Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. announced today that Oneida County was successful in receiving a temporary restraining order in New York State Supreme Court against Governor Hochul’s executive order restricting the hiring of separated correction officers. “This ruling is a victory for Oneida County and for the dedicated men and women who have served as correction officers and deserve the opportunity to continue their careers in public service,” Picente said. “The Governor’s executive order was an unjust overreach that not only harmed these individuals but also jeopardized the safety and operations of our Sheriff’s Office. We will continue to fight to ensure that this temporary order becomes permanent, and that Oneida County retains the ability to hire qualified personnel to serve our community.” State Supreme Court Justice Ryba ruled on April 1, 2025 that Oneida County successfully showed irreparable harm in not being able to hire the separated officers to fill several vacancies in its Sheriff’s Office and other departments, and that the county demonstrated a likelihood of succeeding on the ultimate merits of it lawsuit. The order only pertains to Oneida County and not statewide. “This decision is a crucial step toward ensuring that we can fill critical vacancies in our Sheriff’s Office with experienced, well-trained correction officers,” said Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol. “The Governor’s executive order unfairly targeted these professionals, preventing them from continuing to serve their communities. Public safety is our top priority, and this ruling allows us to strengthen our workforce and better protect the residents of Oneida County.” The Sheriff’s Office has already hired three separated officers who will begin on April 3, 2025, with several more to be processed in the coming weeks. Oneida County filed the request for injunction on March 19, 2025 in response to Executive Order 47.3 which was issued on March 10th banning 2,000 separated NYS correction officer from seeking employment in any government job at any level. Oneida County returns to court on May 2, 2025 to make the restraining order permanent, which would prevent any possibility of the order being renewed in Oneida County. View today’s press conference here .

Brandon Montanari, Rohail Kahn, and Michael Williams Assaulted an Inmate at Mid-State Correctional Facility SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Brandon Montanari, age 34, Rohail Kahn, age 28, and Michael Williams, age 38, have each pled guilty to depriving an inmate at Mid-State Correctional Facility of his rights under color of law. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. In pleading guilty, Montanari, Kahn, and Williams admitted to assaulting an inmate at Mid-State Correctional Facility in April 2023, including punching and kicking him without cause, causing bodily injury. Each defendant admitted further that he agreed with the others to lie about the assault during an internal investigation. At the sentencings scheduled for late July and August, each defendant faces a maximum imprisonment term of 10 years, a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of up to three years, and a maximum fine of $250,000. FBI is investigating the case with assistance from the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Office of Special Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael F. Perry and Michael D. Gadarian are prosecuting the case. Updated April 23, 2025 Sources: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/three-prison-guards-plead-guilty-violation-rights-under-color-law

April 25, 2025 – Rome, NY According to Oneida County Sheriff Rob Maciol, an investigation into a personal injury accident that occurred on March 7th, 2025 in the City of Rome resulted in the DWAI Drugs arrest of Nancy E. Lumbrazo (61) of Stockbridge, NY. According to Deputy's, Nancy Lumbrazo was operating a 2011 Nissan southerly on South James Street in the City of Rome she drove into the northerly lane of travel, striking a marked Sheriff's Patrol car being operated by Sgt. Danquer that was traveling northerly at the time. Sgt. Danquer was transported to the Rome Hospital for minor injuries and Nancy was treated on scene for minor injuries. A Deputy with the Oneida County Stop DWI patrol responded and determined while on scene that Nancy was impaired by drugs at the time of the accident and obtained a blood sample for testing with the assistance of the Rome Hospital staff. Upon receiving the blood test results, which indicated the presence of multiple drugs in Nancy's blood sample, Nancy was charged with Driving While Ability Impaired by drugs (DWAI Drugs), and was also issued tickets for other traffic violations, returnable to the City of Rome Court at a later date. The Sheriff's Office was assisted on scene by Rome Police, New York State Police, Rome Fire Department, AmCare Ambulance, Gurley and Fleet towing, and Mike Jr's Towing.

