Rockland fire officials were stunned after prosecutors recommended no jail time for the two Rabbis who pleaded guilty yesterday to charges stemming from the fatal fire at a Spring Valley adult home that killed a volunteer firefighter and a resident of the home more than two years ago. Rockland’s Director of Fire and Emergency Services, Chris Kear, says he was disappointed how it all turned out…
Hundreds of firefighters and others came out to show support for fallen firefighter Jared Lloyd as the court case unfolded yesterday in New City. In a statement, the Spring Valley Fire Department called the deal “a complete joke and a slap in the face to every volunteer firefighter” that fell far short of the D-A’s promise to obtain “Justice for Jared.” Rockland County Executive Ed Day, along with the victims’ families, felt there should have been some jail-time…
Rabbi Nathaniel Sommer pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree manslaughter, he is expected to be sentenced to five years probation. His son, Aaron, pleaded guilty to second-degree reckless endangerment, and he’ll get three years probation. They admitted to Judge Kevin Russo to using a blowtorch and coals to prepare the kitchen of the Evergreen Court Adult Home for Passover, causing the blaze that killed Lloyd and resident Oliver Hueston. The judge indicated he would accept the plea deal and recommended sentencing.