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Charles County Couple Stole $36K From Nonprofit Helping Blind, Deaf, Veterans: Sheriff
A Maryland couple is accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from a nonprofit that helps some of the state's most vulnerable residents.
Melissa Funkhouser, 40, and her husband, Ronald Funkhouser, 43, both of Ridge, schemed for a year to siphon more than $36,000 from Lions Camp Merrick in Nanjemoy, the Charles County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday, July 2.
The camp is a nonprofit organization that serves the blind, deaf, diabetic, and veterans with PTSD.
Melissa Funkhouser was hired in May 2023 after volunteering with the organization and had sole access to the nonprofit…
Westchester's First Legislature Chair, WWII Hero Herman Geist Dies At 100: 'Forever Grateful'
Westchester County is mourning the loss of local legend Herman S. Geist, a World War II hero, legal trailblazer, and the first-ever Chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, who died at age 100.
Geist, an important figure in Westchester County public service, died on Saturday, June 28, according to his obituary.
Born on April 5, 1925, Geist lived an extraordinary century — a life defined, Westchester County officials say, by integrity, leadership, and a relentless commitment to community.
From the frontlines of World War II, where he served as a US Army lie…
CT Rep Busted For Shoplifting At Bethel Target; Blames Sick Grandmother, Self-Check-Out Error
State Rep. Raghib Allie-Brennan (D-Bethel) finds himself in the spotlight following accusations of shoplifting at a local Target store, a matter he attributes to a self-checkout "error" amidst a family emergency.
The incident, first reported by the Daily Ructions blog, occurred recently at a Target in Bethel. Allie-Brennan, who serves as Chief Majority Whip in the state legislature, was reportedly arrested on Monday, June 23.
According to NBC Connecticut, the items in question amounted to $26.69. However, loss prevention at the store said they recognized him from previous larcenies, accordi…
Old Bridge Police Officer Dies Unexpectedly After Nearly 3 Years On The Force
The Old Bridge Police Department is mourning the unexpected death of one of its own.
Officer Andrew Paterek died on Monday, June 23, the Old Bridge PBA Local 127 said.
“Andrew was more than a dedicated officer,” the PBA said in a statement. “He was a friend, a protector, and a true example of what it means to serve with integrity and compassion. His kindness, humility, and commitment to our community touched countless lives. Whether responding to a call, lending a helping hand, or simply offering words of encouragement, Andrew’s presence made this world a better, safer place.”
…
From Pool To Podium: Darien Boy, 11, Raises Thousands For Research While Chasing Olympic Dream
Shep Jennings may be a kind, soft-spoken, and well-mannered 11-year-old, but in the water, he’s unstoppable, winning awards, accolades, and the respect of the Connecticut swimming community.
But Shep wants to use his skills in the water to help doctors fight cancer.
The Darien fifth grader is channeling his love of swimming into raising money for Swim Across America, held Saturday, June 21, in Stamford. He’s already helped raise more than $9,000 for cancer research, making him one of this year’s top individual fundraisers for Swim Across America – Fairfield County.
The organization is stil…
Hudson County Sheriff’s Lt. Richard Garcia Dies After 24 Years Of Service
The Hudson County law enforcement community is mourning the sudden loss of one of its most respected leaders.
Lt. Richard Garcia died Monday, June 16, due to health-related complications, the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office announced.
Lt. Garcia was in his 24th year of service and was known across the department for his professionalism, leadership, and loyalty to the people of Hudson County, the department said.
“Lt. Garcia was a respected member of this agency, known for his professionalism, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the people of Hudson County,” the department said.
Over m…
Funeral Set For Bayonne's Justin Rivera, Hudson County Sheriff's Officer Who Died In Freak Fall
Justin Rivera, the 29-year-old Hudson County Sheriff's Officer who died Friday, May 30, in a fall, is being remembered for serving the community with honor, integrity and pride, according to his obituary.
Rivera fell to his death from a ninth-floor window of the county's administration building, the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office said.
