Area police
Lakewood man sentenced for marijuana grow operation
BUFFALO – U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. announced Wednesday that Donald Rupert, 59, of Lakewood, who was convicted of manufacturing 100 or more marijuana plants, was sentenced to 24 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The defendant was also ordered to forfeit $75,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas S. Duszkiewicz, who is handling the case, stated that on Jan. 5, 2011, members of the Lakewood Busti Police Department responded to Rupert’s Baker Street Extension residence to check on the welfare of his elderly mother. During the welfare check, the police chief detected an odor of marijuana. During the subsequent execution of a search warrant, officers recovered 227 marijuana plants and $7,000 in cash.
The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation by the Lakewood Busti Police Department, under the direction of Chief John R. Bentley, Jr., the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Joseph Gerace, the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, under the direction of Lieutenant David Bentley, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division.
Jamestown man sentenced for producing child porn
BUFFALO – U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. has announced that Alvin Vazquez Rojas, 23, of Jamestown, who was convicted of production of child pornography, was sentenced to 15 years in prison and 10 years of supervised release by U.S. Senior District Judge William M. Skretny.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott S. Allen Jr., who handled the case, stated that between December 2012 and May 2013, the defendant took sexually graphic photographs of a 7-year-old minor while the minor was asleep. Vazquez Rojas then stored the images on a laptop computer. In addition to those images, the defendant also possessed 52 image and 152 video files of child pornography that were downloaded from the Internet.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Special Agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
MAYVILLE – Kevin L. Newby, 44, of Sherman and Jessica M. Mulvin, 25, of Corry, Pa. were taken into custody Monday shortly before 4 p.m. following an incident on Route 394. According to reports, deputies observed a blue pickup truck commit a traffic violation, and when they tried to stop the vehicle, the driver fled. After the driver, later identified as Newby, tried to evade pursuit by going off the roadway, his truck became disabled. At this point he tried to flee on foot, along with his passenger Mulvin, but deputies soon caught up with them. A search of Newby turned up a small bag of heroin.
Newby’s charges include second-degree obstruction of governmental administration, seventh-degree possession of a controlled substance and third-degree unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle. Mulvin was charged with second-degree obstruction of governmental administration.
Both subjects will answer charges in Chautauqua Town Court.
Area Police
State Police at Jamestown
GERRY – Nathan A. Condella and Brandon M. Briggs, both 17 and of Jamestown were charged on Oct. 25 with unlawful possession of marijuana after the car they were riding in was pulled over for failing to dim headlights at about 2:45 a.m. on Route 60. A strong odor of marijuana was allegedly noticed and both Condella and Briggs were reportedly found to be in possession of marijuana. The driver, Chandler L. Guynn, 17, who possessed a Junior NYS operators license, was issued tickets for driving out of class and failure to dim headlights. All are to appear at a later date in Gerry Town Court.
RANDOLPH – Bethanie T. Clark, 34, of Randolph was charged on Oct. 25 with petit larceny following a State Police dispatch to the a store on Main Street for a report of a shoplifter. A store employee had reportedly observed Clark placing items in her purse and then attempting to leave without paying for the items. Clark is to appear in Randolph Town Court at a later date.
Area police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
NORTH HARMONY – Tyler Steppe, 29, and Heather Loveless, 34, both of Jamestown were charged with trespass on Friday.
Around 2:30 a.m., deputies allegedly observed a suspicious vehicle entering a private driveway on Route 474. Deputies made contact with the two occupants of the vehicle and identified them as Steppe and Loveless. The owner of the property was contacted and it was found neither subject had permission to be on the property.
They will appear in North Harmony Town Court.
MAYVILLE – Douglas Fischer, 48, of South Erie Street was charged with second-degree harassment, obstruction of a governmental administration, resisting arrest and fourth-degree criminal mischief on Saturday.
Deputies were called to investigate an unknown disturbance at 34 S. Erie St. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with an allegedly disorderly male subject, later identified as Fischer.
While reportedly attempting to speak with Fischer, Fischer intentionally grabbed a deputy by the tie, ripping it off and causing damage to the deputy’s uniform shirt.
Deputies attempted to place Fischer into custody and he allegedly physically resisted arrest. After a brief struggle, he was taken into custody.
He was arraigned in Westfield Town Court and remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail.
FORESTVILLE – Steven Accardo, 31, of Sheridan was charged with trespass on Saturday.
Deputies were called to 14 Main St. for a report of trespass. Upon arrival, deputies allegedly discovered Accardo inside the business located at that address. Accardo was informed at an earlier date that he was not permitted to enter the building.
Accardo will appear in Hanover Town Court at a later date.
Area Police
Youths charged in Silver Creek vandalism
SILVER CREEK – Two area youths will be in Family Court later this month after allegedly vandalizing a Main Street warehouse. Chautauqua County Sheriff’s deputies report the youths were charged with third-degree criminal mischief after a lengthy investigation into an August incident in which windows had been smashed.
The arrests come after months of village leaders complaining about the need for an additional presence by the sheriff’s deputies.
Earlier this month, Mayor Nick Piccolo remarked about the levels of vandalism in the village as well as respect for and the safety of seniors also being a concern. “Disrespectful kids are not what we want to continue,” he said. “… We want parents to be accountable for their kids.”
