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Area police

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

ELLINGTON – Francisco Joel Barrera-Marquez, 25, and Romano Abel Hermenegildo, 34, both residing in Arcade, were found to be illegal aliens from Mexico by Sheriff’s deputies when they stopped a vehicle in which the two men were riding Wednesday shortly after noon. According to reports, a traffic violation committed by the driver of that vehicle initially led deputies to stop the car. U.S. Border Patrol agents were contacted, and they confirmed that Barrera-Marquez and Hermenegildo were in the United States illegally. Barrera-Marquez and Hermenegildo were turned over to Border Patrol agents for processing.

CHERRY CREEK – Katherine A. Clement, 23, of Fredonia was involved in a motor vehicle accident Friday at about 3 p.m. when she allegedly lost control of her vehicle on Farrington Hollow Road. According to reports, the vehicle’s tires lost traction on the icy roadway, and the vehicle traveled down an embankment and flipped over, landing on its roof. Clement suffered minor injuries and was transported to Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk for treatment. Cherry Creek Fire Department and Cassadaga Rescue assisted.

NORTH HARMONY – John C. Zeroski, 53, of Bemus Point was operating an SUV on Route 394 heading north when he lost control of his vehicle on the snowy roadway. He crossed into the opposite lane and struck the southbound pickup truck of Jason Oakes. The collision forced Oakes’ truck into the ditch adjacent to the southbound lane. No injuries were reported. A Bemus Fire volunteer assisted.

CARROLL – Wyatt A. Mann, 19, of Jamestown was traveling south on Warren Road Friday shortly before 3 p.m. when he lost control of his vehicle, left the roadway and struck a tree. He was transported to WCA hospital with injuries. The investigation is still under investigation. Deputies were assisted by New York State Police, Frewsburg Fire Department and Alstar Ambulance.

HANOVER – Joshua K. Crist, 35, of Jamestown was stopped by deputies on Routes 5 and 20 Thursday shortly before midnight for an observed traffic violation. Further investigation found that a passenger, 28-year-old Kaitlyn A. Covell, also of Jamestown, was in possession of a quantity of heroin, crack cocaine, and over 50 narcotic pills. Covell was charged with seven counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Crist was cited for unregistered motor vehicle. Both subjects were released with citations directing them to appear in the Hanover Town Court.

Area Police

Jamestown man arrested after drug raid

David E. Brown, 25, of Jamestown has been charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia after a search warrant was served at 226 Crossman St., Jamestown, at 1:15 p.m. Thursday.

Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force and New York State Police CNET team members conducted the raid after investigating the sale and trafficking of drugs in the area. The Jamestown Police Department SWAT team helped task force and CNET members enter the house. Once inside, investigators found more than 35 grams of cocaine and cash.

Brown was taken to the Jamestown city jail until he could be arraigned.

State Police at Fredonia

SHERIDAN – Gena Eberhardt, 22, of Silver Creek was charged with several offenses after troopers stopped her vehicle on Route 20 for alleged traffic violations Friday. According to reports, Eberhardt failed field sobriety tests after troopers noticed alcoholic odors during their investigation. She was taken into custody and charged with driving while intoxicated, operating a motor vehicle with .08 percent blood alcohol level, speed in zone and moving from a lane unsafely. She was processed at the Fredonia State Police station and released to a sober third party. She will answer for herself in Sheridan Town Court on Feb. 4.

SHERIDAN – Mat-thew Greenough, 27, of Silver Creek was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief and second-degree harassment Friday after troopers received a complaint about a disorderly subject at a Route 20 residence. Allegedly, an investigation revealed that Greenough had pushed the complainant into a sink, then damaged that person’s cell phone by breaking the SIM card in half and throwing the phone in the snow. Greenough was taken to the State Police station in Fredonia for processing, then arraigned in Sheridan Town Court. He was released on his own recognizance and will return to court at a later date.

State Police

at Jamestown

POLAND – Justin D. Cusimano, 31, and passenger Justine M. Hancock, 27, both of Lakewood were taken into custody Tuesday after State Police Interstate Patrol stopped to assist a motorist with a disabled vehicle on I-86.

A routine computer check of the occupants reportedly showed the driver had a revoked license and the passenger was wanted by the Erie County Sheriff’s Department in Erie, Pa. for failing to appear in court on a charge of receiving stolen property.

Cusimano was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation and was arraigned in Poland Town Court and was released on his own recognizance, to appear at a later date.

Hancock was arrested as a fugitive from justice and was also arraigned in Poland Town Court. She was committed to Chautauqua County Jail to await extradition proceedings.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

ELLERY – Nicole E. Berg, 32, of Bemus Point was charged with several offenses on Sunday after deputies found her northbound vehicle stopped in the southbound lane of Dutch Hollow Road around 3 a.m. Allegedly, Berg identified herself during the course of an interview, after which deputies determined she was intoxicated and took her into custody. Her charges include driving while intoxicated, refusal to submit to a chemical test, refusal to submit to a roadside breath test, moving from lane unsafely, failure to keep right and uninspected motor vehicle. She was arraigned in Ellery Town Court and taken to Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of bail.

ELLICOTT – Dale J. Warner, 34, of Jamestown was charged with felony driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated per se and inadequate loud exhaust after deputies stopped his vehicle on Fairmount Avenue Sunday shortly before midnight when they noticed his loud exhaust. After an investigation they determined that he was intoxicated. As Warner had two DWI convictions within the last ten years, this arrest meant felony charges. He was taken to Chautauqua County Jail without bail.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

ELLINGTON – Francisco Joel Barrera-Marquez, 25, and Romano Abel Hermenegildo, 34, both residing in Arcade, were found to be illegal aliens from Mexico by Sheriff’s deputies when they stopped a vehicle in which the two men were riding Wednesday shortly after noon. According to reports, a traffic violation committed by the driver of that vehicle initially led deputies to stop the car. U.S. Border Patrol agents were contacted, and they confirmed that Barrera-Marquez and Hermenegildo were in the United States illegally. Barrera-Marquez and Hermenegildo were turned over to Border Patrol agents for processing.

