Area Police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
- RIPLEY – With a combined effort by the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, New York State Parole and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Deputies, a 28-year-old was charged this past Thursday at around 9 p.m. with the sale of and possession of a controlled substance.
Rance Freeman Jr. allegedly sold an agent of the Task Force quantities of oxycodone, a narcotic drug. After arresting Freeman Jr., a search of his apartment at 9499 Route 20 Apt. C found “a large quantity of cash” and more oxycodone, the report said. The additional narcotics led to more charges against him.
He was charged a parole violation, one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree and two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree.
Freeman Jr. is being held at the Chautauqua County Jail on the parole violation, without bail. He will be later arraigned at a later date in the Town of Ripley Court for the additional charges.
The report stated, “Authorities continue to ask the public to call when they observe suspicious or narcotics related activities in their communities at either 1-800-344-8702 or 363-0313.”
- STOCKTON – Dale S. Halladay, 46, of Cassadaga was charged with felony driving while intoxicated (two previous felony convictions), resisting arrest, obstruction of governmental administration, refusal to take breath test, speed in zone and inadequate tail lights on Friday.
Sheriff’s deputies observed a vehicle on Maple Avenue in Cassadaga allegedly making several traffic violations. Following an investigation, deputies arrested and charged Halladay, who was arraigned in Town of Stockton Court and remanded to the county jail without bail.
- HARMONY – Randall S. Crocker, 34, of Ashville was charged with driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated per se and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation on Friday.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a one-vehicle accident on Hoag Road. After a brief investigation, it was found that a motorized bike had left the roadway and the operator, Crocker, was unable to keep it upright. Crocker sustained minor injuries and was checked by Panama Volunteer Fire Department. Crocker was also allegedly found to be operating the motorized bike in an intoxicated state. He was taken into custody, charged, issued traffic tickets and will appear in the Town of Harmony court on a later date.
- CHAUTAUQUA – Travis E. Fisher, 25, of Mayville was charged with driving while intoxicated, refusal to take breath test, speed in zone and inadequate muffler on Saturday.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s deputies on patrol stopped a vehicle for observed traffic infractions on Morris Road in Chautauqua. The operator identified himself as Fisher. Upon investigating, Deputies discovered Fisher was allegedly intoxicated while operating the vehicle. Fisher was arrested and charged, then arraigned in Town of Chautauqua Court and released to reappear at a later date.
- HANOVER – Jessica L. Kiel, 32, of Silver Creek was charged with petit larceny on Friday.
Deputies were called to a business in the town of Hanover for a report of shoplifting. Upon further investigation, deputies allegedly found Kiel exiting the business with the reported stolen items.
Kiel’s actions were committed in the presence of a very small child. Kiel was charged with petit larceny and endangering the welfare of a child. Kiel was released with appearance tickets and is due in Hanover Town Court at a later date and time.
- SILVER CREEK – Toni L. Kelley, 48, of Silver Creek was charged with driving while intoxicated, aggravated driving while intoxicated per se, driving across hazard markings and leaving the scene of a property damage accident on Friday.
Deputies received a report of a motor vehicle accident on Central Avenue in the village of Silver Creek. Upon further investigation, deputies found the operator of the vehicle, Kelley, to allegedly have been operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Kelley was charged with driving while intoxicated, aggravated driving while intoxicated per se, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, and numerous other traffic charges.
Deputies further discovered that Kelley had a previous DWI conviction within the past 10 years, making this arrest a felony. Kelley was released with traffic tickets and will appear in Silver Creek Village Court at a later date and time.
- MAYVILLE – Victor A. Tees Jr., 81, of Mayville was driving west Friday on South Erie Street in Mayville and fell asleep at the wheel. His vehicle crossed the eastbound lane and struck a parked vehicle, which was forced into a railing of a building.
Tees was transported by Mayville Fire Department Rescue to the hospital with minor injuries. Charges are currently pending.
- MAYVILLE – Robert W. Wappat, 23, of Mayville was charged with driving while intoxicated, failure to stop at a stop sign, moving from lane unsafely and open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle on Saturday.
Sheriff’s deputies observed a vehicle allegedly committing several traffic violations in the village of Mayville. Deputies stopped the vehicle and identified the operator to be Wappat. After an investigation, deputies arrested and charged Wappat. Wappat refused to take a breath test and was arraigned in the town of Westfield court, where he was remanded to the county jail in lieu of bail. Wappat will further answer his charges in Chautauqua court.
Gowanda Police
- GOWANDA – A 16-year-old was arrested in connection to an incident behind Shop and Save where the landscape was damaged, police said.
The evening of May 27, police were notified of the damages and the incident was capture on a security camera. The clarity helped identify the subject. The subject was charged with third-degree criminal mischief and was released to his parents. They will appear in the Town of Collins Court at a later date.
Area Police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
SILVER CREEK – John J. Wasierski, 41, of Silver Creek was charged with second-degree assault on June 17 shortly before midnight after deputies investigated reports of an altercation. Allegedly, Wasierski had struck a victim in the face, causing serious physical injuries. He was taken to the Chautauqua County Jail on bail.
