According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, a 25-year-old male was injured in a one-car motor vehicle accident on State Route 12 in the Town of Marshall.    On February 9th, 2025 at about 8:06 pm, Anthony Delmedico, age 25, was operating a 2018 Chevy pickup traveling in a southerly direction when he drove off the roadway and collided with a tree which resulted in heavy damage to the vehicle due to the collision.  Edwards ambulance transported Delmedico to the Wynn Hospital.  All injuries appeared to be serious but non-life threatening.    The accident is still actively being investigated.    The Sheriff's Office was assisted by Edwards Ambulance Waterville Fire Dept, Paris Hill Fire Dept, and New York State Police.

According to Oneida County Sheriff, Robert M. Maciol, a Rome man was arrested on February 8th, 2025, following a burglary investigation.   On December 23rd, 2024 at approximately 09:35 am, Oneida County Sheriff's Deputies responded to an address in the Town of Annsville, regarding a burglary complaint. Deputies were advised that a 4 wheeler was stolen from a building. Further investigation was completed by members of the Road Patrol Division and as a result, the stolen 4-wheeler was recovered from the backyard of a nearby residence. The investigation was turned over to members of the Criminal Investigation Unit and a search for a suspect ensued.  On February 8th, 2025, Road Patrol Deputies located one of the burglary suspects at a residence, in the Town of Annsville. As a result, Joshua J. Tanner (33), was arrested and charged with Burglary in the third degree, a class D felony. Tanner was transported to the Kurt B. Wynman Law Enforcement Building for processing. Tanner was then transported to the Oneida County Correctional Facility and is currently awaiting Centralized Arraignment.

Oneida County Executive Picente Calls for ‘Timeout’ on Immigration Amid Border Concerns Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Jr.  has voiced strong support for closing or at least restricting access to the southern border  until the U.S. can address ongoing immigration challenges and implement a more effective system to process newcomers. A Call for Immigration Reform "I've seen the magnitude of the amount of people coming through," Picente, a Republican, stated. "We can't sustain that. There does have to be a pause, and there does have to be some type of détente in terms of a timeout here. We need to understand who's here before we take any more. " While Oneida County has a long history of welcoming refugees , particularly in Utica, Picente has drawn a distinction between organized refugee resettlement efforts  and the recent influx of migrants from New York City. Last year, Oneida County joined other counties in declaring states of emergency  to prohibit hotels and shelters from accepting migrants relocated from NYC. Concerns from Local Refugee Organizations Picente also addressed concerns from The Center —formerly known as the Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees—which has been instrumental in resettling individuals from dozens of countries in Utica for decades . "They're concerned that their people don't get caught up in that mix," Picente said. "It's as simple as that." His comments come amid heightened national and regional debate on immigration policy and border security , particularly after former President Donald Trump issued new executive orders  aimed at tightening immigration laws . The policy changes have sparked fear and uncertainty  among immigrants, including those living in Central New York . Immigration Policy Debates in Central New York Across Central New York , immigration policy has become a divisive issue: In Ithaca , the Common Council voted Wednesday night  to reaffirm the city's status as a sanctuary city , pledging to continue protecting undocumented immigrants from deportation. In Onondaga County , Sheriff Toby Shelley  recently announced that his office will not comply with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) requests  to detain undocumented immigrants unless a warrant or detainer signed by a judge  is provided. In Syracuse , immigration attorney Jose Perez  revealed that many of his clients are increasingly fearful of new federal policies , which have led to migrants in the city being fitted with ankle monitors and having their passports confiscated . What’s Next for Oneida County? Picente’s position reflects broader concerns among local leaders grappling with immigration policies  at both the federal and state levels. As the 2024 election season  approaches, immigration is expected to remain a key issue, with Oneida County officials closely monitoring how new policies could impact local communities . While Picente supports stronger border restrictions , he has not called for changes to Oneida County’s existing refugee programs , which have helped revitalize communities like Utica through structured resettlement efforts . However, as migrant arrivals from NYC continue , county officials may face new challenges in balancing humanitarian aid with economic and social infrastructure demands . With the national debate over immigration policies intensifying, Oneida County—like much of the U.S.—faces an uncertain path forward  as officials weigh security, economic impact, and humanitarian concerns .

