Guilty Plea in $20 Million Extortion Case
The man accused of extorting approximately $20 million from a Katonah man pleaded guilty to one count of grand larceny, a felony. Vickram Bedi and his girlfriend Helga Invarsdottir, who pleaded guilty in December 2010, will both likely end up in jail. The couple encountered Katonah resident Roger Davidson, a millionaire, when Davidson brought his computer to Data link Computer Products, Inc. in Mount Kisco. Davidson had developed a virus and feared he would lose his music compositions and works. The couple convinced Davidson that he was the target of CIA investigations, reconnaissance missions to Honduras and Polish priests attempting to infiltrate the U.S. Government, according to police. Over six years of "treating" the computer, the couple took $20 million from Davidson. Police learned of the schemes when two Purchase residents discovered GPS devices attached to their vehicle. Apparently, Davidson believed the two were part of the group who was out to get him. Police arrested Bedi and Invarsdottir on Nov. 4, 2010 for their involvement.
David Mendelowitz, a well-respected former guidance counselor and Dean of Students at Scarsdale High School, allegedly paid for prostitutes and bought crack-cocaine, according to a criminal complaint. Mendelowitz allegedly paid for prostitutes that were part of a prostitution ring that included two human trafficking victims. The ring was busted after a 16-month investigation led by the Organized Crime Task Force and New York Police Department. Authorities discovered the Manhattan-based advertising company Somad Enterprises, Inc. was hiding millions of dollars in prostitution charges as antique sales, cleaning services and other falsified purchases, according to police.
Police: Scarsdale Teen Hears Possible Break-In
Police responded to a call from a 13-year-old Scarsdale resident who said he heard footsteps in his hallway and when he turned on the hall lights, he heard someone run down the stairs and out the back door. The teen was alone in the house and police are investigating the possible criminal trespass.
Rhythm in Rye Owner Looks for Alleged Thieves Caught on Tape
Rhythm in Rye's owner apparently has security footage of two middle-aged women stealing approximately $700 worth of merchandise. Rye police are investigating the alleged theft.
Man Rescued From Beneath New City Home
A man was rescued after being buried approximately six feet in the mud under a New City home. Rescue workers spent two hours digging out the man, who was at risk of being suffocated from the pressure. The victim was conscious when he was pulled from the heavy mud and airlifted to Westchester Medical Center. He was apparently talking to rescue workers through interpreters.
Three State Troopers Thwart Possible Jumper
Three State Troopers helped prevent a 33-year-old Putnam Valley man from jumping off the Tappan Zee Bridge. The man apparently parked his car in a northbound lane as that part of the bridge was being closed for work. State Trooper Osiris Smith, who was ending his duty on the southbound lanes noticed the car and immediately went to the scene. He called for backup and two other troopers arrived. Over the course of two minutes, the officers were able to tackle the potential jumper and take him into custody. He was then sent to Valhalla for evaluation.
The Port Chester Bed Bath & Beyond store reported the theft of $3,180 in J.A. Henckles knives. The locked case containing the 25 knives had been broken, according to store employees.
Possible Con Ed Impersonators; Problems
Rye police reported that a resident heard knocking on the side of her home and moments later received a call from so-called Con Edison workers saying they were working in the area. Several other calls came through the police department saying Con Ed impersonators were in the town.
Dead and Decapitated Deer Reported
A woman called police after noticing a man in the woods behind her home in Rye. The woman believed the man might be involved in the rash of deer decapitations that had taken place in the area. The man was gone by the time two police cars arrived.
Troopers: Patterson Man Involved in Hit-and-Run with Brewster School Bus
A Patterson mad allegedly side-swiped a school bus traveling in the opposite direction on Route 22 in Southeast, according to police. No injuries were reported.
