New York Man to Be Charged in Eddy G's Murder

Miguel Angel Rodriguez
Photo contributed by
the Easton Police Department

The Easton Police Department has announced that they and the Northampton County District Attorney's office have obtained an arrest warrant for Miguel Angel Rodriguez, 19, who will be charged with criminal homicide for his alleged role in the shooting death of Damien Robinson, which occurred at the former Eddie G's Bar last year, on February 9, 2013.

Rodriguez, allegedly a member of the Very Crispy Gangsters or the VCGs in Brooklyn, was also charged last year, in November 2013, with attempted homicide in connection with the shooting of Eric Edwards, which occurred on December 19, 2011, in the 1300 block of Washington Street.

Rodriguez is currently in the custody of the New York City Department of Corrections and being held on unspecified separate charges that occurred in that city, the EPD added in a media release.

He was arrested by Easton police on February 21, 2013 on charges of drunken driving and drug offenses after a standoff in a home on Glendon Avenue in Easton's South Side neighborhood, and later extradited to New York on charges of attempted homicide related to a gang dispute.

The latest charges homicide in the Eddie G's case are the result of grand jury findings, authorities indicated.

Robinson was shot multiple times in the chest and later died in an area hospital.

One Arrested After Raid Yields Methamphetamine

A man was arrested early this morning after a police raid of his West Ward residence turned up methamphetamine, the Easton Police Department reports.

Jacob Boyd, 34, of 1406 Butler St. is charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia, police said. Approximately $600 of methamphetamine, scales and packaging material were discovered during a warranted search of his home at about 6:05 a.m., they added.

The search was the result of an ongoing investigation by EPD Vice Unit officers that focused on methamphetamine sales in the West Ward area, police said.

Boyd is expected to be arraigned later today in front of District Magistrate Richard Yetter.

Suspect in December West Ward Shooting Arrested

Jared Alvin, 18, who was named as a suspect
in the shooting of a 27-year-old man that occurred in Easton's
West Ward on December 21 has been arrested
and faces multiple charges, Easton police report.
Contributed photo

Jared Alvin, 18, who was named as a suspect in the shooting of a 27-year-old man that occurred in Easton's West Ward on December 21 has been arrested and faces multiple charges, Easton police said Friday night.

Authorities, who had been investigating and seeking Alvin's whereabouts since the shooting, found him in the area of Spruce and Raspberry streets, located between Ferry and Lehigh streets and between South 14th and 15th streets, in the city's West Ward at about 4 p.m. on Friday, January 31. He was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force and Northampton County Sheriff’s Department and is expected to arraigned at at Northampton County Central Booking sometime tonight, according to a Easton Police Department media release.

Alvin, who police have formerly alleged is a suspected gang member, faces charges of aggravated assault, robbery, criminal conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, criminal conspiracy to commit robbery, and recklessly endangering another person in connection with the shooting on Dec. 21.

Easton police said the department will also be filing charges against Alvin for narcotics violations, including possession with intent to deliver heroin and possession with intent to deliver cocaine.

Easton police said they are not currently releasing any additional information regarding the shooting or the additional narcotics charges, as investigations into both alleged offenses are ongoing.

The Easton Police Criminal Investigations Division had been working in conjunction with multiple agencies in a cooperative effort to locate Alvin, the EPD said.

Easton Police Name Suspect in September Stabbing

Easton police announced today that Sean West, 23, will be charged with attempted homicide and aggravated assault in connection with a stabbing that occurred in the city's West Ward neighborhood in September.

In the early hours of September 19, an unidentified 39-year-old man was found  stabbed multiple times near South 12th and Ferry streets. Police discovered the man's injuries when called to the location for a welfare check just after 6 a.m. The victim was transported to a local hospital.

Police report West is currently in Northampton County Prison on unrelated charges. He is expected to be arraigned in the court of District Magistrate Richard Yetter later today.

