PRESS RELEASE 9/25/2023 On September 21st, 2023, shortly after 1:30 PM, an astute patrol member of the Oneida City Police Department observed Hunter H. Whipple, age 27, walking with another individual. Having knowledge that the Oneida Police Department Criminal Investigations Division had pending criminal charges for Whipple, he was placed in custody without incident by an Investigator who responded to their location. Whipple was found to be in possession of methamphetamine, US currency, digital scale, and packaging. Once Whipple was in custody, patrol conducted an area check for the second individual who had left the area in a suspicious hurry. Mark J. Morey, age 39, was located nearby and known to have an active bench warrant issued for his arrest. Subsequently, Mark Morey was also taken into custody and, upon doing so, a handgun was found in his possession. The bench warrant for Mark Morey stemmed from an incident involving methamphetamine, Fentanyl, and Suboxone. Hunter Whipple also had other charges relating to previous incidents of possession of methamphetamine and MDPV, with the intent to sell. The charges listed below reflect the culmination of these investigations. Following a further investigation, Hunter Whipple and Mark Morey were charged with the following: • Mark Morey: 1 ct - Criminal Possession of a Firearm (E Felony) 1 ct - Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the third degree (D Felony) - Bench Warrant charges: 1 ct - Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree, (B felony) 1 ct - Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the fourth degree, (C felony) 3 cts - Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree. (A misdemeanor) • Hunter Whipple: 1 ct - Criminal Possession of a Firearm (E Felony) 1 ct - Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the third degree (D Felony) 4 cts - Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree – (B Felony) 1 ct - Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the fourth degree – (C Felony) 4 cts - Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the fifth degree – (D Felony) 4 cts - Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree – (A misdemeanor) 2 cts - Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia in the second degree – (A misdemeanor) Mark Morey and Hunter Whipple were brought to Madison County Jail for Centralized Arraignment. Following arraignment, Mark Morey was held on $300.00 cash and Hunter Whipple was held on no bail. As the investigation continues, additional suspects and charges may be pursued. The keen observation skills of the members of Oneida’s patrol division led to the capture of these individuals. The Oneida Police continue to provide quality professional police services while aggressively investigating all crimes. Both the patrol and investigations divisions place a continued emphasis on combating drugs and taking illegal guns off our streets, keeping the community safe. ----------------------------------------- Sources: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=638713145117480&set=a.148676540787812

On July 28, 2023, around 6:19 p.m., Troopers responded to a residence on State Highway 37, in the town of Louisville for a missing person. The New York State Police are searching for Brian J. Snyder and seeking assistance from the public. On July 18, 2023, Snyder was involved in a motor vehicle accident and transported to Canton-Potsdam Hospital for his injuries. A cast was put on his left leg and he was discharged from the hospital on July 19, 2023. He was picked up from the hospital and brought back to his residence on State Highway 37, in the town of Massena. No one has seen or talked to him since July 19, 2023. He is 37 years old, approximately 6’, weighs approximately 180 lbs, and has black hair, and hazel eyes. He left his residence on an unknown date and time, traveling in an unknown direction, and with unknown clothing descriptions. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Brian J. Snyder is asked to please contact the New York State Police at 315-379-0012. Sources: https://www.nyspnews.com/the-new-york-state-police-are-seeking-assistance-from-public-for-missing-male-from-massena.htm https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=626060826384302&set=a.153499126973810

On Thursday, September 21st at 10:16 p.m. New Hartford Police were dispatched to the parking lot of Chipotle, 4815 Commercial Dr, in the Town of New Hartford for a report of a motor vehicle accident involving a moped that crashed into the building. Upon arrival it was determined that John Murphy, 18 years of age, was operating a 2022 Italica moped when he drove from a parking spot, up onto the sidewalk, and through the front glass doors of the business. The building sustained damage to the doors and windows. Murphy sustained several injuries and was treated at the scene then transported by Edwards Ambulance to a local hospital where he is currently in stable condition. No tickets or charges have been filed at this time. This investigation is ongoing. If any individuals witnessed this incident they are asked to contact the New Hartford Police at 315-724-7111. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=750674923754658&set=a.265416255613863

PRESS RELEASE State Police in Marcy are investigating a fatal crash that occurred on Saturday, September 16, 2023, on Shanley Road west of Ford Road in the town of Marshall, Oneida County. A 2023 Hyundai pickup truck, operated by Patrick P. Dougherty, age 61 from Clinton, NY was traveling westbound on Shanley Road at a high rate of speed when he drove off the north shoulder of the roadway, struck a tree, and overturned multiple times before striking a utility pole. Dougherty was pronounced deceased at the scene. State Police were assisted at the scene by Paris Hill Fire Department, and Edwards Ambulance Service. Sources: https://www.nyspnews.com/state-police-investigate-fatal-crash-in-town-marshall.htm