CASSADAGA – Dale S. Halladay, 46, of Cassadaga was charged with several offenses Friday at about 12:18 a.m. Allegedly, deputies observed him make several traffic violations while driving on Maple Avenue and stopped his vehicle. Following an investigation, Halladay was taken into custody. His charges include felony driving while intoxicated (two previous felony convictions), resisting arrest, obstruction of governmental administration, refusal to take a breath test, speed in zone and inadequate tail lights. He was arraigned in Stockton Town Court and taken to Chautauqua County Jail with no option of bail.
Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office
PERRYSBURG – Narda R. Nephew, 54, of Perrysburg was taken into custody by deputies on a warrant issued from Salamanca City Court charging her with fifth-degree criminal possession of marijuana and second-degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia. She was processed and released, and will answer for herself in Salamanca City Court.
Area Police
Fredonia Police Department
Ashley Ortiz, 29, of Dunkirk was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance on June 9. Bail was set at $250.
Lisa M. Watts, 47, of Dunkirk was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana on June 9. Bail was set at $250.
James R. Wachter of Dunkirk was charged with and issued an appearance ticket for violating the sewer ordinance on June 1..
Andrew Sroka, 23, of Dunkirk was charged with petit larceny on June 12.
Alexander Santiago, 41, of Dunkirk was charged with petit larceny on June 15.
Christina L. Jakubow-ski, 67, of Fredonia was arrested on June 16 on a previous warrant for a charge of falsely reporting an incident. She was released on her own recognizance to appear in court on a later date.
Jacob D. Alward, 17, of Fredonia was charged with first-degree criminal contempt and criminal mischief on June 16.
Harley D. Smith, 37, of Dunkirk was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief, possession of burglar’s tools, possession of a hypodermic instrument, and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance on June 17. Bail was set at $1,000.
Linda J. Edwards, 16, of Fredonia was charged with second-degree harassment on June 20.
Dunkirk Police Department
William R. Eppinger, 38, of Fredonia was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, failure to comply and threecounts of failure to signal on June 10.
Keishla M. Ramos, 27, of Dunkirk was charged with second-degree harassment on June 10.
Jade B. Stocks, 16, of Cassadaga was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance on June 12.
Mariah M. Esquilin, 18, of Dunkirk was charged with second-degree harassment on June 12.
Paige Allyw, 16, of Dunkirk was charged with second-degree harassment on June 12.
Brian Kuzdale, 38, of Dunkirk was charged with driving while intoxicated and obstruction (of what) on June 13. Bench warrants.
Matthew J. Jessie, 28, of Dunkirk was charged with second-degree harassment on June 13.
Ethan Figueroa, 44, of Dunkirk was charged with petit larceny on June 13.
Jesse Johnson, 31, of Sinclairville was charged with failure to stop at a stop sign and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle on June 14.
Jose I. Alvira, 25, of Irving was charged with two counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance on June 15. Richard J. Russo, 71, of Dunkirk was charged with two counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance on June 15.
Steven A. Depasquale, 28, of Jackson, LA was charged with insufficient turn signal on June 16. At the traffic stop, Depasquale was also charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.
Robert Kaczor Jr., 21, of Dunkirk was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance on June 16.
Atanacio Carachure, 28, of Dunkirk was charged with failure to use a turn signal and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle on June 20.
Alvin J. Jusino, 21, of Dunkirk was charged with second-degree harassment and two counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance on June 20.
Andrew Santiago, 34, of Dunkirk was charged with failure to stop at a stop sign, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle on June 20.
Shannon M. Roche, 31, of Dunkirk was charged with petit larceny on June 20.
Antonio Robles, 28, of Dunkirk was charged with petit larceny on June 20.
Brandon Vangiesen, 25, of Jamestown was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance on June 21.
Oner A. Matos, 30, of Dunkirk was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana on June 22.
Mariah M. Esquilin, 18, of Dunkirk was charged with second-degree harassment on June 22.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
JAMESTOWN – Ray-mond D. Strom, 19, of Jamestown was taken into custody by the Jamestown Police on Thursday at approximately 9 a.m. during an investigation in the city.
Police found that Strom had a warrant out for his arrest, and turned him over to Sheriff’s deputies. He was taken to Chautauqua County Jail with no bail option.
JAMESTOWN – Efrain J. Rios, 22, of Jamestown was charged with welfare fraud Thursday shortly after 5 p.m. following a joint investigation by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and the Dept. of Health and Human Services Program Integrity Unit.
It is alleged that Rios gained employment while he was receiving food stamps and he failed to report that income to social services.
Rios obtained $939 in unentitled benefits. He was issued appearance tickets directing him to Jamestown City Court on July 14 for his arraignment on the charges of petit larceny and misuse of food stamps.
Instances of suspected welfare fraud may be reported by calling the hotline 1-800-388-5365.
