To: Media
From: Holley Carnright
Date: October 17, 2011
Re: Press Release on Sunoco Indictment (Singh)
Introduction
In Ulster County approximately one in nine residents are beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) , also known as the Food Stamp Program. The SNAP is a federally funded program administered locally through the Department of Social Services. In conjunction with other benefits programs, the oversight of this program is conducted through the Department of Social Services. Approximately 32 million dollars of taxpayer money was spent on food stamp benefits in Ulster County last year.
Release
The Ulster County District Attorney’s Office announces the indictment of Kanwarjit Singh, 38, of Wappingers Falls, the former proprietor of the Sunoco Convenient Mart located at 675 Broadway in the City of Kingston. An Ulster County Grand Jury returned an 18-count indictment charging Mr. Singh with Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, Misuse of Food Stamps, 2 counts of Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree, 4 counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, and 10 counts of Criminal Tax Fraud in the Fifth Degree.
This indictment marks the completion of the investigation into fraudulent food stamp practices at the former Sunoco Convenient Mart. In November 2010, this investigation was initially made public with the arrest of Mr. Singh. Further investigation revealed that food stamp sales at the store during the period January 2009 thru November 2010 totaled over $750,000, of which at least $320,000 were fraudulent transactions involving either the sale of non-food stamp eligible items (such as cigarettes, beer and gasoline) or, more often, the provision of cash to the food stamp customer. In return for providing cash or non-eligible items, the Sunoco store charged a surcharge of as much as 100%. Thus, a customer asking for $100 in cash would normally be charged $200 on their food stamp debit card. In other words, the cost to the taxpayer for each fraudulent $100.00 transaction was $200.00.
After the initial arrests, members of the Kingston Police Department and investigators from the Department of Social Services and the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office analyzed Sunoco’s food stamp transaction records and conducted interviews of over 120 Sunoco customers identified as possibly having engaged in fraud.
At that time, realizing the breadth of the fraud, I was not satisfied with only proceeding against the store owners. I approached County Executive Michael Hein and my liaison to the Legislature Jack Hayes, for additional resources to conduct a broader based investigation. Due to the sensitive nature of the investigation it was important that they not disclose information to the public. Each of these individuals, and the entire Ulster County Legislature, understood the importance of confidentiality to this investigation and provided this office support, without breaching our confidentiality. Today, I would like to publicly thank County Executive Hein and the Ulster County Legislature for their trust and support as well as the professionalism they have displayed.
To date, 18 defendants have been convicted of welfare fraud or misuse of food stamps. An additional 12 defendants were previously indicted by the Ulster County Grand Jury on charges of Misuse of Food Stamps on September 28. And there are 20 other criminal charges pending.
In addition to sentences of probation and/or incarceration, the criminal defendants will be ordered to pay back the Department of Social Services for the fraudulently obtained benefits. All convicted individuals are also disqualified from receiving food stamp benefits for a minimum of 1 year, which will result in an approximate annual savings to taxpayers of over $120,000.
In addition, the Department of Social Services has entered into non-criminal benefits disqualification agreements with over 50 other clients whereby they are disqualified from receiving any benefits for at least one year, and will also pay restitution for any fraudulent benefits received. These voluntary disqualification cases will result in an expected annual savings of an additional $127,000, and a restitution obligation of over $45,000. Notably, collection of restitution from these individuals does not necessarily depend upon the willingness or financial resources of individual benefit recipients. If a disqualified client continues to receive food stamp benefits for other members of their family, DSS is able to involuntarily “recoup” up to 20% of the family’s monthly benefits and apply these amounts toward the individual’s restitution obligation.
Finally, over 40 other food stamp clients have had their accounts involuntarily closed as part of this investigation for reasons ranging from failure to appear for an investigatory audit interview to the discovery of other factors rendering them ineligible for benefits. The closing of these accounts is expected to result in an additional governmental cost savings of approximately $100,000 per year.
