Authorities are releasing more information about a Bronx man accused of defrauding customers who paid to ship items to the Dominican Republic.
Haverstraw police arrested Julio Fermin Germosen, owner of Rockland Shipping, on Aug. 14, after customers reported problems getting clothes and nonperishable items sent from the Village of Haverstraw to loved ones in the Dominican Republic.
"Anytime we have any crime or any victim that lives in our area, big or small, we're going to track it down to the fullest extent," said Haverstraw Police Chief John Gould.
Germosen, 48, has been charged with first-degree scheme to defraud involving 10 or more victims. He was released on an appearance ticket and will appear before the Village of Haverstraw Justice Court at a later date.
According to Gould, the investigation began after the Rockland County Consumer Protection Department alerted police to numerous complaints filed against the business.
"We believe there are more," Gould said. "Please come forward and tell us your circumstances and we can possibly add more charges to this individual."
Rockland County Consumer Protection has received 36 complaints from customers in Rockland County and as far away as Newburgh and the Bronx.
Customers reported spending between $70 and $520 to ship items.
According to the complaints, shipments made between September 2025 and February 2026 either never arrived, arrived with missing items, were damaged, or required customers to pay additional costs.
Customers also reported communication issues after attempting to resolve their concerns.
"After reaching out to the shipper a bunch of times, they then refused to answer. So that's when the consumer ended up coming to us because they weren't getting any type of resolution," said Nick Payne of Rockland Consumer Protection.
Consumer Protection officials recommend taking several steps before using a shipping service, including:
- Make sure the business is legitimate by researching location, phone numbers, reviews.
- Understand transportation and insurance liabilities.
- Keep evidence of the items being shipped, such as taking photos and documenting value.
- Save all paperwork until delivery is completed.
News 12 attempted to contact the business for comment, but its phone lines were not in service.