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
MAYVILLE – Katherine J. Wolcott, 36, of Mayville was taken into custody Thursday at about 8:21 p.m. after deputies stopped her vehicle for lane violations. Following an investigation, Wolcott was allegedly found to be intoxicated, with several children in the vehicle. She was charged with driving while intoxicated, and because the children were under the age of 16, she has also been charged with felony driving while intoxicated under Leandra’s Law. Additional charges include driving while intoxicated per se, moving from a lane unsafely, and driving across hazard markings. She will appear in Chautauqua Town Court.
Dawn M. Hoth, 46, of Silver Creek was charged with several offenses after an incident that occurred at about 7:22 p.m. on Route 20 in the town of Pomfret. According to reports, deputies stopped Hoth’s vehicle for speeding in zone, and subsequently found her to be intoxicated. Her charges include driving while intoxicated, refusing to submit to a chemical test, speeding in zone and refusing to take a breath test. She will appear in Pomfret Town Court.
MAYVILLE – Joseph A. Blachowski, 56, of Jamestown was charged with second-degree harassment Thursday, Oct. 15 at about 3 p.m. after deputies were called to a residence for a harassment complaint. Allegedly, Blachowski harassed a female victim verbally, chased her with a glass mug, and threw it at her. There were no injuries. He was issued an appearance ticket and will appear in Chautauqua Town Court.
New York State Police at Fredonia
Ticoh Dallo, 25; Muhammed Sardar, 21; and Mass Niag, 21, all of Fredonia, were each charged with petit larceny after allegedly shoplifting food items from a store on Vineyard Drive in the town of Dunkirk on Thursday. They will answer charges in Dunkirk Town Court on Nov. 2.
James Green, 34, of Dunkirk was charged with several offenses Thursday after troopers noticed he was operating a vehicle on Route 20 in the town of Pomfret without wearing a seatbelt. After stopping his vehicle and checking his records, troopers learned that Green had his driving privileges suspended. He was issued tickets for not wearing a seatbelt, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Green was arraigned in Pomfret Town Court and taken to Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond.
Area police
Dunkirk Police
Amanda Decker, 30, of Deer Street was charged with second-degree harassment on Oct. 17.
Isiah Smith, 18, of McKinley Avenue was charged with second-degree harassment, resisting arrest and fourth-degree criminal mischief on Oct. 19.
Robert Zimmerman, 58, of Lake Shore Drive West was charged with third-degree unauthorized use, petit larceny and criminal trespass on Oct. 19.
Carolyn Figueroa, 18, of West Second Street was charged with third-degree criminal mischief, second-degree criminal trespass, endangering the welfare of a child and second-degree menacing on Tuesday.
Corey Anderson, 31, of Deer Street was charged with criminal obstruction of breathing and endangering the welfare of a child on Tuesday.
Fredonia Police
William Eppinger, 37, of Washington Avenue, Dunkirk, was charged with being a fugitive from justice, third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and obstructed view on Oct. 16.
Kevin Bellardo Jr., 20, of Chautauqua Road was charged with second-degree obstructing governmental administration on Oct. 16.
Area police
Two arrested in town of Evans drug search warrant
EVANS – The Town of Evans Police Department Narcotics Unit, with the assistance of the Town of Hamburg Narcotics Unit, executed a search warrant at 295 Dawn Avenue in the Town of Evans Thursday around 6 a.m.
The warrant was the result of an extensive investigation based on information received by the police and complaints of surrounding residents of suspicious activity occurring at the residence.
Three individuals were in the residence at the time the warrant was executed, two of whom were arrested for possession of narcotic drugs.
Daniel B. Armstrong, 63, was charged with five counts of misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance. Gary S. Pittman, 43, was charged with one count of misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance.
Both subjects were released on appearance tickets and are to appear in Evans Town Court on Nov. 11.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
ELLINGTON – Stephanie A. Appling, 25, of Warren, Pa. was taken into custody Thursday around 2:45 a.m. following an incident on Route 62. According to reports, deputies stopped her vehicle for a traffic violation, and found Appling to be intoxicated. She has been charged with driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or higher and failure to keep right. She will answer charges in Ellington Town Court.
Area police
State Police in Jamestown
ELLERY – Joseph P. Pratt, 27, of Jamestown was charged as a fugitive from justice on Tuesday after Pratt was arrested by the U.S. Marshals at a residence.
Pratt reportedly had numerous warrants from other agencies including felony larceny warrants from Watkins Glen Police Department and Hermitage, Pennsylvania, Police Department.
Pratt was arraigned in Ellery Town Court and committed to Chautauqua County Jail.
Area police
Dunkirk man charged with selling crack cocaine
BRANT – A Dunkirk man was taken into custody after allegedly selling crack cocaine in the city.
According to the Chau-tauqua County Sheriff’s Office, Miguel A. Corraliza-Sanchez, 44, of 208 S. Beaver St., was picked up in the town of Brant Monday on an outstanding drug warrant.
The warrant charged Corraliza-Sanchez with one count of criminal sale of a controlled substance, and one count of possession of third-degree a controlled substance, both felonies.
It is alleged that Corraliza-Sanchez sold quantities of crack cocaine to an agent of the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force while in Dunkirk.
Additional charges are pending. Corraliza-Sanchez was arraigned and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail pending bail and further action by the court.
The Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force consists of officers from the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and City of Dunkirk Police Department.
The STRDTF would like to encourage members of the community to call either the Task force at 800-344-8702 or their local Dunkirk Police at 363-0313 when they observe narcotics related activity in their area.