District Attorney Holley Carnright wishes to thank all of the governmental partners involved in supporting this investigation for their hard work and invaluable assistance, including the Kingston Police Department, Ulster County Department of Social Services, New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, Ulster County Executive Michael Hein, and the members of the Ulster County Legislature.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Press Release - People v Jermaine Nicholas
TO: MEDIA
FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: OCTOBER 11, 2011
RE: PRESS RELEASE-PEOPLE V JERMAINE NICHOLAS
AN ULSTER COUNTY JURY CONVICTED JERMAINE NICHOLAS A.K.A. “MAINO” OF ALL COUNTS IN THE INDICTMENT RELATED TO THE CONSPIRACY TO KILL CHARLES KING, JR. ON FEBRUARY 9, 2010. AT THE TRIAL THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY ARGUED THAT NICHOLAS, AS WELL AS HIS CO-CONSPIRATORS, WERE MEMBERS OF THE BLOODS GANG.
NICHOLAS WAS CONVICTED OF CONSPIRACY IN THE SECOND DEGREE, INTIMIDATING A WITNESS IN THE FIRST DEGREE, TAMPERING WITH A WITNESS IN THE FIRST DEGREE, AND CRIMINAL FACILITATION IN THE SECOND DEGREE, ALL FELONIES.
THE JURY BEGAN DELIBERATIONS AT 2:30 PM ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2011, AND REQUESTED TO STOP DELIBERATIONS AT 7:30 PM ON FRIDAY EVENING. THE JURORS RECONVENED AT 9:30 AM TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2011, AND RETURNED A GUILTY VERDICT AT 11:30 AM.
THREE OTHER GANG MEMBERS HAVE PREVIOUSLY BEEN CONVICTED AFTER TRIAL. GARY GRIFFIN A/K/A “G MONEY” AND TREVOR MATTIS A/K/A “LITTLE T” WERE CONVICTED OF MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE, ET AL, AND ARE SERVING LIFE WITHOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF PAROLE. JARRIN RANKIN, A/K/A “PHAT BOY”, WAS CONVICTED OF CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT MURDER AND HAS BEEN SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS.
ULSTER COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY HOLLEY CARNRIGHT STATED, “MY OFFICE HAS PROVEN THAT WE ARE 100% COMMITTED TO PROTECTING THE CITIZENS OF ULSTER COUNTY. JUSTICE HAS BEEN SERVED, AGAIN, FOR THE FAMILY OF CHARLES KING, JR.”
CARNRIGHT STATED, FURTHER, THAT “THE SUCCESS OF THIS PROSECUTION IS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE CONCERTED EFFORT BY THE KINGSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT, ULSTER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE, AND THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE.”
NICHOLAS WAS REPRESENTED BY DAVID GANDIN AND THE CASE WAS PROSECUTED BY SENIOR ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY GERARD VAN LOAN.
FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: OCTOBER 11, 2011
RE: PRESS RELEASE-PEOPLE V JERMAINE NICHOLAS
AN ULSTER COUNTY JURY CONVICTED JERMAINE NICHOLAS A.K.A. “MAINO” OF ALL COUNTS IN THE INDICTMENT RELATED TO THE CONSPIRACY TO KILL CHARLES KING, JR. ON FEBRUARY 9, 2010. AT THE TRIAL THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY ARGUED THAT NICHOLAS, AS WELL AS HIS CO-CONSPIRATORS, WERE MEMBERS OF THE BLOODS GANG.
NICHOLAS WAS CONVICTED OF CONSPIRACY IN THE SECOND DEGREE, INTIMIDATING A WITNESS IN THE FIRST DEGREE, TAMPERING WITH A WITNESS IN THE FIRST DEGREE, AND CRIMINAL FACILITATION IN THE SECOND DEGREE, ALL FELONIES.
THE JURY BEGAN DELIBERATIONS AT 2:30 PM ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2011, AND REQUESTED TO STOP DELIBERATIONS AT 7:30 PM ON FRIDAY EVENING. THE JURORS RECONVENED AT 9:30 AM TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2011, AND RETURNED A GUILTY VERDICT AT 11:30 AM.
