Staten Island man charged in fatal stabbing incident

STATEN ISLAND, New York – Carlos Rivera, a 37-year-old Staten Island resident, was arrested and charged in connection with a stabbing that resulted in the death of 41-year-old Joel Badillo. The incident occurred on Monday, June 17, 2024, near 231 Broad Street, within the jurisdiction of the 120th Precinct.

Authorities responded to a 911 call around 3:47 p.m. reporting a man with a stab wound. When police arrived, they found Badillo with a chest injury and Rivera with a leg injury. Badillo was transported to Staten Island University Hospital/North Campus, where he was later pronounced dead. Rivera was taken to Richmond University Medical Center in stable condition.

Rivera faces several charges, including second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter and first-degree assault. Other charges against him include third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, tampering with physical evidence and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

MINEOLA, NY – Nassau County Prosecutor Anne T. Donnelly announced today that Sotirios Spanos, a 33-year-old Syosset man, was sentenced to seven to 21 years in prison following a fatal high-speed crash in August 2023. Spanos pleaded guilty. to charges including aggravated vehicular homicide and second-degree manslaughter.

On the night of August 12, 2023, Ismenia and Odalis Urena, both 37 years old, were fatally struck by Spanos who was driving under the influence. The crash occurred on Northern Boulevard in Laurel Hollow, where Spanos, driving east at speeds reaching 100 miles per hour in a 2023 Acura MDX, veered into the oncoming lane and collided frontal with the Urenas convertible heading west.

Spanos, whose blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit hours after the incident, was arrested the same day. The crash, which DA Donnelly described as part of an “extraordinarily deadly” period on Nassau County roads, resulted in the immediate death of Ismenia Urena at the scene, while Odalis Urena succumbed to his injuries. injuries shortly afterward at Huntington Hospital.

BELLEVILLE, New Jersey – As a severe heat wave looms across the region, the Belleville Police Department has issued urgent safety tips to help residents cope with the dangerously high temperatures and humidity ahead. The intense heat is expected to last Tuesday through Thursday, with temperatures likely to reach the mid-90s.

Thermal safety recommendations:

• Stay calm: Use air conditioning or spend time in a swimming pool to stay cool.
• Stay hydrated: It is essential to drink plenty of fluids during the heat.
• Seek the shadow: If you must be outside, wear a hat or use an umbrella for protection.
• Wear appropriate clothing: Opt for light and airy clothes suitable for summer.
• Vehicle safety: Never leave children or pets in cars, as temperatures can quickly reach dangerous levels.
• Caring for an animal: Make sure pets are not left outside and have access to cool, shaded areas.
• Community care: Check on your neighbors, friends and family, especially those who may be vulnerable to the heat.

Emergency Preparedness: Heatstroke is a serious medical emergency. Belleville Police remind everyone to be alert for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and to act quickly if symptoms appear. Immediate action and medical attention can save lives.

In the event of an emergency, residents should call 911 and for non-emergency questions, contact the Belleville Police Department at 973-450-3334. The ministry emphasizes the importance of community support and safety during this extreme weather event.

MINEOLA, NY – Nassau County Prosecutor Anne T. Donnelly announced today that a former Glen Cove investment broker has been sentenced to up to seven and a half years in prison for a major bribery scheme. investment fraud. Peter Quartararo, 57, was accused of luring investors with false promises of lucrative shares before the IPO.

Quartararo pleaded guilty to multiple counts of grand theft and fraudulent scheme before Judge John Zoll on February 9. He was sentenced today to a prison term of two and a half to seven and a half years, although prosecutors had requested a longer sentence of four to 12 years.

The fraudulent operation, which ran from July 2018 to January 2021, involved Quartararo convincing investors to buy what he claimed were pre-IPO shares of well-known companies like Peloton, WeWork, Airbnb and Petco at around $2.00 per share. He promised substantial profits once the companies go public.

Investors handed over amounts ranging from $14,000 to $202,000, believing their money would secure these shares. However, the funds were diverted to accounts controlled by Quartararo's father Leonard, his business partner Paul Casella and another person not charged in the case. These funds were used for personal expenses, including luxury cars and travel.

The Securities and Exchange Commission confirmed that Quartararo never purchased the shares promised in the IPO. Previously banned by the Financial Sector Regulatory Authority in 2013, Quartararo's recent activities have led to his current incarceration.

The co-defendants in this case, Paul Casella and Leonard Quartararo, both pleaded guilty to criminal facilitation and were sentenced to parole.

YONKERS, NY – The Yonkers Police Department expressed its gratitude to the Starbucks located in the Cross County Mall for hosting an impromptu coffee-with-a-cop session last week. This event was an opportunity for the Community Affairs Unit and 2nd District officers to engage directly with community members in a relaxed and informal setting.

During the event, local shoppers and coffee lovers had the chance to interact with local law enforcement, discuss community issues, or just have a friendly chat over coffee. Specialist detective Sainten notably donned an apron and joined in distributing treats to participants, adding a personal touch to the gathering.

The Yonkers Police Department looks forward to hosting additional Coffee with a Cop events and encourages residents to stay tuned for the next session scheduled for later this month. These events are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen community ties and improve communication between police and the public they serve.

JERSEY CITY, New Jersey – The Hudson County Prosecutor's Office announced the arrest of Marc Toledo, a 30-year-old Jersey City resident, following a serious sexual assault investigation. Toledo faces multiple charges, including first-degree aggravated sexual assault and kidnapping.

On Monday, the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office Special Victims Unit apprehended Toledo in connection with an assault that occurred in early June. The arrest took place at the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office and Toledo is currently being held at the Hudson County Correctional Center.

The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday June 2 around 7 a.m. in the Journal Square area. A 22-year-old victim was allegedly approached by Toledo, who then drove her a short distance before sexually assaulting her in his vehicle. The victim described the vehicle as a white car.

Prosecutor Esther Suarez praised the efforts of the Special Victims Unit, the United States Marshals Service and the Jersey City Police Department in making the arrest. The investigation continues and authorities encourage anyone with information related to this case or similar incidents to contact the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office Special Victims Unit. All information provided will remain confidential.