Jamestown couple caught trying to steal cart full of goods from Wal-Mart

• BUSTI – On Saturday at about 6:30 p.m., Justin M. Pringle, 27, and Jennifer L. Pringle, 30 – both of Jamestown, were charged by Lakewood-Busti police with alleged petit larceny.

At the stated date and time, the subjects allegedly exited the Wal-Mart store with a cart full of various unpaid merchandise, including food, clothing and DVD’s, and all passed points of purchase.

The recovered stolen merchandise was valued at $494.05.

The defendants were issued an appearance ticket and released, and are scheduled to appear at the Busti Town Court at a later date to answer the charges.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department

• NORTH HARMONY – On Sunday at about 3 a.m., Chautauqua County Sheriff’s deputies on patrol stopped a vehicle for an observed traffic violation on Route 394 in the town of North Harmony.

The operator identified himself as Daniel L. Fritz, 27, of Boone, N.C. Deputies found Fritz was allegedly intoxicated while operating the vehicle.

It was also discovered that Fritz had a previous conviction for driving under the influence of controlled substances within 10 years, making this arrest a felony.

Fritz was arrested and charged with felony driving while intoxicated, aggravated DWI per se having .18 percent or higher blood alcohol content., and speed over 55 mph. Fritz was arraigned and remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of bail.

• SILVER CREEK – On July 18 at about 1:47 a.m., deputies stopped a vehicle for an observered alleged traffic violation on Main Street in the village of Silver Creek.

The operator of the vehicle was identified as Eric W. Shelley, 25, of Boston, N.Y. An investigation into the traffic stop led deputies to arrest and charge Shelley with felony driving while intoxicated – Leandra’s Law (child under 16 in vehicle) DWI, DWI per se and unsafe starting.

Shelley was released with appearance tickets to answer the charges in the Silver Creek Village Court at a later date.

• HANOVER – On Sunday at 2:11 a.m., deputies stopped a vehicle on Routes 5 and 20 for failing to signal a turn and failing to keep right.

The driver was identified as Maxwell W. Matricardi, 20, of Fredonia and upon investigation he was alleged to have been impaired by drugs.

Further investigation found Matricardi to be in possession of a small quantity of marijuana. Matricardi was charged with fail to signal turn, fail to keep right, DWAI – drugs and unlawful possession of marijuana. He will appear in the Hanover Town Court at a later date.

• BROCTON – On Friday at about 11:30 p.m., deputies responded to 116 E. Main St. in Brocton to check the well being of an individual in a vehicle on the side of the road.

Upon arrival, deputies identified James M. Green, 34, of Dunkirk as the sole occupant of the vehicle. After a brief investigation, it was found that Green was allegedly in illegal possession of hypodermic needles.

Green was charged with criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument and was released with an appearance ticket. Green is to appear in Village of Brocton Court at a later date and time to answer to the charge.

• HANOVER – On July 14 at about 1 p.m., Deputies received a complaint of a reported, stolen motor vehicle complaint at an address in Forestville.

Upon an investigation, Levi A. Pfleuger, 21, of Forestville and Paul M Davis Jr., 19, of South Dayton were charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Both subjects were issued appearance tickets to appear in the Town of Hanover Court.

BEMUS POINT – Joseph Kirkpatrick, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was charged with unlawful use of a credit, debit or public benefit card on July 15. This relates back to a September incident, when Kirkpatrick allegedly used another person’s Visa card on multiple occasions at a Jamestown business. Investigation revealed that Kirkpatrick neither had permission to use the credit card nor paid the balance owed to the business owners.

Communication with Kirkpatrick was established, but any resolution with the business was refused so a warrant was issued.

Kirkpatrick was eventually located at a residence in Bemus Point and taken into custody. He was processed at State Police barracks in Jamestown, arraigned in Ellicott Town Court and taken to Chautauqua County Jail.

BUSTI – Gregory M. Messere Jr., 20, of Celoron, was charged Saturday with driving while impaired by drugs, unlicensed operator and failure to dim headlights on East Fairmont Avenue. The officers stopped Messere at 3:22 a.m. after an alleged traffic violation then found that he was impaired.

He was issued tickets and released. Messere will appear in Busti Town Court at a later date.

SILVER CREEK – Kimberly Thomas, 42, of Irving, was charged Saturday with aggravated DWI, having an open container of alcohol in the motor vehicle DWI, operating a vehicle with a suspended registration and failure to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of Howard St. and Central Ave.

Deputies allegedly observed Thomas drive through the intersection without stopping at 1:14 a.m.

Through investigation, the officers determined that Thomas’ blood alcohol content was .18 percent or higher. Thomas will appear in Silver Creek Village Court at a later date.

Cattaraugus County Court

LITTLE VALLEY – Lori Pettit Rieman, Cattaraugus County District Attorney, reported the following activity in Cattaraugus County Court on July:

Ryan Pisa, 37, of Gowanda, was arraigned and entered a plea of not guilty to an indictment that charges him with third-degree unlawful manufacture of methamphetamines and fifth-degree conspiracy. The incident occurred on or about April 9, when the defendant was found to be in possession of lab equipment and precursors used in the manufacturing of methamphetamines. The matter has been adjourned for motions.

Aaron Diers, 41, of Gowanda, was arraigned and entered a plea of not guilty to an indictment that charges him with third-degree unlawful manufacture of methamphetamines and fifth-degree conspiracy. The incident occurred on or about April 9, when the defendant was found to be in possession of lab equipment and precursors used in the manufacturing of methamphetamines. The matter has been adjourned for motions.

Area police

Hanover woman, 27, charged after choking man

HANOVER – A town woman is being charged after a domestic incident on Hanover Road early Friday.

Chautauqua County sheriff’s deputies report that at about 4:12 a.m., they responded to a report of a domestic incident involving Jaralyn E. Majak, 27, and a male victim. It is alleged that while the male was sleeping in bed with his 2-year-old son, Majak, in an intoxicated state, began to choke the male.

During a brief altercation, Majak allegedly head-butted the male, causing an injury to her nose. Majak was transported to Lake Shore Hospital and was later charged with criminal obstruction of breathing, endangering the welfare of a child and second-degree harassment.

She will answer the charges later in Hanover Town Court.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

STOCKTON – Joshua A. Bates, 27, of Jamestown was charged with felony driving while ability impaired by drugs and alcohol and unlawful possession of marijuana Thursday at about 10:12 p.m. According to reports, deputies located his vehicle on the side of Hartfield-Stockton Road, identified Bates as the driver and conducted an investigation, allegedly finding him to be impaired by drugs and alcohol. Bates had a prior conviction for DWI within the last 10 years, making this charge a felony. He was taken into custody, then released with tickets and is due back in Stockton Town Court.

BEMUS POINT – John L. Bloomquist, 69, of South Carolina was charged with driving while intoxicated, third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and failure to use a turn signal after deputies stopped his vehicle Friday at about quarter to 1 a.m. on Merz Avenue. Allegedly, Bloomquist was intoxicated, and a records check found that his NYS driving privileges had been suspended. He will answer for himself in Ellery Town Court.

SILVER CREEK – Quentin J. Lawton, 22, of Stockton was taken into custody Thursday at about 5 p.m. and charged with third-degree criminal mischief after an incident on Hanover Road. Allegedly, Lawton had kicked and punched a vehicle, causing approximately $1,100 worth of damage. A warrant was issued for Lawton, who was later picked up and brought before the Hanover Town Court. Bail was set at $1,000 and Lawton was taken to Chautauqua County Jail.

MAYVILLE – Sean D. Barrett, 25, of Dewittville; and a 16-year-old Westfield youth were each charged with petit larceny and fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property relating to a May 11 incident on Marvin Street. Allegedly, the boy and man had stolen two bicycles. Both are due back in Chautauqua Town Court to answer their charges.

New York State Police

CLYMER – Kevin Jones, 50, of Clymer was taken into custody by troopers and charged with driving while intoxicated on July 16. Jones was allegedly observed driving erratically and eventually his vehicle was stopped on Mann Road. Jones allegedly failed several roadside sobriety tests and was transported to State Police Jamestown, where he provided a breath sample of .09 percent. Jones was then processed, issued tickets returnable to Mina Town Court, and released.

