On January 28th, 2025 at approximately 7:00AM Utica Police units were dispatched to a local grocery store regarding a burglary investigation. Upon arrival they were met by management who informed them that an unknown individual had broken the front glass window and entered the store. Once inside the suspect proceeded to steal over $700 in cookies on a flatbed cart valued at $500. The suspect then fled the store with the items. Surveillance footage was provided the investigator assigned to the case, and with the assistance of the Mohawk Valley Crime Analysis Center, the footage was disseminated and a positive identification was made on the suspect. Then on February 1st, 2025 Utica Police officers took a report of a separate larceny from a convenience store of the same male in which the male stole cases of beer and fled the scene. In this incident the store employees were familiar with suspect and provided the name to the officers. Based on the time frame both cases were assigned to the investigator in the Criminal Investigations Division, and charges for both incidents were submitted for warrant consideration. On March 28th, 2025 the Utica Police Department Warrants Unit located the suspect, Charles Green age 41 of Utica and arrested him. He was brought to the Utica Police Department and charged with: Burglary in the second degree Grand Larceny in the fourth degree Criminal Mischief in the third degree Petit Larceny While many will remember Green for his strange penchant for sweets and alcohol, the case raises some serious questions about his motivations — and whether he was simply indulging in his cravings or embarking on a much deeper criminal spree. Either way, the authorities are calling this a significant victory. Green’s arrest may put an end to his cookie-and-beer-fueled crime spree, but it’s left the community wondering just how far this unusual burglar will go for his next heist. Press Release

In a significant legal victory for Oneida County, the state’s Supreme Court has granted a temporary restraining order against Governor Kathy Hochul’s executive order, which had restricted the hiring of separated correction officers. This ruling, issued on April 1, 2025, allows Oneida County to continue hiring qualified correction officers who had previously been separated from service, a move that the county’s leaders argue is crucial for maintaining public safety and operational effectiveness. Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. expressed strong approval of the decision, calling it a win for both the county and the dedicated correction officers who were unfairly affected by the Governor’s directive. "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." The legal battle began in response to Executive Order 47.3, issued by Governor Hochul on March 10, 2025, which barred roughly 2,000 separated NYS correction officers from seeking government employment at any level. In a decisive move, Oneida County filed for an injunction on March 19, arguing that the order would result in irreparable harm, particularly in filling critical vacancies in the Sheriff’s Office and other departments. State Supreme Court Justice Ryba sided with Oneida County, stating that the county demonstrated a strong likelihood of success in its lawsuit and showed that the executive order would result in significant harm. The ruling, however, is specific to Oneida County and does not apply statewide. Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol also voiced his support for the decision, emphasizing the importance of experienced correction officers in maintaining public safety. "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," Maciol said. "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." In response to the ruling, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office has already hired three separate officers who are set to begin their new roles on April 3, 2025, with more expected to be processed in the coming weeks. The county will return to court on May 2, 2025, in an effort to make the restraining order permanent, ensuring that the ability to hire qualified personnel remains intact. As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on ensuring that the Sheriff’s Office and other departments can operate efficiently with the necessary manpower to protect the community. The county’s victory marks a significant challenge to the Governor’s executive order, which has sparked debate over the ability of local governments to make hiring decisions that they believe are best suited to the needs of their communities. Sources: https://sheriff.oneidacountyny.gov/news/67ed7d50907aa25bcb00f519/

Between March 14 and 31, 2025, New York State Forest Rangers were kept busy responding to multiple wildland fires that scorched a total of 23 acres across five counties. The largest of these fires, which occurred in Catlin, Chemung County, started on March 24 and quickly spread across eight acres. Thankfully, it was declared out the following day. While the fires caused significant damage, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has highlighted that two of the five fires were the result of illegal debris burning, a reminder of the dangers of burning debris during the dry season. The DEC continues to remind New Yorkers that the statewide brush burning ban is still in effect until May 14. Those caught violating this ban face hefty fines, with a minimum fine of $500. As we approach warmer months, the DEC urges everyone to stay vigilant and avoid outdoor burning. The risk of wildfires is high, and taking precautions can prevent more devastating fires from breaking out.

