Ulster County Sheriff's Office

Pictured is Ulster County Sheriff's vessel M27. Today, our navigation team responded to an emergency call on the Hudson River near Catskill, after hearing radio calls for a 75 foot vessel in distress. The vessel lost power to it's engine and was drifting toward rocks with 18 passengers on board. Our navigation team was able to safely evacuate all 18 passengers from the vessel. The vessel was towed back to shore with assistance from the Greene County Sheriff's Office and Sea Tow.

Today, the Ulster County Sheriff's Office In-Water Rescue Team, Honor Guard, and family of Sergeant Kerry Winters attended the unveiling of the Fallen First Responders Memorial at Cantine Field in Saugerties. This memorial recognizes the sacrifices of Firefighter Howard Garrison of Centerville Fire Department, Firefighter Kenneth Clinch of Mount Marion Fire Department, Captain Jack Rose of Mount Marion Fire Department, and Sergeant Kerry Winters of the Ulster County Sheriff's Office.

Today, the Ulster County Sheriff's Office hosted a New York State Fire Police course and DCJS Fire Police Train the Trainer course. Members of the Ulster County Sheriff's Office, Dutchess County Sheriff's Office, Saugerties Police Department, and Rockland County Fire Instructors attended the course and will conduct Fire Police training for the fire services in the future.

Deputies from the Ulster County Sheriff's Office report the arrest of a 36 year old man, of Esopus, NY. The defendant was charged with the misdemeanors of Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated and Driving While Intoxicated, in addition to several traffic violations. On June 17, 2021, at approximately 8:00 PM, a call was made to 911 reporting a driver slumped over in a vehicle in the Town of Rosendale. Deputies responded to check the welfare of the driver. The ensuing investig...ation alleges the defendant was driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol content greater than .18 and he had recently been in a motor vehicle accident when his vehicle collided with a guide rail. The defendant was not injured in the collision and no other vehicles were involved. He was arrested and later released on an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Rosendale Justice Court for a future date and time. Deputies were assisted at the scene by Officers of the Town of Rosendale Police Department. Any person(s) charged with an offense or offenses are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

ARRESTS: Members of the Ulster County Sheriff's Office report the arrest of a 39 year old woman and a 46 year old man, both from Kingston. The woman was charged with the felony of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree, the misdemeanor of Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree, the violation of Unlawful Possession of Marihuana in the Second Degree and several traffic infractions. The man was charged with the misdem...eanor of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree. On January 7, 2021 at about 9:45 PM deputies saw a vehicle on Route 9W in Esopus speeding and crossing over the fog line. A traffic stop was made and the ensuing investigation alleges the woman was driving with a suspended license and in possession of a quantity of crack cocaine and marihuana. The man is alleged to have possessed a quantity of Fentanyl. Both were released with appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Esopus Court on a later date. We were assisted on scene by the New York State Police. Any person(s) charged with an offense or offenses are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

ACCIDENT: Members of the Ulster County Sheriff's Office report a personal injury automobile accident on Route 209 in the Town of Marbletown. On 01/06/21, at about 2:00 AM we responded to a one car crash Route 209 near Shady Lane in Marbletown. The resulting investigation suggests a 2003 Toyota Camry, operated by an 18 year-old Marbletown resident, was traveling north on Route 209 when the operator swerved to avoid a deer, losing control of the vehicle. The vehicle struck an embankment, utility pole and a sign post. The driver sustained minor injuries and was evaluated on scene. No tickets have been issued. We were assisted at the scene by the New York State Police and Marbletown Rescue.

