News Flash

Troy, NY -- Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly announced today that Aaron Broadhead,47, of Rosendale was found guilty on Thursday, January 29,2026 by a Rensselaer County jury on two counts of Grand Larceny in the 3^rd Degree, both Class D Felonies.   

 After accepting over $11,600 for home improvement work, Broadhead reportedly neither started the work, nor completed the jobs, defrauding two families. 

 Broadhead will be sentenced on March 27, 2026 and faces 2 1/3 to 7 years for each count. 

 “Thanks to the meticulous work of the New York State Police, we were able to bring justice to the victims of this theft,” said District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly. 

 Broadhead was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Claire Hewitt. 

Troy, NY -- Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly announced today that Joshua Fowler, 26, of Cropseyville, in the Town of Grafton, pled guilty today to three counts of Murder in the 2^nd degree. 

Fowler, in exchange for his plea of murdering his wife Whitney Fowler, his father Wilson Fowler and step grandmother Anita Crandall at their Cropseyville home on June 18 will see 45 years to life in state prison.

“Today, Joshua Fowler took accountability for fatally shooting his wife, father and step-grandmother,” said District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly. “I would like to thank the New York State Police for their emergency responsive and investigative efforts in this case that has led to securing justice for the families of the victims.” 

Fowler answered questions in court today of his role in the death of the three, admitting each act was a separate and distinct act, shooting each with a rifle in a separate shot within the same incident.  

Fowler will be sentenced on January 26, 2026. The case is being prosecuted by Chief Assistant District Attorney, Spencer Lane, second chaired by Assistant District Attorney, Nora Baker. 

Troy, NY --    Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly announced today that Jahnye Griffin, 22, of Watervliet was sentenced for his role in an assault that occurred on March 24, 2025. 

Griffin assaulted another man at 750 2^nd Avenue in Lansingburgh and fled the scene immediately following the attack. The investigation determined the victim and suspect connected via social networking. 

“I thank our partners at the Troy Police Department, Rensselaer County Bureau of Public Safety-Communications, Capital Region Crime Analysis Center, Albany Police Department as well as the Watervliet Police Department who assisted throughout the investigation,” said District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly, “I am pleased to report that the victim is recovering from his injuries.”

Griffin pled guilty to Assault in the 1^st Degree, a Class B Felony and will serve 18 years in state prison with 5 years post release supervision. 

Assistant District Attorney Antonia Lane led the prosecution.   

Troy, NY -- Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly announced that Melquan Jordan, 35, of Brooklyn, was sentenced this week after a jury trial found him guilty on August 7^th on the following: 

• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, PL 220.21(1), Class A-I Felony
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, PL 220.16(1), Class B Felony
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, PL 220.16[7], Class B Felony
• Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree, PL 145.05[2], Class E felony
• Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Officer in the Third Degree, PL 270.25, Class A misdemeanor

On November 6, 2023, Melquan Jordan led the New York State Police Troop G Community Stabilization Unit on a high-speed police pursuit from Schaghticoke, NY ending at the Uncle Sam Bike Path in Troy, NY. The pursuit ended when Jordan jumped out of his vehicle carrying over eight ounces of cocaine. As a result of his actions, the vehicle he was operating crashed into a marked State Trooper vehicle causing over $1,500.00 in damages. 

Jordan was sentenced to 19 years in state prison. Assistant District Attorney Claire Hewitt and Chief Assistant District Attorney Spencer Lane prosecuted the case. 

“Drug trafficking will never be tolerated within our County. We will continue to prosecute individuals like Melquan Jordan who placed several lives at risk for the purpose of trafficking narcotics through our community,” said District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly.

Troy, NY -- Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly announced today that Michael Bermudez-Gagnon, 34, was arraigned this morning on an indictment in Rensselaer County Court.  The indictment charges him with count of Murder in the 2^nd degree, a class A-1 felony. 

Bermudez-Gagnon is accused of murdering Brent Reed, 32, of Rensselaer on September 21, in the area of John Street in the City of Rensselaer. Bermudez-Gagnon pled not guilty. 