Area police

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

GERRY – Debra J. Roy, 57, of Cassadaga was traveling south on Route 60 at approximately 9:30 p.m. Tuesday when she allegedly rear-ended a farm tractor pulling a manure spreader. The tractor was operated by Darrell Gross of Gerry. Roy was transported by Gerry Rescue to WCA Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. No charges were reported.

A 17-year-old male allegedly assaulted another student at LoGuidice BOCES on Fredonia-Stockton Road in Fredonia Thursday at about 11 a.m. Deputies were called to the scene. The subject was arraigned in Pomfret Town Court and released under the supervision of probation.

CHAUTAUQUA – Sheryl M. Barton, 35, of Jamestown was charged with petit larceny Thursday shortly before 11 a.m. relating to events that allegedly took place in July of 2014. According to reports, Barton was employed as a home healthcare aid for an elderly couple staying in the Chautauqua Institution. While taking care of the victims, the defendant allegedly stole a bank check, filled out this check to herself, then forged one of the victim’s names to the check before she cashed it for money. This crime was recently discovered after an audit of the victims’ financial records. Barton was arrested and arraigned in Chautauqua Town Court, after which she was released to the probation department.

HANOVER – Marissa R. Paradowski, 18, of Depew was stopped by deputies on Routes 5 and 20 Thursday shortly after 3 a.m. Allegedly, she had committed a traffic violation while driving. According to reports, the deputies found Paradowski to be in possession of various drug paraphernalia and a quantity of marijuana. She was cited for unlawful possession of marijuana and failure to dim head lamps. She will answer for herself in Hanover Town Court.

State Police in Fredonia

Ryan Slate, 21, of Dunkirk was charged on Jan. 27 with driving while intoxicated and operating a vehicle with .08 or more alcohol in blood after Fredonia based State Police were dispatched to the area of Rt. 20 and Farel Road in the town of Pomfret for a report of a one-car accident.

Upon arrival, the vehicle was reportedly in the front lawn of a residence facing eastbound with significant damage. The operator stated he was traveling east on Route 20 eating a biscuit when he lost control on the snow-covered roads while traveling too fast.

While interviewing Slate, a strong odor of alcohol was allegedly observed. Slate failed standard field sobriety tests and was arrested for DWI.

Slate was transported to the Fredonia State barracks for processing where a .15 percent blood alcohol content was obtained. He is to appear in Pomfret Town Court on Feb. 9.

ELLINGTON – Francisco Joel Barrera-Marquez, 25, and Romano Abel Hermenegildo, 34, both residing in Arcade, were found to be illegal aliens from Mexico by Sheriff’s deputies when they stopped a vehicle in which the two men were riding Wednesday shortly after noon. According to reports, a traffic violation committed by the driver of that vehicle initially led deputies to stop the car. U.S. Border Patrol agents were contacted, and they confirmed that Barrera-Marquez and Hermenegildo were in the United States illegally. Barrera-Marquez and Hermenegildo were turned over to Border Patrol agents for processing.

Area Police

New York State Police in Fredonia

VILLENOVA – Mich-ael L. Ramirez II, 25, of South Dayton was taken into custody Saturday after an incident on Milestrip Road. According to reports, a trooper observed a vehicle with a headlight out, and attempted to stop the vehicle. The driver did not comply, and instead continued onto Oak Street in the village of South Dayton. The operator, later identified as Ramirez, jumped from his car and attempted to flee on foot. He was found on Pine Street in Dayton with a small amount of marijuana in his possession. He was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, resisting arrest, unlawful possession of marijuana, three counts of violation of probation, failure to comply, uninspected motor vehicle, unlicensed operator, displaying a forged inspection sticker and no headlight. He was taken to the Fredonia State Police station for processing, then issued appearance tickets and uniform traffic tickets for the offenses, which are returnable to South Dayton Village Court on April 18. After that, he was taken to Cattaraugus County Jail for violating his probation.

Jodi Messere, 36, of Dunkirk was charged with petit larceny after she was allegedly caught shoplifting at Tops Market on Vineyard Drive in Dunkirk Monday. According to reports, she had secreted several food and cosmetic items in her purse, totaling $134.44, and left the store without paying for them. She was found by troopers and taken to the Fredonia State Police station for processing. Her appearance ticket is returnable to Dunkirk Town Court.

Jonathan Eggleston, 27, of Forestville was charged Jan. 18 with fourth-degree grand larceny, second-degree identity theft and fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, all class E felonies. The charges are a result of an investigation into a complaint on Dec. 31, 2015, in which a victim’s social security benefits debit/credit card was stolen and used to obtain money from her account. The investigation found Eggleston had allegedly taken the card and used it to obtain $781.80 from the victim’s account. Eggleston was taken into custody and issued appearance tickets for Dunkirk Town Court.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

FORESTVILLE – On Monday at about 3:30 a.m., deputies responded to a request for medical attention. Upon arriving at the scene, they administered Narcan to a subject who had allegedly overdosed on opioids. The subject was then transported to Lake Shore Hospital in Irving for further medical treatment.

CHAUTAUQUA – Austin J. Eimers, 22, of Ripley was charged with several offenses after an incident Monday at about 1 a.m. According to reports, deputies located Eimers’ vehicle in a ditch on Route 430, and determined that he was intoxicated. He was also found in possession of a small amount of cannabis. He was taken into custody and charged with driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or greater, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, moving from a lane unsafely, unsafe tires and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. He was released with appearance tickets and will answer for himself in Chautauqua Town Court.

BEMUS POINT – A repeat offender was sent to jail recently after allegedly acting disorderly at a Main Street establishment.