Area Police

Recording device restroom leads to charges

HANOVER – A recording device found in a ladies’ restroom has led to felony charges against a Dunkirk man.

Chautauqua County sheriff’s deputies report a victim located the device and – after an investigation – that Erick M. Burgos, 29 of East Front Street, placed the device in the restroom and attempted to retrieve the phone from the victim after she discovered it.

Burgos has cooperated with the investigation and department believes that there are no other victims from this incident. Burgos was charged second-degree unlawful surveillance. He will answer the charges in Hanover Town Court on Tuesday.

Officials probing death of woman

OTTO – The unattended death of a 64-year-old female is under investigation by the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Department.

In a news release issued Friday morning, deputies reported Lee A. Wroblewski of 8861 Traffic St. was found in a pond at that address on Monday. The investigation is being headed by the coroner’s office and the Cattaraugus County Criminal Investigation Bureau.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

JAMESTOWN – Thaddeus A. Johnson, 22, of Jamestown was allegedly involved in a serious physical altercation Sunday shortly before 7 p.m. on Buffalo Street. Allegedly, he also punched a hole in the wall of a residence. He was taken into custody and arraigned in Poland Town Court. His charges include second-degree assault and fourth-degree criminal mischief. He was taken to Chautauqua County Jail.

ELLERY – Heather L. Gelencser, 21, of Angola was stopped with some difficulty by deputies conducting stationary radar on Route 380 Thursday at about 10:40 p.m. According to reports, she passed them at a high rate of speed, then initially failed to comply when they tried to pull her over. She continued at a high rate of speed and passed several vehicles unsafely. After a pursuit, she eventually stopped her vehicle in Ellery, and was taken into custody. Her myriad charges include two counts of speeding, two counts of reckless driving, two counts of failure to comply, one count of unsafe passing, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana. She was arraigned in Ellery Town Court and taken to Chautauqua County Jail on bail.

SHERMAN – Brandon Douglas, age and address unknown, was reportedly involved in a motor vehicle accident Tuesday on Webber Road. Allegedly, he lost control of the car and skidded into oncoming traffic. The car eventually came to a stop when it hit a tree. Sherman Fire Department and Sherman Rescue assisted, putting out a fire that had started and transporting Douglas to Westfield Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Area Police

Missing woman found dead

KIANTONE – The body of a 52-year-old Frewsburg woman was found near Carlson’s Landing Thursday.

According to New York State Police Cpt. Eric Balon, a thorough investigation is underway.

“We have identified the woman, but we won’t be releasing her name at this time,” Balon said. “We still have some interviews we need to conduct.”

Balon said early indications are that there’s no reason to suggest foul play was involved in the woman’s death.

“We’ll conduct an investigation and make sure all of our bases are covered,” he said.

Area residents were drawn to the scene around 5 p.m. after New York State Police officers were seen along Route 62, just outside of Frewsburg. Officers said family members of the woman were on scene.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

• PORTLAND – On July 15 at about 11:44 p.m., deputies responded to a complaint at the Portland Town Park of an individual violating an order of protection. Deputies arrived on scene and spoke with Thomas H. Majkowski, 40, of Brocton. After a brief investigation, it was found that Majkowski was in violation of a valid order of protection. Majkowski was taken into custody and charged with second-degree criminal contempt. Majkowski was later released with an appearance ticket directing him to appear in Town of Portland Court at a later date to answer to the charge.

Area Police

Two arrested

on grand larceny charges after North Collins burglary

NORTH COLLINS – Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard reports detectives investigating a burglary in the village of North Collins arrested two individuals on felony charges related to the theft of power equipment and tools from a garage.

Deputies responded to a homeowner’s complaint that numerous tools and yard equipment pieces were missing from their garage on June 25. Detectives assigned to the case developed some leads which led them to a Buffalo pawn shop where they located some of the missing tools. The shop’s records indicated that Dalton Witczak, 23, of North Collins, did sell the tools to the shop.

Detectives interviewed the subject and said they obtained a confession for the burglary incident in June. Furthermore, the detectives’ investigation allegedly discovered that Nicole Tebo, 22, of North Collins, was also involved in the incident and both subjects were arrested.

Witczak was charged with a felony count of third-degree grand larceny and Tebo was arrested and charged with felony grand larceny and a misdemeanor charge of conspiracy.

Many items were recovered and returned to the victim.

Fredonia Police Department

• Stacy Crabtree, 39, of Dunkirk and Matthew Stebbins, 40, of Dunkirk were charged with fourth-degree grand larceny and fifth-degree conspiracy on July 14. The two were remanded to Chautauqua County Jail. Bail was set at $1,000.

• Dakota C. Wilson, 18, of Fredonia was charged with second-degree harassment on July 15.

• Mathew J. Shear, 29, of Fredonia was charged with trespassing on July 16.

• Daniel M. Strong, 21, of Dunkirk was charged with third-degree criminal mischief, third-degree menacing and petit larceny on July 19.

Dunkirk Police Department

• Carloa J. Lopez-Rodiguez, 42, of Dunkirk was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief, third-degree burglary and petit larceny on July 13.

• Angel M. Soto-Alvarez Jr., 25, of Dunkirk was charged with two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance on July 15.

• Josean Gutierrez, 28, of Dunkirk was charged with second-degree menacing, second-degree reckless endangerment, discharge of a firearm and criminal possession of a weapon on July 15.

• Alex D. Benejan, 16, of Dunkirk was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana on July 16.

• Fugitive from justice Isaias Ortiz-Valetin was caught, arrested and held for extradition on July 17.

• Isaiah Rosado, 17, of Dunkirk was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana on July 16.

• Lexus J. Harris, 17, of Dunkirk was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana on July 16.

• Wilfredson Rivera-Garcia, 25, of Fredonia was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana on July 17.

• Jorge Ramirez-Velez, 20, of Fredonia was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana on July 17.

• Allan R. Barreca, 47, of Dunkirk was charged with driving while intoxicated on July 17.

• Carlos D. Arrayo-Rivera, 22, of Dunkirk was charged with second-degree aggravated harassment on July 18.

• Jermaine D. Buchanan, 24, of Buffalo was charged with second-degree harassment and two counts of fourth-degree criminal mischief on July 18.

• Bobby M. Ross, 31, of Dunkirk was charged July 18 with second-degree unlawful imprisonment and second-degree harassment.

• Christian J. Encar-nacion-Cruz, 20, of Jamestown was charged with third-degree criminal mischief on July 19.

• Shawn M. Abram, 55, of Fredonia was picked up on bench warrants for driving while intoxicated and second-degree criminal contempt on July 19.

• Mark M. Sam, 52, of Dunkirk was charged with petit larceny, third-degree criminal mischief, driving while intoxicated, refusal to pre-screen and failure to keep right on July 19.

• Robert J. Mokhiber, 44, of Lewiston was charged with three counts of first-degree criminal contempt, second-degree harassment, unauthorized use and criminal obstruction of breathing on July 20.

Area Police

Forestville women scam welfare system

OBSERVER Staff Report

FORESTVILLE – Two Forestville women are due in Jamestown City Court to answer charges related to welfare fraud. Their crimes? Buying and selling what the taxpayers paid for.

According to reports, a joint investigation into the dealings of Kimberly Campaign, 49; and Sharilin A. Pfleuger, 42, was conducted by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Health and Human Services Program Integrity Unit. They allegedly found that Campaign had sold her food stamps to Pfleuger for cash.

Selling or exchanging SNAP/food stamp benefits is against the law. Campaign is charged with second-degree criminal use of a public benefit card and misuse of food stamps. Pfleuger is charged with misuse of food stamps. Both were issued appearance tickets, and will have some time to think about what they’ve done before they will have to answer for their actions to a judge.

County man pleads guilty to transmitting threatening

communications

BUFFALO – U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced Tuesday Michael Bush, 45, of Jamestown, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Frank P. Geraci to transmitting communications containing threats to injure the person of another. The charge carries a maximum of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan T. Cullinane, who is handling the case, stated that on Jan. 2, 2015, and again on Feb. 26, 2016, Bush, a former Jamestown Police Officer, posted threats on Topix.com. The posts contained threats against Jamestown area law enforcement officers.