Troy, NY -- Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly announced today that Jahnye Griffin pled guilty to Assault in the First Degree, a class B violent felony in violation of Penal Law Section 120.10(1). The Defendant attacked the victim in the victim’s own home, causing him to sustain serious physical injury. 

The Defendant will be sentenced to 18 years in state prison and 5 years of post-release supervision on October 7, 2025 in front of the Honorable Debra J. Young. 

Assistant District Attorney Antonia Lane prosecuted the case. 

District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly said, “thank you to the victim for his courage and determination and thank you to the Troy Police Department for their quick response to the residence.  Their thorough investigation resulted in the Defendant being held accountable for these heinous acts.” 

Troy, NY -- Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly announced today that Justin Covell, 32, of Cropseyville, was sentenced in Rensselaer County Court.  Covell pled guilty to the charge of Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child, a Class E Felony.  

Covell was formerly employed as a teacher in the Berlin Central School District.  He received ten years’ probation and has been ordered to register as a sex offender.   Assistant District Attorney Antonia Lane prosecuted the case for the People. 

Troy, NY -- Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly announced that Wayne Atkins, 55, of Troy pled guilty to violating section 353 of the Agriculture and Markets Law. Atkins had been charged in September of 2024 of hitting his two Pitbull’s with a stick, and then picked up one of the dogs by the collar and threw the dog across the yard, he then picked up the dog and dragged it by its collar to the front of the home.  

“Mr. Atkins agreed in Troy City court today to surrender the animals,” said District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly. “Additionally, Mr. Atkins agreed to never owning another animal, and his name will be added to the Rensselaer County Animal Abuse Registry.”

Atkins will serve 60 days in jail, and pay a fine. Assistant District Attorney George Sexton prosecuted the case. 

Troy, NY --    Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly announced today that she has partnered with Hoosick Falls Jr./Sr. High School on a mental health and substance use prevention program for all parents and guardians of student athletes. 

The event will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at the Hoosick Falls Jr/Sr High School Auditorium, 21187 NY-22, Hoosick Falls, NY 12090. Doors open 6:30 PM - Program starts 7:00 PM.

Stephen Hill—a former student-athlete turned prevention advocate, best-selling author, defense attorney, and founder of Speak Sobriety—uses his personal journey and cautionary tale to deliver a powerful message that is deeply moving, filled with practical tips and insights, and genuinely inspiring. He has presented to tens of thousands of people at over 1,000 schools and coalitions across the nation.

“We are pleased to announce that Hoosick Falls Jr/Sr High School, in partnership with my office, is hosting a mandatory program for all parents/guardians of student-athletes in the Hoosick Falls Jr/Sr High School Auditorium.  Mr. Hill is a renowned national speaker on mental health and substance use prevention with a truly inspiring comeback story that everyone must hear,” said District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly. “I brought Stephen in to present to the students in Hoosick this past May to speak to the student body. This is a unique opportunity for parents/guardians to use Stephen’s story as a platform to engage in meaningful conversations on mental health and substance use prevention with their children.

Stephen Hill commented, “through sharing my lived experience, I empower parents and guardians to guide their children in leading healthy, substance-free lives by showing the value of mindfully building a life worth defending. Our community will leave better educated on mental health and substance use prevention, with practical tools and coping skills to navigate challenges, and have a deeper understanding of the ripple effect—how our actions influence and impact the well-being of others.”

Troy, NY -- Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly announced today Tyler Shelton, 40, of Troy pled guilty on July 14, 2025 to Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, a class D violent felony in violation of Penal Law Section 130.65(4). He was sentenced on August 22, 2025 to 6 years in state prison and 10 years of post release supervision. He will be required to register as a Sex Offender once released from prison. The Defendant used his role as a trusted figure in the child victim’s life and subjected the child to sexual contact.  

Assistant District Attorney Antonia Lane prosecuted the case. 

District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly said, “Thank you to the victim for her bravery in coming forward and to the Troy Police Department for their investigation.  As a result, the Defendant will be held accountable for his predatory behavior.” 

