It’s like deja-vu all over again, allegedly. Rockland D-A Tom Walsh says 49 year-old Ira Bernstein of Montebello, was indicted late last week, along with his sister, 40 year-old Jaclyn Goldberg of Bedford, for allegedly soliciting to have his wife, killed, and destroying the evidence showing they worked together last summer to do that. You may recall the former podiatrist has already done time for the same crime. Six years ago, Bernstein and his former girlfriend pleaded guilty to putting up $100,000 to a car salesman to kill his wife, but he was released reportedly in July 2021. Bernstein was indicted by a county grand jury for criminal solicitation and conspiracy, while his sister was indicted on tampering with physical evidence and conspiracy. Both pleaded not guilty. He was reportedly jailed briefly then released late last week. Bernstein faces a maximum sentence of three and half to seven years in prison on the top count.
Judge’s Ruling Expected Today in NYC Migrant Case
A federal judge is expected to rule today on Rockland’s strategy to keep migrants from New York City out of an Orangeburg hotel, effectively turning it into a homeless shelter. A lawsuit filed by the New York Civil Liberties Union claims executive orders issued by Rockland and Orange counties interfere with immigration matters covered by federal law. They also claim the migrants were targeted because of their race. Rockland County Executive Ed Day says it’s not that complicated, it’s a code violation…
Meanwhile, the Orangeburg Hotel at the center of Rockland’s case has reportedly re-opened for regular business. The license giving Armoni Inn & Suites permission to operate as hotel had expired. And the city continues to look for solutions to their migrant crisis. WABC-TV reported an unused hangar at JFK Airport is being prepped for asylum seekers. The move is waiting on FAA approval. The city has already begun bringing in cots and bathroom and shower trailers to the site, which is expected to hold up to 1,000 people. And the New York Post reported over the weekend that the former Lincoln Correctional Facility in Harlem, which was just opened up for migrants, suffered a plumbing malfunction, forcing hundreds of migrants to be temporarily evacuated. The Post said the plumbing “exploded” sometime Saturday afternoon.
Snake Hill Road Bridge Replacement in West Nyack Slated for Wednesday
After several delays, a frequently-traveled section of road in Clarkstown will be closed starting Wednesday for the entire summer. Snake Hill Road in West Nyack between Old Mill Road and Crusher Road will have to be shut down so a new bridge can be built over the railroad tracks. Clarkstown supervisor George Hoehmann says an issue with CSX is causing the delay…
The replacement project is expected to last until around mid-September.
Rockland to Mark “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day” Next Week with Educational Panel Discussion
The Rockland County Office for the Aging is holding a special event with a panel of experts next week to bring attention to the horrible abuse members of our senior and elderly populations sometimes suffer. Martha Robles is the director of the Office for the Aging and says it is critical for Rocklanders to take elder abuse seriously…
The event’s being held on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, next Thursday June 15th, from 2 to 3:30pm at the Church of Saint Joseph and Saint Boniface in Spring Valley. To register contact the Office for the Aging at 845-364-2110.
Federal Judge Likens Rockland’s Plan to Keep NYC Migrants out of Local Hotels Akin to “Jim Crow Laws”
A federal judge called Rockland’s actions to keep the city’s asylum seekers out of the county akin to Jim Crow laws. The Journal News says a hearing was held yesterday on a lawsuit filed by the New York Civil Liberties Union claiming that executive orders issued by Rockland and Orange counties interfere with immigration matters covered by federal law. They also claim the migrants were targeted because of their race. A decision is expected on Monday.