New York State’s homeless population has more than doubled  between January 2022 and January 2024 , according to a report released today by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli . The state saw a 53.1% increase in homelessness from January 2023 to January 2024 , a rate more than four times the national average . The dramatic rise  in homelessness has been primarily driven by New York City , where the influx of tens of thousands of asylum seekers  has strained the city’s shelter system. However, other regions across the state have also seen major spikes , particularly in Glens Falls, Saratoga Springs, and surrounding counties , which reported some of the highest double- and triple-digit increases . Children and Families Among the Hardest Hit One of the most alarming statistics  from the report is the surge in homeless children : In 2022, there were 20,299 homeless children. By 2024, that number had skyrocketed to 50,773. Nearly one in three homeless individuals in New York  is a child—one of the highest shares in the nation . DiNapoli pointed to New York’s long-standing affordable housing crisis  as a key factor, noting that more families are running out of options and being forced into shelters or the streets . Homelessness Surging Across New York The report relies on data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) , which uses an annual point-in-time count  to track homelessness. In January 2024 , HUD reported: A record 771,480 people nationwide  experiencing homelessness. 158,000 homeless individuals in New York , representing one in five  of all homeless people in the U.S. New York’s homelessness rate is 8 per 1,000 people , the third highest in the country, behind only Hawaii and Washington, D.C. According to HUD, key factors driving homelessness  in New York include: The end of pandemic eviction moratoriums . Lack of affordable housing  and rising rents. The influx of asylum seekers  with no housing options. New York City: The Epicenter of the Crisis New York City has borne the brunt of the state’s homeless increase , accounting for 93% of the total statewide rise . In January 2022 , there were 45,343 people  in NYC-run shelters. By January 2024 , that number had nearly doubled to 89,119 . Of those in NYC shelters, 34,057 were asylum seekers . In total, NYC housed approximately 68,000 asylum seekers  at the time of the count. Other Key Findings Across the State Outside of NYC, homelessness has also risen sharply  in various regions: Glens Falls, Saratoga Springs, and surrounding counties  saw an increase of 138% . Long Island had the highest number of homeless individuals outside of NYC , followed by Westchester County and the Buffalo-Niagara region . Poughkeepsie/Dutchess County had a smaller, but still significant, 11% increase . Demographic Breakdown of the Homeless Population Hispanic and Black individuals  are disproportionately affected. 10% of homeless individuals suffer from severe mental illness or chronic substance abuse . Veteran homelessness remains low  at less than 1% . Senior homelessness in New York is also low  at 2.5% , among the lowest in the country. Only 3.6% of New York’s homeless population is unsheltered , compared to 43.8% nationwide , thanks in part to NYC’s shelter mandate. New York’s Housing and Shelter System New York has the largest number of emergency shelter beds  in the country: 127,759 year-round emergency housing beds , far exceeding California’s 76,000 beds . 52,462 permanent supportive housing units , second only to California. 21,672 permanent housing beds , behind California (26,059)  but ahead of Texas and Florida. Only 4,887 rapid rehousing beds , significantly less than California ( 28,000 ), Texas ( 11,000 ), and Florida ( 7,500 ). State and City Officials Respond Both Governor Kathy Hochul  and New York City Mayor Eric Adams  have announced new affordable housing initiatives  in response to the crisis. The state’s five-year, $25 billion housing plan  aims to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes . Multi-year investments in homeless housing assistance and affordable housing  are underway, but the report criticizes the lack of transparency  on spending, goals, and results . DiNapoli urged stronger state oversight  and improved tracking of housing initiatives  to ensure effectiveness. DiNapoli: ‘More Needs to Be Done’ DiNapoli called for more aggressive action to prevent evictions and expand housing assistance , particularly for families with children . “The state should carefully monitor and enhance reporting on the effectiveness of current programs,” DiNapoli said. “We need to determine where additional resources are needed—especially for expanding rental assistance—and continue funding legal representation for low-income households facing eviction.” With New York leading the nation in shelter capacity , but falling short on affordable housing solutions , the state faces mounting pressure to address the root causes of homelessness  before the crisis worsens further. Sources: https://www.osc.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/01/dinapoli-numbers-homeless-population-doubled-new-york

