Eastchester REVIEW THE
May 11, 2018 | Vol. 6, Number 19 | www.eastchesterreview.com
Bronxville resident named Arc executive director
CROSSING THAT BRIDGE The possibility of a soundlink connecting Long Island to Westchester County took another step forward, as several companies have expressed interest in taking on the large-scale development project. For more, see page 9.
State corrections employees arrested over sexual relations with inmates By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer Three former state prison employees in two correctional facilities located in Westchester County have been arrested and charged with making sexual advances on inmates, in addition to other allegations made by New York State police. According to the Westchester County District Attorney’s office, former correction officers Iran Colon, 31, and Melissa Hill, 44, as well as a former head cook in one of the facilities, Garth Trail,
62, were arrested and charged with a number of crimes. Colon, a former correction officer at the Taconic Correctional Facility in Bedford Hills has been arraigned on a 19-count indictment stemming from illegal activities involving an inmate from May 2017 to September 2017. He has been charged with three counts of promoting prison contraband in the first-degree, five counts of rape in the third-degree, and four counts of criminal sexual act in the third-degree, all felonies; he was also charged with seven misde-
meanor counts of official misconduct. Trail allegedly engaged in a sexual act with an inmate in September 2017 in the Taconic Correctional Facilities’ kitchen area and has been charged with criminal sexual conduct in the third-degree. The correctional facility is a medium security building that houses only women. Hill has been charged with two counts of official misconduct for sexual acts in connection with a romantic relationship with an inmate from November 2017 to
January 2018. The former correction officer was employed at the Sing Sing Correctional Facility in the town of Ossining. The maximum security facility houses adult males. “Any inappropriate action between an inmate and a corrections employee can damage the safety and security of prisoners, corrections employees and the greater community,” said county District Attorney Anthony Scarpino about the ongoing investigation. “Our prosecutors INMATES continued on page 11
The Arc Westchester, the county’s largest agency supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum, is proud to announce the appointment of Tibisay Guzmán to executive director and CEO, effective June 15. Guzmán, who currently serves as associate executive director/chief operating officer of the organization, will replace Richard Swierat, who is stepping down after 35 years in the role. Swierat announced Guzmán’s appointment during The Arc Westchester’s 30th Annual Employer Recognition Breakfast on Friday, April 27 at The Doubletree Tarrytown. “It’s important to have good, strong leadership in the organization,” Swierat said. “I’m extremely pleased to pass the torch to [Tibisay], whose passion for our mission and people we support comes through in every interaction and decision. I firmly believe that she will help take The Arc Westchester to new heights.” The Arc Westchester began a nationwide search for a new executive director in 2017. Guzmán has served on the leadership team at The Arc Westchester for the last 13 years overseeing different aspects of the organization, starting with The Wellness Center for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services followed by programs to enhance life skills and Career Supports Services. Through her leadership, The Arc Westchester has developed strong relationships throughout Westchester County with a number of community partners serving individuals of all ages with developmental disabilities. As COO, she oversees an operating budget of $56 million with services ranging from early
intervention/preschool, programs for students transitioning from high school to support for adults residing in The Arc Westchester’s 44 homes. In her new role, Guzmán will be responsible for overseeing and managing the day-to-day activities of the organization. She will work closely with the board of directors to develop the strategic direction of the organization, will be responsible to funders and help expand fundraising through its foundation, and provide overall leadership and support to the many hardworking employees. She will advocate on behalf of Arc’s individuals and families in the public and private sectors. “I am truly honored to be given this opportunity to lead an organization that is so close to my heart,” she said. “Working alongside [Richard] has been a true joy and I am dedicated to continuing the great work he has inspired for all our families. Supporting individuals with developmental disabilities lead independent and full lives is so important to our families, and I will work tirelessly to further our mission and vision.” Guzmán came from the Healthcare field as an executive vice president of Riverside Health Care Inc., a multi-healthcare system in Yonkers. Additionally, she was recently a board member of the New York State APSE chapter and participated in local intellectual/development disabilities, mental health, behavioral services, education and fund raising boards. Guzmán sat on the Community Service Board for the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health for more than 12 years, and is certified as a Fellow of ARC continued on page 9
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