The plea is the culmination of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Harry Snellings, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Adam S. Cohen.

Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 29 at 2:30 p.m.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

MINA – Jack A. Hamilton, 57, of Findley Lake was taken into custody July 4 at about 10 p.m. after deputies received reports of a property damage accident in front of the Findley Lake Fire Department. According to reports, Hamilton was identified as the driver of the vehicle involved. After an investigation, Hamilton was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated (blood alcohol content .18 percent or greater), DWI and unsafe backing. He will answer these in Mina Town Court.

Krystina E. Papaserge, 31, of Jamestown was charged with several offenses after deputies took her into custody June 29 shortly after 3 p.m. According to reports, Papaserge had stolen a checkbook from a Panama residence in mid-June. A short time later, she wrote a check from that stolen checkbook and forged the owner’s signature. She then cashed the check at a Jamestown bank for $160. Investigation led law enforcement to Papaserge in the town of Harmony, where they took her into custody. Her charges include second-degree forgery, second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument and two counts of petit larceny – one for the checkbook, and one for the money. She will answer for her actions in Jamestown City Court.

MAYVILLE – Jesse Kresek, 28, of Mayville was charged with third-degree assault following an incident at the LakeView Hotel on July 9 shortly after 2 a.m. He will answer for himself in Chautauqua Town Court.

SILVER CREEK – Cory J. Near, 28, of Dunkirk was taken into custody Monday at about 12:17 a.m. According to reports, deputies had observed Near fail to stop at a stop sign while driving in the village. After an investigation, Near was charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se and failure to stop at a stop sign. He will answer for himself in Silver Creek Village Court.

MAYVILLE – Jason H. Preston, 30, of Mayville was charged with several offenses Saturday after deputies allegedly noticed he failed to keep right on Route 394. Preston’s vehicle was stopped and an investigation took place, after which Preston was taken into custody. His charges include driving while intoxicated, DWI per se and failure to keep right. He will answer these in Chautauqua Town Court.

MAYVILLE – Jordan C. Renner, 29, of Park City, Utah, was taken into custody Tuesday just before 2 a.m. Allegedly, he had committed several traffic violations. After an investigation, he was charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se, parking on pavement, unlicensed operation, no turn signal and open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Renner was arraigned in Chautauqua Town Court and taken to Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of bail.

Area police

Nine hurt in crash; more details sought

OBSERVER Staff Report

SENECA NATION RESERVATION – Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard reports his department is seeking the public’s help after an accident that injured nine people Sunday morning.

Deputies and the Crash Investigation Unit responded to an accident on Versailles Plank Road in the Seneca Nation of Indians Reservation at approximately 7:45 a.m. The pickup truck, with multiple occupants, riding in both the cabin of the vehicle and in the bed of the truck, drove off the road and collided with a tree. The impact caused many of the occupants to be ejected while others had to be extracted from the vehicle by fire company personnel.

At the scene, four victims were flown to Erie County Medical Center via Mercy Flight and three additional victims were transported by ambulance to ECMC. While investigating the crash, Deputies received information that two additional victims left the scene and were at Lake Shore Hospital. When Deputies arrived to conduct interviews it was discovered that a fifth victim was transported to Erie County Medical Center via Mercy Flight. Two victims remain in critical condition in Erie County Medical Center and other victims were treated for broken bones and lacerations.

Deputies investigating the crash believe at least four passengers were in the cabin of the vehicle at the time of the crash while the remainder rode in the bed of the pickup truck.

Charges against the driver, Jerry John, are pending and the incident remains under investigation. The Sheriff’s Crash Investigation Unit is asking anyone with information about the incident or the victims to contact the unit’s office at 858-3270

Report of lost child, 2, leads to charges

MAYVILLE – A 2-year-old found screaming on a sidewalk early Sunday in this village has led to charges against a woman.

Chautauqua County sheriff’s deputies received a call around 1 a.m. regarding a lost child at 34 S. Erie St. After an investigation, dep-uties alleged the child was not kept in a secure residence. The Chautauqua County Child Protective Services was contacted and is investigating the incident.

Jennifer M. Blanchard, 36, was issued an appearance ticket and charged with endangering the welfare of a child and will be in town of Chautauqua Court on a later date.

Fredonia Police

Pauline A. Burbee, 64, of Fredonia was charged with and arrested for three counts of criminal mischief and three counts of trespassing on July 7.

Tyler R. Elsesser, 30, of Fredonia was charged with larceny on July 10.

Dunkirk Police

Jocelyn L. Lash, 34, of Fredonia was arrested on July 7 on a bench warrant for driving while intoxicated.

Austin S.D. Grauberg-er, 23, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief and second-degree harassment on July 9.

Jorge Negron Velaz-quez, 33, of Dunkirk was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, unlawful possession of marijuana and failure to signal at more than 100 feet on July 9.

Christopher Small, 42, of Dunkirk was charged with second-degree harassment on July 8.

Brittany M. Murphy, 26, of Jamestown was charged with driving an uninspected motor vehicle and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle on July 8.

Marcus Bentley, 18, of Dunkirk was charged July 9 with driving with no/inad-equate muffler and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Richard J. Thompson, 54, of Dunkirk was charged with second-degree harassment on July 10.

Gowanda Police

GOWANDA – James W. Lewellyn, 36, of Forestville was charged on July 7 at 1:10 a.m. with multiple charges, including driving while intoxicated after allegedly making an illegal left turn from South Water Street onto West Main Street.

The officer allegedly observed Lewellyn showing signs of intoxication and he later failed several sobriety checks. The officer also allegedly found a open can of beer in the cup holder of the vehicle.

Lewellyn also had five license suspensions dating from October 2006 to November 2015 for various reasons, two being driving while intoxication.

A chemical breath test of Lewellyn resulted in a blood alcohol content of .12 percent. He was charged with improper left turn, driving while intoxicated, open alcoholic beverage in vehicle and a first-degree felony of aggravated unlicensed operation.

Lewellyn was sent to the Cattaraugus County Jail on $500 bail and will appear at Persia Town Court at a later date.

Area Police

Sheriff’s rescue boaters in Portland

PORTLAND – At about 2:49 p.m. on Sunday, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a boat taking on water about 4.5 miles West/North West of Van Buren Point in the town of Portland. The caller, being one of the occupants of the boat, stated that there were four people on board, and Justin Hallbeck, 28; David Miller, 26; Robert Webster, 24 and Luke Starka, 16 had all donned life jackets.

The sheriff’s office had a patrol vessel on duty and responded from the Sunset Bay area. The sheriff’s patrol located the boat and found it was being assisted by another fishing boat that had been in the area. The sheriff’s patrol was able to put the boat into tow and was able to safely return it to Dunkirk Harbor.

Investigation into the incident reveled that the boat in distress had experienced an electrical failure and upon sorting it out, the occupants found that the boat was taking on water around seals in the back of the boat near the motor. It was also found that the owner and operator of the boat had maintained all of the emergency tools necessary to attract help from the fishing boat. A visual distress flag was flown, two flares were used as well a sounding device that the fishing boat was able to detect from a distance.

Further inspection of the boat in distress reveled that all emergency equipment was in compliance and that the operator and occupants were proficient in their use. No one was harmed in the incident.

The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department was assisted by U.S. Border Patrol and the U.S. Coast Guard.

One flown from the scene of Saturday night accident

SHERIDAN – Deputies responded to a personal injury accident on Center Road in the Town of Sheridan on Saturday around 8:20 p.m.

Investigation showed that Linda Matyjakowski, 61, of Dunkirk was westbound on King Road and allegedly failed to yield the right of way at a stop sign. Matyjakowski’s vehicle struck a vehicle operated by Andrea Perry, 26, of Dunkirk, who was northbound on Center Road.

