Police seek Jamestown man who shot self, made false report

JAMESTOWN – Police here are searching for a man who they say made a false report in a shooting incident last month.

Matthew W. Buck, 23, of 30 Terrace Place, Apt. 3, is facing a felony charge of first-degree making an apparent sworn false statement and third-degree falsely reporting an incident after the March 19 shooting at McKinley Avenue at Prospect Street. Jamestown police say the investigation has determined that Buck suffered an intentional self-inflicted gunshot in the shoulder while in the process of a drug transaction.

Police are seeking information on Buck’s whereabouts and encourage those with information to call 483-8477. All calls will be kept confidential.

Dunkirk Police

Robert Hannah Jr., 20, of King Street was charged with third-degree assault on Sunday.

Matthew Jessie, 27, of Eagle Street was charged with disorderly conduct on Sunday.

Matthew Skubis, 25, of Woodrow Avenue was charged with failure to use designated lane on Monday after a one-vehicle accident on East Courtney Street near Franklin Avenue around 12:20 a.m. Skubis reportedly told police that he lost control of his vehicle. The vehicle reportedly struck a utility pole on the south side of East Courtney Street, causing damage to both the vehicle and the pole.

Francisco Santiago, 32, of Ruggles Street was charged with second-degree harassment and fourth-degree criminal mischief on Tuesday.

Angel Cruz-Ocasio, 20, with a last known address of East Second Street, was charged with petit larceny on Tuesday.

Jahmaul Johnson, 42, of Franklin Avenue was charged on bench warrants for harassment and resisting arrest on Tuesday.

Daniel Waite, 34, of Lincoln Avenue was charged with second-degree harassment on Wednesday.

Donna Ojeda, 44, with a last known address of Townsend Street, was charged with disorderly conduct on Wednesday.

Roderick Covington, 24, of Prospect Street, Fredonia, was charged with second-degree harassment on Wednesday.

Robert Lidlow, 49, of South Beagle Street was charged with second-degree harassment on Thursday.

Fredonia Police

Cody Abbey, 27, of Jamestown was charged with second-degree contempt and speed in zone on April 17.

Diana Blaszczak, 29, of Leopard Street, Dunkirk, was charged with petit larceny on Sunday.

State Police at Jamestown

Gary A. Reynolds, 55, of Cherry Creek was charged on Wednesday with driving while intoxicated, reckless driving and misuse of dealer plates after a traffic stop on Route 83 for speeding and no front plate. Field sobriety tests were administered and Reynolds was reportedly placed under arrest for DWI.

Passenger Jeffery A. Cardot Jr., 30, of Cassadaga was found to be allegedly in possession of 12 grams of marijuana. Cardot was issued an appearance ticket for unlawful possession of marijuana and released.

Reynolds was processed at the Jamestown barracks where a blood alcohol content of .16 was obtained.

Both Reynolds and Cardot are to appear in Cherry Creek Town Court at a later date.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

JAMESTOWN – Caleb Wickstrom, 24, of Tompkins Road is charged with failure to appear on Tuesday. Wickstrom was located at his residence and taken into custody on an outstanding Family Court warrant. Wickstrom was arraigned in Chautauqua County Family Court and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of $2,500 bail.

MAYVILLE – Ada M. Sommers, 54, of Kennedy was charged with third-degree welfare fraud, third-degree grand larceny, four counts of first-degree offering false instrument for filing and misuse of food stamps over $3,000 on Wednesday. Sommers was charged following an investigation by the sheriff’s office and the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services Program Integrity Unit. It is alleged Sommers between July 2013 and July 2014 failed to report income and reported false information to the DHHS several times on written applications and during verbal interviews. Sommers and a member of her household allegedly had employment and income resulting in $3,106 in SNAP food benefits Sommers was not qualified for. She was released to appear in Jamestown City Court. To report instances of suspected welfare fraud contact the hotline at 1-800-388-5365 or the We Tip hotline at 1-800-782-7463.

MAYVILLE – Stephen J. Abbey, 38, of Jamestown was charged with fourth-degree welfare fraud, fourth-degree grand larceny, first-degree offering a false instrument and misuse of food stamps on Wednesday. The charges stem from an investigation by the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services Program Integrity Unit. Abbey allegedly failed to report employment income resulting in the receipt of $1,492 in unentitled benefits between November 2013 and January 2014. He was released to appear in Jamestown City Court. To report instances of suspected welfare fraud contact the hotline at 1-800-388-5365 or the We Tip hotline at 1-800-782-7463.

MAYVILLE – Tayler J. Treadway, 19, of Morris Road was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance on April 7. Treadway turned herself into police on an outstanding Chautauqua County Grand Jury indictment as a result of an investigation by the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force and Westfield Police Depart-ment.

Treadway allegedly sold cocaine to agents of the task force in the village of Westfield and her warrant was part of a larger investigation of cocaine sales in Westfield. Treadway was arraigned in Chautauqua County Court and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail pending further action of the court.

To report narcotics-related activity call the task force at 1-800-344-8702 or the local police department.

Area police

Second student involved in teacher assault nabbed

By A.J. RAO

Special to the OBSERVER

JAMESTOWN – James-town police have apprehended the second student involved in a student-teacher assault that occurred Monday at the Raymond J. Fashano Technical Academy at 200 E. Fourth St.

