Crimes Nearby: Sex Offender Ousted from School Zone After Community Outcry

Smithtown

Sex Offender Ousted from School Zone After Community Outcry

Cops have relocated a Level 3 sex offender on parole after he was found to have moved within feet of Smithtown East High School, prompting outraged community members to raise alarms.

According to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services website, Jae Claassen, 23, was living at 151 Northern Blvd. in St. James, which according to MapQuest records is within .21 miles of Smithtown East High School. Claassen was convicted in Sept. of 2008 of a Level 3 crime.

Commack

Michael Buchalter, 50, of Deer Park, was arrested in Commack and charged with insurance fraud after he allegedly collected unemployment benefits while he was working at King Kullen. Police said he was charged with insurance fraud in the fourth degree, a felony, on June 19.

Three Village

Normal Torgersen IV, 41, of Setauket, was arrested June 18 at his home in Setauket and charged with second-degree forgery and fourth-degree grand larceny, both felonies. Police said Torgersen stole a check and wrote it out for $100 and then forged the signature on it. They also said he stole a credit card and charged gasoline. Law enforcement officials previously issued three bench warrants. Torgersen is due back in court June 28.