Area Police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
SHERIDAN – Anthony C. Koch-Nagel, 22, of Sheridan was taken into custody Tuesday at about 7:40 p.m. after deputies were dispatched to a one-vehicle accident on Center Road. The operator, later identified as Koch-Nagel, allegedly fled the scene on foot, but was caught just down the road.
The investigation also revealed that Koch-Nagel was intoxicated, according to reports. His charges include driving while intoxicated, driving with .08 percent or more of alcohol in his system, unlicensed operation and leaving the scene of a property damage incident.
He was released with tickets and is due back in Sheridan Town Court to answer for his actions.
Area Police
Chautauqua County Sheriff
ELLERY – Efrain Mariera, 36, of Jamestown was taken into custody and charged with several offenses Sunday at 8 p.m.
Deputies responded to reports of a vehicle rollover on Route 430, and identified Mariera as the vehicle’s operator. After an investigation, it was determined Mariera was intoxicated. His charges include felony driving while intoxicated, previous conviction in the past 10 years; felony DWI, Leandra’s Law (child under 16 in the vehicle); felony aggravated unlicensed operation; operation without ignition interlock device; unsafe speed; moving from a lane unsafely; and unlicensed operator.
Mariera was taken by Bemus Point Ambulance to WCA Hospital for treatment of injuries. He will answer his charges in Ellery Town Court.
STOW – Andrew J. McCauley, 27, of Vale, Colorado, was taken into custody Sunday at 8 a.m. and charged with boating while intoxicated. Accord-ing to reports, a concerned citizen called authorities about a subject who appeared unresponsive on a jet ski about 200 feet from shore in Chautauqua Lake. The subject, identified as McCauley, woke up, and was towed to shore by Chautauqua County Sher-iff’s deputies and members of the Bemus Point Fire Department. After an investigation, McCauley was charged with operating a vessel while intoxicated and arraigned in North Har-mony Town Court. He was taken to Chautauqua Coun-ty Jail with bail set at $1,000 cash or $2,000 property bond. He will answer for himself in court at a later date.
CARROLL – Ryan D. Edwards, 32, of Carroll was taken into custody and charged with several offenses Sunday. Deputies responded to reports of a disorderly subject on Sandberg Road just after 6 a.m., and arrived to find Edwards had allegedly struck and attempted to choke another individual. It was also reported that Edwards had destroyed property that did not belong to him. He was charged with second-degree harassment, fourth-degree criminal mischief and criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation. He was arraigned in Kiantone Town Court for the town of Carroll, then taken to Chautauqua County Jail with bail set at $2,000 cash or $4,000 property bond.
MAYVILLE – Jason J. Sprague, 26, of Mayville was taken into custody and charged with endangering the welfare of a child and unlawful possession of marijuana after an incident that occurred Monday shortly after 7 p.m. on South Erie Street. Allegedly, a citizen reported smelling marijuana, and when deputies investigated, they found Sprague smoking marijuana with a 14-year-old child. He was issued appearance tickets and will answer charges in Chautauqua Town Court.
Area police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
IRVING – Chad M. Banas, 38, of Cherry Creek was taken into custody and charged with several offenses after deputies stopped his vehicle June 12 on Alle-ghany Road shortly after 2 a.m. for allegedly moving from a lane unsafely. Following an investigation, he was charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se, moving from a lane unsafely and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation. He was released with appearance tickets and will answer for himself in Hanover Town Court.
MAYVILLE – Andrina N. Jones, 32, of Jamestown was taken into custody June 14 at about 4:30 p.m. and charged with fourth-degree welfare fraud, fourth-degree grand larceny, first-degree offering a false instrument for filing and misuse of food stamps. She was issued appearance tickets and will answer for herself in Jamestown City Court on July 14.
CHERRY CREEK – Thomas M. McGinty, 50, of Cherry Creek was taken into custody and charged with several offenses June 18 at about 2 p.m. Alleg-edly, during an altercation, McGinty struck another person and obstructed that person’s breathing. A 14-year-old child tried to intervene, and McGinty allegedly shoved the child away. His charges include criminal obstruction of breathing or blood flow, endangering the welfare of a child, and two counts of second-degree harassment. He was arraigned and bail was set at $5,000 cash. He was taken to Chautauqua County Jail.
Area Police
Fatal accident in Great Valley investigated
GREAT VALLEY – The Cattaraugus County Sher-iff’s Accident Reconstruc-tion Team is investigating a fatal car accident that took place Friday evening.
Teresa M. Bergeron, 34, of Great Valley died after driving her vehicle through a four-way intersection with her two children in the car, aged 2 and 4.
The accident happened around 6 p.m. as Bergeron was southbound on Route 219 and failed to stop at a stop sign, then drove through the intersection and struck a pine tree at 5994 Humphrey Road. Bergeron lived at 4875 Humphrey Road.
Bergeron and her two children were transported to the Erie County Medical Center where she died of in-ternal injuries. The children suffered minor injuries.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
- On Saturday, Thomas Majkowski, 40, of Brocton, was arrested on the charge of second-degree criminal contempt.
The arrest stemmed from an incident that occurred Friday in the town of Portland where Majkowski allegedly violated an order of protection.
