Mahwah Brothers Arrested After Allegedly Violating Parole For 'Violent' Crimes

Two Mahwah brothers were arrested in Bedford, NY Saturday night for violating the terms of their parole and charged their sister with hindering their prosecution, Bedford police said.

According to police, Gregory Canova, 21, and his 18-year-old brother were arrested Friday night after Bedford police received information from authorities in New Jeresy that felony fugitives from Mahwah were currently in the town of Bedford.

Gregory Canova was charged in June 2011 with weapons possession and assault after an alleged dispute over money resulted in a knife fight between him and four other people, according to Mahwah Police Chief Jim Batelli.

The younger brother was also in violation of parole, though Batelli said he could not release any specific information about the circumstances of his original arrest.

"Both [brothers'] crimes were serious and involved violence," Batelli said.

Through their investigation, Bedford police determined the two were staying with a family member at a cottage on an estate on Stone Hill Road. Because of the violent nature of the previous charges, police obtained a search warrant for the cottage, Bedford Lieutenant Jeffrey Dickan said.

With assistance from Westchester County police officers, Bedford police made a forced entry into the residence, but did not locate the Canovas. The tenant, also a member of the family, was uncooperative but after it was apparent the brothers had fled, police combed the area, police said.

Police located the suspects' car and conducted a traffic stop. They identified the driver of the car as Stephanie Canova, 24, a Mahwah resident, and sister of the two wanted men, police said. Gregory Canova was a passenger in the car and the 18-year-old was located in the trunk of the car, Bedford police said.

Stephanie Canova was charged with third degree hindering prosescution and and was released on $500 bail, police said.

According to Bedford police, the younger brother was charged as a fugitive from justice, unlawful possession of marijuana and fourth degree criminal possession of a controlled substance for allegedly carrying pills. Gregory Canova was charged as a fugitive from justice, police said. The brothers are in jail pending their next court appearance.

Jessica Mazzola contributed to this report.