Press Release - Ransomware Extortion Scam

FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT

DATE: AUGUST 29, 2013

RE:  PRESS RELEASE - RANSOMWARE EXTORTION SCAM

A new extortion technique is being deployed by cyber criminals using “ransomware”. The latest version uses the name of the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center to frighten victims into sending money to the perpetrators. In addition to instilling a fear of prosecution, it also claims that the user’s computer activity is being recorded using audio, video and other devices.

The intent is to lure the victim to a download website, at which time the ransomware is installed on the user’s computer. Once installed, the computer freezes and a screen is displayed warning the user that they have violated United States Federal Law. The message further declares that a law enforcement agency has determined that a computer using the victim’s IP address has accessed child pornography and other illegal content.

To unlock the computer, the user is instructed to pay a fine using prepaid money card services. In addition to the ransomware, malicious software (“malware”) continues to operate on the compromised computer and can be used to commit online banking and credit card fraud.

This is not a legitimate communication from the FBI, but rather an attempt to extort money from the victim. If you have received this or something similar do not follow payment instructions.

The Ulster County District Attorney’s Division of Consumer Affair advises you:

·        Contact the FBI;

·        Keep operating systems and legitimate antivirus and antispyare software updated;

·        Contact a reputable computer expert to assist with removing the malware.

Consumer Affairs can be reached at 340-3260.

Press Release - Computer Cold Call Repair Scam

FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT

DATE: AUGUST 23, 2013

RE: PRESS RELEASE – COMPUTER COLD CALL REPAIR SCAM

A telemarketing scam that aims to separate computer users from their financial information has resurfaced, according to the Ulster County District Attorney’s Division of Consumer Affairs.

The scam involves a cold call from a person claiming to be from Dell, Microsoft or another large computer company. The person then asks to remotely connect to the victim’s computer, followed by the claim they can fix the problem if a credit card number is provided.

Victims report receiving unsolicited calls from what they believe are foreign call centers. The scam typically involves a scammer cold-calling you and requesting remote access to your computer. If you give the scammer access, they will claim to run a scan, discover a fake virus and then apply high pressure sales tactics to convince you to buy unnecessary anti-virus software or technical services to “fix” your computer.

Consumer Affairs advises the public to never provide credit card or any personal information to an unknown, unverified caller. If you receive a phone out of the blue about your computer’s security status and requesting remote access – hang up – even if the caller mentions a well-known company or product. Consumer Affairs can be reached at 340-3260.

                                                                       

Press Release - Roy Scippio Sentencing

FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT

DATE: AUGUST 19, 2013

RE:   PRESS RELEASE - PEOPLE V. ROY SCIPPIO

      ULSTER COUNTY COURT

      HON. DONALD A. WILLIAMS

Roy Scippio, a 41 year old City of Kingston and Brooklyn resident, was sentenced today in Ulster County Court by the Honorable Judge Donald Williams to 13 years determinate time in state prison with 5 years post release supervision, as a prior violent felony offender for the crime of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2^nd degree.

In January this year, Scippio was convicted by an Ulster County jury of two counts of a three count indictment, including the top count, both charging criminally possessing a weapon on Broadway, in the City of Kingston between 2:30 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 16, 2011. The charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Broadway on that date. Investigation by the Kingston Police determined that Scippio, after a physical altercation between a third party and some of his friends, Scippio obtained a handgun and fired once striking Leon Peters in the arm. Scippio was acquitted by the jury of assault charges but convicted of the two counts of weapons possession.

Scippio, who has a lengthy criminal history which includes four felony convictions (two violent felony convictions) plus seven misdemeanor convictions for crimes of manslaughter, assault, attempted robbery, promoting prison contraband, drugs possession as well as criminal contempt. The case was tried by ADA Jessica Schutzman and Scippio was defended by Dennis McClure, Esq.

Marrero press release

The Face of Domestic Violence

Poem: And shepherds we shall be, for thee my lord for thee.  Power bath decended forth from thy hand so our feet may swiftly carry out thy command. And we shall flow a river forth to thee and teeming with souls shall it ever be…

In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti.

Jorge Marrero, date of birth 8/17/85, from William Street, Poughkeepsie, was sentenced in Ulster County Court today by the Hon. Donald A. Williams for the crime of Assault in the first degree, a Class B violent felony offense to eighteen years in state prison.

On October 14, 2012 a 26 year old woman was dropped off at St. Francis Hospital Emergency Room.  She had been shot in the face at close range with what appeared to be a small caliber weapon. As the investigation unfolded police interviewed her boyfriend, Jorge Marrero, who denied being with the victim, Lauren W., that evening. He stated that she had called him for a ride and he “noticed” that she was bleeding.  He denied knowing or being told by her that she was shot.  Lauren W. initially did not state that she had been with Marrero or that she knew who had shot her.  She later stated that she was shot by Marrero with his handgun but that it was an accident.  She denied any previous abuse or difficulty in their relationship.  To Det. Robert Perrotta of the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department, a seasoned investigator, things did not add up.

After a number of meetings with Sgt. Phillip Roloson of the Town of Lloyd Police Department and Assistant District Attorneys, Cliff Owens and Chief Domestic Violence Prosecutor Elizabeth A. Culmone, Lauren  finally admitted that Marrero shot her after he became angry with her over her using the computer.  During the ensuing course of the investigation our office learned that Lauren W. had been in a cycle of violence at Marrero’s hands for approximately three years, that the incidents of domestic violence grew in frequency and violence leading up to the October 14^th shooting.