Press Release UPDATE April 25, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.  The State Police member involved in the officer-involved shooting in South Glens Falls, NY, on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, is Trooper Jason Flynn Trooper Flynn has been a member of the State Police for more than 5 years and is assigned to the Troop G Community Stabilization Unit (CSU).  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- UPDATE April 24, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Billy G. Cassell III  has been arrested on the below charges as a result of the investigation into the officer-involved shooting on April 23, 2025, in South Glens Falls, NY.  The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are possible.  Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the second degree, a class “C” felony Menacing a Police Officer, a class “D” felony Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle, a class “A” misdemeanor Criminal Mischief in the fourth degree, a class “A” misdemeanor Reckless Endangerment in the second degree, a class “A” misdemeanor Cassell  was released from the Albany Medical Center yesterday evening and transported to SP Wilton for processing. He was then arraigned at the Moreau Town Court and remanded to the Saratoga County Correctional Facility without bail. The vehicle's passenger was identified as  Anthony J. Lebrun , 59, of Hudson Falls, NY. While in custody for questioning related to this incident,  Lebrun  was found to possess a controlled substance. He was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree and processed at SP Queensbury.  Lebrun  was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Moreau Town Court on May 21, 2025, and released. The Trooper involved is currently on a voluntary leave. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- UPDATE: April 23, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. The New York State Police is currently investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in the vicinity of State Route 9 and Catherine Street in South Glens Falls, NY.  On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at approximately 12:13 p.m., Troopers assigned to the Troop G Community Stabilization Unit were attempting to locate a Billy Cassell III , 45 of Kingsbury, NY due to an active arrest warrant issued out of Washington County, NY. Troopers located Cassell  operating a vehicle in the area of State Route 9 in South Glens Falls, NY and attempted to stop it. Cassell  failed to comply, and a pursuit was initiated which ended when the vehicle crashed into a home at the intersection of State Route 9 and Catherine Street. Cassell exited the vehicle and fled on foot with what has been determined to be a loaded Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun. At approximately 12:15 p.m., after a brief foot pursuit Cassell  was located attempting to conceal himself in front of a residence. Troopers instructed him multiple times to drop the firearm. He did not follow the Troopers commands and raised the firearm towards the Troopers at which time a Trooper fired his department issue firearm striking Cassell  in the right shoulder.  Trooper immediately provided medical aid until EMS arrived and transported him to Albany Medical Center where Cassell  is currently listed in stable condition.  At the time of the vehicle crash, a passenger in the vehicle also fled on foot. At about 12:32 p.m. an Officer from the South Glens Falls Police Department located the passenger of the vehicle on Jackson Avenue and took him into custody without incident. Additional updates with be published here as they become available. State Route 9 (Saratoga Road) remains closed between Marion Avenue and Jackson Avenue. The closure is expected to continue into the late evening.  Attached here is a photo of the shotgun Cassell possessed during the incident.  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- UPDATE April 23, 2025, at 3:15 p.m. MEDIA ADVISORY- Officer involved shooting in South Glens Falls State Police will hold a press conference concerning an officer involved shooting event that occurred on April 23, 2025, in South Glens Falls, NY. Location: SP Wilton- 301 Ballard Rd, Gansevoort, NY 12831 Time: 4:30 p.m. today -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- April 23, 2025, at 1:10 p.m. State Police is currently investigating an officer involved shooting in the area of State Route 9 and Catherine Street in South Glens Falls, NY. A suspect sustained injuries and is being transported for medical treatment. No Troopers were injured, and no other law enforcement agencies were involved in the officer-involved shooting. There is no current threat to the public.  More details to follow.  Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/update-state-police-investigate-south-glens-falls-officer-involved-shooting

On April 24, 2025, Troopers out of SP Lockport arrested Michael S. Wrzos, 45 of Lockport, NY for Criminal Possession of an Assault Weapon -D Felony (4 counts), Criminal Possession of high-capacity magazines- D Felony (9 Counts), Criminal Possession of a Silencer, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance – A Misdemeanor (2 Counts) and Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the 2nd Degree. On April 24, 2025, Troopers out of SP Lockport conducted a traffic stop on Hinman Road in the city of Lockport for a tinted, nontransparent windshield. During the traffic stop Troopers observed four illegal assault rifles in plain view in the vehicle. Troopers contacted Troop A Community Stabilization Unit, who responded to the scene and assisted with the investigation.  The following were seized: four assault weapons without serial numbers, 9 high-capacity magazines, a silencer, a glass container with suspected cocaine, and a small envelope containing suspected cocaine/fentanyl.  The weapons had no serial numbers. Troopers transported Wrzos to SP Lockport for processing. Wrzos was transported to Lockport Police Department and held for centralized arraignment. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/tinted-windshield-results-large-weapons-arrest

