Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. today announced the appointments of John Jones as Director of Veterans Services and Paul Rayhill as Director of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operations effective immediately. Both appointees bring decades of leadership, operational management and military experience to their new roles and will help advance two key county priorities: serving veterans and strengthening Oneida County’s position as a national leader in UAS and its emerging technologies. “John and Paul have dedicated their careers to service, leadership and mission accomplishment,” said Picente. “John’s extensive military background, current work serving local veterans and proven management experience make him exceptionally qualified to lead our Veterans Services Department. Paul’s lifelong aviation expertise, entrepreneurial success and operational leadership will be invaluable as we continue growing Oneida County’s UAS and advanced air mobility operations. I am confident both will serve our residents with distinction.” Jones currently serves as a veterans service officer for Oneida County, where he assists veterans and their families with disability claims, healthcare benefits, pensions and other services through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Prior to joining the county, he served as a logistics manager for Lockheed Martin and completed a distinguished 29-year military career in the United States Air Force and New York Air National Guard, retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant. Throughout his career, Jones has overseen multimillion-dollar operations, managed large teams, supervised budgets, coordinated training and manpower programs, and held numerous leadership positions. He also served as commander of the New York Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, where he was responsible for more than 2,100 personnel statewide. “I am honored to be given the opportunity to serve as director of Veterans Services by County Executive Picente,” said Jones. “Our veterans have earned access to the benefits and resources available to them through their service and sacrifice. I look forward to building upon the department’s strong foundation and ensuring veterans and their families receive the support, advocacy and respect they deserve.” Rayhill brings nearly four decades of aviation, business and executive management experience to the position. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy and a veteran Navy pilot, he has accumulated more than 1,500 military flight hours and held leadership roles across aviation, aerospace, emergency medical transportation and private industry. He is also a licensed commercial pilot with 7,700 total hours logged. Rayhill is the co-founder and former co-owner of Alder Creek Beverages and most recently served as executive vice president of sales and a member of the board of directors for Nirvana Water Sciences Corp. He also owns Aviation Services Unlimited, an FAA-certified aviation company, and previously served as president of Keystone Med-Flight, a helicopter air ambulance operation that became one of the busiest and most successful medevac services in the region before its sale in 2015. “Oneida County has established itself as a leader in aviation innovation and unmanned aircraft systems, and I am excited to be part of its continued growth,” said Rayhill. “The opportunities being created through UAS technology are transforming industries and creating jobs. I thank County Executive Picente for selecting me as the county’s first director of UAS operations and I look forward to working with our partners to further strengthen our reputation as a center for aviation excellence.” Oneida County has become a national hub for UAS research, testing and commercialization through strategic investments and partnerships centered around Griffiss International Airport and the growing advanced air mobility sector. Oneida County is one of just nine UAS sites in the U.S. that is designated by the Federal Aviation Administration. “These appointments reflect our commitment to putting highly qualified leaders in positions where they can make a meaningful impact,” Picente said. “John and Paul have demonstrated excellence throughout their careers, and I look forward to working with them as we continue moving Oneida County forward.” Sources: https://oneidacountyny.gov/news/picente-appoints-directors-of-veterans-services-and-uas-operations/

Utica Man Arrested for Aggravated DWI After Wrong-Way Driving Incident on Seneca Turnpike On June 20, 2026, at approximately 9:30 p.m., officers on routine patrol observed a gray Toyota Camry traveling eastbound on Seneca Turnpike in the center turn lane while passing multiple vehicles. Officers initiated a traffic stop after observing several traffic violations, including unsafe lane movements and crossing solid lane markings. The vehicle failed to immediately stop and continued eastbound before turning the wrong way onto Alexandria Road. The driver then complied and pulled over. The operator was identified as 53-year-old Jasmin Pjanic of Utica. During the investigation, officers observed signs of impairment. Pjanic failed Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and was taken into custody for Driving While Intoxicated. A subsequent chemical breath test revealed a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.18% or higher, more than twice New York State's legal limit of 0.08%. Pjanic was placed under arrest, and his vehicle was towed from the scene. Pjanic was charged with Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated, a misdemeanor, along with multiple vehicle and traffic law violations. He was issued six Uniform Traffic Tickets and released pending a future court date on the following charges: 1) NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) 1127(a) – Operating the wrong way on a one way street 2) NYS VTL 1128(a) – Moving from lane unsafely 3) NYS VTL 1192(3) – Misdemeanor Driving While Intoxicated 4) NYS VTL 1192(2) – Misdemeanor Driving While Intoxicated with a B.A.C. of .10% or Higher 5) NYS VTL 1192(2aa)- Misdemeanor Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a B.A.C. of .18% or Higher Sources: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1555348439953965&set=a.265416258947196