According to Captain Robert F. Samuelson, division commander of the Jamestown Police Depart-ment, the 16-year-old male student was found Thursday shortly after noon, hiding in a closet at his home. He had reportedly fled the academy shortly after the incident.

The teenager was charged with second-degree felony assault, and transported to the city jail where he awaits arraignment.

Jamestown police said the assault occurred shortly after noon Monday when two 16-year-old male students struck their teachers multiple times.

One teacher was punched in the face and sustained lacerations to his face and mouth. He was also struck in the head with a metal clock removed from a wall.

The other teacher was reportedly struck in the face several times.

Police responded to the scene and took one of the teenagers into custody, while the other reportedly fled.

The first teenager in custody was charged with second-degree felony assault, and committed to the Chautauqua County Jail.

The teachers sought medical attention on their own, police said.

Tim Mains, superintendent of Jamestown Public Schools, declined to comment on what may have caused the incident.

“We have a very strong position about violence in our schools, and we don’t tolerate people hurting other students, staff, or visitors,” Mains said. “When students break that code of conduct, we put everything in our system into play to make sure that they don’t do that again, and everyone else in the system feels safe.”

Fredonia policeman involved in accident

OBSERVER Staff Report

A Fredonia police officer sustained minor injuries after his patrol vehicle hit a sign post in the Walmart parking lot on Monday.

According to an accident report, around 4:50 p.m., Michael Hodkin Jr., 33, of Fredonia was operating Car No. 131 near the Lawn & Garden Center entrance when he turned left to head up an aisle. The vehicle then reportedly struck a yellow concrete sign post with its front driver’s side fender and wheel area, causing the airbags to deploy.

Car 131, a 2013 Ford, was towed to Mancuso’s after the incident.

Area Police

State Police in Jamestown

NORTH HARMONY – Matthew A Samples, 35, of Meadville, Pennsylvania, was charged Tuesday following a stop on I-86 for driving 82 miles per hour in a 65 mph zone. The trooper, who was monitoring traffic for a “Speed Week” detail, initiated a traffic stop and a computer check reportedly found Samples had an outstanding warrant for a parole violation out of Pennsylvania. Samples was taken into custody, issued a speeding ticket and arraigned in Ellery Town Court as a fugitive from justice. He was sent to Chautauqua County Jail pending extradition to Pennsylvania.

GERRY – Jeremy A. Barmore, 28, of Gerry was charged Tuesday with driving while intoxicated, aggravated DWI – blood alcohol content of .18 percent or more and speeding after a traffic stop on Route 60 for speeding. An odor of alcohol reportedly emanated from Barmore, and after field sobriety tests, he was placed under arrest for DWI. He was transported to the Jamestown barracks where a BAC of .23 percent was obtained.

State Police in Fredonia

CHARLOTTE – Christian Santangelo, 34, of Jamestown was charged Tuesday with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of marijuana and speeding in a school zone after State Police stopped a vehicle on Route 60 for speeding 60 miles per hour in a 45 mph school zone.

While interviewing Santangelo, a strong odor of marijuana was allegedly emanating from the vehicle. Further investigation allegedly revealed Santangelo to be in possession of pure cannabis oil and marijuana.

Santangelo was transported to the Fredonia barracks for processing. Santangelo was issued appearance tickets returnable to Charlotte Town Court.

Area Police

Jamestown woman charged on multiple arrest warrants

SHERMAN – A James-town woman has been charged on numerous warrants for allegedly issuing bad checks. According to the Chautauqua County Sherriff’s Office, Marjorie Conklin, 45, was charged with warrants from the towns of Sherman, Dun-kirk, Pomfret and Falconer.

Conklin allegedly wrote several bad checks in Dunkirk, Pomfret and Falconer in late 2014, then in January allegedly wrote bad checks to a Sherman business. In early March, Conklin allegedly tried to pass a bad check at the same Sherman business when an employee contacted police. After numerous repeated attempts to locate Conklin, she turned herself in to police, was arraigned in Sherman Town Court and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of bail.

Conklin was released on bail once she was arraigned in the other town courts where she had active arrest warrants. On April 14, Conklin was taken into custody again for being a fugitive from justice for charges in Pennsylvania. Conklin was extradited to Pennsyl-vania so she could be arraigned on those charges.

State Police in Fredonia

Lewis Campbell, 35, of Fredonia, was charged Sunday with trespassing after a complaint had been filed with State Police and Campbell had reportedly been advised to stay away from the Country Fair at 10358 Route 60, in the town of Pomfret or he would be charged with trespassing.

On April 17, Campbell was allegedly observed in the store at that location.

Campbell was issued an appearance ticket to appear in Pomfret Town Court.

Brad Stevens, 36, of Fredonia, was charged Monday with second-degree aggravated harassment, the result of an investigation stemming from a complaint Sunday that Stevens was allegedly sending text messages, including several threatening ones, after being told not to call or text the complainant.

Stevens was processed at the Fredonia barracks and was issued an appearance ticket to appear in Pomfret Town Court on April 28.

State Police in Jamestown

GERRY – Warren Meredith Jr., 32, of Buffalo, was charged Saturday with driving while intoxicated and speeding after he was pulled over for allegedly driving 59 mph in a 35 mph zone. Meredith was reportedly found to be intoxicated after field sobriety tests and was transported to the Jamestown barracks for processing where a blood alcohol content of .14 was obtained.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

Lydia J. Davis, 25, of Lakewood, was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated, DWI and failure to keep right on April 15. Deputies stopped a vehicle on Fredonia-Stockton Road in Pomfret for an alleged traffic violation at 4 p.m. Davis was allegedly found to be intoxicated and released to appear in Pomfret Town Court.

