Area police
Damages to mailboxes being probed
Chautauqua County sheriff’s deputies are on the lookout for some unruly mailbox baseball players in the south county.
Deputies said they have received several reports of damaged mailboxes in the Sherman, Clymer, Harmony and Panama areas that occurred sometime during the early morning hours of Friday. They are seeking the public’s assistance in finding those who may be connected to the incidents.
Anyone with any information about who may be involved is encouraged to contact the office at 753-4232.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
MAYVILLE – Stephen J. Graham, 37, of Jamestown was charged on Nov. 27 with second-degree harassment and endangering the welfare of a child after a police call was put in for a residence on Potter Road in the town of Chautauqua. Graham reportedly got into a physical altercation with another male in the presence of an 8-year-old child. Graham allegedly punched the other male multiple times in the face causing lacerations and bleeding. He was arraigned in Westfield Town Court and sent to Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of bail.
POLAND – Scott Kulig, 57, of Jamestown was charged on Nov. 27 with aggravated driving while intoxicated, DWI and failure to keep right after Chautauqua County Sheriff deputies located a vehicle in the ditch on Falconer-Frewsburg Rd. He was later released and is scheduled to appear in Poland Town Court next month to answer the charges.
Area Police
Firefighters respond to kitchen fire
Fredonia firefighters made quick work of a kitchen fire on Thanksgiving Day. Firefighters with Engine 14 and Tower 18 responded to a home on Prospect Street around 1:30 p.m. Thursday. According to the Fire Department’s Facebook page, the fire was contained to the stove. No injuries were reported.
Area police
Dunkirk Police seeking 4-wheeler owner
- The Dunkirk Police Department recovered a Honda four-wheeler and has not been able to identify an owner. Anyone who is missing a Honda four-wheeler is asked to contact Officer Matt Christopher at Dunkirk Police Headquarters, 366-2266.
Dunkirk Police
Ashley Hanrahan, 27, of Cherry Creek was charged with criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument on Nov. 18.
Jacen Weinkertz, 20, of Eagle Street, Fredonia, was charged with second-degree harassment and fourth-degree criminal mischief on Monday.
Joseph Wicks, 29, of Brocton was charged with criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, expired registration and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation on Monday.
Fredonia Police
Brandon Timmerman, 22, of West Main Street was charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se and driving the wrong way down a one-way street on Sunday.
Michael Lack, 37, of Route 20 was charged with second-degree forgery on Monday.
Area Police
Man in Sheridan police standoff ID’d
On Sunday at 9:56 a.m., New York State troopers responded to 3543 Werle Road in the town of Sheridan for a domestic dispute that led to a barricaded subject, Jeffrey Gizowski, 43.
After more than 13 hours of negotiations, Gizowski was taken in to custody. Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office has been notified and charges are pending against Gizowski.
Dunkirk Police assisted the State Police at the scene.
No further information will be released at this time.
Area police
Sheriff’s deputy injured in assault
OBSERVER Staff Report
A Chautauqua County Sheriff’s deputy was attacked Monday at about 5:30 p.m. during an investigation into a neighbor dispute on Patterson Lane in the town of Portland.
According to initial reports, Paul D. Guest, 70, became irate while being questioned and raised his fist toward another individual. When the deputy intervened, Guest broke a glass and attacked the deputy. During the struggle, both fell to the ground, where Guest then attempted to stab the deputy in the face with a pen, causing injury. The deputy was able to restrain Guest and take him into custody. Both the deputy and Guest sought medical attention. Guest’s charges include aggravated assault on a police officer or peace officer, second-degree reckless endangerment, resisting arrest and second degree harassment. He was arraigned in Portland Town Court and then taken to Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of $50,000 cash bail.
No further information on the deputy’s condition was available at this time.
Buffalo man charged in cocaine trafficking
JAMESTOWN – Maurice Cheatom, 21, of Buffalo was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance after a search warrant was served Wednesday at 20 Bush St.
The Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force and New York State Police CNET team searched a basement apartment at 4:08 p.m. Wednesday as part of an ongoing investigation into the sale and trafficking of cocaine in the Jamestown area. The Jamestown Police Department SWAT team was used to enter the location. Once inside the apartment police found a quantity of cocaine, cash and prescription pills.
Cheatom was taken to the Jamestown City Jail until he can be arraigned.
Dunkirk Police
Louis Nickerson, 49, of Grant Avenue was charged with third-degree assault on Nov. 3.
John Sharp, 26, of Washington Avenue was charged with criminal obstruction of breathing on Nov. 3.
Daniel Thomas, 45, of Middle Road was charged on a warrant for failure to register sex offender on Nov. 4.
Jose Hernandez, 31, of Grant Avenue was charged with second-degree harassment on Nov. 4.
Daniel Armstrong, 46, of Grant Avenue was charged with third-degree assault on Nov. 4.
Max Thompson, 29, of Orchard Street, Fredonia, was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, possession of a hypodermic instrument and petit larceny on Nov. 6.
Cherzerae Williams, 22, of King Street was charged with second-degree harassment on Nov. 8.
James Howard, 22, of Perrysburg was charged on a warrant for seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and possession of a hypodermic instrument on Nov. 9.
Jose Santiago, 35, of Maple Avenue was charged with criminal obstruction of breathing and harassment on Nov. 12.
Joseph Bauza, 37, of Park Avenue was charged with leaving the scene of a property damage accident, failure to keep right and using a cellphone while driving after allegedly sideswiping a parked vehicle on Park Avenue near East Seventh Street on Nov. 13 around 2:30 a.m.
Henry Hooten Jr., 26, of King Street was charged with second-degree harassment on Monday.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
SHERIDAN – Mark R. Massey, 28, of Sheridan was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance Thursday, Nov. 12 at about 10:30 p.m. following an investigation by Sheriff’s deputies. According to reports, Massey was in possession of a quantity of a controlled substance. He will answer the charge in Sheridan Town Court.
Brett A. Tofil, 33, of Dunkirk was taken into custody for driving while intoxicated after deputies stopped his vehicle on Sunday, Nov. 15 at about 3:18 a.m. on E. Main St. in Fredonia for a traffic violation. His charges include crossing hazard markings, driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated per se. He was issued tickets and will answer for his actions in Fredonia Village Court.
MAYVILLE – Carrie A. Harvey, 36, of Lakewood was charged with offenses related to welfare fraud Wednesday at about 9:15 a.m. after a joint investigation was conducted by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Health and Human Services Program Integrity Unit. It is alleged that between Dec. 16, 2014 and Jan. 31, 2015, Harvey received $724.50 in family assistance benefits that she was not entitled to as she failed to properly report all of her child support income to DHHS. Her charges include first degree offering a false instrument for filing, fifth-degree welfare fraud and petit larceny, for which she will appear 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.
FORESTVILLE – Alex C. Thompson, 25, of Forestville was charged with petit larceny after an incident Tuesday. It is alleged that Thompson entered the Forestville Fire Department and took property without permission. He will answer for himself in Hanover Town Court.
Area police
State Police in Jamestown
GERRY – Patricia A. Bloomgren, 50, of Falconer was charged on Nov. 12 with shoplifting after troopers responded to a report of a shoplifter at the Country Fair store. The clerk allegedly pointed out Bloomgren who was in the parking lot sitting in her vehicle. She was found to have two unpaid items in her possession.
CHERRY CREEK – William R. Bishop, 60, of Cherry Creek was charged on Nov. 13 with driving while intoxicated, speeding and failure to keep right after troopers responded to a report of a personal injury accident on Erwin Road. Upon arrival, troopers reportedly found the vehicle in a ditch. Bishop allegedly suffered minor injuries but refused medical treatment at the scene. After field sobriety tests, Bishop was placed under arrest and transported to the Jamestown barracks where a blood alcohol content of .22 was obtained.