On June 22nd, 2026 investigators with the Special Investigations Unit, assisted by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, and Utica Police Patrol Division, assisted with a search warrant execution relative to the on-going sale and distribution of narcotics at 922 Jay St apartment 1F. During the course of the search warrant the target party was located as well as: -Over 2 pounds of cocaine -3 loaded handguns -1 loaded AR-15 style assault rifle -Packaging Materials -Scales Arrested was Lasonja Pulluaim age 43 of Utica. She was charged with: Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the first degree (weight) Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree (intent to sell) Criminal Possession of a Firearm (4 counts) Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the second degree (4 counts) Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the third degree (previous conviction) (4 counts) Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the second degree (2 counts)

Press Release: Arrest Blotter June 11 - 21, 2026 · June 11, 2026: - Danielle J. Mennig, of Deansboro, was arrested on an arrest warrant for criminal trespass second-degree. ------------------------------------------ · June 12, 2026: - Alisia B. Burton, of Oneida, was issued an appearance ticket for endangering the welfare of a child. ------------------------------------------ · June 13, 2026: - Adam M. Biron, of Oneida, was issued a traffic ticket for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration. - Kelly S. Tornatore, of Oneida, was issued an appearance ticket for endangering the welfare of a child. ------------------------------------------ · June 14, 2026: - Alisia B. Burton, of Oneida, was issued an appearance ticket for endangering the welfare of a child. - Lance R. Dolan, of Verona, was issued an appearance ticket for petit larceny. - Kimberly L. Jones, of Oneida, was issued a criminal summons for harassment second-degree. - Brian A. Ostrander, of Lenox, was arrested on an arrest warrant for criminal contempt second-degree. ------------------------------------------ · June 15, 2026: - Robert J. Adsit, of Oneida, was arrested for criminal possession of a controlled substance fifth-degree (DF), criminal possession of a controlled substance third-degree (BF), criminal possession of a controlled substance seventh-degree and criminal use of drug paraphernalia second-degree. - Terry J. Smith was issued an appearance ticket for trespass. - Timothy G. Teepell, of Verona, was issued traffic tickets for leaving the scene of a personal injury accident-1st offense, reckless driving, imprudent speed, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, no/single licensed plate, following too close and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. - Timothy J. Wimett, of Durhamville, was arrested on an arrest warrant for burglary third-degree (DF) and petit larceny. ------------------------------------------ · June 17, 2026: - Tammy I. Ely, of Oneida, was issued two separate criminal summons’ for harassment second-degree. - Mark A. Williams, of Oneida, was arrested on a superior court bench warrant for criminal possession of a weapon third-degree: previous conviction (DF). ------------------------------------------ · June 18, 2026: - Michelle M. Arnold, of Canastota, was arrested for DWAI Drugs-1st offense, possession of alcohol/cannabis in motor vehicle on highway, criminal possession of a controlled substance seventh-degree, aggravated unlicensed operation third-degree and a seatbelt violation. - Mark F. Beechinor, of Syracuse, was issued an appearance ticket for unlawful publication of an intimate image. - Parish T. Gibson was issued an appearance ticket for petit larceny. - Deborah A. Moyer, of Munnsville, was issued traffic tickets for aggravated unlicensed operation third-degree, speed in zone and operating an uninspected motor vehicle. ------------------------------------------ · June 19, 2026: - Austin M. Cyphert, of Oneida, was issued traffic tickets for unlicensed operator, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, operating an uninspected motor vehicle, failure to yield the right of way to an emergency vehicle and resisting arrest. - Amber M. Phelps, of Cleveland, was arrested on an arrest warrant for petit larceny. ------------------------------------------ · June 20, 2026: - Vincent A. Demarzio, of Canastota, was issued traffic tickets for speed in zone and aggravated unlicensed operation third-degree. - Timothy L. Dunbar, of Utica, was issued traffic tickets for aggravated unlicensed operation third-degree and operating an uninspected motor vehicle. - Christopher P. Rong, of Oneida, was issued an appearance ticket for a local law charge of allowing a dog to run at large. - Robert P. Swayze, of Georgetown, was issued traffic tickets for aggravated unlicensed operation third-degree and operating an uninspected motor vehicle. - Gene C. Whiting, of Oneida, was issued a traffic ticket for aggravated unlicensed operation third-degree. ------------------------------------------ · June 21, 2026: - Timothy W. Finster was issued an appearance ticket for petit larceny. - Amro Ali S. Kaid, of Canastota, was issued traffic tickets for operating an uninspected motor vehicle and aggravated unlicensed operation third-degree. - Nicholas J. Staudt, of Vernon, was issued traffic tickets for failure to stop at a stop sign, possession of alcohol/cannabis in motor vehicle on highway, aggravated unlicensed operation third-degree and unlicensed operator. ------------------------------------------ ***𝘚𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘔𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘢 𝘋𝘐𝘚𝘊𝘓𝘈𝘐𝘔𝘌𝘙***: 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘵𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘢𝘸. ***𝘗𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘥𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘖𝘯𝘦𝘪𝘥𝘢 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘗𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘋𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘺𝘦𝘦𝘴. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘵𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘢𝘸

ONEIDA, NY – On Monday, June 15, 2026, members of the Oneida Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence on West Elm Street following an extensive six-month narcotics investigation. As a result of the investigation, Robert Adsit of Oneida, was arrested and charged with: · Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell Narcotic Drug (B-Felony) · Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell Controlled Substance (D- Felony) · Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th degree (A-Misdemeanor) During the execution of the search warrant, investigators seized approximately 600 individual doses of fentanyl, along with quantities of crack cocaine and methamphetamine. Police also seized cash believed to be connected to illegal narcotics activity. Following his arrest, Adsit was transported to the Madison County Jail for Centralized Arraignment and is currently being held without bail. The seizure of this amount of fentanyl represents a significant removal of dangerous narcotics from the community. Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid and remains one of the leading contributors to fatal overdoses throughout New York State and across the nation. Even small amounts of fentanyl can be deadly, making its distribution a serious threat to public safety. This arrest is the culmination of approximately six months of investigative work conducted by members of the Oneida Police Department. Investigations of this nature require substantial time, resources, surveillance, intelligence gathering, and coordination to ensure those responsible for distributing dangerous narcotics are held accountable. Chief Steven Lowell praises the efforts of the investigators involved in the case. The investigation remains ongoing and additional arrests or charges may be forthcoming. Anyone with information regarding illegal narcotics activity is encouraged to contact the Oneida Police Department at (315) 363-2323. Chief’s Statement: "The seizure of approximately 600 doses of fentanyl has undoubtedly made our community safer. Fentanyl continues to devastate families and communities across our country, and every dose removed from our streets represents a potential life saved. This investigation demonstrates our department's unwavering commitment to combating the distribution of dangerous narcotics within our city. Cases like this do not happen overnight. They are the result of countless hours of dedicated police work, attention to detail, and a commitment to protecting the people we serve. I commend our investigators and officers for their professionalism, persistence, and determination throughout this six-month investigation. Their efforts reflect the Oneida Police Department's commitment to public safety and our mission of serving better together. Source Oneida Police Department

