February 20, 1998

Contact: Geoffrey Ryan (718/595-5371)

NYCDEP Police Arrest Fugitive From Maryland

Commissioner Joel A. Miele Sr., P.E., of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced today that DEP Police arrested a woman wanted by law enforcement authorities in Maryland. While on patrol early Wednesday morning, Sgt. Frank Milazzo of DEP's Croton Precinct observed a suspicious vehicle on City property near the Muscoot Reservoir in the Town of Lewisboro. On further investigation, it was learned that the operator of the vehicle, Gail Elizabeth Taber, had outstanding felony warrants from the State of Maryland for the alleged theft of approximately $400,000 worth of paintings, furniture and other items. Sgt. Milazzo arrested Ms. Taber on a Fugitive from Justice offense. Ms. Taber was arraigned at the Westchester County Court House and remanded to the Westchester County Correctional Facility. The State of Maryland is pursuing extradition.