THREE OTHER GANG MEMBERS HAVE PREVIOUSLY BEEN CONVICTED AFTER TRIAL. GARY GRIFFIN A/K/A “G MONEY” AND TREVOR MATTIS A/K/A “LITTLE T” WERE CONVICTED OF MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE, ET AL, AND ARE SERVING LIFE WITHOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF PAROLE. JARRIN RANKIN, A/K/A “PHAT BOY”, WAS CONVICTED OF CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT MURDER AND HAS BEEN SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS.
ULSTER COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY HOLLEY CARNRIGHT STATED, “MY OFFICE HAS PROVEN THAT WE ARE 100% COMMITTED TO PROTECTING THE CITIZENS OF ULSTER COUNTY. JUSTICE HAS BEEN SERVED, AGAIN, FOR THE FAMILY OF CHARLES KING, JR.”
CARNRIGHT STATED, FURTHER, THAT “THE SUCCESS OF THIS PROSECUTION IS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE CONCERTED EFFORT BY THE KINGSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT, ULSTER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE, AND THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE.”
NICHOLAS WAS REPRESENTED BY DAVID GANDIN AND THE CASE WAS PROSECUTED BY SENIOR ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY GERARD VAN LOAN.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Press Release - People v John Coutant
PRESS RELEASE
TO: ALL NEWS MEDIA
FROM: D. HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: SEPTEMBER 29, 2011
Ulster County District Attorney D. Holley Carnright announced today the guilty verdict of John Coutant, who was convicted after trial on September 28, 2011, of the crime of burglary in the second degree.
According to the evidence presented at trial, on August 24, 2007, an intruder climbed through the window of a home located on Dowe Road in Naponoch, Ulster County. The homeowner arrived home to find a man in the master bathroom hiding in the corner with his face covered by a towel. The homeowner fled the home as did the burglar. The State Police Ellenville barracks arrived on the scene and processed the home as well as the surrounding area. Two towels were retrieved as evidence near the home of the burglary. The New York State Police sent the towels to their forensic investigation center in Albany for DNA testing and the case went cold.
Two years later, on April 10, 2009, John Coutant was arrested for selling a .40 caliber firearm to an undercover police officer in the City of Kingston and he pled guilty to that charge on June 8, 2009. Parenthetically, that firearm had previously been stolen in an Ulster County burglary. As a result of his 2009 plea Coutant was sentenced to six (6) years in state prison and he was required to provide a DNA sample. The DNA sample from the 2009 case was logged into the state DNA databank and a positive hit was obtained matching DNA from the towels retrieved at the August 2007 burglary. Based upon the DNA hit New York State police investigators James Charlonis and Scott Volano obtained additional information and the burglary case was presented to the Ulster County Grand Jury and the defendant was indicted for burglary in the second degree.
The defendant has a long criminal history dating back to 1981. In addition to the 2009 illegal possession of the stolen .40 caliber handgun Coutant has three burglary convictions, convictions for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, and another Criminal Possession of a Weapon charge.
“This was a case where excellent police work led to the arrest and conviction of a person who can best be described as a menace, stated District Attorney Holley Carnright.”
The trial of John Coutant was held before the Honorable Donald A. Williams. Assistant District Attorney Kevin C. Harp handled the prosecution. The defendant was represented by the Public Defender’s Office.
TO: ALL NEWS MEDIA
FROM: D. HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: SEPTEMBER 29, 2011
Ulster County District Attorney D. Holley Carnright announced today the guilty verdict of John Coutant, who was convicted after trial on September 28, 2011, of the crime of burglary in the second degree.
According to the evidence presented at trial, on August 24, 2007, an intruder climbed through the window of a home located on Dowe Road in Naponoch, Ulster County. The homeowner arrived home to find a man in the master bathroom hiding in the corner with his face covered by a towel. The homeowner fled the home as did the burglar. The State Police Ellenville barracks arrived on the scene and processed the home as well as the surrounding area. Two towels were retrieved as evidence near the home of the burglary. The New York State Police sent the towels to their forensic investigation center in Albany for DNA testing and the case went cold.
