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Janet DiFiore

New Rochelle Woman Pleads Guilty to Vehicular Assault Charges

A New Rochelle woman has pleaded guilty to multiple charges stemming from a DWI -Imagefueled hit and run that left a  Yonkers woman injured last September.

Westchester District Attorney Janet DiFiore announced that 26 year old Sarena Walsh of 255 Huguenot Street, New Rochelle plead guilty to 1st Degree Vehicular Asault, Felony DWI, Leaving the Scene of an Incident With an Injury and 3rd Degree Attempted Assault.

The incident took place around 10 p.m. September 28, 2009 near Central Park Avenue and Underhill Street in Yonkers. Walsh drove through two red lights striking the victim's vehicle and dragging it about 50 feet before coming to a halt.

Officials say Walsh then got out of the car, fled on foot and got into another car, before driving away. The unidentified victim sufered numerous injuries including a broken pelvis, broken arm and leg.

Pace University Cultural Director Facing Child Pornography Charges

ImagePace University's Director of Cultural Events has been charged with possession of child pornography.

Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore says 62 year old David G. Watson of Rye Brook, who worked at the Pace University campus in Manhattan, was arraigned on felony charges of Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child and one charge of Possessing and Obscene Sexual Performance of a Child.

Westchester County Legislative Leaders Issue Statement on Death of Pace University Student

Chairman, Westchester County Board of Legislators Committee on LegislationThe Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators issued a joint statement today in response to Sunday morning's fatal shooting of Pace University student Danroy Henry by Mount Pleasant and Pleasantville Police officers outside a Thornwood bar.

Chairman Ken Jenkins (D-Yonkers) and Vice-Chairman Lyndon Williams (D-Mount Vernon) said "First we want to express to the family of Danroy Henry the profound sorrow that we feel throughout this community. The incident is any parent's worst nightmare."

They added, "These circumstances must also be difficult for the police officers involved."

Vice-Chairman, Westchester Board of Legislators Lyndon WilliamsJenkins and Williams said, "We are concerned that the life of another young black man with a promising future has ended too soon. We will continue to closely monitor the investigation as law enforcement officials try to fully understand the circumstances of this tragedy."

Today, Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore commented in Yonkers that she is confident that her department's investigation into Henry's death will uncover exactly what happened.

DiFiore vowed, "This will be a careful and thorough review. All witnesses will be interviewed and spoken to and we will go about our work very dilligently and thoroughly."

She added, "We will make sure at the end of the day, we will not stop until we feel confident that we have all of the information that will lead us to learn and determine the exact events that led up to this young man's very, very tragic death."

Indictments in Fatal Daytime Stabbing in New Rochelle

Three people have been indicted in connection with the fatal daytime stabbing of a New Rochelle Man on North Avenue.

Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore announced today that indictments have been handed up against three people in the death of Kevin Williams.l. to .r.: Rico Johnson, Krista Leggieri, Laurell Smith

20 year old Laurell Smith of 311 North Avenue,New Rochelle has been charged with Second Degree Murder and 4th Degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon.

19 year old Rico Johnson of 311 North Avenue , New Rochelle was charged with First and Second Degree Hindering Prosecution as well as Tampering with Physical Evidence, all felonies.

And, 17 year old Krista Leggieri of 311 North Avenue, New Rochelle has been charged with First and Second Degree Hindering Prosecution as well as Tampering with Physical Evidence, all felonies.

Peekskill Man Gets 20 Years to Life for Attempted Rape

A Peekskill man who was convicted of First Degree Attempted Rape was sentenced today to 20 years to life in prison.

51 year old Cesar Urbina of 75 Hemlock Circle was convicted on March 15 of trying to rape his neighbor last year.

Prosecutors say Urbina went his neighbor's home on  June 9, 2009, after telling her he locked himself out of his mother's house. After the woman offered him a place to stay,  Urbina used a pillow and a knife to force the woman onto a couch. The attack was thwarted when the woman managed to break away, grab the knife and flee.

Former Ice Skating School Director at Playland Indicted

Kristen VangsnessThe former head of the Ice Skating School at Rye Playland has been indicted on Grand Larceny charges and charges of falsifying business records to allegedly  cover up her tracks.

Westchester D.A. Janet DiFiore says 40 year old Kristen Vangsness, of 64 South Regent Street, Port Chester over a two year period is accused of stealing $9,218 from Playland Ice Casino by failing to deposit cash payments made to her for skating lessons.

The Ice Casino has three indoor rinks and the Playland Skating School has figure and hockey skating programs.

Empire City Casino Witness Charged With Perjury

ImageWestchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore announced today that a witness in the Yonkers Empire City Casino Case involving rigged promotional contests, has now been charged with perjury.