ARREST: Members of the Ulster County Sheriff's Office report the arrest of a 23 year old Saugerties man for the felony Driving While Intoxicated with a child under the age of 15 in the vehicle (Leandra's Law), the misdemeanors Driving While Intoxicated, Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs and other traffic infractions. On December 27, 2020 at about 9:30 PM, deputies stopped the man on Broadway in the Town of Esopus for a traffic infraction. The resulting investigation a...lleges he was Driving While Intoxicated with a child under the age of 15 in the vehicle. The man was released with an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Esopus Court on a later date and turned over the New York State Parole for violating the conditions of his release. We were assisted by the City of Kingston Police Department. Any person(s) charged with an offense or offenses are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

ARREST: Members of the Ulster County Sheriff's Office report the arrest of a 31 year old Saugerties man for the misdemeanors of Petit Larceny, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fifth Degree and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree. On January 3, 2021 at about 9:00 PM, deputies began investigating the larceny of a video gaming system and several video games. The resulting investigation alleges the man took these items. At the time... of his arrest, he was in possession of a quantity of Fentanyl and suboxone strips. The man was released with an appearance ticket to return to Esopus Town Court on a later date. Any person(s) charged with an offense or offenses are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

2020 SCAMS TO AVOID IN 2021: The Ulster County District Attorney is advising residents to beware of several common phone/on-line scams. Local residents have recently reported losing money via the "Amazon Imposter Scam" and the "Central Hudson Utility Scam". Late last year, a Town of Ulster business received a call during business hours from someone claiming to be from Central Hudson. The business owner was told she owed money on her electric bill and if not paid immediatel...Continue reading

A share from Paws Unlimited Foundation.

BEWARE COVID-19 VACCINE SCAMS: As COVID-19 vaccine distribution begins, the Ulster County District Attorney’s Division of Consumer Affairs (845-340-3260) advises consumers to watch for signs of potential scams: -You are asked to pay out of pocket to get the vaccine. -You are asked to pay to put your name on a vaccine waiting list or to get early access.... -Ads for vaccines through social media platforms, email, telephone calls, online or from unsolicited/unknown sources -Marketers offering to sell or ship doses of the vaccine for payment As always, Consumer Affairs advises to not give out personal information to unknown sources. If you believe you have been the victim of COVID-19 fraud, immediately report it to: HHS-OIG Hotline: 1-800-HHS-TIPS or tips.hhs.gov FBI Hotline: 1-800-CALL-FBI or ic3.gov CMS/Medicare Hotline: 1-800-MEDICARE

A MESSAGE FROM THE SHERIFF ON THE ONGOING EVENTS IN WASHINGTON, DC: No one alive today has seen such an appalling display of our democratic principles. What is happening at our nation’s capital is heartbreaking. We must remember who we are as Americans; members of a democratic republic, with a rich history of freedoms and rights. Unlike any other country in the world, we believe in the democratic process. Many died for our way of life and our liberties. As an American, a Marine and your Sheriff, I ask for peace and understanding that we must all respect each other. Our commitment to our nation must prevail. God bless the United States Of America.

PASSING OF FORMER MEMBER: It is with great sadness we announce the recent passing of former deputy sheriff and Town of Shandaken Police Officer Paul J. Cutrone, 92. Memorial services will be held in the springtime and announced by Gormley Funeral Home at a later time. Additional information may be found at: https://www.gormleyfuneralhome.com/obituary/Paul-Cutrone

ARREST: Detectives of the Ulster County Sheriff's Office report the arrest of a seventeen year old male from Port Ewen for the felony of Assault in the First Degree and the misdemeanor of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree. On January 2, 2021 at about 7:30 PM, we responded to a residence in Port Ewen for a report of a stabbing victim, following a domestic dispute with his son. The victim was treated at the scene and later transported to Mid-Hudson Regiona...l Hospital for serious but non-life threatening injuries. The juvenile was located shortly thereafter and taken into custody. He was arraigned virtually at the Ulster County Law Enforcement Center in Kingston and released to reappear in Ulster County Family Court on a later date. His name is currently being withheld due to possible eligibility for "Youthful Offender" status. We were assisted at the scene by the New York State Police in Highland, Town of Esopus Volunteer Ambulance Service and Mobile Life Support Services. Any person(s) charged with an offense or offenses are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

SHERIFF FIGUEROA'S RESPONSE TO THE RECENT INCIDENT IN THE TOWN OF ULSTER: I found it prudent to release the body camera footage of the event that occurred on December 28, 2020 in a parking lot in the Town of Ulster, as this event has already garnered community attention. Encounters with law enforcement can be unpredictable, and although this is not to say one way or the other that anyone is at fault, this will at least shed light on the event as it occurred in real time. Like all technology, devices such as body cameras, cell phones and similar devices are machines with limitations. This complaint remains under investigation.

