Putnam County Sheriff Donald B. Smith reports the arrest of three Mahopac men on felony charges in connection with a violent incident that occurred at a Mahopac residence.

On May 11, 2016 at approximately 8:30 a.m., members of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department and the Carmel Police Department responded to a 911 report of five men fighting with crowbars in the front yard of a residence in Mahopac. Upon arrival, officers secured the scene, conducted an initial investigation, and requested medical treatment for two injured victims. The Sheriff’s Department Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) continued the investigation, which resulted in the apprehension and arrest of three male suspects. The suspects were identified as follows: Dillon J. Vandewater-Clifford, 19, of 40 Entrance Way; Leoun B. Rexhepi, 20, of 336 Barrett Hill Road; and Joseph M. Kotzur-O’Connor, 18, of 54 Kings Ridge Road. All three men were arrested and charged with Attempted Burglary in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, and Robbery in the Third Degree, felonies. Mr. Kotzur-O’Connor was additionally charged with Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree, a felony. The defendants were arraigned before Town of Carmel Justice Joseph Spofford and committed to the Putnam County Correctional Facility pending a future court appearance. Mr. Vandewater-Clifford and Mr. Rexhepi were committed in lieu of $15,000.00 cash bail. Mr. Kotzur-O’Connor was committed in lieu of $50,000.00 bail.

If found guilty of the felony charges, the defendants could face lengthy sentences in a New York State Correctional Facility and large fines.