Majkowski was arraigned and committed to the Chautauqua County jail.
SILVER CREEK – James Erickson, 49, of Stockton was allegedly involved in a motor vehicle accident with personal injury Thursday at 5:18 p.m.
According to reports, Erickson had driven his vehicle into a garage on Adams Street. He was transported to Lake Shore Hospital in Irving for evaluation, and after being treated and released, he was taken into custody and charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, failure to stop at a stop sign and failure to keep right. He was processed and released, and will answer for himself in Silver Creek Village Court.
- KIANTONE – Brian A. Westerdahl, 18, of Jamestown, was charged on June 18 with driving while intoxicated after failing to keep right. It was at 2:03 a.m. when deputies stopped him and determined his intoxication level.
Westerdahl will appear in Kiantone Court at a later date.
Area police
Silver Creek man charged in domestic dispute
HANOVER – A Silver Creek man is facing a number of charges after an alleged domestic dispute late Friday.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s deputies report that after an investigation at a Buffalo Street residence, David Brill Jr., 36, was charged with second-degree unlawful imprisonment, second-degree harassment and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
Deputies say Brill was involved in an altercation with a victim while two youths were present around 11 p.m.
He was arraigned in Hanover Town Court and was remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail since he was unable to post bail.
The New York State Police assisted.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
- RIPLEY – Jonathan F. Kopta, 25, of Mayville was charged with multiple offenses Thursday shortly before 7 p.m.
Allegedly, Kopta left the scene of a one-vehicle accident on Route 76, but was later identified as the driver. According to reports, Kopta was intoxicated.
His charges include moving from lane unsafely, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, driving while intoxicated and aggravated DWI. He is due in Ripley Town Court.
Area Police
New York State Police in Jamestown
FREWSBURG – Richard Ockerhausen, 69, of Frewsburg was charged on June 15 with resisting arrest and two counts of disorderly conduct.
Ockerhausen was approached by a trooper when he was observed standing in the middle of Wigren Road, causing an unpleasant scene by refusing to move for traffic and yelling obscenities for no apparent reason. Ockerhausen continued to act belligerently after being advised he was under arrest and refused the trooper’s instructions during the arrest process, including physically resisting handcuffing. Once restrained, Ockerhausen was transported to the State Police Jamestown barracks and was processed. Ockerhausen was then arraigned in Carroll Town Court, posted bail, and was released. Ockerhausen is scheduled to appear in Carroll Town Court next month to answer the charges.
- BEMUS POINT – On June 14, the New York State Police arrested Karen Johnson, 63, of Bemus Point, for trespassing.
In May 2016, state police responded to a property in Bemus Point, where Johnson had been leaving dead tree branches over the past several years. Johnson refused to remove the tree branches from the complainant’s property, despite being given ample time to do so by the responding troopers, and was then arrested for trespassing. Johnson was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Ellery Town Court later in the month to answer the charge.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
JAMESTOWN – Catherine J. Velez Bonilla, 26, and Sherly J. Spencer, 28, both of Jamestown, have been charged as a result of a joint investigation by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Officer and the Department of Health and Human Services Program Integrity Unit.
Velez Bonilla is charged with first-degree offering a false instrument for filing, fifth-degree welfare fraud and petit larceny. Spencer is charged with first-degree offering a false instrument for filing.
In December 2014, Spencer received childcare assistance benefits from DHHS, and Velez Bonilla was the childcare provider. They jointly signed a childcare timesheet for December 2014 which allegdely contained false information. They claimed eight hours of childcare on Dec. 7, 2014. Investigation discovered that Velez Bonilla did not provide childcare and Spencer did not work on that day.
Both Velez Bonilla and Spencer were issued appearance tickets to answer the charges in Jamestown City Court in July.
Instances of suspected welfare fraud may be reported by calling the hotline1-800-388-5365.
Area Police
Cattaraugus County District Attorney
On Monday, Miraya Vantino, 25, of Gowanda was arraigned and entered a plea of not guilty to an indictment that charges her with fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class D felony; second-degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia, a class A misdemeanor; third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class B felony; and third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, a class B felony.
The incident occurred on or about Sept. 25, 2015 in the village of Gowanda, when the defendant knowingly and unlawfully possessed and sold a narcotic drug and possessed material suitable for packaging individual quantities, packaging or dispensing of narcotic drugs or stimulants. The matter has been adjourned for motions.
On Monday, Michael Peck, 26, of Gowanda waived prosecution by indictment and entered a plea of guilty by Superior Court Information to one count of fourth-degree attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance, a class D felony.
The incident occurred on or about Feb. 23, in the town of Persia, when the defendant knowingly and unlawfully attempted to sell a narcotic preparation. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 19.
On Monday, James Korbar, 54, of Gowanda was sentenced as a predicate felon to a determinate term of one and a half years in the New York State Department of Corrections, to be followed by one year of post-release supervision for his conviction of third-degree attempted unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine, a class E felony.
The incident occurred on or about Feb. 4 in the town of Persia, when the defendant attempted to manufacture methamphetamine.