Perry’s vehicle overturned, but came to rest on its wheels. The front seat passenger in Perry’s vehicle, Kathleen Cicelske, 32, of Sarasota Springs, had to be extracted from the vehicle. Cicelske was flown to ECMC for reportedly non-life-threatening injuries. Perry and a back seat passenger were uninjured. Matyjakowski was also uninjured.

Matyjakowski was issued a ticket for failing to yield the right of way at a stop sign.

Bat, knife used in Saturday fight in Ripley

RIPLEY – Deputies responded to 25 West Main St. in Ripley for a reported fight on Saturday. After an investigation, it is alleged that Skyler Miller, 29, of Ripley threatened another individual with a baseball bat and a knife. Miller also allegedly damaged property of another with the baseball bat. Miller was charged with first-degree menacing, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon and third-degree criminal mischief. Miller was arraigned in the Town of Ripley Court and remanded to Chautauqua County Jail.

Altercation escalates with knife

GOWANDA – A Gowanda man allegedly pulled a knife on his neighbors during a dispute on July 13.

Daniel K. Dunmore, 25, of 336 Jamestown Street, was charged around midnight with second-degree menacing after a verbal altercation with two neighbor residents. Dunmore allegedly escalated the incident after presenting an approximately nine-inch knife and insinuating harm to those neighbors.

Dunmore was sent to the Cattaraugus County Jail on $250 bail. He will appear in Persia Town Court at a later date.

Area Police

Details released in Thursday night crash in Irving

IRVING – Four people were injured in a crash Thursday night around 8:30 p.m on Routes 5 & 20.

According to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department, a vehicle operated by Francis Kiley, 43, of 462 Woods St., Angola was traveling east at an apparent high rate of speed on Routes 5 & 20 in Irving when a vehicle operated by Nancy Wallace, 64, of Central Avenue, Dunkirk was attempting to make a left hand turn onto Routes 5 & 20 from a parking lot on the southside of the roadway. The two vehicles collided. Stacey M. Wallace, 39, of Brigham Road, Dunkirk was a passenger with Wallace, while Thomas M. Kiley, 41, of Main Street, Silver Creek was a passenger with Kiley.

All the occupants were taken to Lake Shore Hospital. Later, Francis Kiley and Thomas Kiley were flown to the Erie Medical Center by Starflight and Mercyflight for apparent non-life threatening injuries.

The investigation is continuing and charges are pending.

Assisting at the scene were the Silver Creek, Sunset Bay, Irving, Hanover Center and Forestville fire departments and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Accident Reconstruction Team.

Five charged in Jamestown drug bust

JAMESTOWN – A Jamestown woman and four others from Buffalo were charged Thursday following a large seizure of narcotics and cash in the city.

According to Jamestown police, investigators with the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force and New York State Police CNET stopped a vehicle that was leaving a 153 S. Main St. lower apartment at approximately 11 a.m.

Inside, police found 29-year-old Nicholas J. Gaskin, 24-year-old Kayma L. Snow and 36-year-old Clifford Stanley, all from Buffalo.

Also inside, police allegedly found a quantity of crack cocaine, fentanyl, marijuana and more than $2,000 in cash.

After the vehicle stop, investigators with the aid of the Jamestown Police Department SWAT Team entered the South Main Street apartment and located 22-year-old Laquil D. Hilson of Jamestown and 23-year-old Sydney Johnson of Buffalo. Drugs and cash were allegedly found inside the residence.

All five individuals were charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Johnson was additionally charged with criminal impersonation.

They were transported to the Jamestown City Jail to await arraignment.

Anyone with information on the sales and trafficking of illegal narcotics in the Jamestown area is asked to contact the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force anonymous tip line at 483-TIPS (8477). All calls will be kept confidential.

Jamestown resident misses point of Victim Impact Panel

OBSERVER Staff Report

On Wednesday, the Chautauqua County Stop DWI Program hosted a Victim Impact Panel Meeting at Ashville BOCES, and one participant really missed the point – so much so that she allegedly showed up intoxicated. Maybe she thought she should demonstrate what NOT to do?

The Chautauqua County Stop DWI program coordinates the Victim Impact Panel as part of a commitment to making the county’s roads safer to travel. The program comprises dedicated individuals who have been victimized by a drunk driver who share their experiences in a controlled audience atmosphere. This interaction with the offender and the victims helps to put a face on the tragedies of drunk driving in hopes that the attendees will not drive drunk again. People can be sentenced to attend VIP for a variety of reasons by courts throughout the county. Judges have been known to sentence youths caught drinking and committing petty crimes in order to educate the violators about the ill effects of alcohol consumption. Typical sentences are for individuals who have been arrested for operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

At approximately 6:30 p.m., the suspect, Kimberly D. Buffone of Jamestown, arrived at the Victim Impact Panel Meeting in an intoxicated condition and was arrested for driving while intoxicated. As part of Buffone’s sentencing from a previous DWI charge earlier this year, she was mandated by the court to appear at the Victim Impact Panel Meeting. Buffone was later released on her own recognizance and will answer for her herself in North Harmony Town Court.

Area police

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

• MAYVILLE – Larry E. Moore, 50, of Mayville was taken into custody Wednesday shortly before 2 p.m. and charged with several offenses after deputies stopped his vehicle on Valley Street.

Allegedly, he had been driving erratically, nearly striking several construction workers.

After deputies identified Moore as the driver and conducted an investigation, he was charged with felony driving while intoxicated, failure to keep right, aggravated DWI and first-degree felony aggravated unlicensed operation. He was taken to Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of bail.

• CLYMER – Daniel Heil, 58, of Clymer was taken into custody Wednesday shortly before 10 p.m. after deputies stopped his vehicle on Route 474.

According to reports, he had been speeding. After deputies identified Heil and conducted an investigation, he was charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se, and speeding in a 55 mile-per-hour zone.

He was released with tickets and will answer the charges in Clymer Town Court.

• CHAUTAUQUA – Brett E. Dibley, 34, of Jamestown was charged with speeding, driving while intoxicated and DWI per se Wednesday at about 6:30 a.m.

Allegedly, he had been speeding on Route 430 when deputies stopped his vehicle. After identifying Dibley and ascertaining that he was intoxicated, deputies took Dibley into custody.

He was released with tickets and will answer for himself in Chautauqua Town Court.

Area Police

Jamestown man sentenced in penny stock scheme

BUFFALO – U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. of the Western District of New York announced Thursday that Jamie Boye, 34, of Jamestown, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, was sentenced to 18 months by U.S. District Court Judge Richard J. Arcara.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango stated that from October 2008 to Sept. 15, 2011, the defendant participated in what is commonly known as a “pump-and-dump” scheme. Specifically, the defendant and his co-conspirators registered several Internet domain names, such as www.trypennystocks.com, and falsely advertised 29 penny stocks as being profitable investments. These misleading advertisements encouraged investors to invest in the advertised penny stocks, causing the stock prices to increase. Once the defendant and his conspirators thought that the price of any one stock would not increase any further, they sold their shares for a large profit. In total, the defendant was compensated $498,714.25 for his participation in the scheme.

Pursuant to the plea agreement, the Court issued a money judgment in the sum of $498,714.25. The government seized the defendant’s 2007 Cadillac Escalade, 2007 Dodge Charger Sedan, 2009 Suzuki ATV, and the defendant’s real property, which will be sold. Proceeds will be credited toward the money judgment.

The sentence is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Shantelle P. Kitchen, Special Agent in Charge, Special Agents of the Department of Homeland Security Investigations under the direction of James C. Spero, Special Agent in Charge, and Special Agents of the United States Secret Service, under the direction of Thomas Braun, Assistant Special Agent in Charge.

Dunkirk Police

Miranda L. Nixon, 22, of Dunkirk was charged with second-degree harassment on July 10.

Timothy C. Irvin, 51, of Silver Creek was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a weapon on July 10.

Emmanuel Acevado-Rodriguez, 27, of Dunkirk was charged with disobeying a traffic control device and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle on July 11.

Brian Christina, no age, of Fredonia was charged with criminal possession of stolen property on July 11.

Lizmarrill Vazquez-Gonzales, 32, of Dunkirk was charged with backing unsafely, driving without insurance and second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle on July 11.

Elison R. Alecia-Velez, 20, of Dunkirk was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle on July 11.