Man Sought in South Side Robberies Turns Himself In to Police

Kajuan Knox, 23, a suspect in multiple robberies
that occurred in Easton's South Side neighborhood
earlier this month, turned himself in to
authorities this afternoon, police report.
Contributed photo

Kajuan Knox, 21, of Palmer Township, surrendered to a Northampton County Sheriff early this afternoon and is currently in the custody of the Easton Police Department. Knox had been sought by the EPD for approximate two weeks in connection with robberies that occurred in the South Side section of Easton, one of which occurred at a home that was also searched by police earlier this week.

A police search seeking Knox early in the morning of October 17 at 3104 Vermont Ave. in Palmer Township failed to find him, but police discovered a quantity of illegal drugs and weapons at the residence instead.

Alden Grange, 23,, who had also been sought as suspect in the South Side robbery incidents, turned himself in to the Easton Police Department later that day.

Knox, who was taken into custody without incident today, had been considered armed and dangerous by authorities.

He is scheduled to be arraigned today in front of District Magistrate Daniel Corpora. Easton Police Inspector Daniel Reagan said Knox faces charges of conspiracy, robbery, and reckless endangerment.

Palmer Man Murdered Woman in West Ward Last Month, Police Say

Khamir De’Lapara, 20, of the will be charged
with criminal homicide in the shooting death
of Amanda Stratford, who was found shot to
death in a green pickup truck parked in the
Peach Street alley near Ferry and South
13th streets in Easton's West Ward
on September 22.
Contributed photo

A man arrested and charged with drug offenses after a raid at a South Side Easton residence early this morning is the person that murdered Amanda Stratford, who was found shot to death in a pickup truck on Peach Street late at night on September 22, police say.

Khamir De’Lapara, 20, of the will be charged with criminal homicide in the case, Easton Police Lieutenant Matt Gerrould said in a media release Friday afternoon. He said the charges came after EPD Crime Unit detectives continued the investigation after a warranted search early this morning at 315 Palmer St. and have determined that De’Lapara shot Stratford resulting in her death.

De’Lapara, of the 2700 block of Victoria Lane in Palmer Township, is expected to be arraigned on charges later today, police said earlier.

Man Charged with Palmer Robbery Nabbed in Bethlehem

Palmer police report a man suspected of robbing the Comfort Inn at the 25th Street Shopping Center on Friday evening was apprehended in Bethlehem early on Saturday.

At approximately 7:15 p.m. Friday evening, police were dispatched to the hotel after a man wearing a hooded sweatshirt reportedly entered the lobby, walked up to the front desk and demanded money from the clerks while holding his arm underneath the front of his shirt, indicating he had some type of weapon, authorities say. The man was then given an undisclosed amount of cash from the register, they added.

Eric Share, 26, was taken into custody by Bethlehem Police at approximately 2:50 a.m. Saturday morning at his apartment on the 400 block of Keystone Avenue in the city and is being charged with robbery, theft by unlawful taking, recklessly endangering another person, and making terroristic threats. Palmer police said Share was identified from having rented rooms at the Comfort Inn in the past.

Share has reportedly been arraigned on the charges and was committed to Northampton County Prison in lieu of $25,000 bail.

Runaway Teen Suspected of Armed Robbery Taken Into Custody

Al-fuquan Craft
Contributed photo

Al-fuquan Craft, who was being sought by police in connection with an armed robbery that took place in Easton's South Side neighborhood last week, was taken into custody this afternoon in Palmer Township by Easton police detectives, authorities have announced.

The 16-year-old was also classified as a runaway and had been reported to have been traveling in a stolen dark blue 1994 Saturn SL. The vehicle was reportedly found this afternoon in Easton.

Palmer Township Police Department assisted with the arrest, Easton Police Detective Daniel Reagan said.

Craft will be charged in connection with an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, Sept. 27 in the city's Southside neighborhood involving a knife, Easton Police Lt. Matt Gerould said on Tuesday night.

Updated at 9:31 p.m. to add information about charges pending against Craft.

Suspect Arrested in West Ward Shooting

Richard Garcia, 20, was arrested early this morning by the Easton Police Department and charged with criminal attempt to commit homicide, aggravated assault, and carrying a firearm without a license, in relation to a shooting that took place at South Seventh and Ferry streets in the early hours of July 25, police announced this morning.

He is also charged with making false identification to law enforcement officers, authorities added.

