Thornwood Man Among Five Charged In $33M Mortgage Fraud Conspiracy

Five people, including one from White Plains and one from Yonkers, have been indicted in a $33 million mortgage fraud conspiracy in Westchester and Putnam counties, according to Preet Bharara, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. The five defendants -- Bruce Lewis, 54 and Jacqueline Graham, 47, who are both still at large, Anthony Vigna, 59, of Thornwood, Rocco Cermele, 54, of Yonkers, and Paula Guadagno, 58, of White Plains -- are accused of committing bank fraud, wire fraud, and mail fraud in connection with a debt-elimination scheme to defraud homeowners and banks, Bharara said.

Yonkers slot player hits for $961,411

The second-largest jackpot in Empire City/Yonkers Raceway's 10-year history was taken down this past Sunday, Nov. 13. Linda H., of nearby Thornwood, NY, parlayed an impromptu visit and a $10 bet into a $961,411.81 payday. The big hit occurred on a $5 denomination Wheel of Fortune machine in Empire City Casino's Gotham Palace.