$10M Lie: Sweet-Talking Scammer Conned Chatham Victim Out Of Thousands, Police Say
A fraudster convinced an elderly Capital Region man he had won millions in a sweepstakes, then walked away with tens of thousands in cash, police said.
Lance Norman, 36, of Queens, was arrested on Monday, May 12, in connection with an elaborate Publishers Clearing House scam that targeted a victim in Columbia County, according to New York State Police.
A Chatham man told troopers he received a phone call claiming he had won $10 million and a new Mercedes-Benz. The caller instructed him that in order to claim the prize, he needed to pay taxes up front.
The victim handed over approximately $…
Former Substitute Teacher From Hudson Sent Inappropriate Snapchats To Student: Police
A former substitute teacher in Columbia County, NY is facing charges for allegedly sending inappropriate messages to a student through Snapchat, state police said.
Christina A. Lambert, 41, of Hudson, was arrested on Wednesday, May 7, and charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, according to New York State Police.
Police said they received a complaint on April 30, 2025, about inappropriate contact between Lambert and a student. An investigation determined that Lambert sent inappropriate messages to the student through Snapchat, state police said.
Lambert had prev…
Ex-BF Tried Stabbing Woman To Death During Kidnapping In Hudson, Jury Finds
A Hudson Valley man was convicted of attempted murder after kidnapping, choking, and trying to stab his ex-girlfriend to death, jurors found.
Orlando Williams, 55, of Hudson, was also found guilty of kidnapping, strangulation, and related charges by a Columbia County jury on Wednesday, April 9, stemming from the horrific attack in March 2024.
Hudson Police found the victim “distressed” and covered in mud following the attack at her Hudson apartment at around 10:30 p.m. on March 14, 2024, as Daily Voice reported.
She told investigators that she was alone smoking a cigarette on her back deck…
Greene Co. Undersheriff, Fire Chief Dies Unexpectedly: 'Dedicated His Life To Public Service'
Colleagues are mourning the sudden death of Greene County Undersheriff Michael Overbaugh.
The longtime public servant, 62, died unexpectedly at home Wednesday morning, Feb. 12, the sheriff’s office confirmed Friday, Feb. 14. A cause of death was not given.
“It is with great heartache and sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved Undersheriff, Michael Overbaugh,” the agency said on Facebook.
A US Navy veteran, Overbaugh brought a wealth of experience and dedication to his many roles. Before joining the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, he served as a lieutenant with the …
Actor/Writers Group Seeking Talent From Westchester, Hudson Valley
An actors/writers group is looking for talent from throughout the Hudson Valley.
The group says it's "Seeking playwrights who like to work with actors, and actors looking to work with new playwrights, to workshop new plays from writers from the Hudson Valley community. People who are motivated to be with a group of artists to share, grow and build."
Among the areas it's looking to draw people from are: Poughkeepsie, Beacon, Wappingers Falls, Cold Spring, Hyde Park, Hudson, New Paltz, Saugerties, Kingston, Rhinebeck, Tarrytown, White Plains, Peekskill, Newburgh, Ellenville, Rosendale, Amenia…
HS Coach, Personal Trainer From Capital Region Dies At Age 34; Remembered As 'Kind, Genuine'
Students and colleagues are mourning the loss of a beloved high school football coach and personal trainer from the region following his untimely death.
Columbia County resident Michael LaCasse, of Hudson, died Friday, Jan. 19 at the age of 34 following a brief illness, according to his obituary.
LaCasse was a 2007 graduate of Hudson High School, where he developed a passion for athletics, lettering in football, baseball, and track, his memorial said.
He went on to get his bachelor’s degree in human biology/pre-physical therapy from Albany’s Sage College before launching his own personal t…
Lifelong Hudson Valley Resident Who Served As Fire Chief, Owned Catering Business Dies At 70
A popular lifelong Hudson Valley former fire chief and catering business owner known for his love of cooking has died at the age of 70.
Ulster County resident Michael B. Hackett, of Highland, passed away on Monday, Jan. 15. He was born on Sunday, June 7, 1953, in Poughkeepsie, to the late Francis and the late Rita (McGrath) Hackett, according to his obituary.
He was a resident all of his life. He was a graduate of Roy C. Ketcham High School in Wappingers Falls and a member of St. Martin de Porres Church in Poughkeepsie, his obituary said,
Retired from Geodis/IBM of Poughkeepsie…
Stranger Breaks Into Capital Region Home, Attacks Woman After Being Booted From Train, Cops Say
A 31-year-old man is accused of breaking into a complete stranger’s home in the region and physically attacking her, minutes after getting booted off an Amtrak train.
The Columbia County incident unfolded at around 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, in the city of Hudson, at the Hudson Terrace Apartments located on South Front Street.
According to Hudson Police, the victim was inside her apartment with her young children and a friend when they heard a knock at the door.
The man, identified by police as Matthew McNamara, of Walden in Montgomery County, allegedly then forced his way inside and began…
Burglar Who Targeted Capital Region Businesses Nabbed Over Year Later, Police Say
A suspected burglar is facing charges more than a year after allegedly targeting multiple businesses in the region.
Columbia County resident James Smith, age 52, of Hudson, was arrested Wednesday, Sept. 20, in connection with a burglary at a Brunswick business in Rensselaer County in April 2022.
According to New York State Police, Smith broke into a business on Hoosick Road at around 4:40 a.m. on April 3, 2022. The business was closed and unoccupied at the time.
He then tried breaking into a nearby restaurant with a burglary tool on the same day, but was unable to get inside, troopers said…
