Inside the Scarsdale Courthouse

Here's a look at the cases the Village Court heard during its March 17 and March 24 sessions. Court is in session every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.

Felony Charges Reduced in Dunkin' Donuts Mayhem Case

Damien Chang was facing felony charges for a February incident in which he caused damage at the Dunkin' Donuts on Depot Place during an altercation with employees, but those charges were reduced Wednesday to disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor. Chang pleaded guilty to the reduced charge and was ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution to the owner of the store.

Case of Homeowner Accused of Neglect Adjourned Once Again

Miriam Kahn, an elderly Garth Road resident, was back in court Wednesday to answer to a number of housing code violations, including sanitation issues, illegal storage, and creating an electrical fire hazard at an unoccupied home she owns on Hampton Road.

Village Attorney Wayne Essanason said there have been numerous complaints about the unsightliness of the home and concerns about its security, as doors and windows have been found broken and unlocked. A car in the back of the house is covered with a blue tarp, and doesn't have an engine in it, he said. On March 11, Kahn was charged with having an unregistered vehicle.

Kahn's sister told Essanason that they have found two prospective buyers for the home.

"They're making progress, but they still have some things to work out," said Court Clerk Judy Bromley.

The case was adjourned to April 14.

Defendant in Unlicensed Driving Case Faces Felony Charges in Eastchester

Two lawyers showed up Wednesday to defend Michael Lettieri, 33, on charges of unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor, and disobeying a stop sign. One of the lawyers had been tapped by Lettieri's father, who appeared in court, and the other had represented Lettieri in Mt. Vernon Tuesday, where the defendant was facing similar charges.

After the confusion was cleared up, Lettieri's attorney told Judge John Galloway that his client was in county custody and was awaiting arraignment on undisclosed felony charges in Eastchester. According to Assistant District Attorney Cynthia Adimari, Lettieri has an "abysmal track record" for court appearances, having missed his last court date in Scarsdale and other dates around the county. 

Judge Galloway adjourned the case to April 14, and gave Lettieri's attorney a stern warning.

"If he's not here on the 14th I am going to remand him" into police custody, Galloway said. "He's got to show up and deal with this."

The judge also set bail at $200, which was paid by Lettieri's father. 

Felony Charges Reduced for Scarsdale Resident in Knife Attack Case

Ruth Duignan, 76, of Scarsdale was charged with second-degree assault and second-degree menacing, both felonies, after allegedly attacking her husband with knives the day after Christmas. Her husband received injuries to his hand.

On Wednesday, the Assistant District Attorney agreed to drop the felony charges to misdemeanors, meaning Duignan will not face jail time. According to court officials, the defendant has a history of mental illness.

She pleaded guilty to third-degree assault and was sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge, meaning she faces stiff penalties if she convicted of a felony in the next year. Her husband was granted a one-year order of protection against her.

Alleged CVS Shoplifter's Case Adjourned

Rudy Arcara of New Rochelle is charged with petit larceny after allegedly stealing several packages of deoderant from the CVS on Popham Road Feb. 3. A CVS employee called police and Arcara was arrested at the scene. His case was adjourned to April 14 so his attorney can review surveillance tapes of the incident.

Arrest Warrants Issued for Repeat No-Shows

Nina Hall, 31, and Charles Taylor are both charged with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and both have failed to show up in court twice. Judge John Galloway issued arrest warrants for the defendants.

"Now Mr. Taylor will get pulled over, and he'll be here in handcuffs," Galloway said.