Brocton man charged in crash
WESTFIELD – A Brocton man was issued tickets following a motor vehicle accident Monday night.
According to the West-field Police Department, shortly before 8 p.m, officers responded to 8641 Route 20 in the town of Westfield for a report of a motor vehicle accident with a truck over an embankment.
Police arrived at the scene to locate the operator of a semi-tractor trailer and a crashed vehicle.
After speaking with the drivers, officers determined that Duane T. Burgess, 51, of 58 Kinney St., who was operating the semi, was backing into a driveway on the north side of Route 20, with the nose of the vehicle facing east.
The other driver, identified only as a male from Ripley, was traveling westbound on Route 20 and had to swerve to the shoulder of the road in attempt to miss colliding with the trailer that was blocking the roadway.
As the victim swerved his vehicle, he took out a mailbox and the front of his vehicle hit a guard rail. After hitting the guard rail, the vehicle went airborne and landed on its side over an embankment.
The victim was not injured in the crash.
Burgess was charged with third-degree unlicensed operation, backing unsafely and failure to give one half of the roadway.
He will answer to the charges in Westfield Town Court at a later date.
Area Police
State Police
in Fredonia
Daisymarie Schultz, 20, of Westfield was charged on Oct. 17 with unlawful possession of marijuana and no headlights after State Police stopped a vehicle on Route 60 in the town of Pomfret for no headlights. While interviewing Schultz, a strong odor of marijuana was reportedly emanating from the vehicle. Further investigation revealed Schultz was in possession of marijuana. Schultz was issued tickets returnable to Pomfret Town Court on Nov. 3.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
CLYMER – Michael A. Dixon, 26, of Stationville, Tennessee, was charged with petit larceny Thursday after allegedly attempting to leave the Lictus Keystone gas station on Route 474 with 49.8 gallons of diesel fuel for which he did not pay. He was located in Corry, Pa. and issued appearance tickets. He will answer charges in court.
Gowanda Police Department
Allissa M. Stevens, 24, of Gowanda has been charged with driving while using a cell phone and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle after being pulled over by police Oct. 11 shortly before noon. According to reports, officers noticed her talking on her cell phone while driving on Walnut Street. A records check revealed that Stevens had had her license suspended – twice – for failing, on two occasions in September, to answer charges in Brant Town Court. She was released on an appearance ticket by Gowanda PD and will answer these latest charges in Persia Town Court.
Ashley D. Page, 32, of Gowanda was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle following an incident that occurred on Maple Avenue Oct. 13. At about 8:30 p.m., officers stopped Page’s vehicle for a traffic offense, and through a records check allegedly found that her license had been suspended in September of 2014 for failing to appear for a traffic ticket in Perrysburg Town Court, then again in December for failing to pay driver’s responsibility. She will answer for herself in Persia Town Court.
Area police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
SILVER CREEK – On Saturday, deputies on patrol observed a vehicle commit an alleged traffic infraction on Grove Street. Deputies stopped the vehicle and identified the operator as Joseph S. Delong, 50, of Sheridan. Delong was found to have been operating the vehicle while allegedly intoxicated. Delong was arrested and taken for processing, with a chemical test showing his blood alcohol content to allegedly be over three times the legal limit. It was also discovered that Delong was previously convicted of driving while intoxicated within 10 years, making this arrest a felony. Delong was charged with felony DWI, aggravated DWI per se, having .18 percent or higher BAC, and fail to signal turn. The Silver Creek justice was unavailable for arraignment and Delong was released with citations directing him to appear in Village of Silver Creek Court.
SHERMAN – On Sunday at about 1:27 a.m., deputies stopped a vehicle for a violation of Franklin Street. The operator was identified as Matthew G. Buckley, 24, of North East, Pa., and investigation found him to be allegedly intoxicated. Buckley was taken into custody and after processing was released with traffic tickets. He will appear in Town of Sherman Court at a later date to answer charges of driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or greater and speed in zone.
IRVING – On Sunday, Ernest Nierras, 54, of Central Avenue, Dunkirk, was arrested after an incident at Lake Shore Hospital on Oct. 12. During the incident, Nierras allegedly damaged hospital property and menaced and scratched a hospital employee. Nierras was arraigned in Hanover Court on the charges of third-degree criminal mischief, second-degree menacing and second-degree harassment. Nierras was committed to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of bail.
NORTH HARMONY – Deputies responded to a vehicle complaint of erratic driving. Allegedly, the vehicle driven by Amy Thorpe, 42, of Tampa, Florida, left the roadway and hit a ditch and drove through a yard before re-entering the roadway. Patrols located the vehicle a short distance away on Route 394 and performed a traffic stop. It was alleged the driver was under the influence and a drug recognition expert was requested and responded to the scene. Further investigation found that Thorpe was allegedly impaired by drugs and alcohol. She will appear in court at a later date.
Area police
Dunkirk Police
A 16-year-old Main Street resident was charged with third-degree criminal mischief, third-degree assault, endangering and second-degree harassment on Oct. 2.
Antoine Jones, 36, of Buffalo was charged with obstruction on Oct. 2.
Hernando Carderas Jr., 50, of Bennett Road was charged with petit larceny on Oct. 3.
Marcia Brown 51, of Forestville and Adam Jessie, 25, of West Third Street were charged with petit larceny on Oct. 5. Jessie was additionally charged with third-degree attempted escape on the same day.
