Press Release - People v Bennett

FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT

DATE: APRIL 29, 2014

RE: PRESS RELEASE – PEOPLE V BASHEEM BENNETT

Basheem Bennett, age 21, of Poughkeepsie, New York, has been indicted by an Ulster County Grand Jury for one count of Murder in the second degree and two counts of Assault in the first degree.  The indictment is a result of the investigation into the Easter Sunday shooting at Murphy’s Bar in New Paltz where, it is alleged, Bennett fired three shots from a 9 millimeter handgun hitting Ryan Gray also from Poughkeepsie in the neck and chest, causing his death.  A third bullet struck a victim who was standing near Gray when the shots were fired.

There were a large number of patrons in the bar at the time of the shooting, many of them New Paltz college students.  During the investigation we developed information that the shooting was in retaliation for a homicide in Poughkeepsie on November 17, 2013 where an individual by the name of Alvin Hayles was killed.

The defendant’s arraignment on the indictment in Ulster County Court has yet to be scheduled.

Press Release - People v Carpino

FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT

DATE: APRIL 29, 2014

RE: PEOPLE V CARPINO - KINGSTON MAN INDICTED FOR KILLING HIS 86 YEAR OLD MOTHER

Mark Carpino, age 53, of West Chester Street, Kingston, has been indicted for the murder of his mother, who was 86 years old at the time of her death. Carpino is charged with bludgeoning his mother to death as she lay sleeping in her own home on April 5, 2014.

Preliminary proceedings in Kingston City Court were halted when the court, at the request of Mr. Carpino’s lawyers, ordered a psychiatric examination regarding his fitness to assist his lawyers in his own defense.

“It is not unexpected that an individual accused of the conduct for which Mr. Carpino has been indicted, might have some sort of mental response that temporarily affects his ability to assist in his own defense. There are legal mechanisms and procedures that address such a situation. Part of that process includes the steps occurring in Kingston City Court.  The preliminary psychiatric findings do not derail the grand jury process and, in fact, the grand jury has returned an indictment against Mr. Carpino.  Further questions regarding the defendant’s competency, if any, will be addressed by the County Court.”

Press Release - People v Rifenburg

FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT

DATE: APRIL 29, 2014

RE: PRESS RELEASE – OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING

On April 15^th Brandon Rifenburg was involved in the theft of a vehicle in the Town of Marbletown.  The theft was reported almost immediately and a number of police agencies responded.  The defendant failed to comply with numerous orders to stop the vehicle and instead led the police on a high speed chase through multiple jurisdictions in Ulster County.  After going through two police road blocks, Rifenburg struck one of the patrol vehicles in pursuit, whereupon the defendant was forced off the road.  During the course of the defendant’s apprehension, an Ulster County Sheriff deputy fired his service revolver, striking the defendant twice.

On Friday, April 26^th, Mr. Rifenburg was released from the hospital. Upon his release he was charged with a number of offenses, six of which are felonies.  Those matters are pending.  In conjunction with Sheriff VanBlarcum and having determined that Mr. Rifenburg was neither an apparent flight risk nor a danger to the community, I recommended to the Sheriff that charges not be filed until the defendant’s release from the hospital.  Had charges been filed immediately, the Sheriff would have been obligated to post around-the-clock security of Mr. Rifenburg while in the hospital in Albany, an expense which I feel was not warranted.

As District Attorney of Ulster County, it is my custom to refer most, if not all, police-involved shootings to the grand jury.  It is also my custom not to disclose the names of people being investigated by the grand jury unless they have been charged with a crime.  I have attempted to be consistent in that process since taking office in 2008.

From time to time, as we investigate and prosecute cases, my office is caused to file an application to County Court for the assignment of a special prosecutor if I determine that I have an actual or potential conflict with the continued prosecution of a case or even where my involvement in the case might rise to the level that it would create the appearance of impropriety.  My review of the officer’s use of force in the above referenced matter is one such case.  The officer who is the subject of this inquiry has had business dealings with my family, and with me personally, none of which are related to our positions in law enforcement. However, I view those dealings as having raised a potential appearance of impropriety should I conduct the investigation, and thus I have moved to have a special prosecutor appointed to continue the investigation. That application was granted by County Court Judge Donald A. Williams, and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office has now been assigned this matter.

I suggest any further questions be directed to that office.

Press Release - Driveway Repair Scam

FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT

DATE: APRIL 28, 2014

RE: PRESS RELEASE - DRIVEWAY REPAIR SCAMS

Spring is here and the Ulster County District Attorney’s Division of Consumer Affairs advises consumers to be alert for driveway repair scammers. The office cautions homeowners to be wary of businesses who solicit door-to-door; be wary of pressure to have the work done immediately; get a written estimate/contract beforehand and make certain the paperwork has the name, address and telephone number of the business; compare estimates; and always note license plate numbers and vehicle descriptions. For additional information, contact Consumer Affairs at 340-3260.

Press Release - People v Tiano

FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT

DATE: APRIL 28, 2014

RE:  PEOPLE V TIANO

Robin Tiano, 37, of Kingston, pled guilty to misdemeanor animal cruelty charges in Kingston City Court on April 23, 2014. She was arrested last October after members of the URGENT Task Force and the Ulster County Probation Department found an emaciated dog in her home during a probation check. The Ulster County SPCA also assisted in the investigation, which led to Tiano being charged with failure to provide proper sustenance, food or drink to the animal. Tiano surrendered the dog, who has since been adopted and re-named “Jake”. It is expected that Tiano will be sentenced to one year of probation on June 20^th by the Honorable Lawrence Ball.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Danielle Scarduzio.

Jake is thriving under the love and care of his new adopted family.