We wanted to take a moment to thank all the volunteers from #ConcernedKingston (Community Support for Law Enforcement) and Bruderhof Communities for their ongoing love and support in the days leading up to Christmas. For the twelve days preceding Christmas Eve, each day they delivered food and goodies to our area law enforcement agencies, not to mention the beautiful musical performance we already posted. We deeply appreciate their generosity and ongoing support as we continue to move through these challenging times.

CRASH/ARREST: Members of the Ulster County Sheriff's Office report the arrest of a 30 year old Ellenville man for the misdemeanor of Leaving the Scene of a Personal Injury Auto Accident. On November 3, 2020 about 11:00 PM deputies responded to a two car personal injury accident in the area of 336 Berme Road in the Town of Wawarsing. The resulting investigation alleges the vehicle the man was driving was southbound on Berme Road when it failed to keep right and entered the n...orthbound lane, striking another vehicle heading northbound. The two occupants of the other vehicle were taken to Ellenville Regional Hospital by a private vehicle for evaluation. The man fled the scene prior to deputies' arrival but was located the following day. The man was released with an appearance ticket to appear in the Town of Wawarsing Court on a later date. Any person(s) charged with an offense or offenses are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

A NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE FROM SHERIFF FIGUEROA: On the last day of 2020, I wanted to say a few words. As challenging as the historic year of 2020 has been, including the pandemic, loss of jobs, staggering losses to local businesses, the opioid epidemic, civil unrest, and budget cuts, we maneuvered through all of this together and because of that, I believe we have become a stronger and more resilient community. There were some bright spots along the way, including the use of ...technologies like Zoom and Webex, showing us new and productive ways to communicate and enhancing our human spirit to learn and help each other. For the loved ones we lost this year, we must remember them and live for them. I had the honor of serving in such a historic time, and together we will continue to work together to make our county a better place to live. Thank you, and may each of you and your families have a safe, healthy and prosperous 2021. Happy New Year! We press forward!

ARREST: Detectives from the Ulster County Sheriff's Office report the arrest of a 22 year old Niagara Falls for the felony of Promoting Prison Contraband in the First Degree. On December 29, 2020, corrections staff found the man in possession of a quantity of suboxone while confined to the Ulster County Jail. He remains in the jail on unrelated charges and will be produced to Kingston City Court on a later date. Any person(s) charged with an offense or offenses are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), during the first half of 2020, the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled rose to the highest it’s been in over a decade. The reasons behind this rise include increased speeding and lower rates of seat belt use. Attached is a short video addressing the rise of speeding in the U.S. this year and highlighting the importance of wearing a seat belt.

ARRESTS: Detectives from the Ulster County Sheriff's Office report the arrest of a 31 year old Wawarsing man and a 35 year old Ellenville man, both for the felony of Burglary in the Third Degree and two counts of the misdemeanors of Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree and Petit Larceny. Between November 1-3, 2020 our agency was investigating two burglaries to local gas stations. The investigation alleges both men forced entry into a gas station in the Town of Rochester ...and one in the Town of Shawangunk. Taken were cigarettes, lotto tickets and cash. The men were released with appearance tickets returnable to the Towns of Shawangunk and Rochester on a later date. We were assisted by the Town of Crawford Police Department, Village of Ellenville Police Department and New York State Police in Ellenville. Any person(s) charged with an offense or offenses are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