Garcia was arraigned and committed to Northampton County Prison on the charges after he failed to post bail, set at $250,000, authorities said.

The Easton Police Department has arrested Richard Garcia (3-93) relating to the non-fatal shooting that took place at 7th and Ferry St. on 7-25-13 at approx. 0428hrs. Garcia is being charged with Criminal Attempt to Commit Homicide, Aggravated Assault and Firearms not to be carried without a License relating to the shooting. He is also facing charges of False Identification to Law Enforcement Officers relating to an investigation that took place on 8/7/13 in the early morning hours. He has been arraigned and committed to NCP on the charges. ($250,000 and $25,000).

Cemetery Robbery Suspect Arrested

A suspect has been arrested in connection with the strong-arm robbery that took place in Easton Cemetery early Friday afternoon.

Anthony Joseph Giamoni of 141 South 12th St. was taken into custody around 10 p.m. Friday night and charged with robbery, theft, and simple assault, the Easton Police Department reported.

He was then arraigned at Northampton County central booking and lodged in Northampton County Prison in lieu of $35,000 bail, authorities said.

"The officers did a remarkable job!" said EPD Inspector Daniel Reagan. "Officers were on-scene quickly and immediately began gathering information and evidence.  Additionally, there was cooperation from the victim and a witness.  That was very helpful in resolving this matter quickly, and that aided us greatly with being able to get this person off the street."

He added, "It shows that when victims and witnesses fully cooperate with police we can be much more effective."

Suspects in Wilson Gas Station Armed Robbery Case Named



Dionte Powell



Tahir Sutton

Two juveniles from Phillipsburg, NJ, were the culprits in an armed robbery of the Wilson Borough Exxon Square One on Northampton Street earlier this year in which a female clerk was pistol whipped, authorities announced late this afternoon.

Wilson Police say Tahir Sutton, 17, of the 600 block of South Main Street in Phillipsburg, NJ, and Dionte Powell, 17, from the 200 block of Sitgreaves Street, also in  Phillipsburg, NJ, robbed the gas station convenience store at gunpoint at 3:30 a.m. on March 11, threatening to kill and tying up the two clerks working at the time.

Both will be charged as adults, police said.

Powell and Sutton are currently incarcerated in the Morris County New Jersey Juvenile Detention Center on unrelated charges and will be extradited to Pennsylvania as soon as possible, they added.

Police say Sutton and Powell entered the Square One Exxon that night wearing masks and gloves. Sutton allegedly jumped the counter and pointed a black handgun at the cashier and forced her open the cash register before tying her up.

Powell chased down the other store employee and struck her over the head with a black handgun, then tied her up, put a gun to the back of her head and threatened her life, police said.

They added Powell then put the gun to the back of the cashier's head and threatened her life as well.

Police charge that Powell and Sutton stole money and cigarettes valued in excess of $398.

One of the employees suffered minor injuries from the assault and was later treated at
an area hospital, authorities said.

The Wilson Police Department said Sutton and Powell are each being charged with robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, possessing instruments of a crime, making terroristic threats, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, theft, and receiving stolen property.

The Wilson Police were assisted by the Phillipsburg NJ Police Department, the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Pohatcong NJ Police Department.

Local police were able to identify Powell and Sutton by comparing clothing worn during the robbery to clothing and other evidence found during a search of Powell’s residence, the Wilson Police Detective Chris Meehan said.

Easton House Painter Allegedly Stole Picasso, Other Valuable Art



A Picasso etching, Three Graces II, was
involved in the case

 An Easton man was part of a stolen art scheme and money laundering scheme that involved the theft of a Picasso etching and other works from a Kings Point, NY estate, authorities in New York announced today.

The home of Joselito Vega, 42, at 139 Scott St., was searched by New York authorities with the help of Easton police last week, on April 29, but at that time, law enforcement officials were mum on the reasons, citing that the search warrant was sealed.

In a press release today, Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes and Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen M. Rice announced  Vega has been indicted for money laundering and theft of the art works, which authorities say he stole from an estate where he was hired as a house painter.