Troy, NY -- Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly announced that Reynaldo Gonzalez, 49, of East Greenbush pled guilty today to Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 1^st Degree. A Class B violent felony stemming from a search on March 10 of his residence and his storage units. 

East Greenbush police recovered ten firearms, several rounds of ammunition, methamphetamines, a kilogram of cocaine, and other narcotics distribution materials in the search. Gonzalez had no permits for these firearms and is a restricted from owning a firearm due to a previous felony conviction. 

Gonzalez will be sentenced on September 10^th and is expected to receive a sentence of 11 years in state prison with 5 years post release supervision.

Chief Assistant District Attorney Spencer Lane prosecuted for the District Attorneys office. 

Troy, NY -- Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly announced that Terrance Ravenell, 29, of Troy, was finally sentenced this week by Judge Debra Young.  Ravenell pled guilty in April, admitting to possession, with intent to sell, of almost 10 pounds of methamphetamine, in both crystal and pill form. 

After his plea, Ravenell was released by the Court over the People’s objection and failed to appear on his sentencing date.  Troy Police Detectives then received information that Ravenell had fled to California. The Troy Police Department requested assistance from the United States Marshals Service to locate and apprehend him. It was discovered that Ravenell had boarded a train en-route to New York State. The United States Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, with the crucial assistance of Amtrak Police, successfully took Ravenell into custody in Schenectady, New York, on June 17, 2025.  At that time, he was discovered to be in possession of a loaded handgun. 

The People argued for a sentence of 20 years in state prison, but the Judge gave Ravenell only 12 years.  

“Against the prosecution’s request, Ravenell was released pending sentencing and decided to abscond,” said District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly. “After failing to appear, a bench warrant was issued. A multi-agency effort led to his successful apprehension, and a subsequent search following his arrest uncovered a loaded firearm.”

 “We extend our gratitude to the Troy Police, the United States Marshals Service and the Amtrak Police for their invaluable assistance in the apprehension of Terrence Ravenell,” said District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly. 

Assistant District Attorney Spencer Lane prosecuted Ravenell in Rensselaer County Court. 

Troy, NY -- Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly announced that Albino Zacarias-Garcia, 24, pled guilty to one count of Attempted Assault in the 1^st Degree, a Class C Violent Felony.  At sentencing, he is expected to receive a sentence of 15 years in state prison and 5 years post release supervision.

On Monday, March 31^st Troy Police responded to 2^nd Street and Harrison Street where they located a 65-year-old victim with apparent stab wounds. The suspect fled the scene on foot and the victim was transported to a local area hospital where they were treated for their injuries. During the investigation, Troy Police learned that the defendant was involved in stabbing another person just five days prior.

“The Troy Police Department’s investigative efforts, along with the assistance of the Capital Region Crime Analysis Center, led to a successful apprehension of the defendant,” said District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly.  

Zacarias-Garcia will be sentenced on July 3^rd in Rensselaer County Court. Chief Assistant District Attorney Spencer Lane prosecuted the case.

Troy, NY -- Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly announced that Darrell Carson, 46, of Troy pled guilty to one count of Robbery in the 3^rd Degree. A Class D felony stemming from an incident which occurred on October 19, 2024. 

 Carson approached an individual at a bus stop and forcibly removed the individual’s back pack, and personal belongings before fleeing down River Street.

Carson will be sentenced on August 12^th and is expected to receive a sentence of  2-4 years in state prison.

Assistant District Attorney Garett Barmore prosecuted the case.

Troy, NY -- Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly announced a guilty plea under the GIVE (Gun Involved Violence Elimination Initiative) program. 

Jason Carter, 23, of Troy pled guilty today to one count of Assault in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony stemming from a shooting which occurred on June 19, 2024. 

Carter went to the alleyway of the residence at 138 6^th Avenue in the City of Troy and shot approximately 7 shots into the side of the residence with a pistol, sending bullets into the residence. Inside the residence, a victim was sitting on her couch with her fiancé and was struck in the head with a bullet fired by Carter. The victim was rushed to the hospital where she underwent lifesaving brain surgery.