Two years later, on April 10, 2009, John Coutant was arrested for selling a .40 caliber firearm to an undercover police officer in the City of Kingston and he pled guilty to that charge on June 8, 2009. Parenthetically, that firearm had previously been stolen in an Ulster County burglary. As a result of his 2009 plea Coutant was sentenced to six (6) years in state prison and he was required to provide a DNA sample. The DNA sample from the 2009 case was logged into the state DNA databank and a positive hit was obtained matching DNA from the towels retrieved at the August 2007 burglary. Based upon the DNA hit New York State police investigators James Charlonis and Scott Volano obtained additional information and the burglary case was presented to the Ulster County Grand Jury and the defendant was indicted for burglary in the second degree.
The defendant has a long criminal history dating back to 1981. In addition to the 2009 illegal possession of the stolen .40 caliber handgun Coutant has three burglary convictions, convictions for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, and another Criminal Possession of a Weapon charge.
“This was a case where excellent police work led to the arrest and conviction of a person who can best be described as a menace, stated District Attorney Holley Carnright.”
The trial of John Coutant was held before the Honorable Donald A. Williams. Assistant District Attorney Kevin C. Harp handled the prosecution. The defendant was represented by the Public Defender’s Office.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Press Release - People v Lee
TO: MEDIA
FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: SEPTEMBER 20, 2011
RE: PRESS RELEASE – PEOPLE V GREGORY LEE
Gregory Lee, age 44, residing at the Wenton Motel on Route 9W in Saugerties, was convicted yesterday by an Ulster County Jury of two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with intent to sell, and two counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance. The charges stem from an undercover drug investigation conducted by the URGENT Task Force. The task force investigation began in Kingston and led to two subjects living at the Wenton Hotel, Lee, and Jeffrey Munoz, a/k/a Face. Lee sold crack-cocaine and heroin on two separate occasions, the first for $180.00 and the second time for $150.00.
At the trial the defendant testified that he had received the drugs from Munoz. He argued, however, that he was not guilty because he was just doing the confidential informant a favor.
The case was prosecuted by Ulster County Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth A. Culmone. On cross examination Culmone brought out that the defendant had an $1100.00 per week drug habit with an income of only $600.00, suggesting that he sold drugs to support his addiction. Culmone went on to argue that the sale of drugs is a business of distribution. Each dealer has a supplier. If you credit Lee’s testimony Munoz was his supplier in the chain of distribution.
This defendant has an extensive criminal history dating back to 1983 for Robbery with a deadly weapon, Distribution of a non controlled substance, Possession of a controlled substance, Assault, Escape from confinement, and Theft, all in the State of Maryland.
Defendant also has an extensive criminal history in New York State for Assault in the third degree, and Possession of contraband in prison. He was convicted of selling cocaine two times in February of 2005. He was convicted in 2006 for criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree(2 counts) after a jury trial in 2006.
“This case was professionally investigated by the URGENT Task Force. We had quality video and audio to back up the drugs that they picked up from Lee. In my judgment Lee is a good example of why the sale of heroin and cocaine are and should remain criminal actions” stated District Attorney Holley Carnright.
Lee will be sentenced by Judge Donald A. Williams in Ulster County Court on November 2, 2011.
FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: SEPTEMBER 20, 2011
RE: PRESS RELEASE – PEOPLE V GREGORY LEE
Gregory Lee, age 44, residing at the Wenton Motel on Route 9W in Saugerties, was convicted yesterday by an Ulster County Jury of two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with intent to sell, and two counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance. The charges stem from an undercover drug investigation conducted by the URGENT Task Force. The task force investigation began in Kingston and led to two subjects living at the Wenton Hotel, Lee, and Jeffrey Munoz, a/k/a Face. Lee sold crack-cocaine and heroin on two separate occasions, the first for $180.00 and the second time for $150.00.
At the trial the defendant testified that he had received the drugs from Munoz. He argued, however, that he was not guilty because he was just doing the confidential informant a favor.