Douglas A. Swan, 48, of Mayville was charged Jan. 19 with disorderly conduct, obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest after deputies were called around 9 p.m. It is alleged Swan became disorderly and put up a brief struggle before being taken into custody.

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

Swan just finished a five-year probation stint stemming from charges of first-degree reckless endangerment, fourth-degree criminal mischief and third-degree criminal assault after an incident where he used his vehicle to push a victim’s vehicle off a cliff in 2010. In 2012, he was charged with second-degree harassment and fourth-degree criminal mischief in the town of Gerry and in 2013 he was charged with forcible touching in conjunction with an incident in the town of Chautauqua and with violating an order of protection that same year.

Area police

One disabled vehicle leads

to multiple DWI arrests

DAYTON Shawn Daniels, 17, of South Dayton was charged on Jan. 23 with driving while intoxicated after the car he was driving was observed disabled on Route 62, partially blocking the northbound lane.

At aboit 2 a.m., State Police in Collins on patrol came upon his car and stopped to offer assistance. He allegedly told Troopers he had run out of gas. While speaking with him, signs of alcohol impairment were noted. He was subsequently arrested for DWI after failing a series of field sobriety tests.

While troopers were waiting for his father to arrive with gas, and to remove the car, another car passed them. Troopers observed it swerve back into the driving lane and nearly strike a guide rail, so a traffic stop was initiated a short distance from where they were parked.

Troopers spoke with the operator of that car, 21-year-old Johnthomas Irwin of Bader Ave in Gowanda, and also noted signs of alcohol impairment. He was arrested for DWI after failing a series a field sobriety tests.

Both were processed at the Collins barracks, with Daniels having a blood alcohol content of .11 percent, and Irwin a BAC of .10 percent.

Irwin was also charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after troopers found a glass pipe with marijuana in it in the center console of his car.

Both are due in Dayton Town Court later next month.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

BROCTON – On Jan. 15 at about 11 p.m., deputies stopped a vehicle for allegedly failing to use a turn signal on Fuller Road.

The operator was identified as Jonathan Gregory, 49, of Portland.

After a brief investigation, it was found that Gregory was allegedly operating the vehicle while intoxicated.

Gregory was charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se having .08 percent or higher blood alcohol content and no turn signal. He was released with citations to appear in Brocton Village Court at a later date.

ASHVILLE – On Thursday at around 9 p.m., deputies and New York State Parole checked a residence on Wall Street for Gregg Morrison, 38, of Ashville. Morrison was reportedly wanted by NYS Parole.

Morrison was located during the check. A quantity of methamphetamine and various pills were allegedly located within the residence, which led to multiple other arrests.

McKenzie Paulson, 23, of Jamestown; Sarah Short, 26, of Panama; and Denver Komenda, 40, of Ashville were charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Morrison was charged with seventh-degree CPCS and violation of parole. All subjects were arraigned in North Harmony Town Court and remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail.

The Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force and Jamestown Police K9 Mitchell assisted in the investigation.

HARMONY – On Sunday at about 3:45 p.m., deputies stopped a vehicle on Route 474 for several alleged traffic violations. The operator was identified as Daniel Way, 60, of Corry, Pennsylvania, and investigation found him to allegedly be intoxicated.

Way was later released with traffic tickets and will appear in Harmony Town Court at a future date to answer charges of driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, speeding, failure to comply with a lawful order and no seatbelt.

Area police

Disabled vehicle leads to continued FBI investigation

At 12:25 a.m. on Saturday, troopers from the Thruway Dunkirk barracks came upon a disabled vehicle on I-90 eastbound, in the town of Pomfret. The vehicle operator, identified as David E. Foltz, of Lockport, stated that his rental car had run out of gas.

A file check reportedly revealed that the Buffalo Federal Bureau of Investigation Office had issued an arrest warrant for Foltz, charging him with bank robbery. He is suspected of robbing several banks throughout New York state. Foltz was subsequently turned over to the FBI, who is continuing its investigation.

Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office

Robert A. Richardson, 27, and Nicole L. Hauck, 35, both of Randolph were charged with unlawful manufacture of methamphetamines and criminal possession of methamphetamine precursors after the Olean Office of the Southern Tier Regional Drug Taskforce executed a search warrant at 162 Hall St. in Randolph.

Upon execution of the warrant, it was determined there was a meth lab on the premises.

The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected. Both were arraigned at Little Valley Town Court and sent to the Cattaraugus County Jail on $5,000 bail each.

Area Police

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

A seventeen-year-old male was issued an appearance ticket for disorderly conduct on Jan. 6. According to reports, the male student was out-of-area shortly before noon near the BOCES LoGuidice Center on Fredonia-Stockton Road in Fredonia when he was approached by a counselor. The subject responded with vulgar language and created a disturbance, leading the counselor to call for assistance from deputies. The student will answer for his actions in Pomfret Town Court.

ASHVILLE – A seventeen-year-old male was issued an appearance ticket for disorderly conduct after an incident at the Hewes Educational Center on Maple St. at around 1 p.m. Dec. 11. Allegedly, the male student became upset with a peer in the hallway of E Building, and this escalated into a physical altercation in which the subject threw several punches at the other student, necessitating the involvement of the deputies. The student will answer his charge in North Harmony Town Court.

Area Police

Dunkirk Police

Cerena Wilson, 33, of King Street was charged with second-degree harassment on Jan. 4.

Samuel Lobley, 32, of South Roberts Road was charged with harassment on Jan. 5.

Walter Barnard, 46, of West Lucas Avenue was charged with petit larceny on Jan. 6.

Shawn Hallmark, 32, of Straight Road, Fredonia, was charged with third-degree criminal mischief, endangering the welfare of a child and second-degree harassment on Jan. 7.

James Patterson, 35, of Townsend Street was charged with third-degree assault on Jan. 9.

