Week in review

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Saratoga seeks $2 million for new police station

Newly elected U.S. Representative Scott Murphy is requesting $2 million in federal funds from the Homeland Security Department to build a new police station in Saratoga Springs.  


"Funding would be used for the construction of a new, four level public safety facility to house all city police department functions including a communications center, detention center, central emergency dispatch service, evidence storage and training rooms.  This is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it allows the Saratoga Police Department to function at its full capacity to protect the community," Murphy said in a written statement.  

The request stems from a City Council meeting on May 19 when Murphy was formally asked to seek federal funds for four separate projects, including money for the police station, an EMS station, rehabilitation work on Canfield Casino and funds for development along Saratoga's waterfront park.  So far, Murphy has only requested funds for the police department.  

Clifton Park man arrested after threats against president

Daniel James Murray, 36, whose last known address was 10 Blue Jay Way in Clifton Park was arrested Friday, June 5 by Secret Service agents after allegedly telling bank tellers in Utah that he was working on a plan to kill President Barack Obama.  Murray was arrested without incident in the parking lot of Riverside Hotel and Casino in Laughlin, Nevada.  

Murray has been charged with a federal count of conveying threats, which he told a bank teller at Zion's First National Bank in Utah.  Officials say that Murray proceeded to open and then close a savings account with the bank during a two-week time period, with an account total of $85,000.  

Murray was previously arrested in Clifton Park during 2002 after threatening to blow up a local Hannaford grocery store.  Murray is said to have called the sheriff's department, saying that he planned to set off a bomb in the grocery store and adding that he was armed and aiming to kill himself.  Police stopped Murray before he had time to follow through on his threats, and charged him with first-degree falsely reporting an incident.  He was sent to Saratoga County Mental Health facilities shortly after his arrest.

Former neighbors of Murray's have released statements indicating that they believe Murray to be mentally unstable, claiming that they regularly saw him strutting around his property wearing a cape.  The unusual affectation earned him the nickname, "Cape Man."  

Thirty-two students arrested in underage drinking party

32 high school students from Ballston Spa were arrested on Monday, June 1 on state owned land along the Hudson River in Warrensburg after officers on patrol discovered the teens engaged in an underage drinking party during the daytime hours.  The teens, whose ages range from 16 to 18, were charged with prohibited possession of alcohol, along with several minor vehicle and traffic violations.  In addition, the students will also be facing disciplinary action from the school district for violating the attendance policy.

All students involved in the incident are expected to appear in the Warrensburg Town Court on July 1.

Most of the students arrested during the underage party are seniors at Ballston Spa High School.  The school has announced that currently there are no plans to block the seniors from participating in the upcoming graduation ceremony.

Board member eyes supervisor's seat in Malta

On Thursday, June 4, Town Board member Suzanne Daley Nolen announced that she plans to campaign for the position of Malta Town Supervisor, a position that incumbent Town Supervisor Paul Sausville will also be seeking reelection in during the upcoming general election this November.  Nolen, a Republican candidate, is hoping to edge out Sausville (also a Republican) in either the Republican primary or during November's general election.
Nolen has been a member of Malta's Town Board for the past 16 years.  Sausville, who has held the Supervisor's position for two consecutive two-year terms, will be seeking his third term as Town Supervisor.  

One of the major differences between the two candidates can be found in their plans for the town of Malta now that the GlobalFoundries computer chip factory is coming to the region, a move which is likely to cause an increase in population and local business in the area.  Sausville has stated that he favors plans to maintain Malta's small-town charm and feel, limiting the amount of growth in the downtown area.  Nolen has said that she supports the current plan which would allow for more commercial and housing developments in the heart of downtown.  

Clifton Park implements emergency texting services

Residents in Clifton Park can now opt to sign themselves up for a voluntary service through the town's website to receive emergency text messages or emails to keep them informed during natural disasters or other emergency situations.  The service, which was first launched on May 19, is believed to be the first of its kind in New York State.

The move is largely in response to today's increasingly mobile society, where more people are choosing to go with cell phones instead of land lines.  The service will provide real-time updates on town emergencies, detailing where people might be able to seek help if needed. 

The system is designed to be implemented in situations such as last December's ice storm, where many in the region lost power and were effectively cut off save for their mobile devices.   
The service itself will be free to use, although standard text messaging charges will likely apply.  Interested parties can sign up for the service on the web at www.cliftonpark.org/townhall.

Sweeney yet to have his day in court

John Sweeney, 53, of 5 Plantation Crest in Clifton Park and former U.S. Representative has had his court appearance delayed for the second time, after being charged with driving while intoxicated, a felony, on April 5.  The arrest on April 5 marked the second time Sweeney has been charged with driving while intoxicated in two years, the first arrest taking place on Nov. 11, 2007.  

Originally Sweeney was scheduled to appear in court charges on May 8 to answer the charges, but that court date was adjourned until June 5.  The June 5 date has now been rescheduled for Aug. 6.    

Sweeney has since relinquished his driver's license for one year as required by law.    Because this is his second DWI charge, it is looked at as a felony by the courts.  

Scam lands residents in prison

Esther Persaud, 50, and her son, Shawn Persaud, 25, who were found guilty of having participated in an investment scam which cheated investors out of millions of dollars in Nov. of 2008 are set to report to federal prison on July 21.

The scam was led by Esther's husband, Ronald Persaud, 56, who along with Esther were found guilty of wire fraud conspiracy and 12 counts of wire fraud. Ronald was also convicted of two counts of mail fraud. In addition, Esther was charged with making a false statement during a bankruptcy proceeding, and Shawn was charged with money laundering conspiracy.
The family was able to con investors out of $1.6 million, who believed that the Persaud's were going to invest their money in large-scale commercial developments overseas.

Esther is sentenced to 63 months in federal prison. Shawn will be serving 18 months, also in federal prison. Ronald Persaud is still awaiting his sentencing.

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