Area Police
Structure fire in city cause said electrical
Dunkirk Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 148 E. Second St. at 10:42 a.m. Sunday.
First-arriving units found heavy smoke coming from an attic space in the home.
Tenants stated they discovered smoke coming from around an exhaust fan on the second floor and evacuated the structure.
Crews entered the building and found heavy fire conditions above the second floor. The fire was contained to the attic space, but i caused major fire damage.
The fire was under control 15 minutes after arrival. Crews remained on the scene for one and a half hours. there were no injuries.
Red Cross is assisting two adults and three children.
The cause of the fire was electrical.
Fredonia Fire Department and ALSTAR Ambulance stood by at the scene.
Shed fires in Cassadaga quelled
CASSADAGA – Fredonia and Cassadaga Fire Departments were dispatched to reported shed fires Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at 8114 Route 60 in Cassadaga.
A quick, initial attack was made by Cassadaga Fire Department to extinguish the fire. One shed was moderately damaged, while two trailers had minor damage.
The fire is currently under investigation by the Chautauqua County Fire Investigation team.
Incident Commander Fredonia Assistant Fire Chief Chad Agel would like to thank the responding mutual aid departments.
Traffic stop leads to arrest of fugitive
FINDLEY LAKE – On Tuesday, the New York State Police at Jamestown arrested Jason Rubal Caba for seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and for being a fugitive from justice.
Rubal Caba was pulled over on Interstate 86 in Findley Lake for allegedly speeding and the trooper reportedly observed two open cans of beer inside his vehicle. Rubal Caba was later determined to be sober.
Upon searching the vehicle, the trooper also allegedly located a bottle containing a tramadol pill, a controlled substance for which Rubal Caba did not have a prescription.
Rubal Caba was placed under arrest and transported to the Jamestown barracks for processing.
There were multiple warrants for Rubal Caba out of the state of Massachusetts and Rubal Caba was additionally charged as a fugitive from justice.
Rubal Caba was arraigned in Sherman Town Court and remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail.
Frewsburg duo face drug possession charge
JAMESTOWN – On June 7, New York State Police at Jamestown arrested Michael Patterson Jr., 22, and Courtney Lauer, 22, both of Frewsburg, for three counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminally possessing a hypodermic instrument and possession of a controlled substance in a non-original container.
Patterson was pulled over on Windsor Street in Jamestown for an allegedly loud exhaust, and a subsequent search of the vehicle revealed multiple items of alleged drug evidence, such as pills and syringes.
Patterson and Lauer were placed under arrest and arraigned in Ellicott Town Court.
Patterson was additionally charged with second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, as his license was suspended.
Both suspects were remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail and are scheduled to appear in Jamestown City Court on a later date.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
IRVING – Craig N. Stevens, 29, of Silver Creek was taken into custody Friday shortly before 2 a.m. after deputies investigated a suspicious vehicle parked on Routes 5 and 20.
Stevens was identified as the vehicle’s operator, and deputies allegedly found that he was in possession of 28 grams of marijuana.
Stevens was charged with fifth-degree criminal possession of marijuana and will answer for himself in Hanover Town Court.
Fredonia Police
Darrin J. Stevens, 48, Dunkirk was arrested for failing to appear on a bench warrant related to a charge of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle on June 2. He was released on his own recognizance with a fine.
George M. Cruickshank III, 50, of Anchorage, AK, was charged with failure to keep right, driving while intoxicated and DWI per se on June 3. He was released on $500 bail.
William R. Eppinger, 38, of Fredonia was charged with third-degree grand larceny and third-degree criminal mischief on June 8. He was sent to Chautauqua County Jail.
Dunkirk Police
Rebecca A. Ruiz, 27, of Dunkirk was charged with trespassing on June 6.
Amber M. Harrison, 39, of Dunkirk was charged with two counts of petit larceny, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and false impersonation on June 7.
Darryl W. Devore, 52, of Irving was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance on June 7.
Omar Joshua Contreras, 35, of Dunkirk was charged with two counts of second-degree harassment on June 7.
Ruben Santos, 32, of Dunkirk was charged with second-degree harassment on June 8.
Lakewood-Busti Police Department
LAKEWOOD – At about 8 p.m. on Saturday, the Lakewood-Busti Police Department responded to 220 W. Summit Ave. in the village of Lakewood for an overdose victim reportedly unresponsive.
Upon arrival, police found a 17-year-old female unresponsive on the upstairs bathroom floor with hypodermic needles found next to her.
Officers administered Naloxone and after a short time, the female became responsive.
Lakewood Fire Department responded and the female was transported via ambulance to WCA Hospital to undergo further treatment.
Area Police
Three charged in Jamestown drug bust
JAMESTOWN – Three people were arrested on drug-related charges as about 10 grams of methamphetamine and $3,500 cash were found within an apartment on Saturday at around 9:50 a.m., police said.
Tiffany A. Mahoney, 33, Jacob A. Trippy, 22, and Wallace J. Peck, 34, were charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance and one count of using drug paraphernalia. Police were responding to an arrest warrant for Mahoney at 218 Fulton St. and as they spotted her, she began to run. The officers ended up following her into her apartment, finding the drugs and money, along with the other two suspects.