Shawn Hurley, 31, of Route 20, Sheridan, was charged with possession of fireworks, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and possession of a hypodermic instrument on Oct. 6.
Alexander Mancuso, 34, of Washington Avenue was charged with fourth-degree possession of stolen property on Oct. 6.
Bailey Martinez, 41, of West Doughty Street was charged with menacing on Oct. 7.
Ebony Zrimsek, 22, and Amber Harrison-Zrimsek, 38, both of Leming Street, were charged with petit larceny on Oct. 9.
Luis Cardona, 24, of West Fourth Street was charged with endangering the welfare of a child on Oct. 9.
Anthony Caddell, 21, of Silver Creek and Nathasa Feliciano, 22, of Lake Shore Drive East were charged with petit larceny on Oct. 10.
Jose Valentin, 65, of Ruggles Street was charged with driving while intoxicated, failure to yield the right of way and no headlights on Oct. 11.
Andrew Sobilo, 27, of East Second Street was charged with possession of a hypodermic instrument, disorderly conduct and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance on Tuesday.
Jose Torres, 45, of East Second Street was charged with second-degree harassment on Tuesday.
Fredonia Police
Michael Neuhaus, 23, of Forest Place was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and violating a sewer ordinance on Oct. 3.
Nicholas Kozlowski, 25, of West Main Street was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance on Oct. 3.
William Eppinger, 37, of Washington Avenue, Dunkirk, was charged with second-degree menacing on Oct. 5.
Gary Ortolano, 54, of East Main Street was charged with petit larceny on Oct. 6.
Jessina Velez, 23, of Ruggles Street was charged with petit larceny on Oct. 6.
Charlotta Thomas, 26, of Lincoln Avenue, Dunkirk, was charged with petit larceny and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance on Oct. 9.
Jordan Tokarczyk, 24, of Hamburg was charged with driving while intoxicated and DWI per se on Oct. 10.
Victor Robles, 33, of Main Street, Dunkirk, was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument and petit larceny on Oct. 11.
Area police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
Nathasha Feliciano, 22, and Shelley Gilbert, 30, both of Dunkirk were taken into custody Monday shortly after 2 p.m. after an incident that occurred at a business on Vineyard Drive in the town of Dunkirk. Allegedly, Feliciano and Gilbert took $694.92 worth of merchandise from the store without paying for it. Both women were charged with petit larceny and released with appearance tickets. They will answer for their actions in Dunkirk Town Court.
SILVER CREEK – David A. Brill, 35, of Silver Creek was taken into custody Wednesday just after midnight and charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. Allegedly, Brill punched out a glass window during a dispute at a Buffalo Street home, then left prior to deputies’ arrival. A warrant was issued for Brill and he was located a short time later. He was arraigned in Hanover Town Court and released.
FRENCH CREEK – David B. Shenk, 23, of Fairview, Pa. was taken into custody for several offenses after being stopped by deputies on Pekin Hill Road. Allegedly, deputies responded to a single-vehicle accident and found the vehicle’s operator, Shenk, to be intoxicated. He was charged with failure to keep right, unreasonable speed/special hazards, driving while intoxicated and driving while intoxicated per se. He will appear in French Creek Town Court.
State Police in Jamestown
ELLICOTT – Ricky L. Bemis, 39, of Falconer was charged on Oct. 14 with felony driving while intoxicated under Leandra’s Law due to having a one year old passenger in his vehicle. He was also charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and moving from lane unsafely after a traffic stop for crossing into the center lane of Route 60.
Field sobriety tests were performed after Troopers reportedly found Bemis’ speech to be slurred. A computer check found that Bemis had a suspended and expired license and a warrant out of the city of Jamestown for failure to pay fine. Bemis was processed at the Jamestown barracks where a blood alcohol content of .10 was obtained.
Another passenger in the car, Stephen J. Traver, age 30 of Jamestown, NY was also found to have an active warrant for third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation out of Jamestown City Court. Traver was turned over to the Jamestown Police Department.
Area Police
New York State Police at Fredonia
Nicholas Romer, 26, of Brooklyn was charged Oct. 8 with unlawful possession of marijuana, use of a portable electronic device and failure to use designated lane after he was pulled over on Route 20 in Pomfret during a road check.
While interviewing Romer an odor of marijuana was allegedly observed coming from an electronic cigarette. Further investigation found it contained marijuana oil.
Romer was issued tickets returnable to Pomfret Town Court on Nov. 24.
Carl Liuzzo, 26, of Jamestown was charged Oct. 8 with unlawful possession of marijuana, speed in zone, inadequate plate lamp and unregistered motor vehicle after he was stopped on Route 60 in Pomfret.
While interviewing Liuz-zo, an odor of marijuana was reportedly emanating from the vehicle. Investigation revealed Liuzzo to be in possession of marijuana.
All tickets are returnable to Pomfret Town Court on Oct. 20.
Reginaldo Barnes, 20, of Rochester was charged on Oct. 6 with unlawful possession of marijuana and no headlight after State Police stopped a vehicle on State Route 60, in the town of Pomfret, for having a passenger-side headlight out.
While interviewing the operator, the odor of marijuana was allegedly emanating from inside the vehicle.
Further investigation revealed a back seat passenger, Barnes, was in possession of marijuana. Barnes was issued an appearance ticket for Pomfret Town Court on Nov. 3 while the operator was issued a traffic ticket for no headlight.
