SOMERS, NY — New York State Police and the Town of Somers Police Department responded to Ridge Way on April 11, 2026, at approximately 1:00 p.m. for a report of several vehicles parked on the shoulder of the roadway.
Based on previous incidents, police believed the vehicles belonged to individuals trespassing on the adjacent former IBM complex.
State Police uniform members and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation entered the property and began canvassing the exterior parking lots.
Two individuals were detained and identified as Violette O. Nidds, 24, of Ridgewood, New Jersey, and Benjamin F. Volino, 25, of Mahwah, New Jersey.
Volino was observed carrying a large crowbar.
During the arrest, Volino was found to be in possession of a loaded 9mm firearm.
He was also in possession of property taken from the location, including a Sony camera and a large power strip.
Nidds was charged with criminal trespass in the third degree, a class B misdemeanor.
She was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Somers Court on April 13, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Volino was charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, a class C felony; burglary in the second degree, a class C felony; two counts of criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree, class A misdemeanors; and possession of burglar’s tools, a class A misdemeanor.
Volino was arraigned in the Town of Somers Court and remanded to the Westchester County Jail in lieu of $7,500 cash, $25,000 bond, or a $15,000 partially secured surety bond.
He is scheduled to reappear in the Town of Somers Court on April 13, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