“All three are currently in the city jail awaiting arraignment,” the report read. “Anyone with information on illegal narcotics in the Jamestown area can contact the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force Anonymous Tip Line at 483-Tips (8477). All calls are kept confidential.”
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
– MINA – Randy J. Miller, 26, of 1091 East Second St., Jamestown, was charged on Saturday in violation of a Pennsylvania warrant.
His warrant pertains to his charges of driving under the influence and failure to return leased property.
Miller was being interview by deputies on a scene of an unrelated accident as they identified him.
Miller appeared in the Town of Chautauqua Court and will be remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail on the two arrest warrants.
– SILVER CREEK – Gilberto J. Rosas, 46, of Silver Creek, was charged on Saturday with aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle.
Rosas’ vehicle was being investigated after a vehicle complaint and found that his license was suspended due to an alcohol-related offense.
Rosas will appear in the Village of Silver Creek Court at a later date and time.
– SILVER CREEK – Alla S. McMurray, 56, of Westfield was stopped by deputies on Central Avenue Thursday just after midnight.
Allegedly, she was found to be intoxicated while operating the vehicle. McMurray was taken into custody and charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se, and failure to dim head lamps.
She was processed and released with citations directing her to answer charges in Silver Creek Village Court.
– MAYVILLE – Ryan J. Newell, 34, was taken into custody on an active warrant Thursday shortly after midnight.
Sheriff’s deputies noticed a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of the Sheriff’s Office, and investigated. Newell was in the back seat, and deputies discovered an active felony warrant for him out of the city of Jamestown as well as multiple warrants out of the town of Busti and Pennsylvania. Newell was turned over to Jamestown Police Department.
– Aaron X. Torres, 47, was taken into custody Wednesday at about 10:18 p.m. after deputies observed him allegedly committing a traffic violation on Route 60 in the town of Dunkirk.
Upon investigating, deputies determined Torres was intoxicated.
He was charged with speeding in zone, driving while intoxicated and driving with .08 of 1 percent or more of alcohol in his system. He was released with tickets and will answer for himself in Dunkirk Town Court.
Area Police
No foul play in Ripley find
RIPLEY – The body with a fatal gunshot wound found on the grounds of the Ripley Cemetery of a man with a Pennsylvania driver’s license is not being considered suspicious.
Chautauqua County Sheriff Joseph Gerace said this week he believes there was no foul play involved in the death. The body was found on Tuesday evening after a car was seen for a long period of time on the grounds. Law enforcement agencies from the county and Westfield responded to the call.
Jamestown man caught with cocaine, marijuana
JAMESTOWN – A Jamestown man faces charges after a drug raid at 6:05 a.m. Friday at 904 N. Main St.
Jamestown police report the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force and State Police CNET team executed a search warrant with assistance from the Jamestown Police Department SWAT team. Inside, they report finding Wayne E. Leeper, 62, with a quantity of cocaine, five and a half pounds of marijuana, more than $2,000 cash, a scale and other drug paraphernalia.
Leeper was charged with second-degree criminal possession of marijuana, third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminally using drug paraphernalia. He was taken to the city jail until he can be arraigned.
Dunkirk Police Department
Gianni O. Dejesus, 20, of Dunkirk was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana on June 1.
Michael B. Porter, 44, of Dunkirk was charged with second-degree aggravated harassment on June 1.
Sean Korzenski, 23, of Dunkirk was arrest for failing to appear on a bench warrant on June 1 in relation to a charge if unlawful manufacturing of methamphetamine.
Frankie Ramos, 23, of Dunkirk was charged with criminal contempt on June 1.
Michael Santiago, 20, of Dunkirk was charged with trespassing and second-degree harassment on June 3.
Jeffrey G. Leone, 47, of Dunkirk was charged with third-degree assault on June 4.
Timothy Isles, 22, of Dunkirk was charged with open container on June 5.
Anthony D. West, 39, of Dunkirk was charged with three counts of third-degree assault on June 5.
Area Police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
- MAYVILLE – Samuel Hernandez, 21, of Petersburg, Virginia, was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief, second-degree obstructing governmental administration and trespassing on Sunday.
At about midnight, Chautauqua County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a suspicious person complaint at a local business. It was reported that a disorderly Hernandez had been removed from the establishment and instructed not to return.
Hernandez did return and allegedly damaged a patron’s vehicle before fleeing into a wooded area. While checking the area, Deputies located Hernandez nearby. Hernandez fled again but was apprehended by deputies after a foot pursuit.
Hernandez was arraigned and remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail.
- RIPLEY – Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a motor vehicle accident Sunday on Route 20 in Ripley for a car versus pedestrian accident.
According to contributor Robyn Albright, eyewitnesses reported that a vehicle had pulled over on the eastbound side of the highway. A 4-year-old male passenger got out to take a picture of the New York state sign.