Area Police

Pomfret woman allegedly threw items at police

OBSERVER Staff Report

A 39-year-old Pomfret woman allegedly threw items at police officers while in custody for the charge of driving while intoxicated Sunday morning.

According to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, around 1:20 a.m., deputies stopped Brenda Hegner’s vehicle on Route 60 in the town of Pomfret for allegedly having an insufficient tail lamp.

Upon investigation, Hegner, of Porter Road, Fredonia, was allegedly found to be intoxicated and was taken into custody for processing.

She received traffic tickets to appear in Pomfret Town Court and was released to a sober party.

After being released, Hegner allegedly became disorderly with deputies and threw the unnamed items at them. She was reportedly advised she was under arrest again and she allegedly began to resist.

Hegner was placed in custody again and arraigned in court on the charges of insufficient tail lamp, DWI, DWI per se, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and second-degree harassment. She was remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of bail.

Dunkirk Police

Machele Gilbert, 29, of Dunkirk, formerly of Pennsylvania, was charged with being a fugitive from justice on April 9.

Alexander Morales, 26, of Main Street was charged with petit larceny on April 10.

Josue Gonzalez, 39, of East Sixth Street was charged with driving while intoxicated, no headlights, failure to keep right, stop on highway, failure to signal and no insurance on April 11.

Elijah Rivera, 18, of Woodrow Avenue was charged with third-degree assault on April 12.

Angel Soto-Alvarez, 25, of King Street was charged with second-degree harassment on April 13.

John Tenamore, 34, of East Courtney Street was charged with petit larceny on April 13.

Dino Cabassa Jr., 19, of Ruggles Street was charged with failure to keep right after a two-vehicle, rear-end accident on Ruggles Street near Wright Street on April 13 around 1 p.m. Cabassa reportedly told police he attempted to swerve out of the path of an oncoming vehicle and struck a parked vehicle, which subsequently struck a utility pole.

Fredonia Police

Alexandra Agro, 18, of Tonawanda was charged with third-degree assault, obstruction of a governmental administration, disorderly conduct and fictitious license on April 10.

Dillon Schindler, 21, of Irving was charged with petit larceny on April 11.

Heriberto Martinez, 44, of Temple Street was charged with second-degree harassment on April 12.

Joshua Sorrento, 27, of Westfield was charged with second-degree harassment on April 13.

Area police

Cassadaga woman charged with DWI, having stolen gun

CASSADAGA – A Cassadaga woman has been charged with driving while intoxicated after allegedly being found in possession of a stolen gun on April 11.

New York State Police at Fredonia charged Sara Seastrom, 32, with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a Class C felony, driving while intoxicated and aggravated DWI. Troopers were dispatched to the complaint of a larceny of a loaded firearm from a Main Street address. Through investigation, Seastrom was found located in a vehicle in the Hatch Creek State Forest area. Seastrom was found to allegedly have a strong odor of alcohol emanating from her person, had slurred speech and had difficulty walking. The loaded firearm was located in the vehicle. Seastrom was taken into custody where a breath test found she had a .21 percent blood alcohol content.

Seastrom was arraigned in Charlotte Town Court and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash or $20,000 property bond. She is to appear in Gerry Town Court at a later date.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

JAMESTOWN – Anna L. Towne, 27, of Frewsburg was charged with third-degree welfare fraud, third-degree grand larceny and misuse of food stamps, a Class D felony on Friday. The charges stem from a welfare fraud investigation where Towne allegedly failed to notify the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services that her husband was employed during the period of March through August 2014. As a result, Towne received $4,500 in food stamps that she was not entitled to. This arrest concludes a joint investigation by the sheriff’s office, and the DHHS Program Integrity Unit. Towne was released to appear in Jamestown City Court at a later date. Instances of welfare fraud may be reported to the welfare fraud hotline at 1-800-388-5365 or We-Tip hotline at 1-800-782-7463.

Amanda N. Goodell, 27, of Fredonia was charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs and having no turn signal on Friday. Deputies stopped Goodell’s vehicle on Route 20 in the town of Pomfret at 10 p.m., for allegedly failing to signal a turn. Goodell was found to be allegedly impaired by drugs. She was released to appear in Pomfret Town Court at a later date.

CLYMER – Julie S. Williams, 25, of Clymer was charged with driving while intoxicated and failure to keep right on Saturday. Deputies stopped Williams’ vehicle on Clymer Hill Road at 2:19 a.m., for an alleged traffic violation. During the traffic stop, Williams was found to be allegedly intoxicated. Williams was released to appear in Clymer Town Court at a later date.

Area Police

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

SILVER CREEK – Tre A. Kaiser, 19, of Angola was charged with second-degree criminal impersonation on an active arrest warrant Monday.

Deputies observed Kaiser on Hanover Street just after 5:30 p.m. where a warrant check revealed the active Silver Creek Village Court warrant.

Kaiser was arraigned in Hanover Town Court and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of bail.

Area Police

Fredonia man arrested on parole violation

OBSERVER Staff Report

A 24-year-old Fredonia man is accused of violating his parole.

According to the Fredo-nia Police Department, officers on Monday were requested to respond to a residence at 450 Temple St. in the village of Fredonia to investigate the report of a violent domestic.