Raul Cruz-Martinez, 20, of East Seventh Street was charged with second-degree harassment on Monday.

Fredonia Police

Thomas Amabile, 20, of Lakeview was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated, DWI per se, first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, violation of restricted license, failure to use designated lane and failure to obey a traffic control device on Jan. 1.

Kerry Anderson, 48, of Dunkirk was charged with theft of services and two counts of petit larceny on Jan. 6.

Maiker Anderson, 19, of Jamestown was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, unlawful possession of alcohol and open container on Jan. 9.

Jessica Jams, 24, of Leopard Street, Dunkirk, was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and petit larceny on Jan. 9.

Sharayah Burrows, 21, of Brigham Road, Dunkirk, was charged with petit larceny on Jan. 9.

Veronica Negronluna, 23, of Main Street, Dunkirk, was charged with petit larceny on Jan. 12.

Area police

Gowanda Police Department

Ashley R. Isaac, 24, of Lawtons was charged with operating a vehicle with a suspended license after officers responded to a property damage accident Jan. 1 on South Water Street.

According to reports, Isaac slid on the snowy roadway and struck a telephone pole. There were no recorded injuries.

A DMV computer check revealed Isaac’s vehicle registration had been suspended in July for parking violations.

She was released on an appearance ticket and will answer for herself in Persia Town Court.

Christopher M. Myers, 34, of Gowanda was taken into custody following a disturbance on College Street Jan. 4.

Allegedly, Myers was involved, and a records check showed he had an active warrant out for his arrest issued by Cattaraugus County for harassment. He also had a warrant out for his arrest issued by SUNY Buffalo Police for loitering.

Myers was turned over to the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Department to be processed.

William S. Larkin, 27, of Cold Spring was charged with petit larceny after allegedly stealing a case of beer.

According to reports, on Dec. 26, Larkin took a case of beer from a Buffalo Street business in the village and fled in a waiting car. His identity was revealed when officers reviewed security footage and recognized him.

On Jan. 8, he turned himself in to Gowanda Police. He was released on an appearance ticket and will answer for himself in Collins Town Court.

Daniel V. Grover, 38, of Springville was taken into custody Jan. 12 after patrol responded to a disturbance on Chapel Street.

Allegedly, during the investigation, officers discovered Grover had a warrant out for his arrest issued by the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Department for a family court offense. He was turned over to deputies, who processed him for those charges.

Patrol responded to a village residence on Dec. 25 for the report of an unconscious and unresponsive male drug overdose victim. Officers administered two doses of Narcan.

Gowanda Ambulance Service arrived and administered more Narcan via injection. The subject became responsive in the ambulance, and was then taken to Lake Shore Hospital for additional medical treatment.

Jeremiah Bednarek, 34, of Gowanda was taken into custody Dec. 7 after police responded to a complaint at a Chestnut Street residence shortly before 1 a.m.

Allegedly, Bednarek was sitting on the resident’s stoop, uninvited, unwelcome and intoxicated.

A records check showed the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department had issued a warrant for Bednarek’s arrest. He was duly handed over for processing to Chautauqua County Sheriff’s deputies.

Dale W. Miller, 34, of Silver Creek was taken into custody for an outstanding warrant issued by Collins Town Court on Dec. 9 by Chautauqua County Sheriff’s deputies and turned over to the Gowanda Police.

Allegedly, on Nov. 4, Miller had been arrested by Gowanda Police for failure to dim his high beams, third-degree unlicensed operation and unlawful possession of marijuana – for which he never appeared in court.

He was arraigned in Collins Town Court and taken to the Erie County Holding Center in lieu of $1,500 bail.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

JAMESTOWN – Juan A. Perez, 41, of Jamestown was charged with third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance and third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance after deputies caught up with him Wednesday.

According to reports, Perez had a warrant out for his arrest, issued by the City of Jamestown for the offenses. Allegedly, he had sold quantities of heroin to agents of the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force within the city.

He was arraigned in Jamestown City Court and taken to the Chautauqua County Jail without bail, pending further action by the court.

Authorities continue to ask members of the community to call 800-344-8702 or 363-0131 when they suspect drug-related activity is happening in their neighborhoods.

Brian B. Ward, 23, of Dunkirk was charged on Jan. 18 with driving while intoxicated, failure to maintain lane, speed not reasonable or prudent and refusal to take a breath test after deputies responded to a single-vehicle accident at approximately 2:38 a.m.

It was reported that a single vehicle had struck a tree. Upon arrival, deputies observed a vehicle that struck a tree, causing extensive front-end damage to the vehicle with Ward in the driver seat.

He was taken to Brookes Memorial Hospital for non-life threatening injuries and released from the hospital.

Upon further investigation it was found that he was operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Ward was arraigned in Dunkirk Town Court.

Nathan A. Kohler, 29, of Forestville was charged on Jan. 17 with unlawful possession of marijuana, aggravated unlicensed operation, unlicensed operator, failure to keep right, no interlock device and no seatbelt after deputies reportedly observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation.

The vehicle was stopped for the alleged violation and upon speaking to the operator, Kohler was found to be in possession of a small quantity of marijuana. It was also found that Kohler was operating the vehicle while having revoked driving privileges and will answer the charges in Cherry Creek Town Court at a later date.

State Police

in Fredonia

Tomas Confer, 25, of Jamestown was charged on Jan. 17 with operating a motor vehicle while ability impaired by drugs and moving from lane unsafely after Fredonia-based State Police stopped a vehicle on State Route 60 in the town of Pomfret for crossing the fog line twice.

The driver, Confer, reportedly failed field sobriety tests. After further testing and evaluation he was subsequently arrested for DWAI-drugs.

Confer was ticketed and is to appear in Pomfret Town Court on Feb. 9.