BROCTON – Christopher Miller, 38, of Brocton was charged on Nov. 14 with unlawful possession of marijuana after State Police stopped a vehicle on West Main Street for failure to dim headlights. While interviewing Miller, an odor of marijuana was reportedly emanating from the vehicle. Investigation allegedly revealed Miller was in possession of marijuana.
Area police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
ELLERY – William E. Curry, 32, of Mayville was taken into custody by Sheriff’s deputies for an outstanding arrest warrant on Saturday at about 8:30 p.m. When deputies searched Curry, they found a hypodermic instrument in his pocket. He was taken to the Chautauqua County Jail for the outstanding violation of probation warrant, and also charged with criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument out of Ellery Town Court. He is being held without bail.
Deputies stopped the vehicle of Barney V. Jaszczak, 48, of Brocton Saturday at about 2:19 a.m. because he allegedly did not stop at a stop sign on Webster Road in Portland. Following an investigation, reports say Jaszczak was found to be intoxicated. He was taken into custody; charges include driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated per se and failure to stop at a stop sign. He will answer charges in Portland Town Court.
Gowanda Police
Richard Smith, 51, of Collins was charged with second-degree harassment after officers responded to a disturbance on West Main Street on Sunday at about 3:25 a.m. Allegedly, Smith was involved in a verbal altercation with a female acquaintance, which escalated into physical violence. According to reports, Smith struck the woman on the head and then ripped a telephone from the wall. He will answer for himself in Persia Town Court.
Mary Schwartz, 67, of Gowanda was charged with petit larceny after an incident at the Shop and Save on Buffalo Street on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at about 9:30 a.m. According to reports, Schwartz took about $5 worth of merchandise, concealed it in her pockets and left the store. She was released on an appearance ticket and will answer the charges in Collins Town Court.
Daniel J. Pfaffenbach, 35, of South Dayton has been charged with several offenses after he allegedly caused a disturbance at a Palmer Street business Nov. 8 at about 12:18 a.m.
Reports say Pfaffenbach, who appeared intoxicated, became physically aggressive after an employee of the business asked him to leave. He allegedly struck the employee, cutting the person’s face with a watch. He then left the area, but patrol located him at another business and arrested him. Pfaffenbach then tried to fight with the officers. His charges included third-degree assault, obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest. He was arraigned in Persia Town Court and taken to Cattaraugus County Jail in lieu of $1,500 bail.
Tashia M. Seneca, 29, of Irving was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle after a traffic stop revealed that her license was suspended. When Seneca failed to appear in Collins Town Court for this, a warrant for her arrest was issued. On Saturday, Nov. 7, Seneca was riding in another vehicle when it was stopped by the Erie County Sheriff’s Department for a traffic violation. Seneca was arrested on the warrant at that time, and arraigned in Collins Town Court. She was released after posting $100 bail and will return to Collins Town Court.
Area police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
MAYVILLE – Seth M. Kozek, 22, of Grand Island was charged with several offenses after an incident Saturday shortly after 6 a.m. on Route 394 in Mayville.
According to reports, deputies responded to a motor vehicle accident with possible injuries and upon investigation, found that Kozek had been travelling at a high rate of speed and had fallen asleep at the wheel. His vehicle left the roadway and struck several trees.
Kozek and his two passengers were unharmed.
After a records check, deputies allegedly discovered Kozek’s driving privileges were suspended.
He received tickets for third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, speed beyond what is reasonable and prudent and moving from a lane unsafely.
He will answer for himself in Chautauqua Town Court.
MAYVILLE – Grac-iela Luna, 37, of Dunkirk was served appearance tickets for offenses relating to welfare fraud Monday at about 10:45 a.m. after a joint investigation was concluded by the Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Health and Human Services Program Integrity Unit.
According to reports, Luna used public benefit cards belonging to other people for her own personal use, spending $304.88 worth of benefits that she was not entitled to use.
Her charges include second-degree criminal use of a public benefit card, petit larceny, and misuse of food stamps.
She will answer for her actions in Fredonia Village Court. Instances of suspected welfare fraud (including food stamps) may be reported by calling the hotline at 1-800-388-5365 or We-Tip 1-800-782-7463.
