On Sunday, May 28 at 2:30 p.m., DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a camper reporting someone was target shooting into the water in the town of Greenfield, Saratoga County, NY. [Read more…] about Firearms Seized From Man Shooting Into Water With AK-47
Crime and Justice
Tips to Avoid Moving and Storage Scams
The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection has released a comprehensive guide that provides consumers with important tips to avoid moving and storage company scams. Moving your belongings can a be stressful process, and unfortunately scammers use these situations to defraud consumers out of thousands of dollars. [Read more…] about Tips to Avoid Moving and Storage Scams
Raines Law, Loopholes and Prohibition
A loophole is an ambiguity or inadequacy in a legal text or a set of rules that people identify and use to avoid adhering to it. Exploiting loopholes in tax legislation by big corporations or wealthy individuals is a preoccupation of our time. The authorities fight a losing battle trying to plug them as lawyers specialize in finding new and profitable flaws. [Read more…] about Raines Law, Loopholes and Prohibition
State Museum Showing Seized Elephant Ivory from Illegal Trade
Elephant ivory seized during a massive New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) led crackdown on the illegal ivory trade is now on display at the New York State Museum. The display is a reminder of the rampant and continued slaughter of the African elephant, rhinoceros, and other iconic endangered species that fuel the transnational illegal trade in wildlife. [Read more…] about State Museum Showing Seized Elephant Ivory from Illegal Trade
Lion Skin Rug, Endangered Species Taxidermy Leads to Charges
An antiques business owner recently pleaded guilty to charges related to the illegal sale of endangered and protected animal mounts from his business in Great Valley in Cattaraugus County, NY. The investigation began when ECO Wilson and an Investigator with DEC’s Bureau of Environmental Crimes Investigation (BECI) received information that a lion skin rug was being unlawfully offered for purchase at an estate sale. [Read more…] about Lion Skin Rug, Endangered Species Taxidermy Leads to Charges
Five Vehicles Caught Illegally Off-Roading on State Forest Lands
According to an announcement by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), on Sunday, April 30th, while on patrol in Livingston County, DEC Forest Ranger Cordell was following up on a tip that a lock was missing from one of the gates at Sonyea State Forest in the town of Groveland, Livingston County, NY. Ranger Cordell reported that will securing the gate they noticed five Jeep Wranglers traveling together. [Read more…] about Five Vehicles Caught Illegally Off-Roading on State Forest Lands
Poke-O-Moonshine Fire Tower Vandalized; Table Map Stolen
On April 10th, the Friends of Poke-O-Moonshine was notified of serious vandalism to the Poke-O-Moonshine Fire Tower in Essex County, NY, near Keeseville. New York State Forest Rangers were notified and began an investigation. [Read more…] about Poke-O-Moonshine Fire Tower Vandalized; Table Map Stolen
Vulgarity & Vice: Times Square in the 1920s
The 1920s was a decade of change and upheaval. While Europe was recovering from the First World War, the United States saw a period of economic growth and prosperity in which the country’s focus shifted from rural areas to the cities. It was also a time of great creativity in art and entertainment. New York City set the pace. [Read more…] about Vulgarity & Vice: Times Square in the 1920s
Unwanted Donation: Man Leaves Old Home Heating Oil At Salvation Army
On March 8, NYS Environmental Conservation Officers Pabes and Smith concluded a four-month investigation into several 55-gallon drums abandoned at a Salvation Army donation site in Elmont, in northwestern Hempstead, Nassau County, NY. [Read more…] about Unwanted Donation: Man Leaves Old Home Heating Oil At Salvation Army
JFK Assassination Records Transcription Opportunity
President John F. Kennedy was killed on November 22, 1963. Nearly 30 years after his death, Congress enacted the President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1992. The Act mandated that all assassination-related material be housed in a single collection in the National Archives and Records Administration. [Read more…] about JFK Assassination Records Transcription Opportunity