After taking the picture, the passenger ran out in front of the vehicle, crossing the road toward a vineyard to the north. An eastbound vehicle, driven by Keith Potter, 51, of Ripley, swerved to avoid the four-year-old but was unable to avoid the male passenger, hitting the 4-year-old and two mailboxes.
A third vehicle traveling westbound saw the accident and was able to stop in time.
The 4-year-old boy struck by Potter’s vehicle sustained serious injuries and was transported to Hamot Hospital in Erie for treatment. There were no charges filed as a result of the accident.
New York State Police
- JAMESTOWN – Tina Taylor, 44, of Jamestown was charged with driving while intoxicated on June 5. Taylor was pulled over on North Main Street Extension in Jamestown for traffic violations, and after failing several standard field sobriety tests, Taylor was placed under arrest.
Taylor was transported to State Police Jamestown, where she provided a breath sample of .08. Taylor was then processed, issued tickets returnable to the Town of Ellicott Court, and released.
Taylor is scheduled to appear in the Town of Ellicott Court later in the month to answer the charge.
- JAMESTOWN – Jacqueline Madison, 48, of Homestead, Pennsyvania, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana on June 5.
Madison was pulled over on Route 60 for failing to dim her high beams, and while speaking to Madison and her passenger, the troopers observed several partially smoked marijuana cigarettes inside Madison’s vehicle in plain view.
The troopers also located a grinder containing marijuana vegetation in Madison’s purse. Madison was placed under arrest, issued an appearance ticket, and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Ellicott Court later in the month.
Missing person
ERIE, Pa. – James Fisher, 16, is currently missing and may be in the local area. Fisher was last seen on April 21 of this year and is from Erie, Pennsylvania.
If anyone knows of his whereabouts call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 1-800-843-5678, or Erie Police Department (Pennsylvania) at 1-814-870-1125.
Road check
EVANS – A road check at the intersection of Soutwestern Boulevard and Sturgeon Point Road issued 51 citations this past Friday, police said.
The stoppage occurred between 4 and 8 p.m. The 51 violations were due to various reasons including traffic law and vehicle citations.
The report said, “Some of the violations included uninspected motor vehicles, no seatbelts, and driving while intoxicated.”
The New York State Governor Traffic Safety Committee funded the road check. Also, the Town of Evans Police Department wants to remind all motorists to “Click it or Ticket.”
Area police
New York State Police
COLLINS – Kevon Thomas, 22, who is currently housed at Collins Correctional Facility, was arrested after an incident on Feb. 18 for criminal possession of a controlled substance, promoting prison contraband and criminal possession of a weapon.
Thomas is serving a sentence for an attempted robbery in Queens County.
CLYMER – Jared Goodwill, 27, of Corry, PA, was charged Saturday with a violation of probation after being pulled over for not wearing a seatbelt.
Goodwill will be arraigned in Clymer Town Court.
Area Police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
JAMESTOWN – James A. Chapman, 35, of Jamestown was taken into custody for tax fraud and more Friday at about 1 p.m. According to reports, the New York State Tax and Finance Investigative Unit, the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force and the Jamestown SWAT team executed a search warrant at 275-277 S. Main St., and once inside, authorities seized a large quantity of untaxed cigarettes and cigars, along with a quantity of cash, records of sales, marijuana and scales. As a result of this search warrant authorities were able to also search 273 S. Main St. As a result of these seizures, Chapman has been charged with two counts of sales of untaxed cigarettes (over 10,000 cigarettes) and one count of tax fraud under the New York State Tax Law. All of the charges are felony charges. Additional charges are pending regarding items that were seized and will be processed. Chapman has been issued appearance tickets and is scheduled to appear in Jamestown City Court later this month.
Area Police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
GERRY – Sean Wil-liams, 20, of Tonawanda was operating his vehicle on Old Chautauqua Road shortly after midnight Tuesday when he allegedly swerved to miss a deer, sending his vehicle into a ditch, where it overturned before coming to a rest. He was not injured, but deputies issued him a ticket for third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle. He will answer the charge in Gerry Town Court.
BEMUS POINT – Bettina B. Blair, 27, of Ashville had allegedly parked her vehicle in the middle of the street on Albertus Avenue Friday shortly after 9 p.m. When deputies investigated, they found that Blair was intoxicated, according to reports. She was taken into custody and charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se, third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and parked on pavement. She will answer for herself in Ellery Town Court.
CASSADAGA – Ba-der Soliman, 18, of Malverne was taken into custody Tuesday at about 9 p.m. after Cassadaga Job Corps Security made allegations that Soliman had been bringing narcotics into the facility. During an investigation, he was allegedly found to have 144 tablets of a controlled substance hidden in his pants. He was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, arraigned in Pomfret Town Court and taken to Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of bail.
Fredonia Police
Christopher C. Hartney of Fredonia was charged with second-degree menacing May 24. He was released on his own recognizance.
DeVaughn Lester, 49, of Dunkirk was charged with petit larceny on May 24. He was issued an appearance ticket to appear in court on a later date.
Herbert C. Smith, 52, of Rochester was charged with and held for petit larceny on May 26.
Matthew J. Shear, 29, of Fredonia was charged with petit larceny May 28.