Audit Reveals $16.2 Million in Improper Medicaid Payments by New York State Health Department A recent audit conducted by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli  has uncovered $16.2 million in improper Medicaid payments  processed through the eMedNY computer system  over a six-month period starting in October 2023 . The findings, released today, highlight systemic errors  and policy noncompliance  that contributed to millions in wasteful spending. Medicaid Mismanagement: Key Findings Between October 2023 and March 2024 , 370 million claims  were processed, amounting to nearly $49.6 billion  in Medicaid payments. However, the audit revealed that thousands of claims were improperly paid , with the most significant issue stemming from ineligible Medicaid managed care recipients . Among the most costly mistakes  identified: $11.8 million  was spent on 27,480 Medicaid managed care premiums  for individuals who were ineligible because they had comprehensive third-party insurance  and should have been enrolled in Medicaid fee-for-service  instead. $2.8 million of these improper payments have already been recovered. $2 million  was wrongly paid for fee-for-service inpatient claims  that should have been covered by managed care. $1.3 million  was spent on newborn birth and maternity claims  that contained inaccurate information , such as underreported birth weights, which inflated reimbursement amounts . $964,333  was improperly paid for inpatient, pharmacy, referred ambulatory, and clinic claims  that failed to comply with Medicaid policies. $126,786  was paid in cases where Medicaid was incorrectly designated as the primary payer , despite another insurer being responsible. $35,441  was spent on managed care premiums for incarcerated recipients , whose coverage should have been suspended . Fraudulent Providers Also Identified Beyond the financial mismanagement, the audit also flagged 10 Medicaid providers  who had been charged with or convicted of crimes  related to healthcare fraud or noncompliance. As a result, the Department of Health (DOH) removed nine of these providers  from the Medicaid program, while the status of the remaining provider is still under review . Comptroller DiNapoli: ‘Errors Can Be Costly’ Comptroller DiNapoli  emphasized the importance of stronger oversight and stricter enforcement measures  to prevent future wasteful spending. “My office pays close attention to Medicaid because it’s critical for so many New Yorkers  and a major driver of state spending ,” DiNapoli said. “Errors can be costly. Our latest audit found areas where the Department of Health can do better  and avoid improper and wasteful spending  of taxpayer dollars. By acting swiftly on the audit's recommendations, DOH has already recovered millions of dollars. ” Recommended Fixes & DOH’s Response The audit provided 10 key recommendations  to improve Medicaid billing accuracy and financial accountability , including: Ensuring hospitals and providers report and bill Medicaid accurately . Strengthening oversight of managed care enrollment . Recovering improperly paid funds . In response, the Department of Health (DOH)  noted that it has already taken corrective action  based on the audit’s findings. The Office of the Medicaid Inspector General  continues to investigate fraudulent providers and compliance violations  to ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent appropriately. As Medicaid remains a vital lifeline for millions of New Yorkers , state officials are under pressure to tighten oversight, improve billing systems, and prevent future financial mismanagement . SOURCES: http://osc.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/02/dinapoli-new-yorks-medicaid-system-improperly-paid-over-16-million-claims

Oneida County Home Prices Surge in November—How Much Did They Rise? Newly released data from Realtor.com  for November reveals that home prices in Oneida County saw a significant increase compared to the previous month. The median home sale price climbed to $210,000 , marking an 11.3% rise from October’s median of $188,750 . Looking at a year-over-year comparison, the increase is even more striking. In November 2023, the median home price was $180,000 , meaning prices have surged 16.7% over the past year . Breaking Down Oneida County’s Housing Market Trends Realtor.com compiles real estate sales data from recorded property deeds, which means there is a delay of a few months in reporting. These figures do not include homes currently on the market and should not be directly compared to active listings. If you're interested in a deeper dive into local housing trends, including neighborhood-specific insights, check out data.uticaod.com  for more details. Condominiums and Townhomes See Mixed Price Trends The median sales price for condominiums and townhomes in Oneida County dropped by 12.8% in November , falling to $150,000  from $172,000 in October . However, compared to November 2023, prices rose by an impressive 25.8% from $119,250 . Notably, no condominiums or townhomes in the county sold for $1 million or more  during November. Fewer Home Sales in Oneida County, But Prices Remain Strong Despite rising home prices, the total number of recorded home sales in Oneida County fell significantly  in November. Compared to November 2023, sales dropped by 53.3% , declining from 199 transactions to just 93 . Even with fewer sales, the total value of residential real estate transactions in Oneida County reached $20.6 million  for the month. How Oneida County Compares to the New York State Market Across New York State , homes sold at a median price of $450,000 in November , reflecting a 0.8% decrease from $453,844 in October . Statewide, home sales also saw a decline: Total recorded home sales in New York fell 9.1% from 11,806 in November 2023 to 10,730 in November 2024. The total value of all residential home sales in New York remained steady at $8.6 billion  from October to November. 