STOCKTON – Tristin Pearson, 19, of Jamestown was charged on Oct. 3 with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and speeding after State Police stopped a vehicle on Route 60 for speeding.
While speaking with Pearson, an odor of marijuana was reportedly emanating from the vehicle.
Further investigation revealed Pearson to be in possession of marijuana.
Pearson is due in Stockton Town Court on Oct. 12.
Cheyenne Hodges, 23, of Jamestown was charged Oct. 4 with second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, inadequate muffler, obscured license plate and failure to notify DMV of address change after State Police stopped a vehicle on Route 60 in the town of Pomfret, for an inadequate muffler and an obstructed plate.
Further investigation revealed Hodges had numerous open suspensions on her driver’s license and had failed to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles of her change of address.
Hodges was arraigned at Pomfret Town Court on the charges and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of $1,000 cash or $2,000 property bond. Hodges is due back in court on Oct. 13.
CHARLOTTE – Jeffrey Collura, 24, of Hamburg was charged on Oct. 7 with driving while intoxicated, driving with .10 of 1 percent or more alcohol in blood and driving across hazard markings after Fredonia-based State Police responded to a report of a disabled vehicle with a flat tire on Roberts Road.
Upon arrival, fresh damage was observed on the vehicle bumper with scrapes to the right side. While interviewing Collura an odor of alcohol was allegedly emanating from him.
Investigation revealed Collura did not see a sign at an intersection, causing him to go into a ditch. After getting his vehicle out, he realized he had a flat tire. Collura reportedly failed standard field sobriety tests and was taken into custody for driving while intoxicated.
Collura was transported to the Fredonia barracks for processing. A breath test revealed he had a .17 percent blood alcohol content.
All tickets are returnable to Charlotte Town Court.
Christopher Miller, 17, of Brocton was charged on Oct. 2 with disorderly conduct after an investigation into a complaint of an incident on a school bus. The incident occurred on Lamberton Road in Pomfret.
Miller was issued an appearance ticket returnable to Pomfret Town Court Oct. 13.
PORTLAND – On Oct. 7, Fredonia-based State Police took Richard Patterson into custody on Lake Road on a criminal warrant for violating his parole due to failing a drug test. He was transported to the Chautauqua County Jail.
Brandon Orth, 29, of Salamanca was charged Oct. 2 with issuing a bad check.
The charge stemmed from a complaint received on Sept. 28 that Orth had issued a bad check for $206.19 to a business on Route 60 in the town of Pomfret.
Orth was charged and processed at the Fredonia barracks.
Orth was issued an appearance ticket returnable to Pomfret Town Court on Oct. 20.
HANOVER – Steven Accardo, 31, of Sheridan was charged on Oct. 5 with second-degree aggravated harassment and fourth-degree stalking stemming from a complaint of harassment and stalking on Sept. 13, in which Accardo was advised by a state trooper to stop harassing and stalking the complainant.
On Sept. 23 and Sept. 26, additional complaints and investigation determined Accardo was still harassing and stalking the complainant after having been advised not to do so.
Accardo was arrested and processed at the Fredonia barracks. He was given an appearance ticket returnable to Hanover Town Court Oct. 15.
Area Police
Two motorcycles collide with car
in Cattaraugus County fatal
OBSERVER Staff Report
MACHIAS – The State Police Troop A Collision Reconstruction Unit investigated a two motorcycle versus car fatal accident that occurred on Sunday at 4:52 p.m. in Machias. Initial investigation revealed a car driven by Laura Howard-Raska of Snyder was traveling on Bakerstand Road and failed to stop at the intersection of Route 242.
As a result, a motorcycle driven by Larry Choops, 47, of Lockport, struck the car and Choops was ejected. Choops was pronounced dead at Olean General.
The second motorcycle, driven by James Fink 67, of Gasport, also struck the car and was ejected. Fink was treated and released.
Howard-Raska was ticketed for speeding, failure to stop for a stop sign, and failure to yield the right of way returnable to the Machias Town Court.
Fredonia State Police make criminal
impersonation arrests in two separate cases
OBSERVER Staff Report
On Sept. 4, Investigator Cody of the Binghamton-based State Police, contacted State Police in Fredonia advising that while investigating an accident, he found a ticket issued to Jeffrey Kallet for speeding in the town of Pomfret.
He advised the driver was actually Michael David Jr., who gave a statement admitting he had used Kallet’s driver’s license when stopped for speeding in August.
The original ticket was dismissed and new tickets were issued for speeding-exceeding 55 mph, operating a motor vehicle by an unlicensed driver, third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and second-degree criminal impersonation.
An arrest warrant was issued by Pomfret Town Court for these and used as a detainer with Broome County Jail.
On Oct. 7, David was released from Broome County Jail, transported to the Fredonia barracks and processed. David was then arraigned in Pomfret Town Court on the above charges.
David was sent to Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash/$10,000 property bond.
In a separate case on Oct. 4, Fredonia State Police stopped a vehicle on Routes 5 & 20, in the town of Hanover, for the operator and front-seat passenger not wearing seatbelts.
While interviewing the occupants, the passenger gave a name of Darian King. Subsequently a valid ID was located showing the passenger’s name was actually Samuel Wayne.
Wayne then told police he lied about his name because he had an active warrant in Pennsylvania.
Wayne was arrested for second-degree criminal impersonation and fugitive from justice, Pennsylvania parole violation. Wayne was processed at the Fredonia State Police station. He was also issued a traffic ticket for not wearing a seatbelt.