MAYVILLE – Katherine M. DiPalma, 27, of Dunkirk was served with appearance tickets Friday at 9 a.m. by Sheriff’s deputies.
According to reports, DiPalma is charged with four felonies related to welfare fraud, including fourth-degree welfare fraud, fourth-degree grand larceny, first-degree offering a false instrument for filing and misuse of food stamps.
This arrest is the 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.
It is alleged DiPalma received benefits for household members who were no longer living with her after failing to properly report changes to DHHS, receiving $2,834 in unentitled food stamps.
She will answer charges in Jamestown City Court. Instances of suspected welfare fraud may be reported by calling the hotline at 1-800-388-5365 or We-Tip 1-800-782-7463.
Erie County Sheriff’s Department
BRANT – Carolann Costantino, 27, of Derby was arrested Saturday at 12:30 a.m. following a traffic stop by an Erie County Sheriff’s Deputy. Costantino had two outstanding warrants and was turned over to Evans Police for the warrants.
Area police
State Police in Fredonia
On Nov. 11, Fredonia-based State Police arrested a 16-year-old female for shoplifting at the Dollar Tree on Bennett Road, in the town of Dunkirk. State Police had responded to the Dollar Tree store for a report of shoplifting. Investigation led to the arrest of a 16-year-old female for shoplifting two pairs of gloves and leaving the store without paying for them. An appearance ticket was issued for petit larceny, to appear in Dunkirk Town Court today.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
FORESTVILLE – Christopher Woods, 29, of Forestville was charged on Nov. 14 with fourth-degree grand larceny, five counts of fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, five counts of second-degree identity theft and five counts of third-degree unlawful possession of personal identification information as a result of a an investigation stemming from incidents from late September and early October 2015. It is alleged that Woods stole a credit/ATM card from an individual and proceeded to use the card and the victim’s PIN several times to withdraw more than $1,400 from the victim’s bank account. Woods was arraigned in Hanover Town Court and committed to the Chautauqua County Jail.
BROCTON – Charles J. Dispenza, 31, of Portland was charged on Nov. 7 with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se and speed in zone after Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Deputies observed a vehicle to be speeding on Central Ave. in the village of Brocton. Deputies stopped the vehicle and identified Dispenza as the operator. After an investigation, Deputies arrested Dispenza who was released with tickets and is to appear in Brocton Village Court at a later date and time.
Area police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
HANOVER – Michael E. Holden Jr., 31, of Silver Creek was taken into custody Saturday at about 3:30 a.m. According to reports, deputies responded to a vehicle complaint on Interstate 90 near the Silver Creek exit of an eastbound vehicle traveling in the westbound lane. Upon stopping the vehicle and identifying Holden as its operator, deputies allegedly discovered that he was intoxicated. Holden’s charges include driving while intoxicated, refusal to take a chemical breath test and failure to keep right. He was arraigned in Hanover Town Court and released on his own recognizance. He will return to Hanover Town Court to answer for his actions.
Lakewood-Busti Police Department
Kaleisha L. Mosley, 18, of Jamestown was charged with petit larceny after allegedly attempting to shoplift from the Lakewood Walmart Saturday at about 5:30 p.m. According to reports, a loss prevention employee noticed her trying to conceal three jackets in her purse. She was processed on the scene and released with an appearance ticket. She will answer for herself in Busti Town Court.
Area Police
Silver Creek man charged after gun incident
SILVER CREEK – A village man is facing charges for allegedly pointing a loaded revolver at another subject during a domestic dispute on Thursday evening.
Chautauqua County sheriff’s deputies report Glenn Massey, 57, was charged with second-degree menacing and brought to Sheridan Town Court for arraignment after the incident, which occurred around 10 p.m. on Aldrich Road. Massey was remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail with bail set at $1,000.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
SILVER CREEK – James J. Dowd, 31, of Pittsburgh, Pa. was taken into custody Thursday shortly before 3 a.m. after deputies stopped his vehicle on Central Avenue for a traffic infraction. Upon investigating, deputies allegedly found Dowd to be in possession of heroin, marijuana, and various drug paraphernalia. It is further alleged that he himself was impaired by drugs while driving. His charges include driving while impaired by drugs, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminally possessing a hypodermic instrument, unlawful possession of marijuana, speed in zone and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. He was arraigned in Silver Creek Village Court and taken to Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of bail.