13.99% of all homes in New York sold for $1 million or more in November , up from 12.59% a year ago . New York’s Single-Family Home Market Median sales prices for single-family homes statewide fell by 1.5%,  dropping from $429,029 in October to $422,488 in November . However, compared to November 2023, the median single-family home price is up by 17.3%  from $360,123 . New York’s Condominium and Townhome Market Statewide, condo and townhome prices dipped 1.6% , with the median falling from $533,638 in October to $525,000 in November . Year-over-year, however, prices increased by 3.8% from $505,666 in November 2023 . Oneida County’s Single-Family Home Market on the Rise Focusing specifically on single-family homes in Oneida County , the market showed impressive price growth: The median selling price reached $215,000 in November , up 12.9% from $190,500 in October . Compared to November 2023, prices climbed 18.1% from a median of $182,000 . Unlike other areas in the state, no single-family homes in Oneida County sold for $1 million or more during November . Why Median Prices Matter in Housing Reports The median sales price  represents the midpoint of all home sales, meaning half of the homes sold for more and half for less. It provides a more accurate market snapshot than the average sales price , which can be skewed by particularly high or low sales. What’s Next for Oneida County’s Housing Market? With home prices rising despite a drop in sales volume , it remains to be seen whether the market will cool down or continue its upward trend into the new year. Buyers should be prepared for higher prices , while sellers may find strong demand for well-priced homes . For more detailed housing data in Oneida County and beyond, visit data.uticaod.com . This version expands on key points while making the article more engaging and informative. Let me know if you'd like any refinements! SOURCES: https://www.realtor.com/research/data/?cid=usa_usaarticles

Exciting news for fitness enthusiasts in Yorkville and the surrounding area! The former Retro Fitness location on Commercial Drive has transformed into the all-new Peak Fitness Center , and we’re thrilled to welcome you to our upgraded facility. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, Peak Fitness Center offers a clean, supportive, and high-energy environment designed to help you achieve your goals. To celebrate our grand opening, we’re inviting the community to join us this Saturday, February 8th, from 12 PM to 4 PM  for a special event you won’t want to miss! Why Join Peak Fitness Center? At Peak Fitness Center, we believe that a great gym experience is about more than just equipment—it’s about creating a community where members feel motivated and empowered. Here’s what you can expect when you walk through our doors: State-of-the-art fitness equipment  to help you build strength, endurance, and confidence. A clean, welcoming space  where you can focus on your workouts without distractions. A team of friendly, knowledgeable staff  ready to support you every step of the way. Affordable membership options , making fitness accessible to everyone. Grand Opening Event – February 8th! To kick things off, we’re hosting a Grand Opening Celebration  on Saturday, February 8th, from 12 PM to 4 PM . This event is the perfect opportunity to tour the facility, meet our team, and take advantage of exclusive membership deals. Plus, enjoy: 🎶 Live Music  – Energize your afternoon with great tunes!🍔 Delicious Food  – Grab a bite while you check out the gym.🎁 Special Promotions  – Limited-time offers for new members. Exclusive Membership Deal – Limited Time Only! New members who sign up during our grand opening event can enjoy membership rates as low as $25 per month ! But that’s not all—your membership also includes full access to The Mill Family Fitness Center , a 30,000-square-foot facility  with premium amenities, including: ✔ A relaxing sauna  to help with recovery and relaxation. ✔ An indoor track  perfect for year-round cardio workouts. ✔ A vibrant fitness community  focused on health and wellness. This is an unbeatable opportunity to get in shape while enjoying two incredible fitness environments for one low price! Visit Us at Our New Location! 📍 Peak Fitness Center 📍 5123 Commercial Drive, Whitesboro, NY Don’t miss out on this chance to jump-start your fitness journey! Come see why everyone is raving about Peak Fitness Center —we can’t wait to welcome you! See you this Saturday! 💪🔥

In a shocking case of financial betrayal, Jonnell Rose, the former treasurer of the Vernon Center Fire Department, has been arrested and charged with allegedly stealing $309,000 from the very organization entrusted with safeguarding the community. The allegations span six years, from May 2018 to May 2024, and paint a troubling picture of financial misconduct within the department. Authorities, including the New York State Comptroller’s Office, the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office, and the New York State Police, conducted an extensive investigation that ultimately led to Rose’s arrest and arraignment in Vernon Town Court. According to official statements, Rose exploited his position by writing fire department checks to cash, misdirecting checks meant for legitimate department vendors into his own accounts, and even depositing funds intended for department operations directly into his personal bank account. The forensic examination revealed that the allegedly stolen funds were used for a variety of personal expenditures, including cryptocurrency transactions, credit card payments, and cash withdrawals. The severity of these accusations has resulted in Rose being charged with second-degree grand larceny, a serious felony that could carry significant legal consequences if convicted. Community Response & Fire Department Statement News of the alleged embezzlement has sent shockwaves through the Vernon Center community, where the fire department plays a crucial role in emergency response and public safety. In light of the revelations, the department has publicly addressed the situation, emphasizing its commitment to accountability and financial integrity. In a statement posted to their Facebook page, the Vernon Center Fire Department expressed their disappointment over the situation, while also assuring the public that corrective measures have been implemented to prevent future financial mismanagement: "The recent news involving the Vernon Center Fire Department is