Hector A. Mercado-Torres, 22, of Dunkirk was charged with third-degree criminal mischief on July 12.

Johnathan Collins, 18, of Dunkirk was charged with petit larceny on July 12.

Sheila M. Thomas, 53, of Dunkirk was charged with second-degree assault on July 12.

Hector W. Quinones, 20, of Dunkirk was charged with failure to stop at a stop sign, unlicensed operator and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle on July 13.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

Gordon J. Kuzon, 65, of Fredonia was taken into custody and charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se, and speed over 55 miles per hour Sunday shortly after 9 p.m. According to reports, deputies had observed Kuzon speeding on Route 5 in the town of Dunkirk. Kuzon will answer his charges in Dunkirk Town Court.

Area Police

Falconer boy, 4, drowns in pool

FALCONER – A 4-year-old Falconer boy was pronounced dead Tuesday after reportedly drowning in a backyard pool, according to Ellicott police.

The drowning, which occurred at a 3013 Water St. home in Falconer at approximately 3 p.m., is believed to be accidental, police said.

“(The boy) was running and playing in the yard … and then just crawled in the pool (out of sight of his parents),” said First Sergeant Matt Kubinski of the Ellicott Police Department. “(The parents) were not using the pool at the time, but had been earlier in the day.”

The victim was transported to WCA Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Kubinski said an investigation of the drowning will continue, though all signs are pointing to it being an accident.

Jamestown man charged after heroin raid

JAMESTOWN – A Jamestown man was taken to the city jail after a heroin raid Tuesday at 78 Forest Ave.

Cesar L. Soto, 38, was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminally using drug paraphernalia after Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, New York State Police CNET agents and the New York State Police K-9 unit executed a search warrant with the assistance of the Jamestown Police Department SWAT team. Police report finding Soto in the apartment with 100 bags of heroin, a quantity of suboxone, a digital scale and packaging material.

Anyone with information about the illegal sales or trafficking of drugs in the Jamestown area can call the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force’s anonymous tips line at 483-8477. All calls are kept confidential.

Soto was charged in late June with unlawfully fleeing a police officer, first-degree reckless endangerment, failure to comply with a police officer, second-degree obstructing governmental administration, resisting arrest, several vehicle and traffic charges, all while being wanted for several felony warrants by Jamestown police. In the June incident, police tried to pull over a vehicle driven by Soto, who reportedly led police on a pursuit that went through the east side of the city in the Swede Hill area. He allegedly nearly struck one of the responding police units head-on as he passed them. The pursuit went down Maltby Street to the intersection of Pleasant Avenue, where Soto’s vehicle left the road and struck a tree. Soto allegedly fled on foot, but was caught shortly afterward.

Soto was also charged in April 2014 as part of a multi-agency bust in which four raids were held simultaneously. Soto was not at his residence when SWAT personnel and investigators raided it, though investigators reported finding heroin, packaging material, prescription medication and stolen property. Soto turned himself in to police roughly two weeks after the raids and was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a felony, and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Burglary suspect arrested in city

A city of Dunkirk man was arrested at about 8 p.m. Wednesday evening in relation to a burglary that took place on July 7 at the Alma Latina Mex Restaurant at 17 Cliffstar Dr.

The incident began when Dunkirk Police officers from the overnight shift were conducting routine business checks and discovered that a small window had been forced open on the side of the business and loose change was found on the ground outside.

Once an employee was reached, the officer entered the business and searched, but no suspect was found inside. Inside the store officers found that the cash register had been forced open and more coins were found on the floor. Employees confirmed that the cash from the register was missing as well as more coins. It appeared that the business’ security video system had also been tampered with.

Over the next several days, officers from all three shifts conducted an extensive investigation into the incident and were able to recover the security video footage and identify the lone suspect. The suspect is identified as Carlos Javier Lopez-Rodriguez. An arrest warrant was obtained from Dunkirk City Court Judge Walter Drag and officers began searching for Lopez-Rodriguez.

Just before 8 p.m. Wednesday evening, an off-duty patrol officer who had been working on the case spotted the suspect walking southbound on Route 60 in the town of Dunkirk. The officer contact Dunkirk Police Headquarters and the village of Fredonia Police Department for assistance, then kept watch on the suspect as he continued walking and entered Walmart.

Officers from the Dunkirk Police Department and the Fredonia Police Department converged on the store and took the suspect into custody without incident. He is being held in the DPD lockup without bail on charges of third-degree burglary, petit larceny and fourth-degree criminal mischief.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

MAYVILLE – Shaqua L. McCullum, 23, of Dunkirk has been charged in connection with welfare fraud 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 McCullum became employed while receiving SNAP/food stamp benefits and failed to report this income to DHHS. As a result of the unreported income, McCullum received $714 in unentitled food stamps. She is charged with petit larceny and misuse of food stamps. She was issued appearance tickets for Jamestown City Court, where she will be arraigned. Instances of suspected welfare fraud may be reported by calling the hotline at 1-800-388-5365.

Area Police

Woman, 84, dies in blaze

in Portville

PORTVILLE – An 84-year-old woman has died after a blaze at 118 Portville Eldred Road caused by faulty electrical components.

Cattaraugus County sheriff’s deputies said the residence was reported on fire around 6:40 p.m. Monday evening by a passer-by. He called 911 after seeing smoke coming out of the residence.

Portville Fire Department responded and was assisted by several area departments. Patricia Luedtke, an occupant, was transported to Olean General Hospital and died from smoke inhalation.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

RIPLEY – Edwin B. Munson, 51, of Ripley was charged with several offenses following an incident Monday at about 9:45 p.m. on Goodrich Street. According to reports, deputies observed a traffic violation and stopped Munson’s vehicle.

After an investigation, it was determined that he was intoxicated, and he was taken into custody.

His charges include operating a motor vehicle while talking on a mobile phone, driving while intoxicated and DWI per se. He was released with tickets and will answer for his actions in Ripley Town Court.

MAYVILLE – Tracey E. Dalton, 18, of Falconer was charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, moving from a lane unsafely and driving across hazard markings Thursday shortly before 8 p.m. Reports say deputies found her vehicle in a ditch on East Chautauqua Street and conducted an investigation. They identified Dalton as the ditched car’s operator and took her into custody. She will answer these charges in Chautauqua Town Court.

MAYVILLE – Krista M. Carroll, 30, of Westfield was taken into custody Saturday at 12:23 a.m. after deputies noticed her alleged failure to dim her high beams to oncoming traffic on East Chautauqua Street.

After an investigation, she was charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se and failure to dim high beams. She will answer for her actions in Chautauqua Town Court.

ELLERY – Bradley E. Devine, 54, of Olmstead Township, Ohio was charged with several offenses Sunday after deputies stopped his vehicle on Route 430 at about 12:30 a.m.

Allegedly, Devine made several lane violations. After an investigation, he was taken into custody for driving while intoxicated, DWI per se, failure to keep right and moving from a lane unsafely.

He will answer these sundry charges in Ellery Town Court.

MAYVILLE – Richard E. Knighton, 31, of Jamestown; and Linda L. Knighton, 63, of Falconer were charged with welfare fraud Tuesday shortly after 3 p.m.

According to reports, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Health and Human Services Program Integrity Unit conducted a joint investigation after it was learned that Richard may have had unreported income.

It is alleged that Richard Knighton filed an application for SNAP/food stamp benefits which failed to list employment income that he was receiving. Linda Knighton completed the application and signed it on her son Richard’s behalf while knowing that it omitted employment information.

Richard is charged with fourth-degree welfare fraud, fourth-degree grand larceny, first-degree offering a false instrument for filing, and misuse of food stamps.

Linda is charged with first-degree offering a false instrument for filing. They were issued appearance tickets and will answer charges in Jamestown City Court. Instances of suspected welfare fraud may be reported by calling the hotline at 1-800-388-5365.

Area Police

Woman, 84, dies in blaze

in Portville

PORTVILLE – An 84-year-old woman has died after a blaze at 118 Portville Eldred Road caused by faulty electrical components.