Pauline Burbee, 64, was charged with and held for fourth-degree criminal mischief on May 29.
Scott A. Eddy, 42, of Fredonia was issued a bench warrant and held for third-degree assault on May 27.
Dunkirk Police
Christian A. Vazquez, 22, of Dunkirk was charged with criminal possession of marijuana on May 25.
Roberto O. Maldonado-Gorrea, 33, of Dunkirk was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, unlicensed operation, noise, and unlawful possession of marijuana on May 26.
Larry E. Brooks Sr., 28, of Dunkirk was charged with third-degree assault and criminal obstruction of breathing on May 28.
Jennifer A. Branden, 37, of Fredonia was charged with driving an unregistered motor vehicle and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle on May 28.
David M. McGuire, 34, of Lowman was charged with false personation and possession of a hypodermic instrument on May 28.
Lauren K. Johnson, 28, of Dunkirk was charged with parking on a highway, unlawful possession of marijuana and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle on May 29.
Gabriel M. Soto, 24, of Dunkirk was charged with running a red light and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle on May 30.
Area Police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
CLYMER – On May 24 at about 9 p.m., deputies responded to a one-vehicle accident on State Line Road. They ascertained that the vehicle’s operator, Krystin Goska, 24, of Corry, Pa., had failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of Carter Hill Road and State Line Road. The vehicle traveled across the road, hit a tree and came to rest in a ditch. She and her passenger, Meghan C. Goska, 24, also of Corry, were taken to Corry Hospital for injuries. Charges are pending.
NORTH HARMONY – Amanda K. Jackson, 27, of Verona, Pa., was charged with multiple offenses after deputies stopped her vehicle for a traffic violation on Route 394 May 25 shortly before 2 a.m. Investigation revealed that Jackson’s license had been revoked for prior alcohol-related driving offenses. She also had an interlock device restriction on her license that was not being utilized on the vehicle.
She was taken into custody and charged with second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, operating without an interlock device, unlicensed operation and failure to dim high beams. She was later released and will answer for herself in North Harmony Town Court.
CASSADAGA – Kris-ten L. Surrena, 26, of Jamestown allegedly issued a bad check May 17 at a Cassadaga business. A warrant was issued for her arrest, and she was picked up by deputies at her residence Tuesday at about 3:30 p.m. without incident. She was taken to the Chau-tauqua County Jail on bail.
SHERMAN – Gary L. Emory, 64, of Sherman was charged with several offenses Monday just after 1 a.m. when he was stopped by deputies on Main Street for allegedly operating without a left side rearview mirror. Investigation also revealed that he was intoxicated, according to reports. He was taken into custody and charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se, failure to keep right, no driver’s side mirror and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle.
He will answer for his actions in Sherman Town Court.
HANOVER – Marcel T. Brown, 24, of Niagara Falls was taken into custody and charged with disorderly conduct after deputies were dispatched to an establishment in Sunset Bay for reports of a fight Monday shortly before 7 p.m. Upon the deputies’ arrival, Brown was allegedly involved in a fist fight with other patrons and the bar’s security staff.
Brown was charged with disorderly conduct and given an appearance ticket. He will answer the charge in Hanover Town Court.
IRVING – Nancy L. Scott, 47, of Gowanda was taken into custody after deputies stopped her vehicle for several observed traffic violations on Buffalo Road Tuesday at about 1:30 a.m. Further investigation revealed that she was intoxicated, and had a small amount of marijuana on her person. She was charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se, unlawful possession of marijuana, failure to keep right and moving from a lane unsafely. After being processed, Scott was to be turned over to a sober party.
However, her ride, Shawna M. Jamison, 28, of Versailles, arrived to pick Scott up and parked in the handicapped space at the Sheriff’s station. Finding this odd, deputies investigated, and found that Scott, too, was intoxicated, and also driving with a suspended license. She was also taken into custody, then charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se, third-degree unlicensed operation of a vehicle and parking in a handicapped space illegally. Third time was the charm, as both women were then released to an actually sober person.
Chautauqua County Court
MAYVILLE – Acting Chautauqua County District Attorney Patrick Swanson announced the following pleas and sentences in Chautauqua County Court:
Michael C. Grissom of Jamestown, was sentenced Thursday by Acting County Court Judge John L. Lamancuso to a determinate sentence of three years in state prison plus three years of post-release supervision, after being convicted of second-degree assault. He was also sentenced to an indeterminate sentence of one to three years in state prison after being convicted of aggravated family offense.
The sentences involved separate cases and separate victims and will be run concurrently.
Lynn L. Jackson Jr. of Jamestown, was sentenced Thursday by Lamancuso to a determinate sentence of two and one-half years in state prison plus one year of post-release supervision, after being convicted of fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. He was also sentenced to a determinate sentence of two and one-half years in state prison plus one year of post-release supervision, after being convicted of fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.
The sentence represents separate cases and will be run concurrently.
Savannah E. Gross, of Jamestown, was sentenced Thursday by Lamancuso to an indeterminate sentence of two to six years in state prison, after being convicted of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument.