(NEW CITY – Four Rockland County men have been arrested following a three-month investigation into the fatal fire at the Evergreen Assisted Living Home on March 23. The Spring Valley fire claimed the life of volunteer firefighter Jared Lloyd and a resident of the facility.
Aaron Sommer and Nathaniel Sommer are both charged with their actions that caused the fire. They were remanded on bail.
Wayne Ballard and Raymond Canario are charged with falsely filing reports to the state regarding fire inspections. Both men were issued appearance tickets. Ballard was the former Highway Superintendent of Clarkstown before being hired by Spring Valley in 2019 to run the combined DPW and building department. Canario is the chief building inspector for the Village of Spring Valley.
Two arrest warrants were issued for Denise Kerr and Manuel Lema. Their charges are for their actions from within the facility prior to the start of the fire.
The investigation involves the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, Spring Valley Police, Rockland County BCI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, State Police, and the Rockland DA’s Office.
(Mark Lieb, Rockland Video Productions)
