Carmel man and woman charged with Criminal Mischief 2nd degree as a Hate Crime, facing other charges

Somers, New York – On July 6, 2019, the New York State Police from the Somers barracks arrested Antonio Vuksanaj, age 50, and Gina L. Vuksanaj, age 50, of Carmel, NY, for Criminal Mischief in the 2^nd degree as a Hate Crime, a class C felony, Criminal Contempt in the 1^st degree, a class E felony, Unlawful Imprisonment in the 2^nd degree, a class A misdemeanor, and Harassment in the 1^st degree, a class B misdemeanor.

Antonio Vuksanaj was additionally charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3^rd degree, a class D felony, due to a previous weapon related conviction.

On July 6, 2019, at approximately 8:15 p.m., the State Police responded to the Chili’s Bar and Grill parking lot on Route 6 in the town of Somers for a report of a domestic dispute.

An investigation revealed both Antonio and Gina Vuksanaj violated an order of protection and blocked the retreat of the victim.

The Vuksanajs then attempted to extricate the victim from a vehicle through force and damaged the victim’s vehicle with a tire iron.

The crimes committed against the victim appear to be biased in nature due to the victim’s sexual orientation.

Antonio and Gina Vuksanaj were arraigned before the town of Somers Court, and remanded to the Westchester County Jail in lieu of $7,500 cash bail or $7,500 secure bond.

An additional full stay away order of protection was requested on behalf of the victim and granted by the Court.