PRESS RELEASE On September 14, 2023, at approximately 3:06 p.m., New York State Police at Homer responded to a report of an aircraft upside-down on a runway at the Cortland County Airport. Cortlandville Fire, the Cortland Fire Hazmat Team, and TLC Ambulance also responded to the scene. The pilot and only occupant of the single-engine Cessna 305A “Bird Dog” self-extricated from the plane prior to the arrival of first responders. He is identified as Bradley S. Fitchett, age 58 of Ellsworth, KS, and was transported by TLC Ambulance to Guthrie Cortland Medical Center for what appear to be non-life-threatening injuries. The plane was traveling from Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport and was landing at the Cortland County Airport to refuel before its final destination in Kansas when the Cessna flipped. Approximately 5 gallons of fuel spilled as a result of the incident. The Federal Aviation Administration was contacted and is investigating. Sources: https://www.nyspnews.com/nysp-responds-to-small-aircraft-flipped-at-cortland-county-airport.htm

PRESS RELEASE On September 13, 2023, State Police of Clifton Park arrested Dakota Smith, 28, of Malta, NY, for Grand Larceny in the third degree and Scheme to Defraud in the first degree. On June 8, 2023, Troopers received a complaint from a Clifton Park resident concerning a possible contractor scam. The investigation determined Smith, the owner of DAS Builders & Remodeling LLC., who was acting as a contractor, entered into an agreement with the victim to complete a home renovation project in November of 2022. Smith collected a deposit of more than $18,000 from the victim and failed to start the work or purchase the necessary materials for the project. He also was unable to return the victim’s deposit. Further investigation determined this is an ongoing course of conduct for Smith. Smith surrendered himself to SP Clifton Park, where he was arrested and processed. He was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Clifton Park Town Court on September 28, 2023, and released. Sources: https://www.nyspnews.com/state-police-arrest-saratoga-county-contractor-for-grand-larceny.htm

Dion Underwood Forfeits Nearly $40,000 in Drug Proceeds ALBANY, NEW YORK – Dion Underwood, age 46, of Johnstown, New York, was sentenced today to 63 months in prison, to be followed by 4 years of supervised release, for running a narcotics distribution conspiracy in the Capital Region. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarantino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement. Underwood previously pled guilty and admitted that between January and December 2021, he supervised members of a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and heroin in the Capital Region, including Albany, Schenectady, and Montgomery Counties. As part of his plea and today’s sentence, Underwood also agreed to forfeit $39,403 seized by federal agents as proceeds of the conspiracy. The DEA investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin S. Clark prosecuted the case. https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/fulton-county-man-sentenced-63-months-running-narcotics-distribution-conspiracy

DEC to Host Free Fishing Clinic on Sept. 16 at North-South Lake Campground, Greene County DEC to Provide Education and Equipment to Anglers The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is hosting a free fishing clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16, at the North-South Lake Campground in Haines Falls, Greene County, DEC Regional Director Anthony Luisi announced today. "Free fishing clinics are fun for the entire family and provide special attention to inexperienced anglers of all ages as they're introduced to New York's vast fishing opportunities," Director Luisi said. "North-South Lake is one of DEC's most popular campgrounds and is also a preeminent fishing destination in the Catskills for anglers of all abilities to enjoy." The event, free to the public, will be held at the hand launch at North Lake Beach (PDF). Fishing licenses are not required to fish during the program, but all other statewide and special regulations remain in effect. During the free fishing clinic, participants can learn about fish identification, fishing equipment and techniques, before getting the opportunity to cast their fishing lines into the water. DEC will supply fishing rods, bait, and tackle, but experienced anglers are encouraged to bring their own fishing gear. Children under 16 must be supervised. Participants will be required to pay applicable day-use service charges to enter the facility. For more information on statewide free fishing clinics, visit DEC's website. Sources: https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/128431.html

🚨WANTED FOR HOMICIDE. PLEASE SHARE🚨 The Syracu​se Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating 22-year-old Marley Oselmo​. Oselmo is wanted in the murder of Kelvonn Godbolt, which took place on Tuesday, August 29th, 2023, around 7:18 p.m., in the 1900 block of South Avenue. Oselmo has active warrants for Murder in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree. Oselmo is described as being five feet, six inches tall, weighing around 150 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. His last known address is 28 Caton Drive. Oselmo is considered armed and dangerous. If you see him or know of his whereabouts, please call 911 or the Syracuse Police Warrants Squad at (315) 442-5230. Sources: Syracuse Police Department https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=688030546693586&set=a.217797457050233