ARREST: Members of the Ulster County Sheriff's Office report the arrest of a 50 year old Bloomington woman for the felony of Criminal Contempt in the First Degree. On November 3, 2020 at about 8:00 AM deputies responded to a trespass complaint at a residence in Bloomington. The resulting investigation alleges the woman violated an Order of Protection against her, prohibiting her from being at the residence. The woman was arraigned in the Town of Ulster Court and remanded ...to the Ulster County Jail in lieu of $1,000 cash bail, to reappear on a later date. Any person(s) charged with an offense or offenses are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Members of the Ulster County Sheriff's Office report the arrest of a 26 year old Saugerties woman for the misdemeanors of Resisting Arrest, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the Second Degree, the violation of Unlawful Possession of Marihuana in the Second Degree, as well as other traffic infractions. On December 28, 2020 at about 3:45 PM, deputies stopped the woman on Ulster Avenue in the Town of Ulster for traffic infractions. The resulting investigatio...n alleges she was operating with a suspended driver's license and was in possession of a quantity of marihuana, as well as fought with deputies when they attempted to take her into custody. The woman was released with an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Ulster Court on a later date. We were assisted by the Town of Ulster Police Department, New York State Police and Mobile Life Support Services. Any person(s) charged with an offense or offenses are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

ARREST: Deputies from the Ulster County Sheriff's Office report the arrest of a 43 year old Pine Bush man for the misdemeanors of Assault in the Third Degree and Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree. On December 28, 2020 at about 5:15 AM deputies received a report of a prior physical domestic at an address on Church Road in the Town of Shawangunk. The resulting investigation alleges the man assaulted the victim before taking her cell phone and preventing her from callin...g for help. The man was later located at the residence on Church Road, where he was taken into custody. The man was arraigned in the Town of Gardiner Court and released to appear in the Town of Shawangunk Court on a later date. Any person(s) charged with an offense or offenses are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

ACADEMY GRADUATION: Sheriff Juan Figueroa is proud to announce the recent graduation of several of our members from the Basic Course for Correction Officer. During this seven-week long course, recruits are trained in the penal law, criminal procedure Law, defensive tactics, firearms, prisoner control and movement, de-escalation and suicide prevention, among many other topics. Several of our members received special awards, including:... Top Recruit - Andy Benitez Top Physical Training Award - Christopher McDonough Esprit de Corps Award - Kelsey Federico Esprit de Corps Award - Courtney Ingrassia Pictured (L-R) are Lieutenant Charles Stracuzzi and graduates Andy Benitez, Gregg Passarelli, Kelsey Federico, Henry Leal, Courtney Ingrassia and Christopher McDonough, along with Sheriff Figueroa. We want to wish them the best of luck as they begin their law enforcement careers with us.

ARREST: Members of the Ulster County Sheriff's Office report the arrest of a 19 year old Kingston woman for the misdemeanors of Driving While Intoxicated and Operating a Motor Vehicle with Blood Alcohol Content exceeding .08%, as well as the traffic infractions of moving from lane unsafely and unlicensed operator. On November 1, 2020 at about 1:45 AM deputies saw a vehicle crossing over the double yellow line and fog line several times. A traffic stop was made and the ensu...ing investigation alleges the woman was driving while intoxicated. The woman was released with an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Ulster Court on a later date. Any person(s) charged with an offense or offenses are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

ARREST: Members of the Ulster County Sheriff's Office report the arrest of a 33 year old man and 37 year old woman, both of Cottekill. The man was charged with the felony of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree and the misdemeanor of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree. The woman was charged with the violation of Possession of a Controlled Substance by Ultimate Users Outside Original Container and the traffic i...nfraction of failing to use turn signal. On October 30, 2020 just before 3:00 PM deputies saw a vehicle turn onto New Salem Road in the Town of Esopus without their turn signal. Following a traffic stop, the ensuing investigation alleges they illegally possessed over eighty prescription pills, including Oxycodone, Xanax, and Alprazolam. Deputies also seized over $4,000 dollars from the man. Both were processed and released with appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Esopus Court on a later date. Any person(s) charged with an offense or offenses are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

ARREST: Members of the Ulster County Sheriff's Office report the arrest of a 27 year old Napanoch man for the misdemeanor of Assault in the Third Degree. On November 1, 2020 at about 7:30 PM deputies responded to a domestic dispute in the Village of Ellenville. The man allegedly struck a female with a beer bottle during the dispute, causing a laceration to her head. The man was arraigned in the Village of Ellenville Court and released to reappear on a later date. ... Any person(s) charged with an offense or offenses are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