Wayne was arraigned at Hanover Town Court and sent to Chautauqua County Jail without bail pending extradition.
The vehicle operator was issued a ticket for not wearing a seatbelt and released.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
NORTH HARMONY – Barbra A. Thumm, 61, of Salamanca was taken into custody and charged with several offenses Sunday at around 11:30 p.m. after being stopped by deputies on I-86 West. According to reports, Thumm committed a traffic violation and during the proceeding investigation, deputies found that she had been operating her vehicle while impaired by drugs. She was also found to be in possession of a small quantity of marijuana. Her charges include driving while ability impaired by drugs, moving from a lane unsafely, uninspected motor vehicle, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Deputies issued Thumm traffic tickets, and she will answer for herself in North Harmony Town Court.
MAYVILLE – Em-manuel Acevedo, 26, of Dunkirk was taken into custody by deputies Sunday at about 3:30 p.m. for charges related to welfare fraud. This arrest concludes a joint investigation conducted by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services Program Integrity Unit. Allegedly, Acevedo failed to report employment income to DHHS while he was receiving food stamp benefits. It is further alleged that Acevedo tried to conceal his income by falsely reporting that he had been laid off on his six-month recertification. He has been charged with multiple felonies, including fourth-degree welfare fraud, fourth-degree grand larceny, first-degree offering a false instrument for filing, and misuse of food stamps. He will answer charges in Jamestown City Court. Instances of suspected welfare fraud may be reported by calling the hotline 1-800-388-5365 or We-Tip 1-800-782-7463.
Area police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
SHERMAN – Makayla R. Pecora, 19, of Sherman was charged on Saturday with driving while intoxicated, DWI with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or greater and possession of alcohol by person under 21 years of age after Sheriff’s Deputies checked a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of Rails to Trails located on Titus Road. Investigation found Pecora to allegedly be intoxicated. Pecora was taken into custody, and after processing, was released with traffic tickets. She will appear in Sherman Town Court at a later date to answer charges.
Lakewood-Busti Police Department
LAKEWOOD – Kelsey Raynor, 28, of Sinclairville was charged with petit larceny Friday at the Lakewood Walmart around 5 p.m.
Raynor allegedly selected food items, baby formula and a pumpkin valuing $33.92 and exited the store without paying for the items. Raynor was stopped in the parking lot and found to be in alleged possession of these items.
Raynor will appear in Busti Town Court.
Area police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
SILVER CREEK – Kristina M. Gilbert, 30, of Hamburg was charged on Friday with driving while intoxicated, DWI Per Se having .08 percent blood alcohol content or higher, seventh-degree criminal possession of controlled substance, possession or consumption of open container of alcohol in motor vehicle, speed in zone and inadequate tail lamps after Sheriff’s Deputies on patrol stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation on Central Avenue. Further investigation reportedly found that Gilbert was intoxicated while operating the vehicle. It was also allegedly discovered that Gilbert was in possession of narcotic pills without a prescription. She is to appear in Silver Creek Village Court at a later date.
Area Police
Two charged in south county drug bust
LAKEWOOD – Two residents here are facing numerous drug charges after agents executed a search warrant at 2915 Third Ave. this morning.
According to Chautauqua Count Sheriff’s Deputies, members of the SWAT team, Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, State Police and the Lakewood-Busti Police Department located and seized approximately 40 grams of cocaine packaged in a manner consistent with the sale of cocaine, 20 dosage units of heroin, a quantity of other controlled substances, a quantity of marijuana, cutting agents, electronic scales and a large quantity of cash.
As a result of the seizure of these items, Blake Smith and Willow Taft, who reside at the location, are being charged with three counts each of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and one count each of second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia. The defendants were arraigned before Town of Busti Justice William Geary and then remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail without bail pending further action of the court.
The Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force is comprised of officers from the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and City of Dunkirk Police Department. The Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force would like to encourage members of the community to call either the Task Force at 800-344-8702 or their local Dunkirk Police at 363-0313 when they observe narcotics-related activity in their area.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
Cassie A. Stercula, 27, of Dunkirk was taken into custody Thursday at about 3:20 p.m. and charged with petit larceny after an incident on Vineyard Drive. Allegedly, Stercula took items from a business there without paying for them. She will answer for herself in Dunkirk Town Court.
MAYVILLE – Keilly R. Rose, 43, of Fredonia was charged with several felonies Friday at about 8:35 a.m. following a joint investigation by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services Program Integrity Unit. It is alleged that Rose was receiving food stamp benefits and not properly reporting her income to social services; furthermore, Rose filed an application with social services that contained false information. As a result of her alleged actions, Rose received $1,842 in food stamp benefits that she was not entitled to. Investigators served her appearance tickets, which she will answer in Jamestown City Court. Her charges include fourth-degree welfare fraud, fourth-degree grand larceny, first-degree offering a false instrument for filing and misuse of food stamps.
MAYVILLE – Jennifer M. DeGolier, 41, of Dunkirk was taken into custody Thursday at about 1:15 p.m. and charged with multiple counts relating to welfare fraud. This arrest came as a result of a joint investigation by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services Program Integrity Unit. According to reports, DeGolier obtained SNAP/food stamp benefits on behalf of her boyfriend without disclosing his income. As a result, DeGolier received $1,444 in food stamp benefits that she was not entitled to. Her charges include fourth-degree welfare fraud, fourth-degree grand larceny, first-degree offering a false instrument for filing and misuse of food stamps. She will answer for her actions in Jamestown City Court. Instances of suspected welfare fraud may be reported by calling the hotline 1-800-388-5365 or We-Tip 1800-782-7463.