PRESS RELEASE On September 4, 2023, State Police of Latham arrested Keshawn M. Bacchus, 22, of Albany, NY, for Criminal Impersonation in the first degree, Aggravated Harassment in the second degree and Falsely Reporting a crime in the third degree. On August 19, 2023, Troopers received a complaint from a Colonie, NY business. The investigation determined Bacchus reportedly contacted the business via email and phone. During the conversations, he identified himself as a New York State Trooper and impersonated a law enforcement officer. During the communication, Bacchus falsely accused an individual who worked for the business of a crime. Bacchus was arrested at his home and transported to SP Latham for processing. He was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Colonie Town Court on September 13, 2023, and released. Sources: https://www.nyspnews.com/state-police-arrest-albany-man-for-impersonating-trooper.htm

On September 11, 2023, State Police members responded to a car vs. motorcycle collision at the intersection of State Route 73 and State Route 9N in the town of Keene. On September 11, 2023, around 4:11 p.m., Troopers responded to the intersection of State Route 73 and State Route 9N in the town of Keene, for the report of a car vs. motorcycle collision with severe injuries. The motorcycle driver was identified as Lynn P. Dewalt, age 57 of Keene, NY. The preliminary investigation determined Dewalt was traveling northbound on State Route 9N, on a 2013 black Yamaha motorcycle, when a 2018 gray Hyundai Santa Fe operated by Andrea M. Palermo, age 35, of Vermontville, NY was traveling southbound on State Route 9N. Palermo failed the right of way when making a left-hand turn onto State Route 73, striking Dewalt. Dewalt sustained severe injuries as a result of the crash. He was transported to Champlain Valley Medical Center via ambulance and later air-lifted via helicopter to the University of Vermont Medical Center in Vermont sustained life-threatening injuries. State Police were assisted by the Essex County Sheriff's Department and Keene EMS. The investigation into the crash is ongoing. Sources: https://www.nyspnews.com/state-police-investigate-car-vs.-motorcycle-collision-in-town-keene.htm

Deployment is the Latest in a Busy Fire Year with DEC Firefighters Previously Assisting Canada, California, Idaho, and Montana Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that a crew of 20 wildland firefighters led by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers is traveling to California where they will assist firefighting efforts underway at the Smith River Complex fire. A Forest Ranger will serve as the crew boss during the two-week assignment for nine other Rangers and 10 of DEC’s expertly trained wildland firefighters from the Divisions of Lands and Forests, Fish and Wildlife, Pesticides, and Emergency Management. "Whether it’s north of the border to Canada, or across the United States to California, New York always stands at the ready to assist those in need,” Governor Hochul said. “While summer rains have kept New York fires at bay, the impacts from this year’s wildfire season are like none we’ve ever seen before. I commend our brave Forest Rangers for helping New York answer the call for assistance.” The Smith River Complex fire burned more than 86,000 acres and is currently 21 percent contained. The fire started with a lightning strike on August 15. The New York State crew will join forces with 38 different crews from across the country. All personnel and travel expenses for the New York crews are either paid directly by the U.S. Forest Service or reimbursed to New York State based on a mutual aid agreement between states and federal land agencies. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "DEC Forest Rangers and other trained wildland firefighters bring a wealth of knowledge to assist our neighbors to the west. DEC's wildland firefighters are always prepared to help, serving both on the fire line and behind the scenes as experts in incident command and we wish them a safe and successful assignment in California.” Wildland fires are not only devastating western states and Canada, but they also have the potential to impact New York's air quality. During several days in June and July, many parts of New York were subject to Air Quality Health Advisories due to fine particulate matter enhanced by smoke from wildfires in Canada and the western United States. Air Quality Health Advisories are issued when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter, are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. Exposure to fine particulate matter can cause short-term health effects such as irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter can also worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. New York State will continue to issue advisories whenever conditions warrant to help protect public health. Additional information on ozone and PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on the State Department of Health's website. To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, sign up to receive Air Quality Alerts through DEC Delivers: DEC's Premier Email Service. In 1979, New York sent its first firefighting crew to assist western states with large wildfires. On average, one or two crews have been sent as needed to assist with wildfires every year since. The crew deployed today will be the ninth deployment of teams or individuals from DEC to assist in incident command or firefighting wildfires out of state. In addition to helping contain wildfires and minimize damage, these crews gain valuable experience that can be utilized fighting wildfires and managing all-risk incidents in New York. Contact the Governor’s Press Office Contact us by phone: Albany: (518) 474-8418 New York City: (212) 681-4640 Contact us by email: Press.Office@exec.ny.gov Sources: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-deploys-new-york-state-firefighting-crew-help-battle-wildland-fires-california