The subsequent investigation led to officers locating Justin A. Baez allegedly hiding in a closet, attempting to evade detection by authorities.

A records check revealed that Baez was wanted on a parole violation for allegedly violating his conditions of parole.

The warrant was issued by the New York State Division of Parole out of Erie County.

Baez was taken into custody on the valid warrant and held in the Fredonia Police Department lock-up until he was transferred to the County Jail for further processing.

Chautauqua County Court

MAYVILLE – District Attorney David W. Foley announced the following pleas and sentences in Chautauqua County Court:

• Raymond Santiago-Rodriguez, 41, of Dunkirk, was sentenced to 2 years in state prison with 2 years of post-release supervision for fifth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance.

• Nathaniel D. Hollins, 24, of Dunkirk, was sentenced to 2 years in state prison with 3 years post-release supervision for violation of probation.

• Kentrell J. Stewart, 30, of Dunkirk, was sentenced to 1-3 years in state prison for third-degree robbery.

• William Drake, 22, of Brocton, was sentenced to 1 year in state prison with 1 year post-release supervision for fifth-degree attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance.

• John L. Whitcomb, 36, of Forestville, was sentenced to 1 year in jail for felony driving while intoxicated.

State Police

in Jamestown

ELLERY – Kermit E. Backus Jr., 44, of Pittsburgh, was charged Monday with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, speeding and unlawful possession of marijuana after he was stopped on I-86 for speeding.

Backus, the driver, was reportedly found to be in possession of a crack pipe with residue and marijuana. An alleged computer check showed Backus to possess a suspended license in New York state.

He was arraigned in Ellery Town Court and sent to Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of $850 cash bail.

Area Police

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

HANOVER – Richard S. Wick, 66, of Angola was charged with driving while intoxicated and having inadequate head lights on Wednesday. Deputies observed Wick’s vehicle allegedly driving with no head lights on Routes 5 and 20 shortly before 9:30 p.m. During the traffic stop, Wick was found to be allegedly intoxicated. He was released to appear in Hanover Town Court.

STOCKTON – Matthew Snyder, 30, of Bruyer Road, Stockton, was charged with being a fugitive from justice on Sunday.

Around 9 a.m., the Sheriff’s office was called to do a check on the well-being at a residence on Bruyer Road, for the Pennsylvania State Police. Upon completion of the check, it was determined that Snyder had outstanding warrants in Pennsylvania.

He was arraigned in Stockton Town Court and committed to the Chautauqua County Jail.

Area police

City man’s 2013 charges dismissed

SILVER CREEK – Charges levied against a Dunkirk man for allegedly stalking a victim in October 2013 have been dismissed in Silver Creek Village Court. David N. Summerton, Captain, U.S. Army Reserve Retired, has been cleared of the charges by village Justice Richard Saletta.

Debris leads police to accident

SHERMAN – A large amount of debris in the roadway Friday night led police to an accident scene. According to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were on patrol on Mt. Pleasant Road shortly before midnight when they found a large amount of debris in the roadway.

Deputies checking the area found a vehicle off the west side of the road in a drainage ditch. The vehicle was heavily damaged and the engine compartment had caught fire. Police used a fire extinguisher to put the fire off and found Kasey M. Erhard, 22, of Nettle Hill Road to be trapped inside the vehicle.

The Sherman Fire Department responded to the scene and extricated Erhard from the vehicle. Erhard was transported to an Erie, Pa., hospital for non-life threatening injuries. Charges are pending.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

RIPLEY – James R. Eimers, 46, of West Main Street was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief and second-degree harassment on Thursday. Deputies were called to an altercation at a West Main Street residence at 9:30 p.m. Eimers allegedly grabbed another individual and threw them down to the ground. Eimers also allegedly threw items in the house breaking them. Eimers was not at the scene when police arrived but was located a short time later. He was arraigned in Ripley Town Court and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bail. Eimers is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

Hector R. Figueroa, 46, of Fredonia was charged with felony driving while intoxicated, aggravated DWI and speeding on Saturday. Deputies stopped Figueroa’s vehicle for allegedly speeding on Bennett Road in the town of Pomfret around 2:15 a.m. Figueroa was found to be allegedly intoxicated and a check of his driving record showed a prior DWI charge within the past 10 years. He was arraigned in Pomfret Town Court and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of $500 bail. Figueroa is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

Area Police

Armed home invasion in Jamestown

By A.J. RAO

Special to the OBSERVER

JAMESTOWN – An armed invasion of a Jamestown home Friday has landed two men in custody and a badly injured victim in the hospital.

According to Jamestown police, the home invasion occurred shortly after 1:30 a.m. at 76 Pershing Ave. It is alleged that three men, donning masks and armed with a machete and a billy club, forced their way into the home and bound the victim with duct tape before beating him.

In addition, multiple items were allegedly stolen from the home, including a safe, clothing, cash, jewelry and coins, police said.

Captain Robert F. Samuelson, division commander of the Jamestown Police Department, said the assailants and the victim were acquaintances, and the invasion was likely drug-related.

The victim was taken to WCA Hospital and later to Hamot Medical Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, where he is reportedly being treated for a severe back injury, according to Samuelson.

Later Friday, investigators with the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force executed two search warrants in connection to the incident.

Shortly before noon, police raided a South Maple Street address in Ashville where 22-year-old Robert W. Ellsworth was apprehended. He was charged with first-degree robbery and first-degree burglary.

