Hudson Valley Politician Arrested

A Hudson Valley town councilman was arrested on charges related to financial conflict of interest.

Shumel Tress, aka Samuel, 71, of Monsey was charged with 1st-degree offering a false instrument for filing, a felony, and official misconduct, a misdemeanor.

In May 4 2015, as a member of the Town of Ramapo Zoning Board of Appeals, during the Zoning Board of Appeals session, Tress allegedly cast the deciding vote to granting 8 zoning variances in favor of property located at 142 Blauvelt Road in Monsey.

According to the Rockland County District Attorney’s office, Tress held a significant financial interest in 142 Blauvelt LLC, the owner of the property located at 142 Blauvelt Road in Monsey. On May 14 2015, Tess filed a Disclosure Affirmation with the town officials asserting that he had not and would not engage in any activity that would provide a personal or pecuniary gain to himself in relation to his duties as a member of the Town of Ramapo Zoning Board of Appeals.

Tress is currently a Councilman in the Town of Ramapo. He is scheduled to return on Village Airmont Justice Court on April 7. If faces up to 4 years in prison if convicted.