GARNERVILLE, NY — Rockland County District Attorney Tom Walsh has announced that a Grand Jury has indicted 45-year-old Nelson Morales of Cliffside Park, New Jersey, on serious charges following a violent incident last month at a local smoke shop.
Morales faces charges of Robbery in the First Degree and Kidnapping in the Second Degree after allegedly committing an armed robbery at the Finest Vape and Smoke Shop in Garnerville on June 25, 2025. According to authorities, Morales entered the store wearing a mask and brandishing what appeared to be a pistol. He confronted a lone employee in the back of the store, demanding access to a safe.
When the employee could not provide the safe’s combination, Morales allegedly forced him to the cash register, ordering him to hand over the money. Fearing for his life, the employee complied, and Morales took approximately $800 in cash and various products before fleeing the scene.
The incident prompted a swift investigation by the Town of Haverstraw Police Department, assisted by the New York State Police and the Rockland County Sheriff’s Department. Their coordinated efforts led to Morales’ indictment, which carries a potential sentence of 5 to 25 years in state prison if he is convicted.
Morales is scheduled to be arraigned today, July 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Kevin J. Russo in Rockland County Court. The prosecution is being led by Executive Assistant District Attorney Michael Peterson and Assistant District Attorney Daniella Harris.
As with all criminal proceedings, the charges against Morales are merely accusations at this stage. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.