At approximately 3:30 p.m., police approached a Wicks Avenue home in West Ellicott, where a 17-year-old man allegedly attempted to escape through a back window with a gym bag.

According to Samuelson, the bag contained marijuana, stolen property and “shatter,” an often oily, highly potent form of marijuana. Investigators also found two pounds of marijuana inside the home, as well as a quarter ounce of “shatter” and a loaded 12-gauge shotgun.

The 17-year-old faces potential felony drug charges and possession of stolen property charges.

Additional charges are pending further investigation against both men as well as a third suspect who is not yet in custody.

The Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force is comprised of members from the Jamestown and Ellicott police departments as well as the New York State Community Narcotics Enforcement Team.

Anyone who may have information on this incident can contact the Jamestown police anonymous tip line at 483-Tips (8477). All calls will be kept confidential.

Brocton man arrested for false filing

On Thursday, Fredonia State Police arrested Nathan Harriger, age 19, of Brocton, for falsely reporting an incident to law enforcement in the third degree and making a false written statement.

On Feb. 17, Fredonia State Police had been dispatched to a report of a hit and run personal injury accident occurring on Old Mill Road in the town of Portland. Harringer reported he had been walking with his head down listening to his headphones when a pickup truck had struck him and left the scene. Harringer had been transported to Brooks Hospital by Portland EMS and treated for bruised ribs. State Police had interviewed Harriger, and he had given a written statement of the incident.

After further investigation and interviews, it was later determined Harriger had allegedly injured his ribs in a fall. After Harringer had arrived home on Thursday, he told a family member he had been struck by a truck. He had then been transported to Brooks Hospital by Portland EMS, and the State Police had been dispatched for the hit and run personal injury accident.

Harriger was given appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Portland Court on April 21.

Falsifying sick leave records leads to arrest

The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, at the request of the New York State Department of Transportation Investigations Bureau, assisted in the investigation and arrest of an employee who allegedly falsified sick leave records.

State Police arrested Rodney H. Brinkman, 60, of the Town of Sheridan, for offering a false instrument for filling in the first degree, a Class E felony, and possession of a forged instrument, a Class D felony.

Brinkman was arraigned before the Town of Pomfret Court and released on his own recognizance; he will reappear in court on a later date.

Inmate smuggles drugs into County Jail

By A.J. RAO

Special to the OBSERVER

MAYVILLE-An inmate at the Chautauqua County Jail was handed additional charges Tuesday after police allegedly discovered heroin and marijuana in his possession.

Roberto Morales Sanchez, 46, of Jamestown, who was originally incarcerated for narcotics-related charges, reportedly smuggled the drugs by hiding them into a body cavity.

According to Charles Holder, undersheriff of the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, this is the typical way that drugs get smuggled into correctional facilities.

“(Drugs) get inserted into people’s body cavities, and unless we have a search warrant, it’s very difficult to get at that contraband,” Holder said. “(Inmates) will eventually take the drugs out, and then word will go around or they’ll sell it … and we’re able to do a cell search before they can (hide) it again.”

Morales Sanchez was charged with first-degree promoting prison contraband, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana. The charges were the result of a joint investigation by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Division, the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force and the Jamestown Police Department.

Morales Sanchez will be arraigned in Chautauqua Court and remanded back to the jail.

Area police

Dunkirk Police

Sean Korzenski, 21, of East Main Road was charged with failure to keep right and driving on a sidewalk on March 28.

Jonathan Fores, 21, of West Fourth Street was charged with second-degree harassment and first-degree contempt on April 3.

Tamika Stewart, 21, of Deer Street was charged with disorderly conduct on April 4.

Terry Young-Copeland, 27, of Deer Street was charged with second-degree criminal contempt on April 4.

Robin Diers, 34, of Brocton was charged with petit larceny on Monday.

Kianni Medina, 23, of Washington Avenue was charged with second-degree harassment on Monday.

Julianna Post, 29, of Lake Shore Drive East was charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person on Tuesday.

Devon Wilson, 21, of Lord Street was charged with disorderly conduct on Wednesday.

Fredonia Police

Omar Davis, 23, of SUNY Fredonia was charged with disorderly conduct and unlawful possession of marijuana on Sunday.

Kevin Schunk, 24, of Silver Creek was charged with second-degree harassment on Tuesday.

James Davis, 36, of Water Street was charged with endangering the welfare of a child on Wednesday.

Victor Olivarez, 22, of Forest Place was charged with disorderly conduct on Thursday.

State Police in Jamestown

JAMESTOWN – Karl Krauss, 32, of Gerry was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and inadequate muffler on Wednesday.

After a traffic stop on Route 60 in Jamestown for an allegedly inadequate muffler, troopers allegedly noticed a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Krauss, the operator, was found to be in alleged possession of approximately 14 grams of marijuana, a glass smoking pipe containing marijuana residue and a metal grinder containing marijuana residue.

Krauss was issued tickets returnable to Jamestown City Court.

CHARLOTTE – James Senick, 43, of Gerry was charged with driving while intoxicated and inadequate tail lights on Thursday.

Troopers conducted a traffic stop on Old Chautauqua Road around 12:40 p.m. for an alleged broken tail light. Senick was allegedly found to be intoxicated during the traffic stop and reportedly failed field sobriety tests. He was processed at the Jamestown barracks, where a blood alcohol content of .13 percent was allegedly obtained.

Senick was issued tickets returnable to Charlotte Town Court.

