Claverack man jailed after violating order of protection

Taghkanic, New York – On June 4, 2017, New York State Police from the Livingston barracks arrested 57-year-old Ricardo Mercado of Claverack, New York, for Criminal Contempt in the 1^st Degree, a Class E Felony.

On June 4, 2017, a Taghkanic woman reported that Mercado went to her home on June 3, 2017 in violation of an active order of protection.  Mercado was located at his home on June 4, 2017 and placed in custody.

Mercado was arraigned in the Town of Claverack Court before Judge Brandon and was remanded to the Columbia County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond.  The defendant is scheduled to appear in the Town of Taghkanic Court on June 8, 2017 at 9:30 a.m.

Mercado was additionally arrested on June 1, 2017 and charged with Criminal Contempt 2^nd Degree and Stalking 4^th Degree, both Misdemeanors.  Mercado was arrested for following the victim on Healey Boulevard in his vehicle in violation of an order of protection and causing her to fear for her safety.   The defendant was arraigned in the Town of Claverack Court and remanded to the Columbia County Jail in lieu of $1,000 cash bail.