In a dramatic turn of events, Nichole L. Lapier, 44, of Chazy, NY, found herself behind bars after leading police on a wild chase involving a stolen 2024 Ford Maverick pickup truck. The saga began on March 31st, 2025, when State Troopers were called to investigate a complaint in Rouses Point regarding unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Lapier, who had been allowed to borrow the truck, was supposed to return it by the end of the day. However, by the following morning, the truck was still missing. The situation escalated when the stolen vehicle was involved in a police pursuit initiated by Plattsburgh City Police, with help from State Police and the Clinton County Sheriff's Department. The chase, which lasted about 10 miles and spanned several roads in Plattsburgh and Peru, ended when the vehicle was lost from sight. Law enforcement continued their search, leading to a report from a local resident about a woman asking for help on Lapham Mills Road. Upon arriving, officers found no sign of the woman but soon discovered the truck abandoned nearby. With determination, authorities located Lapier hiding in the attic of an apartment complex. She was taken into custody without incident. Following her arrest, Lapier was processed and later arraigned in the Town of Plattsburgh Court, where she was released on her own recognizance. She now faces charges of criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree. This high-speed chase and subsequent arrest involved multiple agencies, including the Clinton County Sheriff's Department, Plattsburgh City Police, and Essex County Sheriff's Department, working together to bring the case to a close.

Press Release [Hornell, NY] –April 2, 2025 – The New York State Police are pleased to announce the official opening of a new barracks at State Police (SP) Hornell, which will replace the existing facilities at SP Wayland and SP North Hornell. This transition is part of an ongoing effort to enhance public safety, improve operational efficiency, and better serve the communities of Steuben County and the surrounding areas. The new SP Hornell barracks, strategically located to improve accessibility and response times, are equipped with modern facilities designed to support the evolving needs of law enforcement. The relocation allows troopers to operate from a more centralized and efficient base, strengthening their ability to respond swiftly to emergencies and provide proactive policing services. “The safety and security of our residents remain our top priority,” said Troop E Commander Major Kevin Sucher of the New York State Police. “By relocating to SP Hornell, we are ensuring that our troopers have the resources they need to serve the community effectively and uphold our commitment to public safety.” The SP Wayland and SP North Hornell facilities have served the region for many years and will officially close as operations shift to the new Hornell location. While this marks the end of an era for SP Wayland and SP North Hornell, the move represents a step forward in enhancing law enforcement capabilities and improving service to residents and visitors alike. The New York State Police thank the residents of Steuben County and surrounding communities for their continued support. Troopers will remain dedicated to providing the highest level of service and protection from their new headquarters in Hornell.

Oneida Indian Nation Homelands (March 3, 2025)  – American Country songwriter and singer Sam Hunt will be performing on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in The Event Center at Turning Stone at 8 p.m. Tickets for Sam Hunt’s performance at Turning Stone go on sale Wednesday, March 5 at 10 am for Fan Club Presale, Thursday, March 6 at 10am for Local TS Presale and to the public Friday, March 7 at 10 am EST Sam Hunt is a five-time Grammy-nominated, Diamond-selling, award-winning hitmaker. He scored his 10th No. 1 with a two-week chart-topping, Platinum-selling hit, “Outskirts,” featured on his 2024 four-track EP, LOCKED UP. LOCKED UP is the follow-up to Hunt’s sophomore album SOUTHSIDE, which debuted to critical acclaim, landing at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart. Named one of the Best Albums of the Year by The New York Times and US Weekly, the Platinum-selling project features 12 songs all written by Hunt including his No. 1 hits “Kinfolks,” “Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90’s,” one of NPR’s Best Songs of 2020 “Hard To Forget,” and his three-week No. 1, Diamond-selling, GRAMMY-nominated smash, “Body Like A Back Road.”  SOUTHSIDE follows Hunt’s GRAMMY-nominated, Triple-Platinum-selling debut album, MONTEVALLO, which also topped the Billboard Country Albums chart and produced four No. 1 singles. All ten tracks on MONTEVALLO are RIAA certified, with seven achieving Platinum or Multi-Platinum status, including “Leave the Night On,” “House Party,” “Take Your Time,” “Break Up In A Small Town,” “Speakers,” and “Make You Miss Me.”  Called “stylistically provocative” by  The New York Times  and “deceptively phenomenal” by  The Washington Post , Hunt has received accolades from  Associated Press, Billboard, Esquire, Entertainment Weekly, Los Angeles Times, NPR, Rolling Stone, SPIN Magazine, Village Voice, The New York Times, The Washington Post  and more. Since MONTEVALLO’s 2014 release, Hunt has accumulated over 15.5 billion global streams and has earned 52 million RIAA-certified units.  https://www.turningstone.com/press/news/entertainment/sam-hunt-to-perform-at-turning-stone-resort-casino-in-july-26th