BRANT – Frederick General, 36, of Irving was charged on Jan. 16 with felony driving while intoxicated, felony aggravated unlicensed operation, speeding and using a vehicle without an interlock device after Fredonia-based State Police stopped a vehicle on State Route 5 for traveling 74 mph in a posted 45 mph speed zone, and using a turning lane to pass four vehicles.

While interviewing General, there allegedly was a strong odor of alcoholic beverage. General failed standard field sobriety tests and was arrested. Seneca Nation Marshals responded and took possession of the vehicle.

General was transported to the Fredonia State Police station where he reportedly had a blood alcohol content of .19 percent.

General was arraigned at Brant Town Court and posted $5,000 cash bail at the court. General is to appear in court on Feb. 18.

Area police

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

SILVER CREEK – On Saturday at about 11:30 p.m., deputies stopped a vehicle for an alleged traffic violation on Route 20. The operator was identified as Marcie Martin, 50, of Sher-idan. Martin was allegedly found to be operating the vehicle while intoxicated.

Martin was charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se having a .08 percent or higher blood alcohol content and speed in zone. She was processed and released with citations directing her to appear in Silver Creek Village Court at a later date.

MINA – On Saturday at about 11:30 p.m., deputies stopped a vehicle on Route 430 for several alleged traffic violations. The operator was identified as Craig Breter, 61, of Findley Lake and investigation allegedly found him to be intoxicated.

Breter was released with traffic tickets. He will appear in Mina Town Court to answer charges of driving while intoxicated, aggravated driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol content of .18 percent or greater, fail to keep right and moved from lane unsafely.

On Sunday at about 3:40 p.m., deputies stopped a vehicle for alleged traffic infractions on Chestnut Street in the village of Fredonia. The operator was identified as Erlyssa M. Lebeau, 31, of Westerly Drive. Lebeau was allegedly found to be operating her vehicle while intoxicated.

Lebeau was charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se, no headlamps, no tail lamps and no turn signal. Lebeau was released with traffic tickets directing her to appear in the Fredonia Village Court.

Area Police

New York State Police at Fredonia

SHERMAN – Charles M. Kennedy, 32, of Corry, Pennsylvania; and Brandon E. Newby, 28, of Mayville were taken into custody for drug-related charges Saturday after troopers stopped a vehicle for failure to keep right on Mount Pleasant Road at about 4:30 p.m. Kennedy was driving, and a computer check of his license revealed that his license had been suspended. With assistance from K-9 Kubi, troopers found heroin and fentanyl patches, along with drug paraphernalia, in the vehicle. Kennedy and his passenger, Newby, were transported to the State Police station in Jamestown for processing. Newby was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and will answer for himself in Sherman Town Court. After an examination by a drug recognition expert, Kennedy was charged with driving while ability impaired, third-degree unlicensed operation and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. He was arraigned in Sherman Town Court and released under the supervision of probation. He will answer his charges in Sherman Town Court.

JAMESTOWN – Leah M. Clark, 44, of Ashville was taken into custody Saturday at about 1:30 a.m. after troopers noticed she allegedly failed to use a turn signal on East Second Street. According to reports, she failed field sobriety tests and was then charged with driving while intoxicated. She was transported to the State Police station in Jamestown for processing, where her blood alcohol content was recorded as .14. She will answer for herself in Jamestown City Court.

CHARLOTTE – Matthew Foster, 25, was charged on Jan. 6 with unlawful possession of marijuana, operating a motor vehicle without an inspection certificate, unlicensed operator and no plate lamp after Fredonia based State Police stopped a vehicle on State Route 60, in the Town of Charlotte, for no plate lamps.

While interviewing Foster, a green leafy substance was observed on his jacket. Further investigation revealed he was in possession of marijuana.

All tickets are returnable to Charlotte Town Court.

State Police

in Jamestown

NORTH HARMONY – Andrew J. Davidoff, 23, of Erie, Pa. was charged on Jan. 7 with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and unlawful possession of marijuana after a traffic stop on I-86. A strong odor of marijuana was observed and Davidoff was found to be in possession of marijuana and a loaded .40 caliber handgun. Davidoff was arraigned on the above charges in Busti Town Court and released on $2,000 bail.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

ELLINGTON – The Chautauqua County Sheriff Department was sent to assist the Ellington Volun-teer Fire Department with an unresponsive, but breathing female. Deputies on scene were able to ascertain that the female was having an overdose and administered several doses of Narcan nasal spray at the scene. The female was subsequently transported to WCA hospital for further treatment.

Area Police

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

CHAUTAUQUA – Timothy Brown, 58, of Mayville was issued a traffic ticket for speed not reasonable and prudent after a car-buggy accident that occurred Sunday at about 3:35 p.m. on Burdick Road.

Allegedly, Brown was traveling south when he rounded a curve and failed to reduce his speed on the slippery road, colliding with an Amish buggy occupied by Elizabeth Plyler, 44, and Jon Plyler, 16, who were traveling north. Elizabeth was transported to Westfield Memorial Hospital by Hartfield EMS and Jon did not need medical treatment.

JAMESTOWN – Betty J. Hicks, 52, of Jamestown was charged with multiple offenses related to welfare fraud Friday at about 3:45 p.m. after an investigation conducted jointly by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Health and Human Services Program Integrity Unit.

According to reports, Hicks failed to report that her son was working and had income; she failed to report that income on two separate applications that were filed with DHHS. As a result of the unreported household income, Hicks received $2,162 from Dec. 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015 that she was not entitled to receive. Her charges include five felonies; fourth-degree welfare fraud, fourth-degree grand larceny, two counts of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing and misuse of food stamps. She will answer for herself in Jamestown City Court. Anyone with information about instances of suspected fraud or food stamp misuse is asked to call the hotline at 1-800-388-5365.

New York State Police at Fredonia

GERRY – Edwin Sanchez Jr., 36, of Gerry was taken into custody Sunday at about 6 a.m. after troopers responded to the report of a domestic incident at his residence. According to reports, Sanchez had just driven home from a party, and after failing field sobriety tests, was charged with driving while intoxicated. His blood alcohol level was allegedly recorded as .11. He will answer charges in Gerry Town Court.

