Chatham
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office has charged an Albany man with sexual offenses in connection with allegedly engaging in sexual acts with minors.
Sheriff David P. Bartlett reports that Sheriff’s Office Investigators Joshua Oakes and K.C. Bauhoff began the investigation March 29, after receiving a report about misconduct and sexual acts with minors. During the course of the investigation it was discovered that there were two victims who made disclosures implicating Juan Tyler-Diaz, 22, of Albany.
In this case, the alleged sexual acts occurred in the Town of Chatham in April 2020 over the course of a few days when the victims were between the ages of 13 and 14 years old.
Mr. Tyler-Diaz was charged with: first degree rape, a class B felony; second degree rape, a class D felony; two counts of forcible touching, a class A misdemeanor, and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, a class A misdemeanor, May 6 at 2:37 p.m.
He was arraigned in Chatham Town Court before Justice James Borgia-Foster, who issued an order of protection for the victims. Mr. Tyler-Diaz was sent to the Columbia County Jail in lieu of $1,000 cash or credit bail or $5,000 bond. He is due back in Chatham Town Court May 26.
The Sheriff’s Office was assisted in this investigation by the Child Advocacy Center of Columbia-Greene counties, and the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation is continuing and Sheriff Bartlett urges anyone with information about the suspect to contact Investigator Oakes of the Criminal Investigation Branch at 518-828-3344.
To contact Diane Valden emaildvalden@columbiapaper.com
Red Cross helps 2 families after fires
GREENPORT—The American Red Cross came to the aid of two Columbia County families whose homes were damaged by fire last week.
Columbia 911 dispatched Greenport firefighters and the Greenport Rescue Squad to Kipps Mobile Home Park, 50 Kipp Lane for a structure fire, May 6 at 4:15 p.m.
Hudson firefighters responded to provide mutual aid.
Columbia County Sheriff’s deputies and Greenport Police assisted on scene. The three people who lived in the home got out safely, though the rescue squad took one person to Columbia Memorial Hospital for evaluation.
Volunteers from the Hudson Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross provided immediate emergency aid to three people as a result of the fire. The organization also provided financial assistance for necessities such as shelter, food and clothing to three adults. Volunteers also offered health services and emotional support.
Firefighters were back in service at 5:22 p.m., but were called back to the scene at 6:54 p.m. for a rekindle of the mobile home blaze. Firefighters returned to quarters at 7:51 p.m.
Livingston
Columbia County 911 called Livingston firefighters and Northern Dutchess Paramedics to the scene of a shed fire that spread to a house at the Maple Lane Mobile Home Park, 1 Pine Street, Livingston, May 9 at 12:04 p.m.
Greenport, Clermont, Taghkanic and Germantown firefighters were called in to provide mutual aid while Tivoli firefighters stood by in quarters.
Volunteers from the Hudson Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross provided immediate emergency aid to four people after the fire and then provided financial assistance for necessities such as shelter, food, and clothing to two adults and two children, ages 1 and 5. Volunteers also offered emotional support. In the coming days, Red Cross staff and volunteers will remain available to help those affected by the fire as they navigate the road to recovery.
The Livingston building inspector was called to the scene to inspect the damage. Columbia County Fire Coordinators and State Police assisted on the scene. Firefighters were back in service at 2:07 p.m.