On March 31, 2025, at about 8:19 a.m., New York State Police responded to a reported motor vehicle crash on Oswego Road in the town of Lysander. The preliminary investigation has determined that the driver of a Chevrolet Express cargo van crossed over the centerline of the road and struck a Jeep SUV in the opposite lane head-on. The driver of the cargo van, Michael J. Simons-Iocona, age 28, of Williamstown, NY, was transported to Upstate Medical Center, where he died from his injuries. The driver of the Jeep, Tammy L. Piscitelli, age 54, of Lysander, NY, suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Upstate Medical Center for treatment. A 3-year-old passenger in the Jeep was also transported to Upstate Medical Center for evaluation. The investigation into the crash is ongoing; no tickets have been issued.  Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-investigate-fatal-crash-lysander

Clayton, NY – The New York State Police in Watertown are currently investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred on County Route 54 in the town of Clayton, Jefferson County. On March 27, 2025, at approximately 4:46 p.m., a Toyota Tacoma exited the roadway for an unknown reason and struck a telephone pole. The operator, identified as Marc Bryan Gross , age 45, of Evans Mills, NY, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Live electrical wires from the damaged pole were preventing immediate access to the vehicle. National Grid responded to address the hazard. No other vehicles were involved, and Mr. Gross was the sole occupant of the vehicle. The investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing. https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-investigating-fatal-single-vehicle-crash-jefferson-county

Press Release On March 25, 2025, at approximately 10:33 a.m., New York State Police at Owego arrested Jeremy W. Searles , age 50 of Waverly, NY for Attempted Arson in the second degree, a class “C” felony and Criminal Mischief in the fourth degree, a misdemeanor. On March 24, 2025, Troopers were dispatched by the Tioga County 911 Center to a report of a disturbance and a brush fire at a residence on Ellis Creek Road in the town of Barton.    When patrols arrived, they observed that several areas on the property where brush had been recently burnt. An investigation determined that there had been a dispute involving Searles and three other people when Searles intentionally ignited brush in an attempt to burn an occupied trailer.  The fire was put out by the other people that were involved in the dispute. When Troopers attempted to interview Searles, they could hear him from a wooded area near the property and believed that he was suffering from a mental health crisis.  Searles fled the area but Troopers ultimately located Searles several hours later.  He was taken into custody outside the residence on March 25.  He was transported to Wilson Medical Center to be evaluated. After his release from the hospital, Searles was processed and remanded to the Tioga Correctional Facility on $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bond.

