Arrest Made, Massive Fine Levied, Over Cutting Communication Wires in Sloatsburg

On November 2, RPD responded to a communication tower in the Village of Sloatsburg for reported damage. Upon arrival, officers observed numerous large cables that had been cut down from the tower by unauthorized individuals. The damaged cables provided backup communication service for the Rockland County Sheriff Office, as well as communication cables for Veolia Water and Verizon Wireless.

The total damage is estimated to be over $125,000 dollars. The Ramapo Police Investigations Division, assisted by the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office and the Rockland County Intelligence Unit, were able to identify a suspect.

That suspect, a 30-year-old male from Queens, NY, was arrested and charged with 3 counts of Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree (D-Felony), 1 count of Grand Larceny 2nd Degree (C-Felony), 2 counts of Grand Larceny 3rd Degree (D-Felony), 1 count of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 2nd Degree (C-Felony), 2 counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 3rd Degree (D-Felony), Obstructing Governmental Administration (A-Misdemeanor), and 1 count of Conspiracy 4th Degree (E-Felony), and 2 counts of Conspiracy 5th Degree (A-Misdemeanor).

The defendant was arraigned before Honorable Judge Jefferson on all counts and released on his own recognizance for a return to Sloatsburg court on November 15.

It should be noted that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.