SHERMAN – Charles M. Kennedy, 32, of Corry, Pennsylvania; and Brandon E. Newby, 28, of Mayville were taken into custody for drug-related charges Saturday after troopers stopped a vehicle for failure to keep right on Mount Pleasant Road at about 4:30 p.m. Kennedy was driving, and a computer check of his license revealed that his license had been suspended. With assistance from K-9 Kubi, troopers found heroin and fentanyl patches, along with drug paraphernalia, in the vehicle. Kennedy and his passenger, Newby, were transported to the State Police station in Jamestown for processing. Newby was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and will answer for himself in Sherman Town Court. After an examination by a drug recognition expert, Kennedy was charged with driving while ability impaired, third-degree unlicensed operation and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. He was arraigned in Sherman Town Court and released under the supervision of probation. He will answer his charges in Sherman Town Court.

JAMESTOWN – Leah M. Clark, 44, of Ashville was taken into custody Saturday at about 1:30 a.m. after troopers noticed she allegedly failed to use a turn signal on East Second Street. According to reports, she failed field sobriety tests and was then charged with driving while intoxicated. She was transported to the State Police station in Jamestown for processing, where her blood alcohol content was recorded as .14. She will answer for herself in Jamestown City Court.

Area police

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

IRVING – On Saturday at about 6:40 p.m., deputies received a report of a vehicle driving erratically on Routes 5 and 20. Deputies located the vehicle and identified the operator as Antoinette Sicurella, 66, of Pleasant Avenue, Irving.

After an investigation, Sicurella was allegedly found to be operating the vehicle in an intoxicated state. She was taken into custody and later released with citations for driving while intoxicated and aggravated DWI with a blood alcohol content of .18 percent or higher.

Sicurella is set to appear in Hanover Town Court.

MAYVILLE – On Sunday at about 2 a.m., deputies stopped a vehicle on North Erie Street for an alleged equipment violation. The operator was identified as William Osthagen, 45, of Mayville and investigation allegedly found him to be intoxicated.

Osthagen was taken into custody and was released with traffic tickets for driving while intoxicated, aggravated driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol content of .18 percent or greater, no/inadequate muffler and suspended registration. He will appear in Chautauqua Town Court.

Area police

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

KIANTONE – Larry L. Hicks, 35, of Jamestown was taken into custody Thursday just after midnight. According to reports, deputies stopped Hicks’ vehicle on Route 60 for an observed traffic infraction, and, allegedly, a records check found that his driving privileges had been revoked due to prior drug- and alcohol-related offenses. His charges include second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, unlicensed operation, open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle and failure to maintain lane. He was arraigned in Kiantone Town Court and remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail.

ELLERY – Dontae J. Lockett, 21, of Jamestown was charged with multiple offenses after an incident Sunday that occurred around 12:38 a.m. on Bemus-Ellery Road. Allegedly, Lockett had failed to keep right and was speeding, which caused deputies to stop his vehicle. An investigation found Lockett to be intoxicated, reports said, so he was taken into custody. His charges include driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated per se, speed in zone, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, failure to keep right and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle.

Jamestown – Lonnie E. Witcher Jr., 34, of Jamestown was taken into custody Friday shortly before noon as a result of a joint investigation by the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, NYSP CNET and the Jamestown Police SWAT team. A search warrant was executed at 214 Barrett Ave., having been issued previously by Jamestown City Court based on information from the STRDTF. Entry was made without incident. Witcher was located there, as was a large quantity of cocaine, marijuana, U.S. cash and scales used for weighing narcotics. Law enforcement believes Witcher had been using the residence to traffic cocaine within Jamestown. His charges include third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, second-degree using drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of marijuana. He was remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail without bail, pending further action by the court. Authorities continue to ask community members to call when they observe drug activity in their neighborhoods: 800-344-8702 of 363-0313.

FRENCH CREEK – Reed J. Coccarelli, 19, of Ripley was charged with fifth-degree possession of stolen property after deputies investigated a case of two pairs of missing snowboard boots at Peek n’ Peak Ski Resort. Deputies allegedly found Coccarelli in possession of the stolen property, which was recovered and returned to the resort. Coccarelli will answer the charge in court later this month.

FRENCH CREEK – Sylvia Whitely, 42, of Union City, Pa. was charged with petit larceny after an incident at Peek n’ Peak Ski Resort. Allegedly, management there noticed that money was missing from the front desk at the main inn. The Sheriff’s Investigation Division was notified, at which time deputies began an investigation. This led to the arrest of Whitely, who was an employee at the time of the alleged theft of $100. Whitely will answer for herself in French Creek Town Court.

Area police

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

SINCLAIRVILLE – Jace R. Warner, 21; and Andrew S. Olson, 27 were taken into custody following a traffic stop Thursday at about 7 p.m. on Sinclair Drive. Allegedly, deputies stopped a vehicle for an observed violation, at which time they identified the driver as Warner. A search of the vehicle turned up several controlled substances as well as items used in the manufacturing of methamphetamines. Warner was allegedly found to be in possession of a quantity of methamphetamines and Suboxone, earning himself the charges of fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful manufacturing of methamphetamine. Olson, the vehicle’s passenger, was allegedly also found to be in possession of various controlled substances outside of their original labeled containers, and was subsequently charged with seven counts each of seventh-degree possession of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance outside of the original container. Both men were arraigned in Charlotte Town Court and taken to Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of bail. The Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force assisted throughout the course of the investigation.

