UPDATE: Quintin Cross’s Facebook page, referenced in the post below earlier today, disappeared this afternoon.
Some further notes on yesterday’s astonishing news:
(1) A bulletin issued yesterday by the Hudson Police Department stated that former Alderman Quintin Cross and a friend, Jamont McClendon, are “wanted persons” sought “by the City of Hudson Police for Burglary in the 3rd degree in connection with the March 19th Burglary at City Hall, 520 Warren Street.”
According to New York State Penal Law, third degree burglary is a “D” felony offense which may carry up to a seven year sentence. A legal explanation of the offense can be found here.
(2) Alexandra Field of CBS6 in Albany interviewed HPD Chief Ellis Richardson in his office on Tuesday. Of particular interest is the news (also reported by the Register-Star) that the Hudson Police had interviewed Cross before his disappearance.
Richardson: “These two individuals are... you know, the ones we want to talk to.”
Field: “Police spoke to Cross after the City Hall burglary, but they don't know where he is anymore.”
Richardson: “Early indications are... uh, in the interview process... was that, uh, he was not responsible for this. Um... Of which, you know, we, um... let him go.”
Field: “And now you can't find him.”
Richardson: “We’re looking for him, yes.”
This raises the obvious (if uncomfortable) question of why Cross was “let go” initially, only to have police issue a bulletin shortly thereafter seeking him and McClendon.
Various reports have indicated that Cross may have been spotted on surveillance video cameras (which, ironically enough, were installed in City Hall in the wake of the credit card scam which ultimately led to his imprisonment several years ago). Inquiring minds then can’t help but ask: Had this videotape been reviewed when the police interviewed Cross? If so, why was he let go? And if not, what other evidence prompted them to interview him at all?
WTEN ran its own piece on the story which includes this statement from the HPD chief:
Richardson: “These two particular individuals, uh, if they aren’t directly involved, certainly could provide some information leading to those persons that are.”
(3) A source who has been reliable in the past tells this site that some computer equipment may have been found on the rear roof of City Hall after the break-in, but it should be emphasized that this cannot be confirmed. If true, that could indicate that someone had hoped to steal the equipment, but decided it was either too difficult or too risky to carry it off.
(4) There are also several indications that the Columbia County District Attorney’s office may have already prepared or even filed an indictment of Cross, but again at this point that is likewise unconfirmed.
(5) Cross (or someone using his account) continues to be active on Facebook while being sought by the police. As noted previously, a birthday message was sent to the proprietor of a local business Tuesday around 1 pm. Today, Cross’s timeline also showed he’d added two new friends—though those could be responses to old requests—and also was listening to music on the online site Spotify:
On Facebook, Cross lists Albany, not Hudson, as his place of residence.
(6) The photo of Cross issued by the HPD does not appear to be terribly current, as its subject looks considerably more haggard than in recent months.
Bear in mind that this is a developing story, with many rumors flying around, and many sources eager to provide details but few willing to go on record. And of course, in our country everyone is innocent unless proven guilty.