ELLERY – Stephanie S. Jones, 49, of Brookfield, VT was charged with several offenses after deputies stopped her vehicle Sunday, Nov. 8 at about 12:37 a.m. for alleged traffic violations. According to reports, the deputies’ investigation led to the discovery that Jones was intoxicated. Her charges include failure to keep right, wide right turn, right turn without a signal, driving while intoxicated and aggravated driving while intoxicated. She was released with tickets and will answer for herself in Ellery Town Court.
Area Police
State Police
NORTH HARMONY – Jacob M. Aversa, 19, of Darlington, S.C., was taken into custody by troopers Sunday after being stopped on I-86 around 11:30 p.m. for an inoperable headlight. Allegedly, upon investigation troopers discovered Aversa was in possession of marijuana. Additionally, a computer check showed an active warrant from Ellicott Police Department for petit larceny. Aversa was then turned over to Ellicott Police Department.
ELLERY – Samuel D. Beu, 43, of Great Valley was charged with felony driving while intoxicated and second-degree felony aggravated unlicensed operation after being stopped by troopers Friday on Route 430 at about 7 p.m. for allegedly swerving over double-solid yellow lines multiple times. A computer check revealed Beu had a revoked license due to a previous driving while intoxicated conviction. He was arraigned in Ellicott Town Court and taken to the Chautauqua County Jail with no bail. He will answer charges in Ellery Town Court.
Karanjit Singh, 22, of Grand Island was taken into custody Sunday after troopers allegedly witnessed Singh moving from a lane unsafely on Bennett Road in the town of Pomfret. During the investigation, troopers noticed an odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle, and found Singh was in possession of marijuana. They issued tickets for moving from a lane unsafely and unlawful possession of marijuana, both returnable to Pomfret Town Court on Nov. 17.
VILLENOVA – Donald Doepp, 54, of Cherry Creek was stopped by troopers Sunday for an inadequate exhaust. He was found to be in possession of marijuana. He was issued tickets for unlawful possession of marijuana and inadequate exhaust, both of which are returnable to Villenova Town Court on Nov. 19.
GERRY – On Friday at about 4:10 p.m., troopers picked up a 16-year-old female and a 15-year-old male on Route 60 who matched the description of two runaways reported missing earlier in the day from the Gustavus Adolphus Home in Jamestown. An investigation found the older of the two in possession of controlled substance pills and stolen items from the Country Fair in Gerry. The 16-year-old was committed to Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of $750 cash bail while the 15-year-old was taken back to the Gustavus Adolphus Home.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
SHERMAN – Rich-ard O. Frey, 66, of Sher-man was charged with Agriculture and Markets law overdriving, torturing, injuring animals after hitting and killing a dog on Nov. 1 at about 3:30 p.m. on Bailey Hill Road. It is alleged that Frey had seen the dog in front of his car and continued to travel forward, killing it, and then leaving the scene. He was issued an appearance ticket and will answer for his actions in Sherman Town Court.
FRENCH CREEK – Daniel J. Crouch, 33, of Wattsburg, Pennsylvania, was charged with several offenses Saturday shortly before 10 p.m. after an incident on Griffin Road. Allegedly, deputies observed a vehicle cross the center line, stopped the vehicle and identified Crouch as its driver. According to reports, an investigation revealed Crouch was intoxicated and taken into custody. His charges include aggravated driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated, failure to keep right, and moving from a lane unsafely. He will answer charges in French Creek Town Court.
FRENCH CREEK – Tyler L. Gabriel, 25, was taken into custody by deputies Sunday shortly before 2 a.m. after they observer Gabriel’s vehicle cross the center line of a roadway. Upon stopping the vehicle and conducting an investigation, deputies allegedly found Gabriel to be intoxicated. His charges include driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated per se, failure to keep right, and moving from a lane unsafely. He will answer charges in French Creek Town Court.