Cattaraugus County sheriff’s deputies said the residence was reported on fire around 6:40 p.m. Monday evening by a passer-by. He called 911 after seeing smoke coming out of the residence.

Portville Fire Department responded and was assisted by several area departments. Patricia Luedtke, an occupant, was transported to Olean General Hospital and died from smoke inhalation.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

RIPLEY – Edwin B. Munson, 51, of Ripley was charged with several offenses following an incident Monday at about 9:45 p.m. on Goodrich Street. According to reports, deputies observed a traffic violation and stopped Munson’s vehicle.

After an investigation, it was determined that he was intoxicated, and he was taken into custody.

His charges include operating a motor vehicle while talking on a mobile phone, driving while intoxicated and DWI per se. He was released with tickets and will answer for his actions in Ripley Town Court.

MAYVILLE – Tracey E. Dalton, 18, of Falconer was charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, moving from a lane unsafely and driving across hazard markings Thursday shortly before 8 p.m. Reports say deputies found her vehicle in a ditch on East Chautauqua Street and conducted an investigation. They identified Dalton as the ditched car’s operator and took her into custody. She will answer these charges in Chautauqua Town Court.

MAYVILLE – Krista M. Carroll, 30, of Westfield was taken into custody Saturday at 12:23 a.m. after deputies noticed her alleged failure to dim her high beams to oncoming traffic on East Chautauqua Street.

After an investigation, she was charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se and failure to dim high beams. She will answer for her actions in Chautauqua Town Court.

ELLERY – Bradley E. Devine, 54, of Olmstead Township, Ohio was charged with several offenses Sunday after deputies stopped his vehicle on Route 430 at about 12:30 a.m.

Allegedly, Devine made several lane violations. After an investigation, he was taken into custody for driving while intoxicated, DWI per se, failure to keep right and moving from a lane unsafely.

He will answer these sundry charges in Ellery Town Court.

MAYVILLE – Richard E. Knighton, 31, of Jamestown; and Linda L. Knighton, 63, of Falconer were charged with welfare fraud Tuesday shortly after 3 p.m.

According to reports, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Health and Human Services Program Integrity Unit conducted a joint investigation after it was learned that Richard may have had unreported income.

It is alleged that Richard Knighton filed an application for SNAP/food stamp benefits which failed to list employment income that he was receiving. Linda Knighton completed the application and signed it on her son Richard’s behalf while knowing that it omitted employment information.

Richard is charged with fourth-degree welfare fraud, fourth-degree grand larceny, first-degree offering a false instrument for filing, and misuse of food stamps.

Linda is charged with first-degree offering a false instrument for filing. They were issued appearance tickets and will answer charges in Jamestown City Court. Instances of suspected welfare fraud may be reported by calling the hotline at 1-800-388-5365.

Area Police

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

• BEMUS POINT – Geoffrey D. Moniz, 21, of North Royalton, Ohio, was stopped by deputies Sunday around 1:30 a.m. after an alleged traffic violation on Main Street.

During the traffic stop, deputies found Moniz to be allegedly intoxicated.

Moniz was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se and failure to signal a turn.

Moniz was processed and released with citations to appear in Ellery Town Court on a later date.

• CHAUTAUQUA – Joanne M. Whitehill, 25, of Jamestown was stopped by deputies on Route 394 in the town of Chautauqua for numerous observed lane violations Sunday around 2 a.m.

An investigation led to the discovery that Whitehill was allegedly intoxicated.

Whitehill was taken into custody and charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or higher, failure to keep right and failure to maintain lane.

She was later released and is scheduled to appear in Chautauqua Town Court next month to answer the charges.

• SILVER CREEK – Edward J. Jaycox, 35, of Buffalo was stopped by deputies for an alleged traffic infraction on Central Avenue in the village of Silver Creek Friday around 11:45 p.m.

During the traffic stop, it was found that Jaycox was allegedly in possession of a suspended driver’s license.

Jaycox was issued traffic tickets for speed in zone, unlicensed operator and second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation.

Jaycox will appear in Silver Creek Village Court on a later date.

Area Police

One-car crash leads to serious injuries in Westfield

OBSERVER Staff Report

WESTFIELD – A Friday afternoon crash on Route 5 in the village of Westfield sent the driver to the Emergency Room with serious injuries.

According to information from the Westfield Fire Department, an adult female was driving on Route 5 when she apparently lost control of her vehicle and hit a guardrail shortly before 2 p.m. No other vehicles were involved. The victim was transported in a semi-conscious state by Westfield Ambulance to Westfield Memorial Hospital. No further information was available on the nature of her injuries at the time of this report.

Among the responding agencies were Westfield Ambulance, Westfield Fire Department, Westfield Police Department, Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, Ripley Fire Department and Portland Fire Department. Starflight was called and waited on standby.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

IRVING – Karl A. Trembath, 28, of Derby was charged with felony driving while intoxicated (previous conviction within the past 10 years), DWI per se and inadequate muffler Tuesday after deputies stopped his vehicle on Routes 5 and 20 at about 11:40 p.m. for an alleged traffic infraction. Following an investigation, Trembath was determined to be intoxicated, according to reports. He was taken into custody and will answer for himself in Hanover Town Court.

Area Police

Three nabbed in vandalism at Southwestern field

LAKEWOOD – Three Jamestown juveniles are facing second-degree criminal mischief after an incident at the home field for the Southwestern baseball team.

Lakewood-Busti police reported on Tuesday, the department received a complaint of vandalism at the Packard Baseball field, home to the Southwestern Trojans. Upon the officers’ arrival, the found someone had cut the tarp that covers the outfield fence. The material cut included the “trojan head” symbol for the team and the letter “B” from the word baseball.

The three suspects also kicked in a door of a storage shed near the field. Officers received a tip on the three subjects and recovered the missing tarp pieces in one of the subject’s homes.

All three will face criminal charges through probation and the officers credit the community for its assistance in resolving the case.

State Police at Jamestown

SHERMAN – An Erie man was charged Thursday with aggravated driving while intoxicated just after midnight on Thursday.

Troopers report Michael Polon, 36, was charged after they responded to a call of a vehicle traveling east on Interstate 86 in a reckless manner.

Polon was pulled over after he was observed driving erratically and placed under arrest after failing several field sobriety tests.

Polon was transported to the SP Jamestown where he provided a breath sample of 0.20. He was then processed, issued tickets returnable to the Town of Sherman Court, and released. Polon is scheduled to be in Sherman Court later in the month to answer the charge.

Area Police

Fredonia Police Department

• Anthony Andrews, 40, of Rochester was issued a traffic ticket for failing to restrain a child in a child’s seat on June 24.

• Heide B. Karin, 42, of Dunkirk was charged with and issued traffic tickets for driving while intoxicated, aggravated DWI, failure to dim high beams, failure to keep right and moving from lane unsafely on June 24.

• Parish D. Moreland, 24, of Dunkirk was charged with endangering the welfare of a child and second-degree harassment on June 30. He was remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail and released on $500 bail.

• Quinten Williams, 21, of Buffalo was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle on July 1. He was released on bail and issued a traffic ticket.

Dunkirk Police Department

• Christopher Thomas, 48, of Dunkirk was charged with open container on June 23.

• Luis G. Serrano-Hernandez, 24, of Dunkirk was stopped and subsequently charged with failure to stop at a stop sign, as well as third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, on June 24.

• A 16-year-old youth from Dunkirk was charged with petit larceny on June 25.

• Sean R. Henry, 35, of Dunkirk was stopped for and charged with insufficient turn signal of less than 100 feet on June 25. He was then further charged with operation without insurance and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

• Jenna L. Matney, 35, of Dunkirk was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle on June 28. Nicholas T. Bailey, 25, of Dunkirk was charged with third-degree criminal mischief. Matney and Bailey were both then charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana.

• Luis F. Cardona, 25, of Dunkirk was charged with fourth-degree menacing on June 28.

• Ethan Figueroa of Dunkirk was charged with petit larceny on June 28.

• Labaron A. Booker, 46, of Dunkirk was charged with second-degree harassment on June 28.

• Leemarie Senta, 23, of Dunkirk was charged with second-degree robbery and fourth-degree conspiracy on June 28.