The Brooklyn DA's offices says Vega sold at least one of the art works, and then enlisted his ex-sister-in-law to cash the check from the sale afterwards in Brooklyn.

Vega was indicted in the Brooklyn case on charges of money laundering, identity theft and third-degree grand larceny. He faces up to 11 years on the Brooklyn case if convicted.

In Nassau County, Vega faces charges of second-degree and third-degree grand larceny. He could face up to five to fifteen years on those charges if convicted.

If Vega is found guilty in both instances, the sentences could be imposed to run consecutively, New York law enforcement officials said.

"The defendant tried to launder the proceeds from the stolen art in Brooklyn. Investigators were able to track down one of the works in an Oakland art gallery. It obviously raises a red flag when you are selling a $50,000 painting for less than $10,000," said Hynes. "I want to commend our investigators for their work, and thank the Nassau County DA’s Office, San Francisco DA’s Office, Easton, PA Police Department and the Oakland, CA Police Department for their efforts in this investigation."

The Brooklyn District Attorney's Office gave the following account of the investigation in a media release:

"In March 2011, Vega, was working for Zimmer Painting Inc. and was assigned to a job at the Schulhof Estate in Kings Point, NY.  The Schulhof Collection is a well-known private art collection of post-war and contemporary European and American art, which includes over 300 works of art. 

"Approximately one year later, when the Schulhof Estate performed an inventory, they realized that three works were missing, including Le Fauteuil II (the Armchair II) by French artist, Jean DuBuffet, estimated to be worth approximately $50,000.  The other paintings  missing were Tuftonboro by Frank Stella and Flower by Norman Lewis.

"In May 2012, the Kings County District Attorney’s Office opened an investigation into the stolen works of art.  The investigation, dubbed Operation To Catch a Thief, found that the Dubuffet painting was given to the Clars Auction Gallery in Oakland, California to sell.  It was sold at auction on September 11, 2011 for $8,500 ($7,147.50 after commission fees) to a buyer in Monaco. 

In selling the painting, Vega used the identity of his ex-sister-in-law without her knowledge.  Throughout the interactions between the defendant and the art gallery, he used her name, and had the check for the sale of the work addressed to her and sent to a private mailbox in Bay Ridge.  Further investigation revealed that the private mailbox belonged to Vega under the name Danny Vega.  

"Vega asked his ex-sister-in-law to set up a bank account in her name so that she could cash the check for him, using the excuse that he receives social security benefits, and did not want to lose the benefits if the state found out that he received that sum of money...  
 
"Detectives from the Kings County District Attorney’s Office set up a sting operation to catch him in the act. 

"On April 29, Vega was hired to do another job at the estate in Kings Point, NY.  Works of art were placed in the home, and hidden cameras were set up.  Vega was caught on video taking three works, including a $10,000 Pablo Picasso etching, "Three Graces II".  He also allegedly stole a Jean Dubuffet work called "Chien" and a Yaacov Agam work called "Presence de Rythmes". 

"Vega was arrested by Detective Investigators from the Kings County District Attorney’s Office.  In total, the six paintings that Vega is alleged to have stolen are worth over $100,000."

Two Arrested After Simultaneous Drug Raids

Two men were arrested early this morning when The Easton Police Vice Narcotics Unit, Special Response Unit and the Pennsylvania State Police Special Emergency Response Team executed two narcotics search warrants simultaneously at 217 Orchard St. and 667 Northampton St., Apt. 3.

Thomas Pollard was taken into custody at the address near the edge of the West Ward and charged with delivery of heroin on an existing arrest warrant, police said in a media release.

Authorities added that heroin was additionally found the address, and Pollard is expected to face the additional charge of possession of heroin as a result.

Troy Myers, taken into custody by the EPD Special Response Unit at 217 Orchard St. in the city's Southside, is to be charged with possession with intent to deliver cocaine, after police found crack cocaine at the residence, the media release said.

The arrests and charges are the result of an EPD Vice Unit investigation that targeted street level drug dealers in Easton, police added.