Area police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
- IRVING – Audie R. Yallup Jr., 34, of Irving was charged Friday with felony driving while intoxicated, felony aggravated unlicensed operation, unlicensed operator, failure to comply with a lawful order, use vehicle without interlock, moved from lane unsafely, failure to keep right and no turn signal after Deputies observed a vehicle in the eastbound lane of Route 5 and 20 reportedly commit several traffic infractions.
After deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, a short pursuit ensued until the vehicle pulled over on its own. After a short investigation it was determined that Yallup was intoxicated and he was taken into custody.
After processing, Yallup was arraigned in Hanover Town Court and remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of bail.
- WESTFIELD – Shamear S. Hubbard, 17, of Richmond Heights, Ohio, was charged Saturday with being an unlicensed operator, driving while intoxicated by combination of drugs and alcohol and possession of third-degree stolen property after the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office received a request for assistance by the Pennsylvania State Police, who were involved in a vehicle pursuit on Interstate 90 near the Pennsylvania/New York border.
The suspect vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed eastbound in the westbound lane on I-90. Pennsylvania State Police was able to get the vehicle stopped on I-90 in Westfield. Deputies arrived on scene at which point Hubbard was turned over to the custody of Chautauqua County. Deputies upon further investigation found Hubbard to allegedly be impaired by alcohol and drugs.
Additional investigation also identified the vehicle involved in the pursuit to be stolen out of East Cleveland, Ohio. He was arraigned in Westfield Town Court and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of bail. Additional charges are pending in Ohio and Pennsylvania.
MINA – Mathew Sturges, 37, of Corry, Pennsylvania, was charged with second-degree criminal impersonation, third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and failure to stop at a stop sign on Saturday.
At 1:10 a.m., deputies stopped a vehicle for an allegedly observed traffic violation on Route 426. After an investigation, it was allegedly found that the operator provided a false identity in an attempt to prevent deputies from discovering that his privileges to operate a motor vehicle in New York state were suspended. It was later learned that the operator was actually Sturges. A check of his New York state driver’s license confirmed that his privileges were suspended for numerous reasons.
He will appear in Mina Town Court.
Lakewood-Busti
Police Department
Sean P. Hugney, 39, of Sinclairville was charged with petit larceny and fourth-degree criminal mischief Friday after an incident at the Lakewood Walmart around 5 p.m. It is alleged Hugney stole steaks, gloves and an ax totaling $70.50 in value. The fourth-degree criminal mischief charge stemmed from the fact he had damaged the package of steaks, meaning Walmart could not sell them.
Dianne A. Hall, 61, of Randolph was charged with petit larceny around 2 p.m. Friday after an incident at the Lakewood Walmart. It is alleged that she under-rang several items of merchandise valuing $50.68 at the self-checkout line. Hall then passed the last point of sale without paying for the items.
Area Police
Former attorney indicted in Ponzi scheme
BUFFALO – Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. announced Friday that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging James A. MacCallum, 44, of Bemus Point, with mail fraud. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between January 2008 and December 2010, the defendant, a practicing attorney at the time, devised a scheme to defraud investors out of more than $3.4 million. As part of the scheme, MacCallum encouraged some victims to liquidate other investments in order to benefit from his false and fraudulent higher rates of return. The defendant claimed that his investments were secured by real estate and life insurance policies. However, the investigation determined that the defendant was using victims’ investments to pay back earlier investors and also personal travel and office expenses.
The defendant was arraigned Friday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was released on bond.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Adam S. Cohen and the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of David Foley.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
IRVING – Sharlene A. Downey, 25, of Forestville was charged on Nov. 5 with second-degree menacing and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon after deputies were called to Beebe Road in the town of Hanover for report of a subject threatening another with a weapon.
Upon further investigation, deputies allege Downey threatened another subject with a large knife. Downey was taken into custody, charged and was transported the Hanover Town Court for arraignment, where she was sent to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of bail. Downey is due in Hanover Town Court at a later date and time.
