PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE #25-14 Issued on: July 3, 2025

NWPD Holds Awards Ceremony and Monument Dedication
 

New Windsor, NY - On July 2, 2025, the New Windsor Town Board recognized the 60th Anniversary of the town’s police department with an official resolution. Town Supervisor Stephen Bedetti said, “For 60 years, the New Windsor Police Department has exemplified unwavering dedication, professionalism, and service to our community. Their commitment to protecting our residents and upholding the values of justice and integrity has left an indelible mark on our town’s history. It’s an honor to recognize this milestone and the men and women who have served with distinction throughout the decades.”

This was the latest in a series of events held to recognize this milestone in the agency’s history. In May of this year, the Police Department, together with the Town Board, dedicated a monument outside Police Headquarters honoring all past teams serving in the department’s K-9 Unit. Additionally, department members gathered outside the police station for a group photo and a challenge coin was created in honor of the anniversary.

The New Windsor Police Department became a full-time law enforcement agency in 1965 after the growth of the town and its population necessitated the change in policing from constables to police officers.

During the 1960's the Town Board recognized the need to establish a full-time police department. The constables then became part-time police officers and were assisted by the auxiliary police. In 1961 former Chief Constable James W. Coriz was appointed Chief of Police and in 1965, Chief Coritz organized a full-time police department. The town’s first police car was purchased that year. As full-time officers were hired, the town secured a building on Ruscitti Road to use as Police Headquarters.

By 1970 the department had outgrown this building and moved into a store front in the Antonelli Building on Windsor Highway. Police Headquarters was later moved to the old Town Hall building at 244 Union Avenue. In 1976 Town Supervisor William Larkin relocated the Police Department to Building 708 at Stewart International Airport.

Chief Coritz continued to lead the department. He built up a staff of 20 full-time officers. He was also responsible for the creation of the first detective position in the department. He retired in 1982 after 30 years of dedicated service.

In 1982, Chief Coritz was succeeded by Sergeant Dominick D‘Egidio who remained in command until 1984. He retired in 1986 after serving as a full-time police officer for over 20 years. In 1984 Walter Koury was promoted to chief of the department.

In 1991 former New Windsor Police Sergeant George Green was the Town Supervisor. He and Chief Walter Koury were responsible for the development of the town's new Police/Court facility at 555 Union Avenue. The Police Department moved into its new headquarters in May of that year.

Chief Koury remained in command of the department until his retirement in 2004. He was succeeded by the following chiefs:

Michael Biasotti 2004-2015

Richard Hovey 2015-2018

Robert Doss 2018-2023

Chief Daniel Valeri is the current chief of the department. Commenting on the anniversary he stated, “As we celebrate 60 years of service, I am immensely proud of the enduring legacy of leadership, professionalism, and innovation that defines this department. From our earliest days to the present, we have embraced progress—adopting cutting-edge technology, advancing training, and building strong community relationships. But it is the unwavering dedication and pride of our personnel that truly sets us apart. Together, we honor the past, serve the present, and shape the future with integrity and purpose.”

The New Windsor Police Department has a proud history of excellence and professionalism. It has been a New York State Accredited Agency since 1996. Chief Koury and all chiefs following are graduates of the FBI National Academy. The department as grown to include up to 50 sworn members including eight detectives. Specialized units include a traffic safety unit, accident reconstruction unit, UAS unit, motorcycle unit, K-9 unit, bicycle patrol unit, community policing unit, firearms training unit, and an honor guard. Specially trained officers fulfill roles as drug recognition experts and a school safety officer.

The department’s communications division dispatches police, fire and EMS and are available 24 hours a day. They are staffed by nine full-time and six part-time dispatchers. Other non-sworn personnel include, one administrative assistant to the Chief of Police, two full-time and one part-time clerks who manage the department’s records and a part-time custodian who keeps the facilities in top shape.

Police Officer Exam Announcement

Filing is now open for the next Orange County Civil Service Police Officer Exam. Candidates must sign up by August 8, 2025.

For more information and how to apply: https://orange-portal.mycivilservice.com/post/exams

Earlier in the day a ceremony was held to dedicate a monument outside police headquarters honoring the department’s K-9 Unit. The unit, which was officially formed in 1985, has been served by 14 past and 3 current teams. Many of the former handlers attended the ceremony along with the current members. Also in attendance were town officials and employees, police department staff and the current K-9 class and their trainers from the Orange County Sheriff’s K-9 School. Chief Valeri thanked Town Supervisor Bedetti and the Town Board for their support and commitment to the unit. He went on the thank, former chief, Michael Biasotti for his vision and leadership that laid the foundation for the department’s K-9 program, as well as the past and current handlers for their service and commitment. The chief said, “This monument stands as a tribute to every K-9 who wore the badge and served with honor. May it remind us all of their loyalty, bravery, and the unbreakable bond they shared with those who walked beside them.”

