Headlines: Fake nursing degree scam, Wallkill shooting sentencing, illegal firearms arrest

Here are some stories making headlines across the Hudson Valley.

News 12 Staff

Jan 27, 2023, 11:15 AM

Updated 624 days ago

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Here are some stories making headlines across the Hudson Valley.
A Westchester woman is facing fraud charges for allegedly selling thousands of falsified nursing degrees. Federal authorities say Rene Bernadel, of New Rochelle, and two other suspects from New Jersey, created 7,600 fake transcripts from three now-closed schools in Florida. The alleged scheme took place from Nov. 2018 through Oct. 2021. Each defendant faces up to 20 years in prison. More than two dozen people are also facing charges for obtaining the fake diplomas.
An Orange County man could spend over ten years behind bars for two separate charges. Investigators say Jason Mendoza, of Otisville, was seen on surveillance video firing five shots on North Street in Wallkill in Dec. 2021. Mendoza also pleaded guilty to robbing $40 and punching an Uber driver in Middletown in May. Mendoza was sentenced to eight years for weapons possession and one to three years for robbery.
A Kerhonkson man is now facing charges for allegedly stealing multiple firearms. Deputies say they responded to a home in the Town of Rochester after receiving reports of several firearms missing. The Ulster County Sheriff's Office identified Benjamin Morgan as the suspect. He is now facing larceny charges and is awaiting a court date.