Area police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
SINCLAIRVILLE – Harrison F. Martinez, 22, of Fredonia was charged with speeding in a zone, driving while intoxicated and driving while intoxicated per se after an incident that occurred Saturday shortly before 4 a.m. Deputies stopped a vehicle on Reed Street for speeding, and after identifying the driver as Martinez, they allegedly determined he was intoxicated. He was taken into custody and later released with tickets returnable to Charlotte Town Court.
Laurin M. Privateer of Fredonia was charged with several offenses after deputies stopped her vehicle on East Main Street in Fredonia at about 2:20 a.m. Sunday. According to reports, deputies observed Privateer’s vehicle cross over the white fog line several times, prompting an investigation. She was allegedly found to be intoxicated and taken into custody. Her charges include driving while intoxicated, aggravated driving while intoxicated per se and crossing hazard markings. She will answer charges in Fredonia Village Court.
Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office
NEW ALBION – Thomas N. Patterson, 21, of Cattaraugus was charged with petit larceny Sept. 24 at about 5 p.m. following an investigation into stolen political campaign signs earlier that month. He was processed and released, and answered charges in New Albion Town Court Oct. 6.
PERSIA – Cheyenne Redeye, 26, of Salamanca was taken into custody and charged with several offenses after deputies came upon his rolled-over vehicle on Route 353 Saturday at about 4 p.m.
According to reports, an investigation showed that his vehicle was traveling too fast for conditions and exited the roadway before rolling over. One of the three occupants of the vehicle was ejected, sustaining injury.
After identifying the driver as Redeye, deputies allegedly found him to be intoxicated. A records check revealed that his driving privileges were revoked for a previous felony DWI conviction. His charges include felony aggravated driving while intoxicated, felony driving while intoxicated, first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, second-degree vehicular assault, operating without an ignition interlock, unlicensed operation, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle, traveling at an unsafe speed and failure to keep right.
He was arraigned in Persia Town Court, where he will answer charges.
Area police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
SILVER CREEK – Jack E. Warrior Jr., 33, of Lawtons was taken into custody Monday at about 6:30 p.m. and charged with second-degree burglary and third-degree criminal tampering.
According to reports, deputies responded to a Burgess Street residence for a disorderly subject who entered the dwelling without permission.
Warrior was allegedly identified at the scene. He will answer charges in Silver Creek Village Court.
Gowanda Police Department
Gunnar J. Dole, 23, of Gowanda was charged with second-degree burglary and petit larceny Saturday at approximately 4:34 p.m. following reports of an incident that occurred on East Main Street. Allegedly, Dole kicked in the door of an apartment and ransacked the place, stealing a sum of cash that was kept in the bedroom. He was arraigned in Collins Town Court and taken to the Erie County Holding Center in lieu of $5,000 bail.
William J. Michishima, 27, of Jamestown was taken into custody Sept. 20 at approximately 2:33 p.m. and charged with third-degree unlicensed operation of a vehicle, operating a vehicle with no insurance and operating a vehicle with no brake lamps. According to reports, patrol stopped Michishima’s vehicle on Sandhill Road for having no brake lamps, and during the course of a DMV computer check, they discovered Michishima’s license had been suspended and that he had no insurance for the vehicle. He was arraigned in Collins Town Court and taken to the Erie County Holding Center in lieu of $1,000 bail.
Leanard F. Reedy Jr., 48, of Collins was taken into custody and charged with trespassing Sept. 16 shortly after 7 p.m. According to reports, police were called by a Maltbie Road resident who claimed someone was trespassing on his posted property and looking in the windows. The property was for sale; however, no trespassing signs were also posted. Reedy was issued an appearance ticket. He will answer for his actions in Persia Town Court.
Area Police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
FORESTVILLE – A village man who allegedly stole money and jewelry totaling about $11,000 is in Chautauqua County Jail.
Deputies report Jesse Borrello, 19, was arraigned in Hanover Court on the charges of third-degree grand larceny and fourth-degree criminal mischief. These charges stem from an incident in July when Borrello allegedly broke into a safe of another Forestville resident.
After a lengthy investigation, an arrest warrant was issued for Borrello. He was located in Jamestown and later arraigned in Hanover. Borrello was committed to the Chautauqua County Jail.
Westfield Police
WESTFIELD – Shar-on L. Birtcil, 57, of Lake-wood was charged Friday with driving while intoxicated and parking on pavement after Westfield Police were called to assist a U.S. Border Patrol agent involving a vehicle parked in the driving lane of Route 5. Upon further investigation, Birtcil was allegedly found to be operating the vehicle while intoxicated. She was sent to Chautauqua County jail.
WESTFIELD – Scott R. Leamer, 30, of Westfield was charged Sept 26 with driving while intoxicated, aggravated DWI with .18 blood alcohol content percent or higher, failure to keep right and crossing hazard markings after police stopped on North Portage Street for allegedly crossing the hazard markings and failing to keep right.
After an investigation, Leamer was found to be driving while intoxicated after reportedly failing field sobriety tests. He is to appear in Westfield Village Court.
Area police
Man allegedly busted for having meth
OBSERVER Staff Report
SILVER CREEK – A 34-year-old Brocton man was committed to the Chautauqua County Jail after police say they discovered powdered methamphetamine, meth processing materials, scales, prescription narcotic pills and marijuana in his possession Sunday morning.