Area police
Gowanda Police Department
Police were on routine patrol on South Water Street at 10:40 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, nearing curfew time. During this patrol, officers observed a 12-year-old juvenile and a 14-year-old juvenile walking on the sidewalk. When the youths noticed police, one yelled “Oh, no; it’s the cops!” Both then ran away across a parking lot. The 14-year-old threw an object as he ran, which police recovered. It was a plastic container with a small amount of marijuana inside. Police caught up with the youths and charged the older of the two with unlawful possession of marijuana; the teen was petitioned to Cattaraugus County Family Court. Both juveniles were then released to their parents.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
SILVER CREEK – David Brill Jr., 35, of Silver Creek was charged with endangering the welfare of a child after an incident Tuesday, Oct. 27. At about 9:30 p.m., deputies responded to a call reporting that Brill had allegedly given marijuana to a child. After a short investigation, Brill was issued an appearance ticket. He will answer the charge in Hanover Town Court.
SILVER CREEK – Tylor R. Schnizel, 23, of Blasdell was taken into custody Wednesday at about 6:15 p.m. after his allegedly speeding vehicle drew deputies’ attention on Central Avenue. According to reports, after stopping the vehicle and identifying Schnizel as the driver, deputies found a small amount of marijuana. Schinzel was released with a traffic ticket for speed in zone and an appearance ticket for unlawful possession of marijuana and will appear in the Silver Creek Village Court to answer charges.
SILVER CREEK – Matthew E. Dunn, 37, of Dunkirk was charged with multiple offenses after patrol stopped his vehicle Thursday at about 1:30 a.m. According to reports, deputies observed him commit multiple traffic violations on Howard Street. After identifying Dunn as the driver, deputies ascertained that he was intoxicated. Dunn was charged with driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated per se with a .08 percent or higher blood alcohol content and failure to keep right. He will answer for himself in Silver Creek Village Court.
MAYVILLE – Freder-ick J. Wood, 63, of Ripley has been charged with several offenses relating to welfare fraud. On Thursday at about 3:15 p.m., Sheriff’s investigators served appearance tickets to Wood for fourth-degree welfare fraud, fourth-degree grand larceny, first-degree offering a false instrument for filing and misuse of food stamps (over $1,000). These charges are the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Health and Human Services Program Integrity Unit. It is alleged that while receiving cash assistance and food stamps, Wood failed to report income that he was receiving. The investigation showed that Wood began receiving Social Security income in November 2014 shortly after turning 62 years old and that he never reported it to DHHS. It is further alleged that Wood signed and filed a document with DHHS that failed to report his Social Security Income. According to DHHS calculations, between Dec. 1, 2014 and April 30, 2015, Frederick Wood received $2,025 in cash assistance and $890 in food stamps that he was not eligible for. The total of the amount of overpayment to Wood is $2,915.00 Wood will appear in Jamestown City Court to answer these charges. Instances of suspected welfare fraud may be reported by calling the hotline at 1-800-388-5365 or We-Tip 1-800-782-7463.
MAYVILLE – Thomas D. Przepiora, 59, of Mayville was taken into custody Thursday after deputies noticed him operating a vehicle on Lakewood Avenue. Because they knew Przepiora’s license had been revoked previously for refusing to submit to a chemical test, deputies attempted to stop his vehicle. In an alleged attempt to flee, Przepiora pulled into a driveway and ran into a residence. A warrant was issued for Przepiora for second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle. He was picked up at his residence and remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail.
Area Police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
CHAUTAUQUA – Thomas P. Crandall, 47, of Mayville was charged with consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle, driving while intoxicated, and aggravated driving while intoxicated per se after an incident on Hannum Road Thursday at about 6 p.m.
According to reports, deputies received a call about a vehicle driving erratically, and when they stopped the vehicle and identified Crandall as its operator, they found him to be intoxicated. He was released with tickets and will answer charges in Chautauqua Town Court.
Area Police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
MAYVILLE – An un-named 17-year-old male was charged on Nov. 1 with speed not reasonable and prudent and moving from lane unsafely after sheriff’s deputies were called to the area of Route 430 and Griswold Road for a reported motor vehicle accident with personal injury.
It was reported that a single vehicle had left the roadway and became overturned. Upon arrival, the operator was safely out of the vehicle.
After a brief investigation it was found that the vehicle had left the roadway and the operator was unable to correct it back onto the road. The vehicle allegedly traveled several feet, striking a utility pole and a culvert. After striking the culvert, the vehicle rolled several times.
Mayville Volunteer Fire Department transported the 17-year-old male to Westfield Memorial Hospital for minor injuries. He was issued traffic tickets and will appear in Chautauqua Town Court on a later date.
Melissa Lebron, 42, of Dunkirk was charged with driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated per se, and failure to keep right on Sunday, Oct. 11 at about 2:36 a.m. Allegedly, deputies stopped her vehicle for failing to keep right on Route 60 in the town of Dunkirk, and after identifying Lebron as the driver, noticed she was intoxicated. She was taken into custody and released with tickets to answer charges in Dunkirk Town Court.
Kathryn L. Peterson, 33, of Waterford, Pa. was taken into custody and charged with driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated per se, and failure to maintain lane Sunday just before 3 a.m. According to reports, deputies stopped Peterson’s vehicle on Route 20 in Pomfret for failing to maintain its lane, identified Person as the driver, and upon investigation, discovered that she was intoxicated. She will answer charges in Pomfret Town Court.
Area police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
Lisa G. Swagler, 39, of Jamestown was charged on Oct. 17 with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se and speeding after deputies stopped a vehicle for speeding on Route 60 in the town of Pomfret. The driver was identified as Swagler, and upon investigation, she was alleged to have been intoxicated. Swagler was taken into custody and will appear in Pomfret Town Court at a later date.
Jose A. Reyes, 52, of Fredonia was charged on Oct. 25 with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se and speeding after deputies stopped a vehicle for speeding on Route 60 in the town of Dunkirk. The driver was identified as Reyes, and upon investigation, he was reportedly found to be intoxicated. Reyes was taken into custody and later released with tickets to appear in Dunkirk Town Court at a later date.
GERRY – Philip Bens, 53, of Route 60 was charged with failure to keep right, driving while intoxicated, DWI per se and move from lane unsafely on Friday.
Around 11:30 p.m., deputies received a report of a vehicle all over the road on Route 60. Deputies located the vehicle on Route 60 and allegedly observed it commit multiple lane violations. Deputies stopped the vehicle and identified the driver as Bens. Upon investigation, he was allegedly found to be intoxicated.
He will appear in Gerry Town Court.
SHERMAN – Emilee Carlson, 22, of Sherman was charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or greater and failure to signal turn on Sunday.
Around 12:25 a.m., deputies stopped a vehicle on Osborne Street in the town of Sherman. The operator was identified as Carlson and investigation allegedly found her to be intoxicated.
Carlson will appear in Sherman Town Court.
Area police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
HARMONY – Wayne Y. Miller, 19, of Harmony was charged on Oct. 31 with driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or greater, second-degree vehicular assault, leaving the scene of a personal injury accident and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle after Deputies responded to a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle on Weeks Road.
Upon arrival, witnesses stated that a male subject operating a white pickup truck had struck a 16-year-old youth with his vehicle and had then fled the scene northbound on Weeks Road. Based on information from witnesses at the scene, Sheriff’s Deputies located the vehicle and the operator a short time later. The operator of the vehicle was reportedly identified as Miller and further investigation allegedly found Miller to have been operating his vehicle while intoxicated.
Miller was taken into custody and later arraigned in Sherman Town Court due to Harmony Town Judge being unavailable. Miller was sent to Chautauqua County Jail on $10,000 cash, $20,000 property bond.
The 16-year-old victim was airlifted to Hamot Medical Center for injuries he sustained as a result of being struck by Miller’s vehicle.