Barneveld, NY — The New York State Police are conducting an investigation into the death of a 30-year-old man who died while in custody following a response to a 911 call late Sunday night. Authorities say the incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. on March 24, 2025, when Troopers were dispatched to a residence on Sand Ridge Road for reports of an individual acting erratically. Upon arrival, the Troopers encountered Matthew A. Brown, a Barneveld resident. According to police reports, Brown's behavior escalated, and he suddenly attempted to grab a Trooper’s holstered firearm. Officers quickly restrained and handcuffed him without further incident. While awaiting emergency medical personnel for an evaluation, Brown became unresponsive. State Troopers, along with a Oneida County Sheriff’s Deputy and EMS personnel, immediately performed lifesaving measures. Despite their efforts, Brown was pronounced dead at the scene. In compliance with Executive Law Section 70-b, the New York State Attorney General’s Office has been notified and will oversee the investigation into Brown’s death. The investigation remains ongoing, and no further information has been released at this time. The circumstances surrounding the incident and the events leading to Brown’s death are expected to be closely examined. Community members are encouraged to await the findings of the investigation before drawing conclusions. Stay tuned to ExploreNY.com for updates on this developing story. https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-investigating-custody-death-barneveld

March 24, 2025 In a shocking turn of events, a Keeseville woman was arrested after allegedly attacking a vehicle with a baseball bat and firing a BB gun at its occupants. Samantha S. Durgan , 28, faces serious charges, including Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree , Two Counts of Second-Degree Assault , and Two Counts of Fourth-Degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon,  following the incident that took place on March 23, 2025 , in the Town of AuSable . A Calm Day Turns Chaotic At approximately 3:25 p.m. , New York State Police responded to reports of a violent altercation at a residence on Grove Street . Witnesses reported that Durgan became agitated when visitors arrived at the home. According to investigators, she stormed outside with a baseball bat  and began smashing the hood of a 2000 Chevrolet Blazer  parked in the driveway. But the destruction didn’t stop there. While the vehicle's occupants remained inside, Durgan allegedly yelled threats before shattering the passenger-side window with the bat. Escalation with a BB Gun After returning inside the residence, authorities say Durgan retrieved a long gun , later identified as a BB gun . Without hesitation, she fired multiple shots at the vehicle while the victims were still inside. Thankfully, no injuries were reported as the occupants quickly fled the scene. Arrest and Charges Durgan was arrested by State Police  and processed at SP Plattsburgh . Following her arraignment in the Town of AuSable Court , she was remanded to the Clinton County Jail  with bail set at $5,000 cash , $10,000 bond , or a $15,000 partially secured bond . For further information, contact: New York State Police - Troop B Phone: (555) 123-4567 Email: info@nystroopb.gov

Teen Faces Charges After Social Media Gun Scare at Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School Vernon, NY — A social media post showing a student with what appeared to be a handgun caused a brief scare at Vernon-Verona-Sherrill (VVS) High/Middle School this morning. According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert M. Maciol, the alarming post was reported to school staff just before 9:30 AM. School administrators quickly contacted the Special Patrol Officer assigned to the school, and as a precautionary measure, the campus was placed in a hold-in-place while authorities responded. Members of the Patrol and Juvenile Aid Unit launched an immediate investigation. After a swift search, officers discovered an air-powered replica of a Glock pistol in the parking lot. Fortunately, the situation was resolved without incident, and no students or staff were ever in any immediate danger. A 17-year-old student has been charged with multiple offenses, including: Making a Threat of Mass Harm  (Class B Misdemeanor) Unlawful Possession of a Weapon on School Grounds  (Violation) Obstruction of Governmental Administration 2nd Degree  (Class A Misdemeanor) The juvenile was issued appearance tickets and will face the charges through Oneida County Juvenile Probation. “Ensuring the safety of our schools and communities remains our top priority,” said Sheriff Maciol. “We appreciate the prompt response of the school staff and officers involved in swiftly resolving this matter.” The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident and is urging parents and guardians to discuss the seriousness of making threats, even if they are not intended to cause harm. Authorities have reiterated that there was no ongoing threat and that all necessary precautions were taken to ensure the safety of students and staff. For further updates on this incident, stay tuned to local news outlets. https://www.facebook.com/Oneidacountysheriff.us/posts/according-to-oneida-county-sheriff-robert-m-maciol-just-before-930-this-morning-/1052730320222968/