Our office also looked into Marrero’s background and spoke with other women that he had relationships with.  We learned that he had a long history of abusive behavior with women, which included one woman whom he had pistol whipped on two occasions.  Unfortunately, which is so often the case, these other victims had not gone forward and spoken with the authorities regarding these crimes.  It was only after Marrero’s arrest were they willing to speak with authorities.

Lauren’s story is one we have heard before.  Early in the relationship with Marrero she became isolated from her family and friends.  Through threats and intimidation, he began to control where she was and who she could see. 

The shot that Marrero fired from his illegally owned .22 caliber handgun entered the victim’s right eye and severed the optic nerve and blinded her.

The poem that you see at the top of this story were the words that Marrero made her state just as he pulled the trigger.

Lauren was in Court today with her mother, sisters and aunt along with members of the Town of Lloyd Police Department who came to lend support to this brave young woman. During her victim impact statement Lauren stood before Marrero and told him that “the bullet you used that was meant to silence me only empowered me”. After numerous surgeries Lauren has regained some of her vision and hopes to be an advocate for victims of domestic violence. Her mother prepared a statement that was read during the sentencing, where she told the defendant “when you hurt my daughter you ultimately affected my family, the family that you told my daughter was not there for her. Well, we are here and we have been here long before you and will be here long after you.”

Before Judge Williams sentenced the defendant he stated “this Court has great respect and admiration for the victim, the courage, strength of will, her ability to move on with her life is a remarkably wonderful gift that this Court can simply not put into words.”

Press Release - Uriah Weaver

                              

                PRESS RELEASE – URIAH WEAVER PLEA

 

Uriah Weaver, age 27, of Kingston, pled guilty to Kidnapping in the second degree on August 9, 2013 in Ulster County Court.  On March 26, 2013 the defendant held his girlfriend at gun point against her will in their home in Kingston. The defendant was armed with a loaded shotgun, which he held to the victim’s head while their eighteen month old daughter stood nearby.  During the episode, the defendant beat his girlfriend with the butt of the shotgun.  The victim was treated at Kingston Hospital and transferred to Albany Medical where she was treated for a liver laceration and fracture to her rib.  

The incident began the day before following an argument concerning the victim’s use of her cell phone.  During the argument, the defendant took her phone and broke it.  Later, while the victim and a friend were out of the house, and while the defendant was watching their 18 month old child, he laid the broken phone on the floor of the apartment and put a bullet through it.

When the victim returned, the defendant put the gun to her head, “racked it” and threatened to shoot her.  After she was assaulted, the victim tried to leave with her daughter.  The defendant prevented her from leaving and stated if he saw any cops he’d shoot her and their daughter.

The defendant has a history of domestic violence with the same victim.

The case was prosecuted by Special Victims Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth A. Culmone.  The defendant is represented by attorney Paul Gruner.  Sentencing is scheduled before County Court Judge Williams for October 8, 2013.

Press Release - Lawrence Wright Sentence

FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT

DATE:AUGUST 7, 2013

RE: PRESS RELEASE – LAWRENCE WRIGHT

Lawrence Wright, a/k/a “October”, was sentenced in Ulster County Court, today, to ten years in state prison on his conviction to Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the second degree. Wright was convicted in June after a jury trial. The case arose from an incident which took place in the City of Kingston at Rondout Gardens on January 13, 2013, at approximately 12:30 PM at which time Wright fired a .45 caliber handgun, the projectile from which lodged in the second story window of an elderly resident’s apartment.

The defendant’s past criminal history is from Bronx Criminal Court.  He has one felony narcotics conviction for which he received probation.  He also has two prior weapons possession charges which were reduced to misdemeanors, as well as other misdemeanor convictions.

Press Release - Randy Cook Sentence

FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT

DATE: AUGUST 1, 2013

RE:  PRESS RELEASE – RANDY COOK

In Ulster County Court today, Randy L. Cook (DOB: 7/30/83), of Rifton, N.Y., was sentenced to ten years in state prison to be followed by five years of post-release supervision upon a conviction of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a class C violent felony. Cook also received a sentence of 3 ½ to 7 years upon his conviction of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree. The state prison sentences will run concurrently.

Cook was convicted of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree after he entered a guilty plea on May 30, 2013, in Ulster County Court.

Cook entered the guilty plea moments before the closing arguments were to begin in a jury trial which began three days before. A jury of six men and six women heard testimony from three members of the Kingston Police Department who described an investigation near 72 Clinton Avenue on December 29, 2012, which uncovered Cook transporting a loaded .357 caliber handgun in a vehicle. Cook was taken into custody and the loaded handgun was found in a backpack in the trunk of the vehicle. Cook was travelling alone and was spotted by police placing the backpack in the trunk seconds before driving. A search of the backpack also revealed 49 rounds of live ammunition which fit the handgun.

     Ulster County District Attorney Holley Carnright stated, “This was nice work done by KPD.  Cook has two prior felonies, for robbing a pizzeria on North Front Street in Kingston in 2004 and for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in connection with the theft and use of stolen credit cards in 2001. He also has a number of misdemeanor convictions. Getting a loaded, illegal .357 possessed by a two time felon off the street before it is used in the commission of the crime is a good day.”

Cook was sentenced by Ulster County Court Judge Donald A. Williams, who presided over the trial. Cook was represented by Conflict Defender Jeffrey Hoerter of the Dutchess County Public Defender’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Gerard Van Loan.