On April 22, 2025, State Police arrested  Chad J. Nichols , 47, of Ballston Spa, NY, for Grand Larceny in the third degree and Bail Jumping in the second degree.  On February 13, 2025, State Police received a bench warrant for  Nichols  issued by the Albany County Supreme Court when he failed to appear for a sentencing hearing following a New York State Police arrest on March 28, 2024, and subsequent prosecution by the Albany County District Attorney’s Office.  On February 17, 2025, Troopers received a complaint from a Saratoga County resident reporting a theft. The investigation determined that in October 2024,  Nichols  received more than $3,000 in payment for a vehicle.  Nichols  never provided the vehicle to the victim or returned the victim's money. As a result of this investigation, the Wilton Town Court issued an arrest warrant for  Nichols  on February 25, 2025.  On April 22, 2025, following an extensive investigation into Nichols's location with the assistance of the Troop G Community Stabilization Unit (CSU), Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, and the Albany County District Attorney’s Office, he was located and arrested in Saratoga Springs, NY.  Nichols  was transported to SP Wilton, where he was processed on all charges. He was arraigned at the Wilton Town Court on the Grand Larceny 3rd charge and remanded to the Saratoga County Correctional Facility without bail.  Nichols is anticipated to be arraigned on the Bench Warrant and the Bail Jumping 2nd charge at the Albany County Supreme Court on April 24, 2025, at approximated 9:30 a.m.

New Safety Presentation Will Be Required Prior to Start of the Trip DMV Continues Efforts to Ensure All Limos Are Properly Registered, Inspected and Insured Under a new law, stretch limousine operators are now required to give passengers a safety presentation before the trip begins. The pre-trip safety briefing covers important information about the limo’s safety features including emergency exits, fire extinguishers, window break tools and how to use them. The law was passed last year and support’s the State’s ongoing efforts to enhance limousine safety. “The purpose of this safety briefing is to familiarize passengers with the safety features and tools available to them in case they ever need to use them,” said Mark J.F. Schroeder, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. “It’s just one of many steps the State has taken to make renting a limousine safer for consumers. Stretch limousines are usually rented when someone is celebrating an important milestones or occasion in their lives. They deserve to know that the vehicle is safe and what they can do to protect themselves if an emergency does happen.” In recent years, DMV has taken additional steps to increase enforcement of limousine safety, including:  Revoking 98 altered vehicle (stretch limousine) registrations, since Dec. 2022 for fraudulent registration paperwork. Pursued 21 driver license actions related to cases of improperly registered limousines since 2023.  Arrested and charged 20 individuals with various misdemeanors and felonies associated with fraudulently registering and operating limousines. Took administrative action against 79 licensed inspection stations and 96 certified inspectors since 2023. The state offers other important safety information for consumers to follow before chartering a stretch limo, including a limo safety checklist and details about limo operator’s safety inspection performance. Sources: https://dmv.ny.gov/news/new-stretch-limousine-safety-measures-take-effect