ROME, N.Y. — The swimming beach at Delta Lake State Park has been temporarily closed due to safety concerns connected to a harmful algal bloom. Officials say the closure is a precautionary measure to protect swimmers, families, and pets from possible exposure to unsafe water conditions. Harmful algal blooms, often referred to as HABs, can appear as green, blue-green, yellow, brown, or reddish discoloration on the surface of the water. In some cases, the water may look like spilled paint or pea soup. While the park itself remains open, swimming at the beach is not permitted until conditions improve and officials determine the water is safe for public use. Visitors are urged to follow all posted signs and avoid entering the water in the affected swimming area. Parents should keep children away from discolored water, surface scum, and debris along the shoreline. Pet owners should also keep dogs and other animals out of the water, as harmful algal blooms can pose serious health risks to animals. Possible symptoms from exposure may include skin irritation, eye irritation, nausea, stomach issues, breathing problems, or other health concerns. Anyone who believes they or their pet may have come into contact with a harmful bloom should rinse off with clean water and seek medical or veterinary guidance if symptoms develop. Delta Lake State Park is a popular summer destination for swimming, boating, camping, and family recreation in the Rome area. Officials have not announced an exact reopening date for the swimming beach. The beach will remain closed until further notice. Residents and visitors planning a trip to Delta Lake are encouraged to check the latest updates from New York State Parks before heading out. CNY Online will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

On June 7, 2026, at approximately 2:00 p.m., New York State Police responded to 3851 Wood Creek Road in the town of Verona for a death investigation after a caller discovered an unidentified deceased individual in the area of Lock 22. Members of the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation responded to the scene and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death. Investigators believe the deceased may be connected to a missing person case reported to the Rome Police Department on May 24, 2026. Positive identification remains pending confirmation by the Onondaga County Medical Examiner’s Office. An autopsy is scheduled for today through the Onondaga County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the identity of the deceased, as well as the cause and manner of death. At this time, investigators believe this to be an isolated incident and there is no known threat to the public. The New York State Police and Rome Police Department are conducting a joint investigation. Assistance is being provided by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, Utica Police Department, and the New York State Canal Corporation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the New York State Police at (315) 366-6000 or crimetip@troopers.ny.gov and reference case NY2600716075. The investigation remains ongoing.

According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at approximately 9:15 a.m., a Patrol Deputy assigned to the Waterville Field Office conducted a traffic stop on South Main Street in the Village of Oriskany Falls. During the stop, the Deputy identified a passenger, Samuel A. Smith of Hamilton, New York, who had an active bench warrant out of Chenango County for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree. Upon further investigation, a quantity of methamphetamine was located in Smith’s possession. He was arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th Degree. The driver of the vehicle, Robert S. Williams of Oriskany Falls, was also found in possession of methamphetamine and was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th Degree. Smith and Williams were transported to the Kurt B. Wyman Law Enforcement Building for processing. Smith was turned over to the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office on the warrant, Williams was issued an appearance ticket. Both individuals are scheduled to appear in the Town of Augusta Court at a later date.

According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert M. Maciol, a 16-year-old male has been charged with (2) hate crime offenses after an investigation was conducted by the Oneida County Sheriff's Office Juvenile Aid Unit. Two Madison-Oneida BOCES Administrators contacted the Oneida County Sheriff's Office with each reporting a separate course of conduct by the juvenile suspect where slurs were communicated to them both in-person and through messages sent to their respective work e-mails. The juvenile, who's name will not be released due to age, was charged with Harassment in the first degree as a hate crime and Stalking in the fourth degree as a hate crime, both class A Misdemeanors. The juvenile was issued appearance tickets referring him to Oneida County Probation and was released to his parent. Source https://sheriff.oneidacountyny.gov/news/6a21bdc818a652d14a02d7b4/