According to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, around 3:45 a.m., deputies on patrol observed a vehicle commit a traffic infraction on Adams Street in the village of Silver Creek. The driver, David Topliffe, was allegedly found to have suspended New York state driving privileges.
Further investigation and subsequent search of the vehicle found Topliffe in alleged possession of the described items.
Topliffe was charged with felony criminal possession of meth precursors, two counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, second-degree criminal possession of drug paraphernalia, second-degree aggravated unlicensed operator, unlawful possession of marijuana and failure to signal turn.
He was arraigned in Silver Creek Village Court and taken to the county jail.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
CHAUTAUQUA – James Fewell, 54, of Erie, Pennsylvania, was charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or greater and moved from lane unsafely on Sunday.
Around 1:45 a.m., deputies stopped a vehicle on Route 430 for an alleged traffic violation. The operator was identified as Fewell. Investigation found Fewell to allegedly be intoxicated.
Fewell was released with traffic tickets for Chautauqua Town Court.
Area police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
HANOVER – Cynthia L. Hahn, 45, of Forestville was taken into custody by deputies following an incident on Route 39 Wednesday shortly before 9 p.m. Allegedly, Hahn had run her vehicle into a ditch. Reports say that upon investigation, deputies found her to be intoxicated. A record check showed that Hahn had her driving privileges in New York state revoked due to a previous alcohol-related offense, making this arrest a felony. Her sundry charges include failure to keep right, driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated per se, and first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation. She was processed in Charlotte Town Court on behalf of the Hanover Town Court and taken to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of bail.
Area Police
State Police at Jamestown
SHERMAN – Rachel L. Gustafson, 26, of Bradford, Pa. was charged on Sept. 28 with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, aggravated unlicensed operation and texting while driving after a traffic stop on I-86 for texting while driving.
Gustafson was reportedly found to be driving without a license and suspended in New York State. She was also allegedly found to be in possession of heroin with the assistance of NYSP K-9 Kubi. She was sent to Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bail.
State Police at Fredonia
SHERIDAN – Donald Sylvia, 24, of Silver Creek was charged on Sept. 29 with driving while intoxicated, operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana after State Police stopped a vehicle on Route 20 for moving from the lane unsafely.
Sylvia allegedly failed standard field sobriety tests and was placed under arrest for DWI. Sylvia was also reportedly found to be in possession of marijuana and a controlled substance.
Sylvia was transported to the Fredonia barracks for processing.
Further testing allegedly found Sylvia was driving under the influence of drugs.
Sylvia was also issued traffic tickets for multiple vehicle and traffic violations, all returnable to Sheridan Town Court on Oct. 8.
BROCTON – Stephen Wisecarver, 38, of Brocton was charged on Sept. 25 with third-degree assault after an investigation into a complaint of an assault that occurred in April on Lake Avenue.
Wisecarver was issued an appearance ticket returnable to Brocton Village Court on Oct. 7.
Area Police
City resident among five nabbed in drug bust
LITTLE VALLEY – A Dunkirk resident is one of five people who have been charged after a methamphetamine lab was discovered in this Cattaraugus County town.
Members of the Southern Tier Drug Task Force reported the raid took place at 8:10 p.m. Wednesday and five were charged with third-degree felony unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine after a search warrant execution at 202 Fair Oak St.
Those charged include: Joseph M. Gill, 23, 738 Main St., Dunkirk; Andrew J. Stokes Jr., 20, of 202 Fair Oak St., Little Valley; Tyler A. Gill, 335 Laurel Ave., Olean; Joseph W. Bach, 7888 Sky Ranch Road, East Otto; and Rachel A. Green, 19, of 3861 Birch Run Road, Allegany.
All were arraigned in Little Valley Town Court and sent to Cattaraugus County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail. The Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force is made up of members from the state police, Salamanca city police, Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Department and the Gowanda Police Department. It was assisted by the sheriff’s road patrol division.
Lakewood-Busti Police Department
BUSTI – The Lakewood-Busti Police Department is investigating a burglary that occurred Wednesday and involved a large amount of U.S. coin currency. The coins vary in currency and some were in paper coin rolls. Lakewood-Busti police officers are looking for the public’s help in identifying anyone seen exchanging a large amount of coin currency at any bank or coin exchange machine. Call Lakewood-Busti Police at 763-9563.
Area police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
HANOVER – Lynn M. Price, of Buena Park, California, was issued a traffic citation after a two-car motor vehicle accident Tuesday around 3 p.m., in which her passenger, Gerald A. Price, sustained minor injuries. According to reports, her failure to yield the right of way at the intersection of Angell and Hanover roads led to the collision with a vehicle operated by Jason Johnson of South Dayton. Gerald Price was transported to Lake Shore Hospital by Silver Creek Fire/Rescue. Neither driver was injured.
JAMESTOWN – Michael J. Dove Jr., of Jamestown, was charged with several offenses Wednesday after an investigation on Beech Street. According to reports, Dove was identified as the driver of a motor vehicle that was involved in an alleged incident that is under investigation. When speaking with Dove, deputies allegedly found him to be intoxicated, after which he resisted arrest when being placed into police custody. Dove’s charges include aggravated driving while intoxicated, common law driving while intoxicated, and resisting arrest. He will answer for himself in Jamestown City Court.