On Thursday at about 11 p.m., the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office was advised of a despondent individual on the ledge of the Interstate 90 overpass on Route 60 in the town of Dunkirk. Upon arrival, deputies saw the man standing outside of the snow fencing on the bridge. The NYS Thruway was shut down as deputies sought to bring the incident to a safe closure. Deputies on scene spoke with the individual until they were able to convince him to come away from the ledge and move back to safety. He was then taken to Lake Shore Hospital for a mental health evaluation. No charges were filed.

CHAUTAUQUA – Brenda L. Horr, 37, of Westfield was charged with felonies and much more Thursday at about 11:30 p.m., after deputies located a vehicle in a ditch on Route 394. Horr was identified as its operator, and a child under the age of 16 was allegedly found in the vehicle, invoking Leandra’s Law. Horr’s charges include felony driving while intoxicated – Leandra’s Law, felony driving while intoxicated – prior conviction in the last 10 years, driving while intoxicated per se, speed beyond what is reasonable and prudent, failure to stop at a stop sign, moving from a lane unsafely, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, consumption of an alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. She was arraigned in Sherman Town Court and taken to Chautauqua County Jail without bail.

KIANTONE – Larry L. Hicks, 35, of Jamestown was taken into custody Thursday just after midnight. According to reports, deputies stopped Hicks’ vehicle on Route 60 for an observed traffic infraction, and, allegedly, a records check found that his driving privileges had been revoked due to prior drug- and alcohol-related offenses. His charges include second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, unlicensed operation, open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle and failure to maintain lane. He was arraigned in Kiantone Town Court and remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail.

ELLERY – Dontae J. Lockett, 21, of Jamestown was charged with multiple offenses after an incident Sunday that occurred around 12:38 a.m. on Bemus-Ellery Road. Allegedly, Lockett had failed to keep right and was speeding, which caused deputies to stop his vehicle. An investigation found Lockett to be intoxicated, reports said, so he was taken into custody. His charges include driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated per se, speed in zone, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, failure to keep right and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle.

Jamestown – Lonnie E. Witcher Jr., 34, of Jamestown was taken into custody Friday shortly before noon as a result of a joint investigation by the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, NYSP CNET and the Jamestown Police SWAT team. A search warrant was executed at 214 Barrett Ave., having been issued previously by Jamestown City Court based on information from the STRDTF. Entry was made without incident. Witcher was located there, as was a large quantity of cocaine, marijuana, U.S. cash and scales used for weighing narcotics. Law enforcement believes Witcher had been using the residence to traffic cocaine within Jamestown. His charges include third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, second-degree using drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of marijuana. He was remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail without bail, pending further action by the court. Authorities continue to ask community members to call when they observe drug activity in their neighborhoods: 800-344-8702 of 363-0313.

FRENCH CREEK – Reed J. Coccarelli, 19, of Ripley was charged with fifth-degree possession of stolen property after deputies investigated a case of two pairs of missing snowboard boots at Peek n’ Peak Ski Resort. Deputies allegedly found Coccarelli in possession of the stolen property, which was recovered and returned to the resort. Coccarelli will answer the charge in court later this month.

FRENCH CREEK – Sylvia Whitely, 42, of Union City, Pa. was charged with petit larceny after an incident at Peek n’ Peak Ski Resort. Allegedly, management there noticed that money was missing from the front desk at the main inn. The Sheriff’s Investigation Division was notified, at which time deputies began an investigation. This led to the arrest of Whitely, who was an employee at the time of the alleged theft of $100. Whitely will answer for herself in French Creek Town Court.

Area Police

Lakewood-Busti Police Department

LAKEWOOD – Aaron R. Simmons, 22, of Jamestown was taken into custody after allegedly being caught stealing merchandise from the Lakewood Wal-Mart on Saturday shortly after 7 p.m. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. He will answer the charge of petit larceny in Busti Town Court.

Area police

New York State Police

RANDOLPH – Devin M. Parker, 20, of Conewango Valley and Melissa L. Lindberg, 21, of Randolph were taken into custody Friday after a domestic incident. According to reports, Lindberg was charged with second-degree menacing and endangering the welfare of a child after she threatened Parker with a knife in the presence of a child. Parker was charged with two felony counts of third-degree criminal mischief after he slashed a mattress belonging to Lindberg, and fourth-degree criminal mischief fourth after breaking her cell phone. Both were arraigned in Randolph Town Court, where orders of protection were issued to both parties, and where they will each eventually answer the charges.

BROCTON – On Friday, Fredonia-based State Police responded to the report of a two-vehicle personal injury accident on East Main Street. Allegedly, it was snowing heavily, and visibility was limited when Eric Sprague, 41, of Brocton was traveling northbound on Old Mill Road and failed to stop at the stop sign at East Main Street. His vehicle slid into the eastbound lane of East Main Street, where his vehicle collided with that of Tamara Topliffe, 35, of Brocton, who was traveling eastbound and was also unable to stop. Topliffe was transported to Brooks Hospital via Brocton Fire Department for a complaint of pain; Sprague was not injured. Both individuals were ticketed – Sprague for failure to yield the right of way at a stop sign, and Topliffe for no headlights on in inclement weather/windshield wipers in use. The two may “collide” again on Wednesday, Feb. 3, when their tickets are returnable to Brocton Village Court.

Kerry Anderson, 48, of Fredonia was taken into custody Sunday for theft of services after State Police responded to Applebee’s on Vineyard Drive in Dunkirk. Anderson was taken to the Fredonia State Police station for processing and was remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of $2,000 cash bail or $4,000 property bond. His return court date is Jan. 27.

VILLENOVA – On Friday, State Police responded to a report of a two-car personal injury accident on State Route 83. According to reports, Ashley Ramirez, 28, of South Dayton was traveling southbound on Round Top Road and failed to stop at the stop sign. She struck a vehicle operated by Debra Jones, 53, of Cherry Creek, who was traveling west on Route 83. Ramirez was transported by ambulance to Brooks Memorial Hospital for minor bleeding from her head. Jones was also transported to Brooks Memorial Hospital by ambulance for minor facial bleeding. Ramirez was given a traffic ticket for failure to stop at a stop sign, returnable to Villenova Town Court on Feb. 4.