The case was prosecuted by Ulster County Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth A. Culmone. On cross examination Culmone brought out that the defendant had an $1100.00 per week drug habit with an income of only $600.00, suggesting that he sold drugs to support his addiction. Culmone went on to argue that the sale of drugs is a business of distribution. Each dealer has a supplier. If you credit Lee’s testimony Munoz was his supplier in the chain of distribution.
This defendant has an extensive criminal history dating back to 1983 for Robbery with a deadly weapon, Distribution of a non controlled substance, Possession of a controlled substance, Assault, Escape from confinement, and Theft, all in the State of Maryland.
Defendant also has an extensive criminal history in New York State for Assault in the third degree, and Possession of contraband in prison. He was convicted of selling cocaine two times in February of 2005. He was convicted in 2006 for criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree(2 counts) after a jury trial in 2006.
“This case was professionally investigated by the URGENT Task Force. We had quality video and audio to back up the drugs that they picked up from Lee. In my judgment Lee is a good example of why the sale of heroin and cocaine are and should remain criminal actions” stated District Attorney Holley Carnright.
Lee will be sentenced by Judge Donald A. Williams in Ulster County Court on November 2, 2011.
press release - People v Mosley a/k/a Mosely
PRESS RELEASE
TO: ALL NEWS MEDIA
FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2011
The Appellate Division, Third Department has today unanimously affirmed the March, 2009 conviction of Tyshaun Mosley, a/k/a Trashaun Mosely, a/k/a Tyshawn Mosely of the crimes of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol as a felony, and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree.
Between January 30th and April 2, 2008, the defendant was arrested three separate times and charged with multiple felony offenses in Ulster County. He was pulled over by the State Police on January 30, 2009 for operating his vehicle at an excessive rate of speed and after failing five field sobriety tests, was charged with felony driving while intoxicated and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree. On two separate occasions in March, 2008, the defendant sold cocaine in the presence of an undercover officer.
The defendant, a second felony offender, was sentenced by then County Court Judge J. Michael Bruhn to concurrent prison terms of six years on the criminal sale conviction, one and one-third to four years on the driving while intoxicated conviction and two and one-half years on the criminal possession conviction. Following the service of his prison term the defendant will remain on three years post release supervision.
Mosely argued on appeal that his sentence was unduly harsh and severe. The Appellate Division, Third Department, however, rejected defendant’s claim, noting the defendant’s lengthy criminal record and the fact that the sentence exposed defendant to a significantly less prison term than he could have faced if convicted after trial.
On appeal, the defendant is represented by Assistant Public Defender MariAnn Connolly Sennett, Esq. Assistant District Attorney Joan Gudesblatt Lamb handled the appeal for the District Attorney’s Office.
TO: ALL NEWS MEDIA
FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2011
The Appellate Division, Third Department has today unanimously affirmed the March, 2009 conviction of Tyshaun Mosley, a/k/a Trashaun Mosely, a/k/a Tyshawn Mosely of the crimes of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol as a felony, and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree.
Between January 30th and April 2, 2008, the defendant was arrested three separate times and charged with multiple felony offenses in Ulster County. He was pulled over by the State Police on January 30, 2009 for operating his vehicle at an excessive rate of speed and after failing five field sobriety tests, was charged with felony driving while intoxicated and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree. On two separate occasions in March, 2008, the defendant sold cocaine in the presence of an undercover officer.
The defendant, a second felony offender, was sentenced by then County Court Judge J. Michael Bruhn to concurrent prison terms of six years on the criminal sale conviction, one and one-third to four years on the driving while intoxicated conviction and two and one-half years on the criminal possession conviction. Following the service of his prison term the defendant will remain on three years post release supervision.
Mosely argued on appeal that his sentence was unduly harsh and severe. The Appellate Division, Third Department, however, rejected defendant’s claim, noting the defendant’s lengthy criminal record and the fact that the sentence exposed defendant to a significantly less prison term than he could have faced if convicted after trial.