The Oneida Indian Nation, joined by elected officials, construction partners and community leaders, gathered today to raise the final beam for The Crescent Hotel, part of the $370 million Turning Stone Evolution. This massive expansion will build upon the resort’s existing amenities to make Turning Stone and Upstate New York premier destinations for business and leisure travel. Oneida Indian Nation Homelands (April 23, 2025)  – Earlier today, Oneida Indian Nation leadership joined local elected officials, construction partners and community partners to provide a first look at the Turning Stone Evolution progress during a topping ceremony for The Crescent Hotel. Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Turning Stone CEO Ray Halbritter delivered remarks during the event along with Oneida County Executive Tony Picente, Madison County Chairman Jim Cunningham, New York State Senator Joe Griffo, New York State Assembly Members Marianne Buttenschon and Brian Miller along with several construction partners and community leaders. “The Turning Stone Evolution is part of a generational impact. We are taking what we have built here to even greater heights,” said Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Turning Stone Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter. “Much more than an expansion, the investment we are making is the next chapter of the dream we laid out over three decades ago to transform this region, showcase all we have to offer and leave it better than we found it for our grandchildren’s grandchildren.” The Turning Stone Evolution is set to open in 2027. When complete, it will make Turning Stone the largest conference destination in Upstate New York and one of just three venues of similar size and caliber in the state. This generational investment by the Nation will produce a one-time economic impact exceeding $600 million, create more than 3,500 construction and related jobs, generate more than $22 million in state and local tax revenues and expand the Nation’s spending with regional vendors, which exceeded $161 million in 2024. Along with the 258-room Crescent Hotel, the Turning Stone Evolution includes The Grand Expo, a 165,000-square-foot conference and events center that will double the resort’s existing meeting and convention space, a new fine-dining restaurant and a new parking garage, as well as an on-site health center for Turning Stone guests and Turning Stone Enterprises team members and their families. To date, more than 60 Upstate New York companies have supported the resort’s largest expansion in two decades with more to come as the project continues.   About Turning Stone Resort Casino A renowned, award-winning destination resort in Upstate New York, the Oneida Indian Nation’s  Turning Stone Resort Casino  features world-class amenities including five hotels, two luxurious spas, five golf courses, more than 20 dining options, a 125,000 square foot Las Vegas-style gaming floor, TS Sports, a state-of-the-art sports betting lounge, The Showroom, an intimate concert venue, a 5,000 seat arena, and several nightlife venues. Conveniently located 30 miles east of Syracuse at NYS Thruway exit 33, Turning Stone was named the #1 Best Gaming Resort in New York by Casino Player Magazine and the #1 Best Overall Dining in 2023. Turning Stone has also earned the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Award for The Lodge, Wildflowers restaurant, TS Steakhouse, and Skʌ:nʌ́: Spa, and, for more than a decade, the AAA Four Diamond Award for The Lodge, The Tower Hotel, and Wildflowers restaurant. For more information and reservations, call (315) 361-7711 or (800) 771-7711.   Media Contact: Joel Barkin, Vice President for Strategic Communications and Community Engagement315.361.8173 jbarkin@oneida-nation.org Sources: https://www.turningstone.com/press/news/resort/the-oneida-indian-nation-unveils-a-first-look-at-the-turning-stone-evolution-as-local-officials-and-construction-partners-gather-for-the-crescent-hotel-topping-ceremony

Shedeur Sanders Headlines Day 2 of 2025 NFL Draft as Browns Make Bold Move April 25, 2025 — Green Bay, WI In a dramatic turn of events at the 2025 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns seized the spotlight by selecting quarterback Shedeur Sanders with the 33rd overall pick, the first selection of the second round. Sanders, once projected as a potential top-five pick, experienced a surprising slide out of the first round, making his selection by the Browns a significant storyline on Day 2. ( Shedeur Sanders Watch: Where Experts Think Colorado QB Could Go on Day 2 of NFL Draft ) Sanders, the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, had been a focal point of pre-draft discussions. Despite his impressive collegiate performance at Colorado, where he threw for over 4,000 yards and 37 touchdowns last season, concerns about his pre-draft interviews and perceived attempts to influence his draft destination may have contributed to his unexpected fall. ( Shedeur Sanders' message to family at NFL draft party after shocking fall: 'Shouldn't have happened' ) The Browns, holding the 33rd pick after a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars, capitalized on the opportunity to draft Sanders, addressing a pressing need at the quarterback position. This move is seen as a strategic effort to rejuvenate an offense that struggled in the previous season. ( The Browns passed on Shedeur Sanders. Will they in the 2nd round? , 2025 NFL Draft: Browns get their QB in second-round mock ) Following the selection of Sanders, the Browns continued to bolster their roster by picking cornerback Will Johnson from Michigan at No. 36. Johnson is expected to strengthen Cleveland's secondary, bringing agility and coverage skills to the defense. ( NFL Mock Draft 2025: Projecting second-round and third-round picks on Day 2 ) Other notable picks in the second round included the Houston Texans selecting offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery from Minnesota at No. 34, and the New Orleans Saints choosing running back TreVeyon Henderson from Ohio State at No. 40. ( NFL Mock Draft 2025: Projecting second-round and third-round picks on Day 2 ) As the draft progresses into the later rounds, teams continue to strategize and build their rosters, with the Browns' bold move to draft Shedeur Sanders setting a dynamic tone for Day 2. For more updates on the 2025 NFL Draft, stay tuned to our coverage.

