition to facing the consequences of their criminal acts,” said Ulster County District Attorney Emmanuel C. Nneji. “I commend the collaborative effort undertaken by our law enforcement and first responders to support a successful prosecution in this case, and hope public officials are on notice that they must be held to the highest standard.”

This case was prosecuted by General Felonies Bureau Chief Robert Knapp. Robert Cromie was represented by the Ulster County Public Defender’s Office.

🐕 🐈 🐑 Yesterday, Deputy Chief Paul V. Derohannesian and Supervising Attorney of our Animal Abuse Unit Chief Sohil Sharedalal represented our office at the 2024 Animal Crimes Conference in Albany hosted by the New York State Animal Protection Federation. In a rural county like Ulster, protection of our livestock as well as our pets, is deeply important for public safety.

🇺🇸 Today we salute our nation’s women veterans! June 12 recognizes the anniversary of the 1948 Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, which granted women a permanent place and an opportunity for a career in the nation’s military.

🍊 📣 June 7 marks National Gun Violence Awareness Day. Our staff wore orange today—with ribbons and in their outfits—to honor survivors and people who have lost their lives to gun violence. Our office will continue to vigorously prosecute gun cases while working with community partners to engage the public in programs highlighting the importance of prevention.

🇺🇸🎗️ Our office recognizes the importance of commemorating this 80th anniversary of D-Day today, solemnly remembering the sacrifices made by so many for democratic freedoms at home and elsewhere. In the name of those who sacrificed, never again!

Today we remember the Normandy landings of D-Day. We honor those WWII Veterans who took part in Operation Overlord by storming beaches and parachuting behind enemy lines. We are grateful for their service and sacrifice.

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️Wishing everyone a happy month! Yesterday’s New Paltz Pride Parade and Festival welcomed many community groups working for a safe and inclusive Ulstr County, and special thanks to New Paltz Pride Coalition and Village of New Paltz for a great kickoff to the month.

We were happy to see Ulster County Sheriff's Office ORACLE representatives providing Narcan and education about substance use disorder and resources. Learn more about ORACLE here ➡️ https://www.ulstersheriffny.gov/oracle

: Last week, DA Nneji, ADA Sohil Sharedalal who also heads the Animal Abuse Unit, and ADA Luba Reznikova, who heads the Ulster County Intimate Partner Violence Intervention Task Force, addressed students at Onteora Central School District’s High School students. Youth outreach is central to our Office’s mission of meeting youth where they are to spread the message of public safety and justice.

🇺🇸🕊️ Wishing everyone time and space to reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day, a time when we honor the memory of those in our armed services who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Special thanks to Ulster County Government Veteran Services for the candlelighting ceremony and to Viebey-Sutton Post 124 American Legion for the program at the end of the Marlborough Parade, and to all the community groups around the County to commemorate Memorial Day.

: Our Deputy Chief Assistant ADA Paul Derohannesian was proud to represent our office at last Friday’s event sponsored by Big Gay Hudson Valley and other community partners. As we head into Pride month, we celebrate all kinds of love in our community. 🏳️‍🌈

ULSTER COUNTY JURY CONVICTS KINGSTON AREA DRUG DEALER FOR NARCOTICS AND GUN CHARGES

Kingston, NY—William Mayo, age 42, of Kingston, was convicted following a jury trial for 11 counts including serious charges of sale and possession of narcotic drugs, and Criminal Possession of a Loaded Firearm. The Honorable James Farrell presided over the three-day trial.

The conviction arises out of a June 9, 2022 investigation in the City of Kingston which resulted in the ex*****on of a search warrant at William Mayo’s residence in the Town of Esopus. The search uncovered loaded handguns and magazines, cash, and co***ne. The investigation was conducted by the New York State Police VGNET, which investigates dangerous drug dealers and illegal possession and use of weapons.

William Mayo has five prior felony convictions which are likely to be considered by a sentencing judge in determining appropriate sentences for the possession of a loaded firearm, a violent felony with a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, as well as the serious drug offenses. Sentencing is scheduled for August 15, 2024.

District Attorney Emmanuel C. Nneji said, “Let this conviction be a message to those who endanger this community with drugs and weapons: our office and law enforcement community will continue to prioritize protecting us from the deadly combination of drugs and guns. More importantly, I implore our young people to recognize that any amount of time spent in prison amounts to life wasted; make choices for your life and for others in our community. Do not choose prison or think of it as ‘no big deal’ – your life and freedom to be with friends and loved ones is a big deal; do not find out the hard way. When all is said and done, our goal is the safety and wellbeing of our community – that means you.”

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Tara Waters and Cindy Murphy. Defendant is represented by attorney Kevin Richards.

🎉 👏🏼 Congratulations to Chief Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Culmone-Mills and Assistant District Attorney Kristen Druse for their awards for Meritorious Police Investigation Team at the annual Ulster County Police Chief’s Association Dinner, and to all the recipients recognized yesterday in going above and beyond the call of duty to serve our community.

📰 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: COREY MARSHALL PLEADS GUILTY TO ASSAULT IN THE FIRST DEGREE FOR 2022 TOWN OF ESOPUS SHOOTING

Kingston, NY—On Wednesday, May 22, 2024, Corey Marshall, age 34, of Kingston, New York, pleaded guilty to Assault in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony, before the Honorable Bryan Rounds.