• Justin Bess, 24, of Fredonia was charged with driving with a suspended registration and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle on June 29.

• Amanda C. Niebel, 25, of Dunkirk was charged with endangering the welfare of a child on June 30.

• Talia Zrimsek, 20, of Dunkirk was charged with second-degree harassment on June 30.

• Adam Rodriguez, 31, f Dunkirk was charged with failure to yield and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle on June 30.

• Jake F. Beers, 45, of Dunkirk was charged with open container on July 1.

• Kyle M. Smith, 21, of Blasdell was charged with second-degree obstruction of governmental administration on July 2.

• Lonnie L. Buchanan, 46, of Jamestown was charged with first-degree criminal contempt, criminal obstruction of breathing and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance on July 3.

• Steven A. Raynor, 36, of Dunkirk was charged with petit larceny on July 3.

• Brian A. Christina, 47, of Fredonia was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief and second-degree harassment on July 5.

• Savannah D. Jackson, 19, of Lawtons was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, second-degree criminal impersonation, third-degree criminal trespassing and unlawful possession of marijuana on July 5.

• Brandon W. Klitz, 31, of Silver Creek was charged with driver’s view obstructed and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle on July 6.

Area Police

Silver Creek man charged

in burglary, grand larceny

BRANT – Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard reports sheriff’s detectives arrested Sean O’Connor, 41, of Silver Creek on one count of felony burglary and one count of grand larceny charges stemming from an incident at Native Pride.

On May 30, sheriff’s patrol responded to an alarm call at Native Pride in the Town of Brant. Upon patrol’s arrival, a Seneca Nation of Indians’ Marshal was on scene checking the building when they observed a male run from the building. While checking the building, officers discovered a broken window and damaged hinges. Around 5 a.m. the same morning, patrol observed a male fitting the description of the individual who earlier fled the scene walking along Milestrip Road. The subject was taken to the Springville Substation where approximately $2,000 in cash was discovered in his possession and he was questioned by Detectives.

During the investigation, the manager of Native Pride indicated that the business was missing $,1,000 after the incident. Ultimately, the detective arrested the subject on Thursday, June 30 and he was arraigned the same day in Brant Town Court.

Chautauqua County Court

MAYVILLE – Acting Chautauqua County District Attorney Patrick Swanson announced the following recent pleas and sentences in Chautauqua County Court.

Steven A. Edmond, Jr., of Jamestown, was sentenced on June 20 by Supreme Court Judge Paul Wojtaszek on three separate counts to a determinate sentence of two years in state prison plus two years of Post-Release supervision, after being convicted of fifth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance. He was also sentenced to an indeterminate sentence of two to four years in state prison, after being convicted of first-degree criminal contempt. He was also sentenced to an indeterminate sentence of two to four years in state prison, after being convicted of tampering with physical evidence.

Moises Lopez Encarnacion, of Jamestown, was sentenced on June 27 by Wojtaszek on two separate indictments to a determinate sentence of three years in state prison plus two years of post-release supervision, after being convicted of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. He was also sentenced to a determinate sentence of three years in state prison plus three years in post-release supervision after being convicted of second-degree attempted criminal possession of a weapon.

Salena M. Hare, of Randolph, was sentenced on June 30 by Acting County Court Judge John L. Lamancuso to a determinate sentence of four years in state prison plus two years, after being of convicted of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. She was also sentenced to an indeterminate sentence of two to six years in state prison, after being convicted of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument. She was also sentenced on to a determinate sentence of two years in state prison plus one year post-release supervision, after being convicted of third-degree unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine.

• Janell M. Long, of Mayville, was sentenced on June 30 by Lamancuso to an indeterminate sentence of 1 1/3 to four years in state prison, after being of convicted of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument. She was also sentenced to an indeterminate sentence of 1 1/3 to four years in state prison, after being convicted of third-degree robbery. She was also sentenced to an indeterminate sentence of 1 1/3 to four years state prison, after being convicted of fourth-degree grand larceny.

Chautauqua County Sheriff

HANOVER – Sitra M. Gatur, 27, of Buffalo was taken into custody following a complaint and investigation Sunday at about 11 p.m. According to reports, Gatur was charged with driving while intoxicated and DWI per se. She will be in Hanover Town Court later.

MAYVILLE – Amber D. Rasmussen, 28, was charged with several offenses Sunday just before 11 p.m. According to reports, deputies observed her allegedly speeding on West Chautauqua Street, and stopped her vehicle. Following an investigation, deputies took her into custody. Rasmussen’s charges include felony driving while intoxicated and Leandra’s Law – child in vehicle under 16 years old, DWI per se, speed in zone, moving from lane unsafely and unlicensed operator. She will answer for her actions in Chautauqua Town Court.

HANOVER – James R. Morana, 25, of Clarence Center was taken into custody Monday shortly before 2 a.m. According to reports, Morana had failed to stop at a stop sign on Alleghany Road. After deputies investigated, Morana was charged with felony driving while intoxicated (previous conviction in the past 10 years), DWI per se and failure to stop at a stop sign. He will answer the charges in Hanover Town Court.

New York State

Police at Jamestown

GERRY – Alana Parsons, 25, of Falconer was taken into custody and charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs and petit larceny Friday after troopers received a call about a shoplifter who fled from Country Fair on Route 60. Troopers located the suspect’s vehicle on Route 60, after observing erratic driving. Parsons appeared to be under the influence of drugs and failed multiple sobriety tests. There were also items in her vehicle that had been reported stolen from Country Fair. She was transported to State Police at Jamestown, where she was evaluated by a drug recognition expert, processed and then released with tickets. She will answer for herself in Gerry Town Court.

Area police

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

SHERIDAN – Nicole J. Coleman, 20, of Sheridan and Ronald Thomas, 20, of Irving were arrested Sunday after an alleged traffic violation at 1:40 a.m.

While speaking with Coleman, deputies allegedly noticed a marijuana pipe in plain view. Coleman was also allegedly in possession of a small quantity of concentrated cannabis. She was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Thomas had an active bench warrant out in the town of Hamburg. He was transferred to Hamburg Police. Coleman was issued an appearance ticket along with a traffic citation. She will appear in Sheridan Town Court.

MAYVILLE – Cierra L. Beardsley, 28, of Utica Street, Jamestown, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and speeding in a 55 mile per hour zone Sunday at 2 p.m.

Beardsley’s vehicle was stopped on Route 430 after a complaint was issued because the vehicle was reportedly driving in a reckless manner. After an investigation, a small quantity of marijuanna was allegedly found. Beardsley will appear in Chautauqua Town Court.

IRVING – Raymond T. Skibicki, 24, of Elma was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana Monday just before 3 a.m.

Deputies stopped Skibicki’s vehicle on Alleghany Road for an alleged traffic violation and found a small amount of marijuana on him. He will appear in Hanover Town Court.

Area Police

Double trouble as two arrested for DWI

IRVING – The July 4th weekend can be known for the fun, outgoing parties and fireworks, but unfortunately some don’t take the needed precautions to end the night safely.

On Sunday at 6:49 a.m., Justin M. Buchheit, 32, and Meghan L. Buchheit, 37, both of Orchard Park, were arrested for driving while intoxicated, according to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office. Meghan Buchheit also received a charge for being a unlicensed operator and Justin Buchheit was charged with DWI per se having .08 percent or higher blood alcohol content, third-degree aggravated unlicensed operator and no seatbelt.

They both received a DWI after allegedly being pulled over on Alleghany Road once deputies noticed the male driver was not wearing a seatbelt. When deputies came to inspect the vehicle, the male was in the passenger seat.

Both will appear in Hanover Town Court.

Ellington man, 37, injured in ATV ride

ELLINGTON – Clarence Whitacre, 37, of Ellington was transported to the Erie County Medical Center by Medistat Helicopter after his all-terrain vehicle got into an accident on Wade Hill Road Sunday around 1 p.m., according to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office.

Alstar Ambulance assisted during the incident.