Mark McNeight, 46, of Holland was taken into custody for driving while intoxicated, aggravated driving while intoxicated, speeding in zone, and moving from a lane unsafely after State Police stopped his vehicle Sunday on Route 20 in the town of Pomfret. He will answer the charges in Pomfret Town Court. After troopers had issued the traffic tickets, they gave McNeight a courtesy transport to the Comfort Inn in Dunkirk and turned him over to his wife.

Area police

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

SILVER CREEK – On Saturday at about 11:45 p.m., deputies on patrol stopped a vehicle on Howard Street.

Deputies had observed the vehicle’s operator to be Travis Perkins, 39, of Dunkirk, and were aware that Perkins’ driving privileges were revoked for a conviction of driving while intoxicated. Further investigation allegedly found that Perkins was again operating while intoxicated.

A criminal history showed Perkins was previously convicted of aggravated DWI twice within 10 years, making this arrest a class D felony. Additionally, the vehicle was allegedly not equipped with an alcohol interlock device, which Perkins was required to have.

Perkins was charged with felony DWI, DWI per se having .08 percent or higher blood alcohol content, felony first-degree aggravated unlicensed operator, operating outside interlock restriction, unlicensed operator, and fail to notify Department of Motor Vehicles of address change.

He was arraigned in Silver Creek Village Court and remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail.

Area police

Police execute 2 drug busts in 2 days

OBSERVER Staff Report

The Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force rang in the new year with successful arrests following two separate meth busts in the local area.

The first arrest took place Thursday at about 8:45 p.m. Chautauqua County Sheriff’s deputies reportedly located and arrested Jesse L. Erhard, 34, of 4570 W. Railroad Ave. in the town of Stockton.

An arrest warrant had been issued for Erhard charging him with one count of third-degree unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine. It is alleged by the drug task force and deputies that Erhard had been manufacturing meth at the Stockton address.

On Dec. 22, when deputies went to Erhard’s residence attempting to serve an unrelated arrest warrant on another subject, they allegedly located items used to manufacture meth. As a result of this discovery, the Chautauqua County HazMat Team was called to the residence to collect the toxic waste produced by the alleged production of meth.

Erhard was arraigned in Stockton Town Court and remanded to the county jail on $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 property bond.

The second arrest took place Friday at about 2 p.m. Deputies reportedly located and arrested Shaun I. Ellison, 34, of 8 Lodi St., Forestville.

An arrest warrant had been issued for Ellison charging him with third-degree unlawful manufacture of meth. The warrant had been issued after deputies and the drug task force responded to 8 Lodi St. in the village of Forestville on an unrelated incident.

While investigating the initial incident, it is alleged police discovered a meth lab. Once the alleged lab was located, the New York State Police CSSERT team was called to the scene to collect evidence and remediate the toxic residue that is produced when making meth.

Authorities reportedly collected in excess of 8 ounces of meth oil in addition to the meth lab. Police say additional charges will be placed after the meth oil has been analyzed at the laboratory.

Ellison was arraigned and committed to the county jail pending further action of the court.

Authorities continue to ask members of the community to call either 800-344-8702 or 716-363-0313 whenever they observe narcotics-related activity in their community.

State Police at Fredonia

  • SHERIDAN – On Thursday, Fredonia based State Police responded to Center Road in the town of Sheridan for a personal injury accident. A vehicle was located in a ditch, but no one was with the vehicle.

The patrol located the operator, Norman Geddis, Sr., age 46, of Conewango, NY, who was not injured and his two passengers, who had minor cuts on their hands. The passengers refused EMS treatment and were given a courtesy transport to the city of Dunkirk.

A DMV check revealed Geddis had a revoked license. Geddis was taken into custody for aggravated unlicensed operation second degree, and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident. Geddis was also cited for speed not reasonable and prudent, unlicensed operator, and moved from lane unsafely.

Geddis was arraigned at the Town of Sheridan Court and released on his own recognizance. He is to return to court on Jan. 21.

Chautauqua County Sherriff’s Office

  • FREWSBURG – A 34-year-old Frewsburg mother of two has been charged after allegedly tattooing her two juvenile sons’ hands.

According to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, a call to check on the well-being of two juvenile boys ages 12 and 13 was made on Thursday. Police responded to a residence on Emery Hill Road in Frewsburg.

After an investigation was conducted, it was determined that sometime around Nov. 25, Chantilly L. Thomas used a tattoo gun to permanently tattoo her own two sons’ hands.

Thomas was not licensed to perform tattooing in any state in the United States. The words “Ride of Die” and a lightning bolt were tattooed on the back of her 12-year-old and 13-year-old sons’ hands, respectively.

Thomas was charged with second-degree unlawfully dealing with a child and was released on her own recognizance and will appear in the City of Jamestown Court on Jan. 20.

Area police

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

Kathleen M. Dean, 44, of Jamestown was taken into custody for charges related to welfare fraud Thursday shortly before noon. This arrest concludes a joint investigation by the Sheriff’s Office and the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services Program Integrity Unit. It is alleged that for many years Dean claimed a child in her household who actually lived with the child’s father in Pennsylvania. Over the last 5 years, she repeatedly filed recertification applications for food stamps which falsely indicated the child was living with her. As a result of Dean’s alleged conduct, she obtained $8,769 in SNAP/food stamp benefits that she was not entitled to. She has been charged with 14 felonies, including third-degree welfare fraud, third-degree grand larceny, misuse of food stamps (over $3,000), and 11 counts of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing. Dean will answer for her actions in Jamestown City Court on Thursday, Jan. 28. Instances of suspected welfare fraud may be reported by calling the hotline 1-800-388-5365 or We-Tip 1-800-782-7463.

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