On appeal, the defendant is represented by Assistant Public Defender MariAnn Connolly Sennett, Esq. Assistant District Attorney Joan Gudesblatt Lamb handled the appeal for the District Attorney’s Office.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
TO: MEDIA
FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: AUGUST 30, 2011
RE: PRESS RELEASE – PEOPLE V RICHARD GIGA
On August 30, 2011 Richard Giga pled guilty to Murder in the Second Degree regarding the October 6,2010 stabbing and death of Leland Wood. Giga also admitted that, during the course of fleeing from the scene he stabbed Keri Reynolds, causing her serious injury.
Giga, from Rockland County, was a patient at the Renaissance Project, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in Wawarsing. Giga had been sentenced to complete a rehab program at Renaissance by the Rockland County Court in regard to a Grand Larceny case from 2009.
On October 5, 2010 Giga left the facility without permission. He returned at approximately 2:30 AM, went to the security guard’s office where Leland Wood was working and, we believe, demanded the keys to Mr. Woods’ truck. When the victim refused Giga stabbed him numerous times with a kitchen knife that the defendant had stolen from the facility.
Ms. Reynolds was a nurse on the late shift working at Renaissance. She arrived at work and witnessed Giga getting out of Mr. Woods’ truck who then approached her. She noticed blood on his hands. She then went into the center and observed Mr. Wood in the security office obviously the victim of a violent attack. She then left the facility to go to the Ellenville Police Department to seek help. Giga entered Ms. Reynolds’ car and, approximately 1 ½ miles from the facility stabbed her, causing the car to overturn. Moments later a good Samaritan came upon the car wreck and Giga fled into the woods.
A manhunt ensued which was spearheaded by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff VanBlarcum set up a command center at the Ellenville Police Department. The Sheriff’s Department was aided by the New York State Police, the Ellenville Police Department, as well as other area agencies. Giga was apprehended approximately 6:00 PM on the 6th without further incident.
Giga’s plea was taken before Ulster County Court Judge Donald A. Williams who scheduled sentencing for November 21, 2011.
At the time of the plea Giga was advised by Judge Williams that he could receive up to 25 to life in State Prison on the Murder conviction and that, in all likelihood, that would be his sentence. District Attorney Holley Carnright stated “we can never know exactly what goes thru the mind of a person who commits murder. The evidence suggests that Giga was angry and despondent as a result of his girlfriend having broken off their relationship the previous Friday. It appears that the murder occurred as a result of Giga trying to get a vehicle to drive to his girlfriend’s house in Saugerties.”
The case drew regional attention when it was learned that a murderer, possibly armed, was at large. The entire community was warned and was on edge. In fact, the Ellenville Schools were closed as a result. “The police agencies involved in this matter should be commended for their efficiency and professionalism in the way that they protected the community and apprehended the defendant,” stated District Attorney Carnright.
FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: AUGUST 30, 2011
RE: PRESS RELEASE – PEOPLE V RICHARD GIGA
On August 30, 2011 Richard Giga pled guilty to Murder in the Second Degree regarding the October 6,2010 stabbing and death of Leland Wood. Giga also admitted that, during the course of fleeing from the scene he stabbed Keri Reynolds, causing her serious injury.
Giga, from Rockland County, was a patient at the Renaissance Project, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in Wawarsing. Giga had been sentenced to complete a rehab program at Renaissance by the Rockland County Court in regard to a Grand Larceny case from 2009.
On October 5, 2010 Giga left the facility without permission. He returned at approximately 2:30 AM, went to the security guard’s office where Leland Wood was working and, we believe, demanded the keys to Mr. Woods’ truck. When the victim refused Giga stabbed him numerous times with a kitchen knife that the defendant had stolen from the facility.
Ms. Reynolds was a nurse on the late shift working at Renaissance. She arrived at work and witnessed Giga getting out of Mr. Woods’ truck who then approached her. She noticed blood on his hands. She then went into the center and observed Mr. Wood in the security office obviously the victim of a violent attack. She then left the facility to go to the Ellenville Police Department to seek help. Giga entered Ms. Reynolds’ car and, approximately 1 ½ miles from the facility stabbed her, causing the car to overturn. Moments later a good Samaritan came upon the car wreck and Giga fled into the woods.