ARREST: Members of the Ulster County Sheriff's Office report the arrest of a 21 year old Ellenville man for the misdemeanor of Criminal Possession of Marihuana in the Fourth Degree. On October 31, 2020, at about 3:30 AM deputies saw a suspicious vehicle with the operator standing on the side of Plank Road in Napanoch. Deputies attempted to speak with the operator, however he fled in the vehicle north on Plank Road. Deputies located the vehicle unoccupied in the driveway ...of a nearby residence. The operator was located a short time later and the ensuing investigation alleges the man was found in possession of a quantity of marihuana. The man was released with an appearance ticket returnable in the Town of Wawarsing Court on a later date. Any person(s) charged with an offense or offenses are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

ARREST: Members of the Ulster County Sheriff's Office report the arrest of a 24 year old Ellenville woman for the misdemeanors of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree and Criminally Possessing a Hypodermic Instrument. On October 30, 2020 at about 11:30 PM, deputies saw a vehicle on State Route 209 in the Town of Wawarsing with a license plate lamp out. A traffic stop was conducted and the investigation alleges the woman, a passenger in the ve...hicle, was in possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia. The woman was released with an appearance ticket to return to the Town of Wawarsing Court on a later date. Any person(s) charged with an offense or offenses are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

HALLOWEEN 2020 SAFETY: K9s Talon and Jack want to wish everyone a fun and safe Halloween. They wanted to pass along some safety tips to remember (courtesy of Hershey Company): Trick-or-Treaters: What would Halloween be without costumes and candy? Keep these social distancing best practices in mind to keep everyone safe.... Stay home if sick Trick-or-treat with people you live with Remain 6 feet apart from people not in your household Wear a face mask covering BOTH your mouth and nose (even under/over your Halloween mask) Hand sanitize (with sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol) frequently while out, especially during key times like before eating or after coughing/sneezing Wash your hands as soon as you return home Homeowners: The traditional Halloween decorations might look a little bit different this year. Check out these tips to create a safe celebration setup for your neighborhood ghosts and monsters. Do not hand out candy if you are sick Wear a face mask covering BOTH your mouth and nose Use duct tape to mark 6-foot lines in front of your home and leading to you driveway/front door Position a distribution table between yourself and trick-or-treaters Distribute candy on a disinfected table to eliminate direct contact Wash hands often Parents: If you’re like most parents, safety is always top of mind this time of year. Here are a few tricks to keep your children safe and ensure a fun time is had by all. Stay home if sick Talk with your children about safety and social distancing guidelines and expectations Guide children to stay on the right side of the road always to ensure distance Carry a flashlight at night and ensure your children are wearing reflective clothing Wear a face mask covering BOTH your mouth and nose Wash your hands as soon as you return home Inspect candy

We recently had the privilege to host the United States Coast Guard and sheriffs of ten local counties at a roundtable meeting of the Northern Hudson Task Force. The keynote speaker, Captain Jason Tama, Captain of the Port of NY/NJ and the Port of Albany, addressed sheriffs from both sides of the Hudson River, north of the Mario Cuomo (Tappan Zee) Bridge, regarding coast guard operations and continuing to build inter-agency operational relationships.

#FUGITIVEFRIDAY: We are beginning a new series of featuring those wanted by our agency every Friday. If you have any information as to their current whereabouts, please call 845-338-3640, e-mail [email protected] or [email protected]. Calls may be kept confidential if needed.

ARREST: Members of the Ulster County Sheriff's Office report the arrest of a 36 year old Highland man, who was wanted by the Town of New Paltz Police Department on an arrest warrant for the misdemeanor of Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree and the violation of Trespass. On October 27, 2020, deputies attempted to assist the New Paltz Police and locate the man at his residence in Highland. Upon arrival, he jumped out a back window and fled. On October 29, 2020, the man ...was arrested by the New Paltz Police, arraigned on the outstanding warrant in the Town of New Paltz Court and released to reappear on a later date. He was later taken into custody by deputies and charged with the misdemeanor of Obstructing Governmental Administration in the Second Degree. He was released with an appearance ticket and is to appear in the Town of Lloyd Court on a later date. Any person(s) charged with an offense or offenses are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.