CITY

Teacher Arrested for Child Sexual Abuse Material has Case Adjourned

Brian Mishk, the Yorktown Heights resident and Peekskill High School permanent substitute teacher charged with promoting and possessing child sexual abuse material on May 30, has had his case adjourned to July 17 at the Yorktown Justice Court.

Mishk was not present during his case in Yorktown on Thursday, June 5. His attorney Joanna Karlitz said Mishk was in inpatient care.

Mishk was charged with promoting an obscene sexual performance by a child, a class D felony, and possessing an obscene sexual performance by a child, a class E felony.

The felony complaint from the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office said the alleged crimes occurred in the Town of Yorktown.

On April 30, Mishk allegedly promoted an obscene sexual performance by a child, in that he promoted a digital video that involved an adult man and a female child about three to five years old, using the on-line program Kik to share it.

On May 30, Mishk allegedly possessed an obscene sexual performance which includes sexual conduct by a child about seven to ten years old.

Mishk faces four to seven years of prison time and is considered a flight risk, according to the prosecution.

His attorney Karlitz claimed there was insufficient proof of promotion in the complaint file and asked the prosecution to provide discovery. She also questioned Mishk being a flight risk, noting he surrendered his passport.

Though the bail was already posted, according to the prosecution, Karlitz indicated Mishk had trouble paying it and had his aunt pay for it. Karlitz said attorneys would be fine with an ankle bracelet for probation.

The judge said she was not inclined to change the bail and believed there was cause to consider Mishk a flight risk due to the serious charges.

Karlitz provided her name but declined to otherwise comment on the case.

– Eric Harvey

Police Department Welcomes New Officer

The City of Peekskill Police Department welcomed its newest member officer Jared Santiago on Monday, June 2.

In a social media post, the department wrote Santiago arrives with four years of prior law enforcement experience, having served with New York City’s Police Department.

At the NYPD, Santiago served as a field training officer, a neighborhood coordination officer, a member of the Conditions Unit, and was a member of the Business Team. Santiago is currently assigned to the Peekskill department’s Field Training Program, guided under officer Kyle Kreuscher.

“With his previous law enforcement experience handling community affairs we are quite certain that PO Santiago will serve our community well,” the department wrote.

– Eric Harvey

New City Parks Secures Funding to Improve Trails in Depew Park

One day before June 7’s National Trails Day, New City Parks (NCP) announced it was awarded funding from the New York State Conservation Partnership Program to improve the trail system in the City of Peekskill’s Depew Park.

In a press release from June 6, NCP said the $75,000 grant will support its efforts to more clearly mark trails with blazes, inventory and improve key trails, and create welcoming trailheads with kiosks, signage, and markers to invite urban dwellers and a new generation of visitors outdoors.

Founder and executive director of NCP Rose Harvey said, “Depew’s trails represent an all-too-rare treasure, a vast forest preserve within walking distance from a dense city downtown. Our goal is to ensure that all of Peekskill’s 25,000 residents, especially youth and their families, can get out into nature.”

The NCP said it forged its partnership with Peekskill in 2024 to assist with overall improvements of the popular 176-acre Depew Park. Plans include refurbishing the tennis and basketball courts, barbecue and picnic areas, adding opportunities to play soccer, and improving pathways to make the park bike and pedestrian friendly. The need to improve the park’s vast trail network as well as its internal connections to Westchester County’s Blue Mountain Reservation emerged as a key priority, NCP said.

City of Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie said, “While Peekskill is one of the fastest growing municipalities in all of New York State, our proximity to incredible natural resources really sets us apart. But just because something is close doesn’t mean it is accessible. This funding will help us truly connect with our residents with their outdoor treasures.”

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said he was proud to see the partnership expanding access for Peekskill residents and commended the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the Land Trust Alliance for supporting the work.

“Westchester County’s park system is more than just a collection of green spaces — it’s a source of natural beauty, joy and community,” Jenkins said. “Ensuring all of our residents can access and enjoy these spaces remains a top priority.”

With assistance from the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference and informed by the City’s Conservation and Parks Advisory Committees, New City Parks hopes to install the first kiosk later this summer and continue trail assessments this year.

COUNTY

County Executive Says Westchester is Not a Sanctuary County

In a press release, County Executive Ken Jenkins denied that Westchester was a sanctuary county after it was “erroneously” listed in the recent Department of Homeland Security listing of “sanctuary municipalities.”

The federal website, which went up the evening of Thursday, May 29, was taken down over the weekend because of the “high number of mistakes” according to Jenkins in a press release June 2.

“Westchester County has never identified as a ‘sanctuary county’ and fully complies with federal law,” Jenkins said. “To be clear, there is no legally recognized definition of a ‘sanctuary jurisdiction.’ Unfortunately, the federal government has used this term as a political sword—wielding it to strike fear, promote division, and engage in fear mongering, rather than addressing real issues with facts and fairness.”

In response to the “reckless” list, Jenkins said he will direct the Westchester County Attorney to explore legal action against anyone attempting to threaten Westchester’s federal funding. Jenkins said such “political games” could cost the county millions in critical federal funding.

Jenkins cited Section 8 of Westchester County’s Immigrant Protection Act which provides that it does not prevent county agencies, law enforcement authorities, or employees from complying with U.S. code on communication between government agencies and the immigration and naturalization service. That code also does not govern the sending or receiving of information regarding the citizenship or immigration status of any individual, Jenkins said.

He added the county does not willfully fail to comply with federal immigration laws and said no federal civil immigration laws require the county to enforce them. Jenkins said the county’s Immigrant Protection Act, which authorizes county law enforcement agencies to communicate with federal enforcement authorities investigations of non-immigration-related crimes, does not create a sanctuary for anyone involved in criminal conduct. 

“Unlike the Federal government, Westchester County follows Judicial Orders – and we will not break laws. We are not scared of being on a ‘list’ and we are not threatened by words,” Jenkins said.

The City of Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie previously said city police would not be assisting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on raids unless there was a valid court warrant.

– Eric Harvey

Justin Wingenroth Recognized for LGBTQ+ Pride Month Celebration

The Westchester County Board of Legislators recognized the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce Vice Chair Justin Wingenroth during its LGBTQ+ Pride Month Celebration on Monday, June 2.

A release from the chamber said Wingenroth also co-chairs the Non-Profit Committee and that his contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the Chamber’s Young Professional of the Year award in 2019. 

He also was recognized by the City of Peekskill during its 2024 Pride Celebration for his work supporting LGBTQ+ youth through inclusive artistic programming. Wingenroth is the owner and director of the Dance Conservatory, which supports, trains, and influences the next generation.

“His dance classes create safe, affirming spaces where young people can authentically express themselves, building confidence, and flourish,” the chamber stated. “Justin’s leadership as founder and director of the Dance Conservatory in Cortlandt Manor continues to uplift students of all backgrounds through dance education.”

The chamber said Wingenroth has over two decades of teaching experience and remains dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where young people learn to embrace, accept, and connect with individuals from all walks of life.

“Since opening his doors in 2018, he has championed a welcoming environment where young dancers grow not just in technique, but in confidence and self-expression,” the chamber said.

– Eric Harvey