A manhunt ensued which was spearheaded by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff VanBlarcum set up a command center at the Ellenville Police Department. The Sheriff’s Department was aided by the New York State Police, the Ellenville Police Department, as well as other area agencies. Giga was apprehended approximately 6:00 PM on the 6th without further incident.
Giga’s plea was taken before Ulster County Court Judge Donald A. Williams who scheduled sentencing for November 21, 2011.
At the time of the plea Giga was advised by Judge Williams that he could receive up to 25 to life in State Prison on the Murder conviction and that, in all likelihood, that would be his sentence. District Attorney Holley Carnright stated “we can never know exactly what goes thru the mind of a person who commits murder. The evidence suggests that Giga was angry and despondent as a result of his girlfriend having broken off their relationship the previous Friday. It appears that the murder occurred as a result of Giga trying to get a vehicle to drive to his girlfriend’s house in Saugerties.”
The case drew regional attention when it was learned that a murderer, possibly armed, was at large. The entire community was warned and was on edge. In fact, the Ellenville Schools were closed as a result. “The police agencies involved in this matter should be commended for their efficiency and professionalism in the way that they protected the community and apprehended the defendant,” stated District Attorney Carnright.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
TO: MEDIA
FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: JULY 26, 2011
RE: PRESS RELEASE – PEOPLE V JARRIN RANKIN
Today, July 26, 2011, defendant, Jarrin “Phat Boy” Rankin was sentenced to an indeterminate sentence of 12 1/2 – 25 years in state prison.
On June 14, 2011 an Ulster County Jury returned a verdict of guilty against Jarrin “Phat Boy” Rankin for the crime of Conspiracy to commit murder. The sentence, handed down by Ulster County’s County Court Judge, Donald A. Williams, was the maximum permitted by law.
Rankin was one of seven co-defendants indicted for the execution of prosecution witness CJ King. Two co-defendants, Gary Griffin a/k/a “G Money” and Trevor Mattis a/k/a “Little T” had previously been convicted of Murder in the First Degree and Conspiracy to Commit Murder and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.
Rankin was the central figure in this gang/conspiracy indictment. Rankin was first indicted for Criminal Possession of a Weapon regarding the shooting of Curtis Williams on November 21, 2009. CJ King was present at that shooting and was subpoenaed to testify before the Grand Jury. It was as a result of his having testified against Rankin that Rankin and his fellow gang members conspired to kill him. Rankin, Griffin and Mattis are members of the Bloods gang.
“Conspiracy cases are, by their nature, very difficult to investigate and prove. However, there were a number of factors in addition to the motive that led to the clear and convincing conclusion that Rankin was guilty of this conspiracy” stated District Attorney Holley Carnright.
In commenting on this case, Carnright stated “this jury’s verdict, and Judge Williams’ sentence leave the citizens of Ulster County a little safer tonight.”
FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: JULY 26, 2011
RE: PRESS RELEASE – PEOPLE V JARRIN RANKIN
Today, July 26, 2011, defendant, Jarrin “Phat Boy” Rankin was sentenced to an indeterminate sentence of 12 1/2 – 25 years in state prison.
On June 14, 2011 an Ulster County Jury returned a verdict of guilty against Jarrin “Phat Boy” Rankin for the crime of Conspiracy to commit murder. The sentence, handed down by Ulster County’s County Court Judge, Donald A. Williams, was the maximum permitted by law.
Rankin was one of seven co-defendants indicted for the execution of prosecution witness CJ King. Two co-defendants, Gary Griffin a/k/a “G Money” and Trevor Mattis a/k/a “Little T” had previously been convicted of Murder in the First Degree and Conspiracy to Commit Murder and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.
Rankin was the central figure in this gang/conspiracy indictment. Rankin was first indicted for Criminal Possession of a Weapon regarding the shooting of Curtis Williams on November 21, 2009. CJ King was present at that shooting and was subpoenaed to testify before the Grand Jury. It was as a result of his having testified against Rankin that Rankin and his fellow gang members conspired to kill him. Rankin, Griffin and Mattis are members of the Bloods gang.