Deputies could not comment on Whitacre’s status Sunday evening.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

HARMONY – A 61-year-old man was arrested Sunday for driving while intoxicated for the second time in the last 10 years, making the charge a felony

Around 5:45 a.m., William R. Swanson of Kennedy was allegedly driving on Route 474 as deputies noticed many lane violations. Upon investigation, officers found he was allegedly intoxicated.

Swanson was charged with felony DWI, DWI with a .08 percent blood alcohol content or higher, failure to keep right and failure to maintain lane. He was released to appear in Harmony Town Court.

Area police

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

Rick DeLand, 48, of Dunkirk was taken into custody and charged with several offenses Friday at about 3:40 p.m. Allegedly, he had committed several traffic violations while driving on Route 5 in the town of Dunkirk, drawing the attention of deputies. After they stopped his vehicle and investigated, deputies charged him with driving while intoxicated, DWI with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or higher, following too closely, failure to keep right and driving across hazard markings. Deland was released with tickets and will answer for himself in Dunkirk Town Court.

WESTFIELD – James E. Elly, 55, of North Chili was taken into custody Friday just after 5 p.m. after deputies observed alleged traffic violations. After stopping Elly’s vehicle and identifying him as its driver, an investigation revealed that he was intoxicated, according to reports. His charges include aggravated driving while intoxicated (blood alcohol content .18 percent or higher), consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle and failure to signal a turn. He was processed and released with citations. Elly will answer for his actions in Westfield Town Court.

NORTH HARMONY – Jessy DeDionisio, 22, of Erie, Pennsylvania was taken into custody Friday just before 1 a.m. after deputies observed her allegedly commit several traffic violations on Route 474. After being identified, DeDionisio was determined to be intoxicated. Her charges include moving from lane unsafely, open alcohol container in vehicle, driving while intoxicated per se, and DWI with a blood alcohol content greater than .08 percent. She was released with tickets and will answer for herself in court.

Area Police

STOP-DWI Enforcement Crackdown this weekend

Chautauqua County police agencies are participating in the New York State STOP-DWI Enforcement Crackdown that began Friday and continues through Monday.

The Chautauqua County Sheriff, municipal law enforcement agencies, and New York State Police are vigorously enforcing laws related to driving while impaired.

They are working together to reduce the number of impaired driving injuries and deaths, with special emphasis on driving while impaired by either alcohol or drugs.

The agencies participated in last month’s state-wide crackdown during Memorial Day weekend, May 27 through May 30. The crackdown resulted in four arrests for driving while intoxicated and 112 other vehicle stops, arrests, and summonses.

“Removing intoxicated drivers from Chautauqua County roadways is one of our top priorities,” said Chautauqua County Sheriff Joseph A. Gerace. “If you choose to drink, don’t drive. Drunk drivers not only put themselves in danger, they threaten everyone who shares the highway with them.”

The funding for this event was provided by the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation through a grant from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Chautauqua County was awarded $31,027 to continue STOP-DWI crackdowns during the New York State 2015-2016 fiscal year.

The next crackdown will take place during Labor Day weekend. The Chautauqua County STOP-DWI Program is funded by drinking and driving fines collected from convicted drunk drivers.

Cattaraugus County Court

LITTLE VALLEY – Lori Pettit Rieman, Cattaraugus County District Attorney, reported the following activity in Cattaraugus County Court:

Joseph Tyler, 27, of Dayton, New York, was sentenced to a term of 10 years probation for his conviction to third-degree, a Class E felony. The incident occurred on or about Aug. 11, 2015 in the town of Dayton, when the defendant being 21 years old or more, engaged in sexual intercourse with another person less than 17 years old.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

MAYVILLE – Gina M. Vinluan, 40, of Hammondsport was taken into custody after deputies received reports of a disorderly person at a business on West Lake Road Wednesday at about 5 a.m. Allegedly, they found Vinluan intoxicated, being disorderly in the parking lot of the establishment, cursing and kicking another person. She was charged with disorderly conduct and second-degree harassment. Vinluan was then arraigned in North Harmony Town Court for the town of Chautauqua and taken to Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of bail.

CELERON – Michael G. Newman, 35, of Celeron was charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, obstruction of governmental administration and multiple Ellicott Police Department charges Wednesday at about 11 p.m. after deputies were called to assist the EPD with disorderly subjects on Dunham Avenue. Allegedly, Newman saw them coming and fled on foot into a wooded area. Naturally, he was located a short time later and taken into custody. He was taken the Chautauqua County Jail, where he awaits a bail recommendation from the district attorney’s office.

CHERRY CREEK – Joshua A. Steward, 33, and Margarita Morales, 27, both of Cherry Creek were taken into custody June 4 at about 2:30 p.m. after deputies investigated a burglary on Main Street. During the investigation, stolen items were recovered from the apartment of Morales and Steward. They have each been charged with fifth-degree possession of stolen items and will answer for themselves in Cherry Creek Town Court.

Area Police

Body of missing tuber located

CHAUTAUQUA – Fire service personnel have located the body of missing tuber Ricky L. Whipple early Thursday morning.

According to Chautauqua County Sheriff Joseph Gerace, the 48-year-old Conewango Valley resident was located 200 yards from shore, north of the Chautauqua Institution.

The search has been an ongoing effort since Whipple was first reported missing Saturday evening.

“This is extremely important for the family. It’s had to fathom what they’ve been going through since Saturday,” Gerace said. “We’re pleased we were able to give them final closure.”

Gerace commended the tireless effort put forth by members of the search party, including several volunteer fire departments.

“They were out there every day on their own time,” he said. “I’m pleased they were able to make this discovery this morning, instead of a bystander out on the lake.”

Dunkirk man booked on drug charges after fireworks call

A Dunkirk man was arrested on drug charges after police responded to the sound of fireworks.

According to Fredonia Police, at approximately 2:15 a.m. Wednesday, officers responded to the area of West Main Street and Forest Place. Upon investigation, Brian Santiago Montanez, 27, of 92 King St., was allegedly observed by officers depositing a bag containing various types of fireworks, along with another bag containing several smaller bags of suspected cocaine, on the ground. Upon arrest, Montanez was also found to be in possession of a large quantity of cash.

Further investigation revealed Montanez is currently on parole for fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. New York State Parole was notified, and troopers issued a warrant for violation of parole.

He was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, unlawful possession of fireworks and a parole violation.

Fredonia Police

• Rodney Girard Clyburn, 36, of Fredonia and Allyssa J. Coniglio, 26, of Dunkirk were both taken into custody on Thursday after officers from the Fredonia Police Department responded to a domestic incident call at Clyburn’s apartment, located at 42 Water St.

After clearing the call, officers contacted New York State Parole to advise them that Clyburn, currently on parole for fifth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, was involved in a domestic incident. A short time later, New York State Parole along with members of the Fredonia Police Department returned to Clyburn’s residence to perform a home inspection.

Upon entering the apartment, Officers allegedly located a baggie containing suspected cocaine. Clyburn was placed under arrest and while doing so, a small quantity of marijuana was allegedly located in his possession.

Also in the apartment at the time of the home inspection was Coniglio. Further investigation revealed that Coniglio was wanted on a warrant out of the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department for aggravated unlicensed operation, and out of the Orchard Park Police Department for second-degree robbery, second-degree burglary and fourth-degree conspiracy. Upon being placed under arrest, Coniglio was allegedly found to be in possession of a hypodermic needle and a small baggy of cocaine.

Both Cyburn and Coniglio were charged with fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a Class D felony; criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument, a Class A misdemeanor; unlawful possession of marijuana and a parole violation.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

Email(Required)

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)(Required)

Daily Newsletter

Breaking News

Obituaries

Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper?(Required)

Yes

No

Area police

Area police

Missing teens found safe State Police in Fredonia have announced that the two missing teenage females from ...

UPDATE: Missing teens located

Man charged in littering of whipped cream cans

Little Valley man jailed after high-speed chase

Area police

MAN CHARGED AFTER RUCKUS AT HOSPITAL A patient at Brooks-TLC Hospital in Dunkirk is facing charges after an ...

Area police

EVANS TOWN POLICE Michael Faraci, 42, and Tiffany Borek, 44, were arrested after a narcotics search warrant was ...