Palmer Heroin Raid Leads to Arrests

Palmer police report they, along with members of the Easton Police Department and the Northampton County Drug Task Force, executed a search warrant at a home located at 98  Jonathan Drive in the township at about 6 a.m. this morning, simultaneously with a related search in the City of Easton.

The raid was the result of an ongoing investigation into an alleged heroin distribution ring that authorities believed was operating at the house, and a search of the residence recovered undisclosed amounts of heroin and cash, as well as "numerous items of drug paraphernalia", according to a media release issued by Palmer police.

All three residents of the home were taken into custody at the scene and detained, authorities report, but their names were not released, with police citing a still-ongoing investigation.

Possible charges that may be filed against them are yet to be determined, said Palmer Detective James Alercia.

The Easton Police Emergency Response Team, Forks Township Police Department, and Suburban Emergency Medical Services Regional Tactical Team also assisted at the scene, police said.

Updated at 3:43 p.m.

Four Suspected Gang Members Arrested in Raid - Heroin, Cash, Gun Seized

Four people were arrested in a raid in Easton's West Ward early Friday morning that police say netted approximately $1,700 worth of heroin, $6,382 in cash, .38 caliber handgun with the serial number obliterated, and Bloods gang paraphernalia.

At approximately 6 a.m., the Easton Police Vice/Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant at 213 North 8th St., where they found Anthony Thomas, 24, Andry Deloach, 22, Nicholas Alleyne, 22, and Danny Manning, 25, inside attempting to hide from police, according to a media release.

The raid was the result of an ongoing investigation into an alleged heroin distribution ring in the West Ward area of the city, police said, adding that all four suspects are originally from the Plainfield, NJ area and are suspected Bloods gang members.

Police report all four were arrested and are expected to be arraigned later today on the following charges:

• possession with intent to distribute heroin
• manufacturing of heroin
• criminal conspiracy
• possession of drug parahernalia.

Thomas will additionally be charged with being a former felon not to permitted to possess a handgun and possession of a handgun with an obliterated manufacturer’s serial number, Easton police said, adding that the department also had a prior arrest warrant for delivery of heroin for Thomas and that he is a "confirmed" Bloods gang member.

The residence on North 8th Street is listed as being owned by Magaly Ugarte, of the same address, according to online county property records.

All four suspects were arraigned early Friday afternoon in front of Senior District Magistrate James Stocklas and committed to Northampton County prison after failing to post bail, set at a straight $35,000 for three of the defendents, and at a straight $85,000 for Thomas due to the weapons charges.

In conjunction with this morning's raid, the EPD Special Response Unit also assisted the Northampton County Drug Task Force in executing a narcotics search warrant at 98 Jonathan Drive in Palmer Township, which was served simultaneously, the media release said.
Updated at 2:32 p.m. to add arraignment and bail amount details, and again at 3:45 p.m. to add a link to the details of the second raid in Palmer.

Palmer Man Charged with Soliciting 10-Year-Old Girl for Sex

Pierre Gonzalez, 50, was arrested and charged with various offenses Friday morning after he allegedly solicited a 10-year-old girl to have sex with him while communicating with her on the Internet, Palmer Police report.

A criminal complaint filed by Sergeant Timothy Ruoff alleges Gonzalez exposed himself in the girl’s presence and that Gonzalez used his Facebook account to solicit and receive nude photos of the victim. The complaint also alleges Gonzalez describe explicit sex acts to the victim and encouraged the victim to have sex with him.

Police said the victim is a local resident who Gonazalez already knew before contacting her via Facebook. Police became involved in the matter when a family member contacted authorities after becoming aware of the photos, they added.

A search warrant was executed at the Gonzalez residence in which investigatory evidence was seized, and Gonzalez was taken into custody at approximately 10 a.m., police said.

Gonzalez has been charged with criminal solicitation (rape of a child), criminal solicitation (deviate sexual intercourse), sexual abuse of children, corruption of minors, criminal use of a communication facility, indecent exposure, and unlawful contact with a minor.

He was arraigned before District Judge Jackie Taschner Friday afternoon and committed to Northampton County Prison on $100,000 secured bail.

Updated on Tuesday, March 12 at 2:09 a.m.