VERONA, N.Y. — A Massachusetts man is facing DWI charges after a tractor-trailer crash on the New York State Thruway in the Town of Verona. According to New York State Police, 25-year-old Alexis Balbin Mazo, of Boston, Massachusetts, was arrested on June 2, 2026, following a crash on I-90 in Oneida County. Police said Mazo was driving a 2017 Freightliner tractor-trailer westbound at about 4:30 a.m. when he allegedly made an unsafe lane change, struck a delineator and guardrail, and rolled the tractor-trailer onto the right-side embankment. Troopers reported signs of impairment at the scene. Mazo was given standardized field sobriety tests, which police said he failed. He was taken into custody and transported for processing, where police reported his blood alcohol content was 0.12%. No injuries were reported in the crash. The incident remains another reminder of the dangers of impaired driving, especially involving large commercial vehicles on busy highways like the Thruway. Source: https://www.thetrucker.com/trucking-news/the-nation/trucker-facing-dwi-charges-after-crashing-rig-on-new-york-thruway

According to Oneida County Sheriff, Robert M. Maciol, a City of Rome woman was arrested on May 17th, 2026, following a stolen motor vehicle complaint. On May 15th, 2026, members of the Road Patrol Division responded to an address in the City of Rome, regarding a stolen motor vehicle complaint. Upon arrival, Deputies learned that the victims white 2009 Nissan Maxima was stolen. The case was turned over to members of the Criminal Investigations Unit. As a result, Kimberly E. Guzman (26) of Rome, was arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the third degree (D Felony). Guzman was processed at the Kurt B. Wyman Law Enforcement Building and turned over to the Oneida County Correctional Facility for Centralized Arraignment. This investigation is still ongoing at this time. The Oneida County Sheriff's Office was assisted during this investigation by the City of Rome Police Department. Source: https://sheriff.oneidacountyny.gov/news/6a203e5876f7a2b986064464/

According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, a Waterville man has been arrested after a joint investigation between the Sheriff’s Office and the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles. May 28, 2026, Sheriff’s Patrol responded to M.D. Auto, located at 2116 Oriskany Street West in the City of Utica, for a repossession report. Upon receiving this report, patrol spoke with Michael Romanowski, age 45, who is the owner of the business and had reported that he had repossessed a 2019 Dodge Ram pickup truck from HMI Pratt and Whitney, located at 2395 Main Street in the Village of Clayville, Town of Paris. After this report was taken, owners of the vehicle reported to the Sheriff’s Office that their Dodge Ram pickup truck had been repossessed illegally. Sheriff’s Patrol conducted an investigation into the allegations and found that the owners of the vehicle had allowed Romanowski to do some work on the truck in January of 2026, but he had not completed the work, and the owners were able to get their truck back in February 2026. In an attempt to collect money for the rest of the work that Romanowski claimed was owed to him, he filed a civil claim in Oneida City Court. After filing the claim, Romanowski completed Department of Motor Vehicle documents claiming a Mechanic’s Lien and Repossession. M.D. Auto is not a registered or licensed repair shop, therefore Romanowski could not legally complete these documents. The case was turned over to the Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Unit for further investigation. During this time, it was learned that the bank/lien holder of the truck never authorized the repossession of the truck that Romanowski repossessed. It was further learned that Romanowski had gone to HMI Pratt and Whitney and took the truck from the lot without permission from the owners or bank/lien holder. Romanowski had also scheduled to have the truck sent to an auction on June 3, 2026. On June 1, 2026, the truck was located by Investigators of the Criminal Investigation Unit at M.D. Auto and recovered. On June 2, 2026, Romanowski arrived at the Sheriff’s Office and was arrested for Grand Larceny 3rd, a Class D Felony, and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property Fourth, a Class E Felony. He was further charged by Investigators from the Department of Motor Vehicles on 2 counts of Possession of a Forged Instrument, which are Class E Felonies. Sheriff’s members and NYS DMV Investigators located Romanowski’s flatbed tow truck in the parking lot of the Sheriff’s Office illegally parked in a handicapped spot as well as the flatbed truck having a switched inspection sticker. The flatbed truck was subsequently towed from the Sheriff’s Office by the NYS DMV Investigators, who also issued Romanowski traffic tickets. Romanowski was processed and arraigned at CAP Court, where he was remanded to the Oneida County Correctional Facility without bail.