Area Police

Four charged in Westfield incident

WESTFIELD – Four individuals were charged following an incident at the Westfield Police Department on March 29. The incident started when Westfield Police officers observed Brian Chieco, 26, of Cherry Creek allegedly urinating on a building behind the East Main Street business district just before 1 a.m.

Police made contact with Chieco, who allegedly resisted arrest causing police to have to physically place him in custody. Chieco was then transported to the police station for processing and while inside the station, three individuals arrived demanding to speak to him. Shannon P. Baldridge, 32, of Pittsburgh, Alaina M. Sullivan, 22, of Pittsburgh, and Mellisa A. Mallaber, 42, of Cherry Creek allegedly did not comply with police commands to leave.

Mallaber allegedly began to scream and yell at police when police walked outside to release Chieco. Police attempted to take Mallaber into custody and she allegedly pulled away from officers. Chieco, Baldridge and Sullivan allegedly jumped in between police and Mallaber to disrupt the arrest. All four individuals were charged with one count each of resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and second-degree obstructing governmental administration.

All individuals are scheduled to appear in Westfield Village Court. The New York State Police and Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office assisted Westfield Police.

State Police in Jamestown

GERRY – Robert K. Heeter, 26, of Lakewood was charged on April 3 with unlawful possession of marijuana and inadequate tail lights after State Police arrested Heeter for drug possession after a traffic stop on Route 60 for a broken tail light. Heeter was reportedly found to be in possession of marijuana and was issued tickets for the above charges and is to appear in Gerry Town Court at a later date.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

JAMESTOWN – Keith A. Sandy, 48, of Jamestown was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and speeding on Friday. Deputies observed Sandy’s vehicle allegedly speeding on Boulevard Avenue just after midnight. Sandy was found to be in alleged possession of a small amount of marijuana. Sandy was released to appear in Jamestown City Court.

SHERMAN – Robert L. Linger, 47, of Ashville was charged with driving while intoxicated on Saturday. Deputies responded to a Park Street residence shortly after 9:30 p.m. Linger allegedly was found to be intoxicated. Linger was released to appear in Sherman Town Court.

State Police in Fredonia

PORTLAND – Lewis Campbell Jr., 35, of Fredonia was charged on April 5 with no signal, third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and an expired registration after State Police stopped a vehicle on Ellicott Road for no signal.

The operator, Campbell, was found to be suspended for failure to answer a summons out of West Seneca Town Court. The vehicle Campbell was operating was also found to have an expired North Carolina registration. The vehicle was towed from the scene and impounded.

PORTLAND – Amanda Kramer, 20, of North Tonawanda was charged on April 3 with second-degree criminal trespass after State Police responded to Farr Road for a report of a possible burglary in progress. Upon arrival, people were reportedly located inside the cabin. Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Deputies also responded to assist with the investigation.

The investigation allegedly revealed Kramer had invited 10 of her friends to go to a relative’s cabin without the owner’s knowledge or permission. After contacting the owner, Kramer was arrested. Kramer had stated her friends had no knowledge she was not supposed to be there.

Kramer was transported to the Fredonia barracks for processing and issued an appearance ticket for the above charge, returnable to Portland Town Court on April 21.

Area police

State Police

in Jamestown

SHERMAN – Robert L. Linger, 47, of Ashville was charged with driving while intoxicated after deputies responded to an address on Park Street for an incident.

Through a short investigation into the incident, deputies alleged that Linger was operating his vehicle while in an intoxicated condition and subsequently arrested him for DWI.

Linger was processed and later released with traffic citations. He will appear in Sherman Village Court at a later date.

JAMESTOWN – Amy L. Bishop, 39, of Gerry was charged on April 5 with failure to yield the right of way and unlawful possession of marijuana on Main Street after failing to yield the right of way.

An odor of marijuana was reportedly detected and Bishop was found to be in possession of marijuana. She was issued tickets for the above charges, returnable to Ellicott Town Court.

FALCONER – Keith A. Blair, 34, of Falconer was charged on April 5 with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon after a traffic stop on Central Avenue for improperly signaling a left turn.

A strong odor of marijuana was reportedly coming from the vehicle and a computer check showed that both the registration and Blair’s driver’s license were suspended.

Blair was found to be in possession of brass knuckles and cocaine.

GERRY – Crystalene A. Devlieger, 44, of Kennedy was charged on April 4 with driving while impaired by alcohol, no front plate and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle after she was pulled over for not having a front license plate on Gerry-Ellington Road.

While she was being interviewed by the trooper, an odor of alcohol was reportedly detected and after field tests Devlieger was placed under arrest. She was processed at the Jamestown barracks where a blood alcohol content of .07 was obtained.

Devlieger was issued tickets for the above charges and is to appear in Gerry Town Court.

Area police

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

SHERMAN – David L. Tackett, 20, of Ripley was charged on Saturday with driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or greater and no/inadequate muffler after Sheriff’s Deputies stopped a vehicle on Park Street for an equipment violation. An investigation reportedly found Tackett to be intoxicated. Tackett was taken into custody and after processing was released with traffic tickets for the above charges.

SILVER CREEK – Patricia M. Ryan, 32, of Silver Creek was charged on Friday with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operator, failure to dim headlamps and failure to notify the department of motor vehicles of address change after Sheriff’s Deputies observed a vehicle fail to dim its headlamps while operating on Central Avenue. It was allegedly discovered that Ryan’s New York driving privileges were suspended. Ryan was issued citations for the above charges and is to return to Silver Creek Village Court at a later date.

