The head of the Rockland Illegal Housing Task Force wants the District Attorney and his staff, which prosecuted the ill-fated Evergreen Adult Home case that was tossed last week, to resign. Justin Schwartz is also a member of the Spring Valley Fire Department where one of the Evergreen fire victims worked, and he laments that justice isn’t being served…
Rockland County Judge Kevin Russo Thursday dismissed the charges in connection with the 2021 fatal Spring Valley adult home fire against the former village Building Inspector, Wayne Ballard. In a statement to WRCR News, Rockland County District Attorney Tom Walsh said he believes “sufficient evidence was presented to establish the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Rockland County Judge Kevin Russo disagreed and we will comply with the decision.” On Thursday, Judge Russo dismissed the charges in connection with the 2021 fatal Spring Valley adult home fire against the former village Building Inspector, Wayne Ballard. Two people died in the blaze nearly two years ago, including 35 year-old Spring Valley volunteer firefighter Jared Lloyd, and 79 year-old adult home resident, Oliver Hueston. Former fire chief Ray Canario, a former village building inspector, faces the same charges as Ballard. His trial has yet to start. Rabbis Nathaniel and Aaron Sommer still face manslaughter, negligent homicide, arson, assault, and other charges in causing the blaze when they were preparing the home’s kitchen for Passover. They have pleaded not guilty and are scheduled to go before Judge Russo on February 14th.