×

Area police

Pair who broke into thrift store charged

OBSERVER Staff Report

Two Jamestown residents who police say broke into the St. James Church Thrift Store before leaving “garbage all over and defecated on the walls and floors” were awaiting arraignment in Jamestown City Court.

Officers responded at about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday to the church thrift store, located at 141 Institute St., for an alleged trespassing. An investigation found that Adam Morrison, 33, and Mackenzie Kepler, 19, forced open a storm door that had been locked and entered the building.

While inside, the pair left garbage around and defecated on the walls and floor, JPD said in a news release.

Jamestown woman indicted on narcotics

charges

OBSERVER Staff Report

A federal grand jury has indicted a Jamestown woman on narcotics charges.

Antasia Babcock, 28, is charged with narcotics conspiracy, possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, maintaining a premises for drug use and distribution, and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine on premises where an individual under 18 was present and resided.

On Oct. 16, 2020, the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at Babcock’s Wescott Street residence. During that search, Babcock was present along with three small children. Law enforcement officers seized a pound of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, drug paraphernalia and about $62,000 in cash.

Babcock was arraigned Wednesday morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was released on conditions. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $10 million fine.

CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

¯ PORTLAND — Samantha F. Vecchio, 38, of Gowanda, was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated with a BAC of 0.18% or higher, DWI, refusal to take breath test and crossing hazard markings. The Sheriff’s Office received a report at 10:27 p.m. Tuesday for a possible intoxicated driver. The vehicle was located on Route 20 in the town of Portland. Deputies observed the vehicle allegedly crossing the hazard markings on the road. An investigation found that Vecchio was allegedly operating the vehicle while intoxicated. She is scheduled to appear in Portland Town Court later.

JAMESTOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT

¯ Jonathan Bedford, no age listed, of Jamestown, was charged with second-degree criminal contempt. Officers observed Bedford at 9:36 a.m. Thursday walking with a woman on East Eighth Street at Liberty Street who officers knew had an order of protection against him. Bedford was transported to Jamestown City Jail and held for arraignment.

¯ Randall D. Lawergren, 64, no address listed, was charged with second-degree menacing and fourth-degree criminal mischief. Officers were dispatched at 12:43 p.m. Wednesday for a disorderly person on Washington Street. As officers arrived, Lawergren was observed damaging property in front of the business. It was also learned that Lawergren allegedly menaced another person and threw bricks in an attempt to harm the person. Lawergren was transported to Jamestown City Jail and held for arraignment.

ELLICOTT POLICE DEPARTMENT

¯ Shane C. Hackworth, 35, of Jamestown, was charged with trespass and second-degree harassment. Police responded at 4:45 a.m. Thursday to the Ellicott Oaks Apartments for an unwanted person. It was learned that Hackworth allegedly began pounding on the windows and repeatedly rang the buzzer to the victim’s apartment. Hackworth had reportedly been advised by officers on several occasions to stay away from the residence. Hackworth is scheduled to appear in Ellicott Town Court later.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today