SILVER CREEK – Michael P. Nelson, 66, of Silver Creek was charged on Saturday with driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated per se .08 blood alcohol content or higher, speeding and inadequate tail lamps after Sheriff’s Deputies observed a vehicle speeding and operating with inadequate tail lamps on Main Street. Further investigation found that Nelson was reportedly intoxicated while operating the vehicle. Nelson was arrested and charged with the above violations.

CASSADAGA – Shawn M. Abram, 53, of Cassadaga was charged on Friday with second-degree harassment after Sheriff’s Deputies and New York State Police responded to an alleged incident on Dale Drive. After an investigation, Deputies arrested Abram, who was charged with second-degree harassment following the incident. He was arraigned in Stockton Town Court and sent to Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of bail.

Area Police

State Police in Fredonia

Arlene Eichelberger, 40, of Dunkirk, was charged on April 1 with violating her parole after State Police was advised by NY State Parole that a subject had violated her parole. Eichelberger was processed and transported to the Chautauqua County Jail.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

SILVER CREEK – David R. Sheldon Jr., 34, of Silver Creek was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and failure to dim high beams on Friday. Deputies stopped Sheldon’s vehicle on central Avenue just after 1 a.m., for allegedly failure to dim its headlights. During the traffic stop, Sheldon was found to allegedly have a suspended New York state license. He was released to appear in Silver Creek Village Court.

Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office

DAYTON – Zackery J. Raichlin, 24, of Dayton was charged with second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and unlawful possession of marijuana on Thursday. The charges stem from a traffic stop shortly before 1:30 a.m., on Bentley Road. Deputies also charged Samantha R. Collier, 20, with unlawful possession of marijuana. Both are due in Dayton Town Court at a later date.

Area police

Man charged after chasing pedestrian with knives

SILVER CREEK – Matthew Kirisits, 20, of Silver Creek was charged on WEdnesday with second-degree menacing and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon after a Trooper was flagged down by a male who stated that when he walked past a residence on Central Avenue in the village, a male came after him with two knives.

A Chautauqua County Sheriff’s deputy responded to the scene to assist.

Investigation determined the suspect was, Kirisits. Kirisits was arrested and the weapons were recovered and placed in evidence.

Kirisits was transported to the Fredonia barracks for processing and given appearance tickets to appear on April 8 at Silver Creek Village Court.

Dunkirk Police

Yalitza Nieves, 35, of Grant Avenue was charged with second-degree harassment on March 19.

Leo Waller Sr., 57, of King Street was charged with first-degree aggravated harassment on March 20.

Samantha Bonilla, 20, of North Beaver Street was charged with unlicensed operation on March 20 after a two-vehicle sideswipe accident on East Fourth Street at Park Avenue around 4 p.m.

Elizabeth Barker, 22, of South Gazelle Street was charged with first-degree menacing on March 23. She was additionally charged with second-degree criminal contempt on March 26.

Kristine Gehling, 24, of Lambert Avenue, Fredonia, was charged with criminal possession of stolen property on March 25.

Nicholas Link, 25, of Temple Street, Fredonia, was charged with fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property on March 27.

Fredonia Police

Kristine Gehling, 24, of Lambert Avenue was charged with three counts of third-degree forgery, three counts of larceny and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance on March 17.

Elizabeth Boettcher, 20, of Forestville was charged with two counts of larceny on March 18.

Austin Aserian, 21, of Newton Street was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief and trespass on March 19.

Cathryn Millin, 42, of Webster Road was charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation on March 19 after allegedly pulling her vehicle over into a ditch on Chautauqua Street around 3:15 p.m.

Angel Soto-Alvarez, 25, of King Street, Dunkirk, was charged with trespass and larceny on March 24.

Jessica Kelsey, 18, of West Main Road, Portland, was charged on a warrant for larceny on March 25.

Thomas Zicari, 20, of Bloomfield was charged with obstruction of a governmental administration, disorderly conduct, second-degree harassment and fictitious license on Saturday.

State Police in Jamestown

David J. Adams, 40, of East Randolph was charged Wednesday with two counts of fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property following the investigation of the theft of two large residential propane tanks reported by a local business. The investigation reportedly led to Adams being found in possession of the stolen property.

JAMESTOWN – Michelle A. Pitts, 45, of Jamestown was charged on March 30 with third-degree felony insurance fraud and 28 counts of first-degree falsifying business records after Pitts reportedly collected over $7,000 in unemployment benefits during a 28-week period in 2012 while she was gainfully employed at two other jobs.

Area Police

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

SHERIDAN – Michelle C. McMasters, 20, of Silver Creek was charged Tuesday with driving while ability impaired by drugs, moving from lane unsafely and failure to use designated lane. Deputies saw McMasters’ vehicle allegedly move from its lane unsafely just before 9 p.m., while on Route 20. During the traffic stop, McMasters was found to be allegedly under the influence of drugs. She was released to appear in Sheridan Town Court.

Westfield Police Department

Sheri L. Smith, 40, of North East, Pa., was charged with speeding, unlawful possession of marijuana, two counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and two counts of possession of a controlled substance out of original container on March 20. Police stopped a vehicle on Watson Avenue for allegedly speeding. Smith was found to allegedly have a small quantity of marijuana and two separate kinds of pills outside of their original container.

