A 35-year-old Mahopac man—who was arrested on Interstate 84 after he fled from police on the Taconic Parkway—is facing felony charges in connection with fraudulent business transactions, officials said.
Several victims have lodged complaints with the New York State Police, accusing Jason T. Bennett of benefiting financially from the transactions. Authorities did not provide additional details.
Members of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation at the Cortlandt barracks spotted Bennett traveling on the Taconic at about 1:55 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20. They attempted a traffic stop.
"Bennett accelerated and fled the area to avoid police contact," police said in a statement. "All area patrols where notified of Bennett’s vehicle description and advised to be on the look out. At approximately 2:15 p.m., Bennett’s vehicle was located and stopped on Interstate 84 in the town of Southeast."
Bennett was charged with three felonies: first-degree scheme to defraud, third-degree grand larceny and second-degree forgery. Troopers also charged him with second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, a misdemeanor, and other vehicle and traffic violations. Officials say he was wanted on warrants from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department and Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office.
Ellen Bennett, who LoHud.com identified as Bennett's wife, was also arrested. She was charged with fourth-degree grand larceny, a felony, and is due Friday in Cortlandt Justice Court.
Jason Bennett was sent to the Westchester County Jail on $500,000 bond. Police ask anyone with information regarding his activities to call the Bureau of Criminal Investigation at Cortlandt at 914-737-7171. All calls will remain confidential.
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