Rest in God's Arms cousin 🙏 You will be forever missed 💔 Posted by Tiffany Pimentel on Tuesday, June 3, 2025
A lifelong Bayonne resident, Rivera served in the Bayonne Police Department before joining the sheriff's department, his obituary reads. …
Former Fire Chief Of Millwood Department Dies: Served Over 6 Decades
A Westchester County fire department is mourning the loss of its former chief who served his community for more than 60 years.
Neil Francis Gollogly, a 60-year member and former chief of the Millwood Fire Department and US Navy veteran, died peacefully at home in Yorktown Heights just before sunrise on Sunday, June 1, at the age of 92, according to his obituary.
Millwood firefighters announced Gollogly's death on Tuesday, June 3. In a statement, the department said they would miss him for "his knowledge, voice of reason, kindness, and especially his infectious smile around the f…
'Profound Loss': Hoosick Falls Fire Chief, Grandfather Killed In Work Zone Crash
Colleagues and loved ones are mourning the loss of a Department of Transportation employee, longtime fire chief, and beloved grandfather who was killed while overseeing a road project in upstate New York.
Hoosick Falls Fire Chief Robert Bornt, 54, was struck by a vehicle while working as a highway maintenance supervisor on State Route 7 in Pittstown on Thursday, May 29, as Daily Voice previously reported.
Bornt, of Hoosick Falls, suffered critical injuries and was airlifted to Albany Medical Center, where he died the next day, according to New York State Police.
No arrests have been made,…
Former New Rochelle Mayor Dies: Was Devoted Leader, Judge, Family Man
A city in Westchester is mourning the passing of former Mayor Vincent R. Rippa, who led his community through a key period of revitalization in the late 1970s and dedicated more than five decades to public service, law, and his community.
Rippa, a former New Rochelle mayor who was 87, died on Saturday, May 10, surrounded by loved ones, according to his obituary.
Rippa served as Mayor of New Rochelle from 1976 to 1979, after earlier terms as a Westchester County Legislator. He was later appointed a City Court Judge and maintained a private law practice for more than 50 years. Kno…
'Burn That Sh—!' DC Protester Who Torched American Flag Learns Fate In Court
He doused it in lighter fluid. He set it on fire. He yelled for a better lighter.
Now, he’s learning his fate.
A North Carolina man who sparked outrage by burning an American flag during a demonstration outside Union Station in Washington, DC has been sentenced, federal prosecutors announced.
Michael Snow Jr., 25, of Durham, was sentenced to four months of probation, 40 hours of community service, and ordered to pay $525 in restitution after pleading guilty to destruction of government property.
The incident happened on July 24, 2024, when protesters gathered in Columbus Circle in front o…
Summit Firefighter Dies After Cancer Battle: Remembering Lonn Mullen
Lonn Mullen, a 53-year-old firefighter in Summit, died on Thursday, May 8, after a battle with cancer, the city announced.
Mullen joined the Summit Fire Department in April 1995 and served for the next 30 years, following in the footsteps of his father, a Batallion Chief for 25 years in Summit, the city said.
Tonight, our hearts are shattered.
Lonn Mullen ,We’ve known each other since we were just kids — back when life was... Posted by Ty Holmes on Thursday, May 8, 2025
"Lonn continued that legacy with unwavering dedication, professionalism, and a profound sense of duty," the…
68 Cats Euthanized, Brick Man Learns Fate For Animal Cruelty: Prosecutor
A Brick man who kept more than 150 cats in his residence was sentenced to 180 days in jail on Friday, April 25, after previously pleading guilty to animal cruelty, authorities said.
On Thursday, May 4, 2023, Jeffrey Finlay called police to his home on Mantoloking Road, asking them to help remove an excessive number of animals from his residence, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said. Officers discovered approximately 157 cats and 3 dogs living at the residence, Billhimer said.