Justin T. Spicer, 35, of Brocton was charged with driving while intoxicated, aggravated DWI, having no or insufficient tail lights, second-degree obstructing governmental administration and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance on March 21. Police stopped Spicer’s vehicle for an alleged tail light violation. Spicer allegedly attempted to get out the vehicle and attempted to flee during the traffic stop. Spicer was taken into custody after a short distance and found to be allegedly intoxicated and in possession of a controlled substance. Spicer was released to appear in Westfield Village Court.

Kennedy J. Gilbert, no age given, of Mayville was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and having an unregistered motor vehicle Saturday. Police were investigating an alleged suspicious vehicle on Minton Road and determined the registration was expired. Gilbert was found to be in alleged possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Leeanda M. Honey, 41, of Salamanca was charged with driving while intoxicated, third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and having an uninspected motor vehicle on Saturday. Police observed Honey’s vehicle pull into a closed business and drive behind the building. Honey was found to be allegedly intoxicated and to have a suspended license. Honey was released to a sober party and released to appear in Westfield Village Court.

Donna K. Lugen, no age or address given, was charged with failure to signal a turn and driving while intoxicated on Sunday. Police stopped Lugen’s vehicle for allegedly fail to signal a turn at the intersection of Cass Street and Route 20. Lugen was found to be allegedly intoxicated during the traffic stop.

Robert E. Harris, 44, of North Gale Road was charged with speeding, felony driving while intoxicated, felony first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and having an unregistered motor vehicle on Monday. Officers stopped Harris’ vehicle for allegedly speeding on Route 20. Harris was found to be allegedly intoxicated during the traffic stop and was found to have a prior DWI conviction within 10 years.

State Police in Jamestown

JAMESTOWN – Lawrence B. McGrigg, 33, of Jamestown was charged on March 28 with driving while intoxicated, felony criminal possession of a narcotic drug and unlawful possession of marijuana after being pulled over for not having a front license plate.

A strong odor of alcohol reportedly emanated from McGrigg, and after field sobriety tests he was placed under arrest for DWI. A search of McGrigg subsequent to the arrest allegedly found him to be in possession of crack cocaine and marijuana.

McGrigg was processed at the Jamestown barracks where a blood alcohol content of .08 was obtained. McGrigg was arraigned in Jamestown City Court and committed to the Chautauqua County Jail without bail.

POLAND – James C. Kris, 54, of Jamestown was charged on March 30 with driving while intoxicated and driving across hazardous markings following a traffic stop on I-86 after his vehicle was observed crossing over the fog line. When interviewing James, an odor of alcohol was reportedly noticed and after field tests he was placed under arrest for DWI. He was transported to the Jamestown barracks for processing where a blood alcohol content of .14 was obtained.

JAMESTOWN – Shari A. Guiffrida, 35, of Jamestown was charged on March 26 with aggravated driving while intoxicated – blood alcohol content .18 or more, operating a vehicle in violation of restrictions and unregistered motor vehicle after a traffic stop on 2nd Street for an expired inspection. While interviewing Guiffrida, an odor of alcohol was reportedly noted, and after field tests she was placed under arrest for DWI.

Guiffrida was processed at the Jamestown barracks where a blood alcohol content of .20 was obtained and a computer check revealed she had a conditional license.

Area Police

No charges in rollover crash

KIANTONE – No charges have been filed in a one-vehicle crash Tuesday on Route 62.

According to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, Marcia Wilkins, 56, of Russell, Pa., was traveling south when she allegedly lost control of her vehicle on the snow-covered roadway. Her vehicle struck a guide rail on the east side of the road then rolled over onto its roof.

Wilkins was taken to WCA Hospital for non-life threatening injuries. No charges have been filed. The New York State Police, Kiantone Fire Department and the Frewsburg Fire Department also responded to the scene.

Dunkirk woman charged with alleged welfare fraud

MAYVILLE – A Dunkirk woman has been charged with alleged welfare fraud Friday. Yexmary Rodriguez-Pagan, 37, of Brigham Road was charged with fourth-degree welfare fraud, fourth-degree grand larceny and misuse of food stamps.

According to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, Rodriguez-Pagan was charged following an investigation. Rodriguez-Pagan allegedly failed to notify the Chautauqua Department of Health and Human Services that she was employed from August through Oct. 31, 2014. As a result, she received $1,644 in family assistance and $1,029 in food stamps she was not entitled to. Rodriguez-Pagan was released to appear in Jamestown City Court.

This concludes a joint investigation by the sheriff’s office and the DHHS Program Integrity Unit. Instances of suspected welfare fraud may be reported by calling the welfare fraud hotline at 1-800-388-5365 or We Tip Hotline at 1-800-782-7463.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

NORTH HARMONY – Joshua L. Reyes, 21, of Jamestown was charged with false personation on Saturday. Deputies made contact with Reyes on Route 394 shortly after 5 a.m., who allegedly gave officers multiple false names and a false date of birth. Reyes was released to appear in North Harmony Town Court at a later date.

CLYMER – Marvin O. Bender, 22, of Clymer was charged with consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle on Sunday. Police stopped a vehicle on Route 474 around 12:45 a.m., and Bender, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was found to be in alleged possession of an open container. A 16-year-old passenger was charged with consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle, possession of alcohol under 21 and disorderly conduct. When officers asked for information from the youth, whose name was not released, the youth allegedly became disorderly. Both individuals were released to appear in Clymer Town Court at a later date.

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