The conviction arises out of a shooting on October 6, 2022, in Port Ewen. Marshall traveled to the victim’s residence with a loaded handgun and wearing a mask; he fired several shots striking the victim once in the hip. Marshall then fled the scene. The Ulster County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division conducted an extensive investigation leading to the arrest of Corey Marshall. He remains in Ulster County Jail without bail pending sentencing which is scheduled for August 22, 2024.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Chief Assistant Paul Derohannesian and General Felonies Bureau Chief Robert Knapp. Marshall is represented by defense counsel Danielle Neroni of Albany.

Deputy Chief Assistant Attorney Paul Derohannesian presented to our mid-Hudson Valley region Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) from agencies spanning from Westchester to Greene County as part of their annual training. DREs are law enforcement officers trained in recognizing effects of various drugs, and ensure our roads are safe from impaired drivers. Visit STOP DWI New York for resources and to learn more about help and our laws.

🗞️ Our Office collaborated with N.Y. State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli’s Office, together with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) – Hudson Valley White Collar Crime Task Force, and the New York State Police to hold those committing fraud accountable. See the full press release here:

DiNapoli: Former Medical Office Manager Pleads Guilty to Defrauding New York State Health Insurance Plan State Comptroller DiNapoli and Ulster County DA Emmanuel C. Nneji announced that Gina Bradshaw, an office manager for numerous doctors’ offices in Manhattan, has pleaded guilty to defrauding the NYS Insurance Plan out of more than $12,000 by submitting phony medical claims for reimbursement.

🗞️ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWBURGH WOMAN INDICTED IN CONNECTION WITH MARCH 2024 FATAL MARLBOROUGH HIT- AND-RUN

Kingston, NY—On Monday, May 20, 2024, Angela Fischl, age 25, was arraigned before the Honorable Bryan Rounds and remanded to the Ulster County Jail with bail set at $50,000 cash, $100,000 property bond, or $150,000 partially secured bond with 10% cash down, in connection to the March 1, 2024, hit-and-run resulting in the deaths of Donna Cristallo and Stephen Celuch, both of Kingston.

Cristallo and Celuch had been crossing the roadway on Route 9W in the Town of Marlborough when they were struck by a 2020 Kia Forte operated by Angela Fischl. Ms. Fischl did not stop to check or render aid; she was stopped and identified by law enforcement several minutes later on Route 9W in Newburgh as she was driving the badly damaged vehicle.

The thorough investigation was a collaboration of the New York State Police and the Collision Reconstruction Unit, Town of Marlborough Police Department, and the DA’s Office which employs a full-time investigator dedicated to vehicular crimes since the beginning of 2024.

The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Deputy Chief ADA Paul Derohannesian is prosecuting the case. The defendant is represented by Newburgh defense attorney Derek Andrews.

🗞️ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: ACCORD WOMAN SENTENCED FOR STEALING FROM MARBLETOWN MANUFACTURING BUSINESS

Kingston, NY—On May 16, 2024, Patricia Matthews, age 54, of Accord, was sentenced to 5 years’ felony probation and ordered to pay $207,533.74 to Otto-Tech Manufacturing, by the Honorable Bryan Rounds. Violations of felony-level probation can result in a resentencing to State Prison. Matthews previously pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a class C felony, on December 15, 2023.

The conviction arises out of Matthews’ ongoing theft and falsification of business records while she was an employee at Otto-Tech Manufacturing, a machining business located in High Falls that manufactures CNC Precision Parts. Matthews had been an employee of the company since 2011; she stole from the business between December 2015 and February 2022. Matthews used various means to steal, including excessive payroll checks made out to herself, payment of unauthorized personal expense payments utilizing Otto-Tech’s bank accounts, and falsifying business records to conceal her theft.

At sentencing, the victims provided an Impact Statement emphasizing, “the devastation, pain, suffering and financial impact the defendant brought to their company and the livelihoods of the Otto-Tech employees and its owners”.

Otto-Tech Manufacturing is a locally owned small business that provides a livelihood to many of our community members, as well as the building blocks of many industries that support children and people with disabilities.

The case was investigated by the New York State Police Special Investigations Unit, Financial Crimes Division.

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📰 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: ROSENDALE MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF ILLEGAL GHOST GUN—> full press release here: https://bit.ly/4bGWC5t

District Attorney Emmanuel C. Nneji commented that “ghost guns evade detection and tracking; they help drug traffickers and murderers escape law enforcement systems designed for the safety of our communities and law enforcement. Ghost guns and fentanyl are among our most pressing public safety concerns; their continued illegal manufacture and use present a high risk to law enforcement and our community. We are, as a community, thankful to our local law enforcement for taking these deadly drugs and loaded ghost gun off our streets. It is the priority of this Office to vigorously prosecute these cases for the safety of our communities and law enforcement. Ghost guns and fentanyl are among our most pressing public safety concerns; their continued illegal manufacture and use present a high risk to law enforcement and our community. We are, as a community, thankful to our local law enforcement for taking these deadly drugs and loaded ghost gun off our streets. It is the priority of this Office to vigorously prosecute these cases for the safety of our community.”

Special thanks to Rosendale Police Department and Ulster Police Department for their strong collaboration and investigation.

🕊️ The observance of Peace Officers’ Memorial Day was authorized by joint resolution of Congress in 1962, signed by President John F. Kennedy. Today we recognize the tireless work of law enforcement to keep us safe. We thank you for your sacrifice.

DA Nneji issued an appeal to protesters yesterday, asking that peaceable assemblies remain nonviolent. Read the full statement here: https://ulstercountyny.gov/news/district-attorney/appeal-suny-new-paltz-protesters-and-general-public

💙 District Attorney Nneji and members of our office were proud to be part of this year’s Ulster County Government Human Trafficking Forum, together with over 100 participants. We are looking forward to growing our partnerships in the County and beyond to shine a light on this serious problem.