In Nassau County, crime doesn’t pay. From a former probation officer caught falsifying records to cover up an illicit relationship to a law firm employee who stole from special needs clients, the courts have been busy handing down justice. Below are the latest updates on notable cases from the Nassau County Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office.
Former Probation Officer Indicted for Falsifying Records to Conceal Relationship
Matthew Albertson, 42, a former Nassau County probation officer, has been indicted on multiple charges for allegedly initiating a sexual relationship with a probationer under his supervision and falsifying records to hide his misconduct. The charges against Albertson include nine counts of offering a false instrument for filing, falsifying business records, and official misconduct.
Albertson is accused of engaging in a relationship with the woman between November 2021 and March 2022, violating his professional obligations. Allegedly, he not only gave her money and gifts, including $8,000 in financial support, but also co-signed a car loan for her. The indictment further claims that Albertson falsified case notes regarding drug tests and visits, none of which were carried out as required.
The relationship came to light in August 2023 when the woman’s attorney reported the misconduct, providing evidence including text messages. Albertson’s legal troubles escalated when it was revealed he failed to take action when the probationer feared a fentanyl overdose, telling her to “eat sugar” instead of seeking medical help. If convicted, Albertson faces up to four years in prison.
Drunk Driver Sentenced After Fatally Striking Man at Diner
In a tragic incident from January 2023, 63-year-old Willem Specht of Wantagh was sentenced to seven to 15 years in prison for driving drunk and killing 61-year-old Joseph Devito in the parking lot of the On Parade Diner in Woodbury. Specht, who had a blood alcohol content of 0.18%, more than double the legal limit, reversed his car into Devito, who was talking to a friend outside the diner. The impact was fatal, causing catastrophic head injuries that led to Devito’s death shortly after at Syosset Hospital.
Specht’s reckless behavior didn’t stop there. Video footage revealed that even after Devito’s death, Specht continued to drink publicly and missed court dates. At one point, he was caught buying vodka at a local liquor store while skipping a court appearance. Despite his defiance, justice was served, with Specht now behind bars for the foreseeable future.
Queens Man Sentenced for Fatal Drunk Driving Crash
A Queens man, Kwesi Williams, 43, has been sentenced to two and a half to seven and a half years in prison for a drunk driving accident that killed his passenger, 32-year-old Sadayah Furet, in December 2021. Williams was driving at a high speed in Elmont, hitting a parked car and crashing into a utility pole, resulting in Furet’s death from severe injuries to her head, neck, and vital organs.
Despite Nassau County’s recommendation for a stiffer sentence of four to 12 years, Williams will serve the lesser term for his recklessness. Blood tests revealed his blood alcohol content was 0.10% over an hour after the crash. This case underscores the deadly consequences of driving under the influence.
Law Firm Employee Stole Over $500K From Special Needs Clients
Michelle Byrd, 55, a former case manager at a Nassau County law firm, has been sentenced to one to three years in prison for stealing over $500,000 from trust accounts meant for special needs clients. Byrd, who worked at the firm between 2014 and 2021, forged signatures on hundreds of checks, funneling money into her personal accounts.
Her theft devastated vulnerable individuals, including a stroke victim forced to sell his home due to the financial strain. Byrd’s greed and betrayal of the trust placed in her have left a deep scar on the lives of those she was supposed to protect. Byrd has since paid restitution of $106,287, but the court has ordered further compensation for her crimes.
Bus Rage Leads to Assault Charges Against Queens Man
What started as a disturbance on a Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) bus in West Hempstead turned violent when 45-year-old Palo R. Howe of Queens attacked police officers responding to the scene. Howe allegedly became irate while on the bus and, upon officers’ arrival, lashed out, injuring two of them. Both officers were taken to the hospital for treatment, and Howe was arrested after resisting.
He now faces two counts of second-degree assault, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct. Howe’s arraignment is scheduled for September 26, 2024, where he will face the consequences of his aggressive outburst.
Stay tuned as these cases continue to unfold in the Nassau County justice system. Remember a criminal charge is an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