Over a day, the animals were removed from the residence and transferred for treatment and evaluation, Bil…
Disbarred Calverton Attorney Who Stole $25K From Real Estate Escrow Will Dodge Prison
A disgraced Long Island attorney won’t spend a day behind bars after confessing he stole $25,000 from a real estate escrow account.
Peter Saad Jr., 48, of Calverton, pleaded guilty to grand larceny in Suffolk County on Wednesday, April 16.
Saad, a former Riverhead attorney who has since been disbarred, represented the seller in a home sale in 2020. Because of unresolved permit issues, all parties agreed that $25,000 would be held in Saad’s escrow account until those issues were resolved.
Instead, Saad stopped responding to the parties and used the funds for personal expenses, according to…
Officer Otto Cruz, York County's Humane Hero, Dies At 47; SPCA Closes To Mourn
A beloved protector of animals and voice for the voiceless has died. Humane Society Police Officer Otoniel “Otto” Cruz passed away on Saturday, April 12, the York County SPCA announced.
The shelter closed to the public on Monday, April 15 and Tuesday, April 16, as staff mourned the loss of their cherished colleague.
Otto Cruz, 47, of York, was more than an officer—he was a bridge-builder, an advocate, and a father. Originally from Bayamón, Puerto Rico, Cruz became a police officer at just 18 years old. He served for a decade before relocating to Pennsylvania, where he continued his mission …
Longtime Village Trustee, Community Leader In Croton-On-Hudson Dies
A village in Northern Westchester is mourning the loss of longtime resident and former Village Trustee William A. Ryder, who died recently at the age of 96 after decades of serving his community.
Born on January 20, 1928, and raised in Ossining, Ryder, who died on Wednesday, April 2, moved to Croton-on-Hudson in 1959—a community he came to love deeply and served tirelessly for decades, according to his obituary.
Ryder was elected three times to the Village Board of Trustees, serving from 1969 to 1975. He held the position of Deputy Mayor for five of those years and played …
Virginia Protester Who Painted ‘Hamas IS Comin’ On Union Station Statue Sentenced In DC
A Virginia man who defaced a federal monument in Washington, DC, with a pro-Hamas message during a protest outside Union Station is heading to prison for a short stay, according to federal officials.
Zaid Mohammed Mahdawi, 26, of Richmond, was sentenced on Friday, April 4, to 10 days in federal prison and six months of supervised release after pleading guilty to destruction of government property, the US Attorney’s Office for DC announced.
The incident happened on July 24, 2024, during a protest rally at Columbus Circle.
Around 3:30 p.m., Mahdawi climbed onto the Columbus statue and …
Son Shot Retired Detective Dad 4 Times With Shotgun, Killing Him In Dix Hills, DA Says
New details paint a chilling picture in the case of a retired homicide detective who was allegedly shot and killed by his adult son on Long Island.
Christopher Miller, 43, of Dix Hills, was indicted for second-degree murder in Suffolk County Court on Tuesday, April 1, in the killing of his father, retired Suffolk County Police detective John “Jack” Miller.
The elder Miller, 75, was found shot to death inside his Dix Hills residence on Bruno Lane on Wednesday, March 19, as Daily Voice reported.
Officers initially responded to another Dix Hills residence, on Seaman Neck Road, at around 7:30…
Paterson Educator Hajja Safinaz Matter Dies—Masjid Fundraiser Launched In Her Memory
A trailblazing educator who shaped generations of students has passed away.
Hajja Safinaz Matter, known to many as Tante Safi, Sr. Safi, or Ms. Safi, dedicated over 50 years of her life to teaching Arabic and inspiring young minds around the world. Her death was recently announced by her family.
She was the widow of the late Elsayed Elmenshawy and the sister of Atef, Farida, and Niveen. She was a grandmother to Ahmed, Mariam, Aly, Nour-Eldeen, Abdulrahman, Abdullah, Selma, Mohammed, Ahmed, Amaly, Yusuf, and Ameer.
Matter, a graduate of Al-Alsun specializing in Italian and French, later ear…