ROME, N.Y.  – In a game-changing development for Upstate New York, Chobani has announced it will build a $1.2 billion, 1.4 million square-foot manufacturing facility in the heart of Rome, bringing with it 1,000 new jobs and the promise of long-term economic revitalization. After a competitive, nationwide search, the iconic Greek yogurt brand chose the Griffiss Business and Technology Park in Rome as the future home of what Governor Kathy Hochul calls “the largest investment in natural food manufacturing in American history.” “This is more than a factory—it’s a generational win for Oneida County and the entire Mohawk Valley,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, celebrating the announcement. “This project will transform our region for decades to come.” Governor Hochul noted that other states aggressively courted Chobani with flashy offers to lure them away from New York. But thanks to a bold state and local effort—including $23 million in state funding and $6 million from Oneida County—the site is officially shovel-ready, and Chobani is staying true to its New York roots. Founded in South Edmeston, just 30 miles south of Utica, Chobani has always had deep ties to the region. The company employs nearly 1,000 people at its original headquarters, and this latest move solidifies its commitment to growing right here at home. Construction is expected to begin soon, with a focus not just on expanding production but on creating meaningful, long-term employment for local residents. Rome is on the rise—and Chobani is helping lead the way.

On April 17, 2025, the New York State Police arrested Kimberlee Pontello , age 37, of Camillus, NY, for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th degree (Class A misdemeanor). At approximately 3:51 a.m., Troopers from SP Oneida responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle on Senn Road in the Town of Verona, Oneida County. Upon arrival, Troopers interviewed the vehicle’s occupants—a male driver and a female passenger. While speaking with the individuals, Troopers observed drug paraphernalia in plain view and requested both occupants to exit the vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a plastic container holding a substance later confirmed to be crystal methamphetamine. Pontello claimed ownership of the drugs and was taken into custody without incident. She was transported to SP Oneida for processing and released on an appearance ticket. The investigation also revealed th at the vehicle had switched license plates and ha d several vehicle and traffic law violations. The driver, Gary J. Schapp , age 43, of Munnsville, NY, was issued multiple traffic tickets. The New York State Police were assisted on the scene by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office. https://troopers.ny.gov/news/suspicious-vehicle-complaint-leads-drug-arrest-verona

SYRACUSE, N.Y. —  A Canastota man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy and for illegally possessing firearms while using controlled substances. Andrew Snyder, 46, was sentenced on Tuesday to 60 months behind bars  after pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and a heroin/fentanyl mixture , and possessing firearms as an unlawful drug user . His sentence also includes four years of supervised release  following incarceration. Federal prosecutors say Snyder and his wife, Jessica Snyder , ran a drug operation out of the garage of their Madison County home from October 2020 through May 2022 . During that time, the couple distributed methamphetamine and a heroin/fentanyl mix  to others in the area. The case escalated when, during a search of their property on May 17, 2022 , investigators discovered that Andrew Snyder was in possession of two 9mm handguns and ammunition , despite being a known user of methamphetamine—making it illegal for him to own or possess firearms under federal law. Jessica Snyder is expected to be sentenced later this month on April 24, 2025 . The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) , in collaboration with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office , and with support from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)  and the New York State Police . Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas R. Sutcliffe  and Matthew J. McCrobie  handled the prosecution. This case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to crack down on drug-related crime and illegal firearm possession  in Central New York.