Troy Police quickly identified Carter as the shooter. In less than 12 hours, they were able to locate and arrest Carter. 

Carter will be sentenced on July 16, 2025 by Judge Sober. Chief Assistant District Attorney Spencer Lane prosecuted the case for the District Attorneys office. 

 The City of Troy Police Department, the District Attorney’s Office and Rensselaer County Probation all collaborate on the GIVE grant.  The grant is awarded annually to select cities throughout New York State.

Troy, NY -- Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly announced a guilty plea today under the GIVE (Gun Involved Violence Elimination Initiative) program.  Kervin Tribble pled guilty today to one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree a Class C violent felony in violation of PL 265.03 for possessing a loaded firearm on April 25, 2024 at 41 Douw Street in the City of Troy. He will receive a sentence of 10 years in state prison followed by 5 years of post-release supervision and forfeiture of over $20,000. 

The case is a result of the Troy PD Special Operation Section drug investigation into Kervin Tribble which led to the execution of a search warrant at 41 Douw Street where Tribble was found with a loaded pistol, over a half ounce of Fentanyl, over a half ounce of cocaine, drug paraphernalia indicative of distribution, and cash. 

Tribble will be sentenced on June 6, 2025 by Judge Young. Chief Assistant District Attorney Spencer Lane prosecuted the case for the District Attorneys office. 

The City of Troy Police Department, the District Attorney’s Office and Rensselaer County Probation all collaborate on the GIVE grant.  The grant is awarded annually to select cities throughout New York State. 

“We appreciate the opportunity to engage in this team effort to remove illegal guns from the streets of Troy,” said District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly. “We will continue to hold accountable those that choose to engage in illegal firearm activity.”

Troy, NY –Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly announced that Juan Rivera, age 26, of Troy, was arraigned today on one count of Murder in the 2nd Degree (125.25) in Rensselaer County court.

Rivera was arrested by the Troy Police Department on April 21, in connection with the investigation into the stabbing of a 47-year-old Troy man. 

“The suspect and the victim were known to each other,” said District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly.  “The suspect and victim were involved in an altercation, and Rivera is accused of stabbing the victim.”

Rivera has been remanded to Rensselaer County jail.

Troy, NY -- Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly joined the families of those that have been impacted by drunk drivers in our community for a Memorial Ceremony earlier today.   The event was held at the site of the Rensselaer County DWI Memorial in Troy as part of National Crime Victims’ Rights week.  

The DWI Memorial was establish in 2000 and stands at the intersection of 13^th and Congress Street in Troy. Honored were 40 residents of Rensselaer County that have lost their lives to an impaired driver accident. One name, Kathy M. Elwell was added to the Memorial this year.

District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly said, “Kathy was a Rensselaer County resident who lost her life to a drunk driver forty years ago, leaving behind three young children and a grieving family.  Kathy’s daughter Sarah contacted our office to share her mother’s story and we are pleased to have this chance to place her name on the Memorial.”

District Attorney Donnelly stated, “we need stronger laws in New York State to hold offenders accountable when they drive under the influence of dangerous drugs.  This year, the Governor included the Deadly Driving Bill in her budget proposal. While things are moving quickly over in Albany with an overdue budget, my understanding as of this morning, is that the proposal remains in the budget.   That law would fix New York State’s loophole which requires that, in order to charge drugged driving, the drug which the driver has consumed must be identified and named as one of those set forth in New York State’s Public Health Law.  That means those who use synthetic drugs, drug variants and misused household intoxicants continue to escape penalty. New York State lawmakers need to enact the Deadly Driving Bill, which would close the loopholes associated with the prosecution of cases involving driving while ability impaired by drugs.”

She left the attendees with this message, “I reiterate my concern about the legalization of marijuana and the impact that it will continue to have on our ability to keep our roadways safe.  Please help me carry the message to our community that marijuana use and driving are a dangerous mix.”