“Conspiracy cases are, by their nature, very difficult to investigate and prove. However, there were a number of factors in addition to the motive that led to the clear and convincing conclusion that Rankin was guilty of this conspiracy” stated District Attorney Holley Carnright.
In commenting on this case, Carnright stated “this jury’s verdict, and Judge Williams’ sentence leave the citizens of Ulster County a little safer tonight.”
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Press Release - People v Jarrin Rankin
TO: MEDIA
FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: JUNE 15, 2011
RE: PRESS RELEASE – PEOPLE V JARRIN RANKIN
On June 14, 2011 an Ulster County Jury returned a verdict of guilty against Jarrin “Phat Boy” Rankin for the crime of Conspiracy to commit murder. The jury had deliberated approximately four hours before returning their verdict.
Rankin was one of seven co-defendants indicted for the execution of prosecution witness CJ King. Two co-defendants, Gary Griffin a/k/a “G Money” and Trevor Mattis a/k/a “Little T” had previously been convicted of Murder in the First Degree and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.
Rankin was the central figure in this gang/conspiracy indictment. Rankin was first indicted for Criminal Possession of a Weapon regarding the shooting of Curtis Williams on November 21, 2009. CJ King was present at that shooting and was subpoenaed to testify before the Grand Jury. It was as a result of his having testified against Rankin that Rankin and his fellow gang members conspired to kill him.
“Conspiracy cases are, by their nature, very difficult to investigate and prove. However, there were a number of factors in addition to the motive that led to the clear and convincing conclusion that Rankin was guilty of this conspiracy. One of the keys in presenting this case was to educate the jury regarding the gang itself.”
“Rankin was a member of the Bloods gang. A number of people deserve credit for the work they have done on this file, but certainly Detective Robert Henry warrants special recognition for his career’s work in gang intelligence gathering and the work he did on this particular case.”
The Conspiracy charge is a Class B felony which carries a sentence of up to twenty five years in State Prison. Rankin is scheduled to appear before the Honorable Donald A. Williams on July 11, 2011 for sentencing. Two other co-conspirators named in the indictment, Jermaine Nicholas a/k/a “Maino” and Rondy Russ a/k/a “Ski” will be tried later this Summer.
FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: JUNE 15, 2011
RE: PRESS RELEASE – PEOPLE V JARRIN RANKIN
On June 14, 2011 an Ulster County Jury returned a verdict of guilty against Jarrin “Phat Boy” Rankin for the crime of Conspiracy to commit murder. The jury had deliberated approximately four hours before returning their verdict.
Rankin was one of seven co-defendants indicted for the execution of prosecution witness CJ King. Two co-defendants, Gary Griffin a/k/a “G Money” and Trevor Mattis a/k/a “Little T” had previously been convicted of Murder in the First Degree and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.
Rankin was the central figure in this gang/conspiracy indictment. Rankin was first indicted for Criminal Possession of a Weapon regarding the shooting of Curtis Williams on November 21, 2009. CJ King was present at that shooting and was subpoenaed to testify before the Grand Jury. It was as a result of his having testified against Rankin that Rankin and his fellow gang members conspired to kill him.
“Conspiracy cases are, by their nature, very difficult to investigate and prove. However, there were a number of factors in addition to the motive that led to the clear and convincing conclusion that Rankin was guilty of this conspiracy. One of the keys in presenting this case was to educate the jury regarding the gang itself.”
“Rankin was a member of the Bloods gang. A number of people deserve credit for the work they have done on this file, but certainly Detective Robert Henry warrants special recognition for his career’s work in gang intelligence gathering and the work he did on this particular case.”
The Conspiracy charge is a Class B felony which carries a sentence of up to twenty five years in State Prison. Rankin is scheduled to appear before the Honorable Donald A. Williams on July 11, 2011 for sentencing. Two other co-conspirators named in the indictment, Jermaine Nicholas a/k/a “Maino” and Rondy Russ a/k/a “Ski” will be tried later this Summer.
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