Arrests Made Following Search Warrant

Noise Complaints Lead to Citation

Arrests Made in Illegal Dumping at Former Destinta Theatres Lot

On February 6th, 2025, the Town of New Windsor Police Department, along with the New York State Police, New York State Office of the Professions, and the Town of New Windsor Building Department, conducted an undercover investigation into prostitution and unlicensed/illegal massages being conducted at several locations throughout the Town of New Windsor.

This investigation was initiated after the Town of New Windsor Police Department received continued complaints from local residents and local businesses reporting suspicious activity occurring at these locations.

The following persons were arrested at the following businesses:

Vivi Spa – 3141 Rt 9W Suite 600
- Kun Jhao, 37, of Syosset, NY – Unauthorized Practice of a Profession and Prostitution
- Hongshuang Yu, 37, of Syosset, NY – Promoting Prostitution 3rd Degree
- Nathan Rhodes, 40, of Long Branch, NJ – Promoting Prostitution 3rd Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th Degree

Sun & Moon Spa – 357 Old Forge Hill Rd Suite 900
- Hongyu Quan, 58, of Flushing, NY – Unauthorized Practice of a Profession and Prostitution

A & A Spa – 357 Windsor Hwy
- In Ok Smith, 59, of East Haven, CT – Unauthorized Practice of a Profession and Prostitution

All defendants were released on appearance tickets and are scheduled to appear in the Town of New Windsor Justice Court on March 11th, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.

The Town of New Windsor Building Department shut down the Vivi Spa at 3141 Rt 9W pending compliance with regulations. Building code violations were issued to the Sun & Moon Spa and A & A Spa.
 

Police Chief Daniel Valeri stated, “We will continue to use all legal remedies available to combat unlawful activities conducted within the town.”

Town Supervisor Stephen Bedetti added, “My message to these illegal businesses is simple. Do not reopen and leave the Town of New Windsor. I have directed the New Windsor Police Department to use every legal path to continually shut down these illegal businesses in our town. Last night, our Police Department and other assisting agencies once again professionally handled this enforcement, a job well done by them."

A criminal charge is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a violation of the criminal law, and it is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the State of New York’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

On Sunday, January 19, 2025, at approximately 9:26 a.m., the New Windsor Police Department responded to the Amazon Distribution Center, on Hudson Valley Avenue, for a report of an assault. Upon arrival, officers located a 36-year-old male victim with a significant laceration to his neck.

A short time later, a male suspect, matching the description provided by the victim, was located in the area.. Loryn-Yael Gardner-Lawery, 27, of Middletown, NY, was arrested.

The victim was treated and transported by New Windsor EMS to Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital in Newburgh. Once at the hospital, the victim was in stable condition and he received treatment for the non-life-threatening injury.

Gardner-Lawery was transported to the Centralized Arraignment Part in Goshen, NY where he was arraigned in front of the Honorable Judge Martini and remanded to the Orange County Jail. His charges from this incident are Attempted Assault 1st Degree, a Class C Felony, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd Degree, a Class D Felony.

The New Windsor Police Department has recently investigated several residential burglaries believed to be committed by international organized theft groups. Investigators want to remind residents to take precautions to avoid being victimized by these international criminals.

• Consider installing surveillance cameras and/or an alarm system.

• Do not leave large amounts of cash in your home.

• Do not post on social media when you are going away on vacation.

• Secure valuables and keep windows and doors locked.

The New Windsor Police Department encourages residents who observe suspicious persons or suspicious vehicles in neighborhoods to contact us immediately at (845) 565-7000 or by dialing 911.

The Town of New Windsor Police Department recently responded to a call of illegal dumping in the area of Forge Hill Road and Butternut Drive. Upon arrival, officers located a pile of construction debris that was dumped in the area of Brewster’s Forge, an Orange County Park and historical landmark.

On January 13th, the Town of New Windsor Buildings & Grounds Department responded and removed all of the garbage from the area of Brewster’s Forge. The next day, members of the Orange County Department of Public Works responded and placed large boulders to prevent vehicles from being able to travel down the path from Forge Hill Road, to Brewster’s Forge. This will hopefully prevent anymore illegal dumping upon this historical site, without preventing residents from parking and accessing the area on foot. The New Windsor Police Department appreciates the assistance of the New Windsor Buildings & Grounds staff and the Orange County Department of Public Works in helping to improve and preserve this historical landmark.