Two to Be Charged After Drugs Raid

Two Easton residents will be charged with various illegal drug offenses after the Easton Police Department Vice/Narcotics Unit executed a narcotics search warrant at their home at 1051 Northampton St., Apt. 1, around 6:10 a.m. this morning, police report.

Nicholas Maietta was arrested and will be charged with possession with intent to deliver heroin, three counts of possession and possession with intent to deliver  oxycodone related to past sales to the EPD Vice Unit, and with possession of drug paraphernalia. He is expected to be arraigned later today, police said.

Brittany Sember, who was released, will be charged with possession of drug paraphernalia--a digital scale and pipes--via a summons, authorities said.

While searching the home, detectives say they found heroin with an estimated value of $2400, a small amount of marijuana and prescription medicine that was not prescribed to the occupants.

Heroin was in close proximity to a two-year-old child that also lives at the dwelling, they added.

Police noted that a pitbull was also in the home at the time of the raid. No one was injured during the search, they reported.

Northampton County Children and Youth Services have been notified of the situation involving the child, police also reported.

Phillipsburg Man Faces Multiple Charges After Threatening to Set Occupied Home on Fire

William C. Hubbard, 46, of Phillipsburg, NJ, has been charged with a number of crimes after allegedly dousing an occupied mobile home on Canal Street with gasoline Tuesday night and threatening to burn the occupants within.

Easton Police say that at approximately 10:40 p.m., they were called to the 800 block of Canal Street for a burglary in progress, where they found Hubbard standing outside the tan-colored mobile home, reeking of gasoline. Additionally, they found a red plastic gas can next to the residence.

Further investigation revealed that a 27-year-old Easton resident, along with an Phillipsburg woman, 18, and her 2 1/2-year-old daughter were inside the home when Hubbard arrived, banging on the back door and demanding to be let inside, police said.

When the occupants refused him entry, Hubbard then is believed to have poured gasoline on the exterior of the home and asked the occupants, "Do you smell that?" He further threatened them, saying, "You're all going to burn," authorities said.

Hubbard then managed to get into the house and grabbed the male resident by the throat, police said. He left only when police sirens were heard, but authorities caught and detained him at the scene, it is reported.

Charged with burglary, arson, making terroristic threats, recklessly endangering another person, criminal trespass and harassment, Hubbard was committed to Northampton County Prison after failing to post $150,000 bail, set by arraigning Magisterial District Judge Patricia Romig-Passaro.

Police Find, Raid Another Meth Lab

Another local area suspected methamphetamine lab was raided and shut down today, Easton Police report.

Two adults were detained after police executed a search warrant at 1415 Pine St. at about 2:12 p.m. today. The Easton Police Vice/Narcotics Unit and Pennsylvania State Police SERT and Clandestine Laboratory Team were involved in the operation, authorities said.

Arrested was Michael Williams, 52, who lived at the raided address and will face charges of manufacturing methampthetamine and possibly other related offenses, police said.

The other person who was initially detained was released without charge, police said.

Police say methamphetamine cooking materials were located in the residence, and that their presence indicates the illegal drug was being produced there.

The potentially hazardous materials were removed safely from the dwelling by the PSP Clandestine Lab Team and will be held as evidence, police said.

The investigation and associated raid today is related to the one that happened last week, on Jan. 11 at 120 North 15th St., authorities confirmed.

Updated at 4:52 p.m. to include mention of the release of the other person that was initially detained.

Police Seize Heroin at Ferry Street House During Raid

Easton Police seized about $1,000 worth of heroin and arrested a local resident during a search of a house in the 600 block of Ferry Street early this morning, the department has announced.

At about 6 a.m., members of the city's vice and special response units executed a narcotics search warrant at 679 Ferry St., Apt. 1, according to an EPD press release.

Arrested at the scene was Alonzo Watts, 46, who was the target of a several-months long investigation for drug dealing, police say. In addition to the search warrant, authorities also had a warrant for Watts' arrest, they added.

Watts is expected to be arraigned later today on charges of possession with intent to deliver heroin and criminal use of a communication device.

The Ferry Street property is owned by Abreu Anibal, of Easton, according to a search of online Northampton County property records.