upsetting. Our volunteer firefighters dedicate so much of their time and effort to keeping our communities safe. It’s disheartening to learn that money intended to protect life and property may have been siphoned off for personal use. We have instituted steps to prevent this from happening again by adopting proper policies and procedures, and ensuring that public funds as well as private donations are used appropriately. Our members are working through this as we continue to protect and serve our fire district and surrounding communities. We would like to thank the community for your support in the past and look forward to serving and protecting our communities in the future." Source: https://www.facebook.com/@vcfire/ Rebuilding Trust and Moving Forward The Vernon Center Fire Department, like many volunteer fire organizations, relies heavily on public funding and private donations to operate. This breach of trust has understandably left many in the community frustrated and concerned about financial oversight within local institutions. However, the department has made it clear that they are taking immediate action to strengthen financial safeguards and rebuild public confidence. With Rose now facing legal proceedings, local officials and fire department leaders will be working to ensure justice is served and that lessons are learned from this incident. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent financial oversight in all organizations, especially those that rely on community support and trust. As the investigation unfolds, residents of Vernon Center will be watching closely, hoping for accountability and a resolution that ensures their fire department can continue to focus on its most important mission—protecting lives and property.

Danielle R. Sassoon, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that JUAN MERCADO, a former superintendent for the New York City Housing Authority (“NYCHA”), was sentenced today to 48 months in prison for soliciting and accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes from contractors in exchange for awarding those contractors no-bid contracts or approving payment on previously awarded contracts at NYCHA developments. MERCADO’s sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni, who also presided over his guilty plea.  U.S. Attorney Danielle R. Sassoon said: “As a public housing superintendent, Juan Mercado held a position of public trust.  For years, Mercado abused his position by demanding and accepting more than $300,000 in bribes in connection with repair work at NYCHA developments – money that should have gone to improving the lives of NYCHA residents. As today’s sentence shows, corruption will not be tolerated at any level of government.” According to the Information and Complaint, the plea agreement, and evidence presented during a multi-day evidentiary hearing: NYCHA is the largest public housing authority in the country, providing housing to New Yorkers across the City and receiving over $1.5 billion in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) every year. When repairs or construction work at NYCHA housing require the use of outside contractors, services must typically be purchased via a bidding process. However, when the value of a contract was under a certain threshold, designated staff at NYCHA developments, including superintendents, could hire a contractor of their choosing without soliciting multiple bids.  With either type of contract, a NYCHA employee needed to certify that the work was satisfactorily completed in order for the contractor to receive payment from NYCHA. From at least 2014 through at least July 2023, MERCADO served as a superintendent at multiple NYCHA housing developments in Queens.  For approximately nine years, MERCADO demanded and received hundreds of thousands of dollars from multiple contractors in exchange for arranging for those contractors to receive contract work at developments where MERCADO was employed or in order for MERCADO to sign off on work that had been completed.  Although MERCADO initially demanded that contractors pay him 10% of the contract value in order to receive the work, MERCADO eventually doubled the amount that contractors had to pay from 10% to 20% of the value of the contract.  The contractors typically paid MERCADO between $500 and $2,000 for each contract on hundreds of occasions.  In total, MERCADO accepted approximately $329,300 in bribes in connection with at least $1,886,000 in contract work at NYCHA developments. Of the 70 individual NYCHA employees charged with bribery and extortion offenses in February 2024, 60 have pled guilty, and three have been convicted after trial. If you believe you have information related to bribery, extortion, or any other illegal conduct by NYCHA employees, please contact OIGNYCHA@doi.nyc.gov or (212) 306-3356. If you were involved in such conduct, please consider self-disclosing through the  SDNY Whistleblower Pilot Program at USANYS.WBP@usdoj.gov .                                  * In addition to the prison term, MERCADO, 50, of West Babylon, New York, was sentenced to 3 years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $329,300 and forfeit $329,300.  Ms. Sassoon praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Department of Investigation, U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), the HUD Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, which work together collaboratively as part of the HSI Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force, as well as the Special Agents and Task Force Officers of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (“OCDETF”) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles criminal organizations using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . This case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jerry J. Fang, Jacob R. Fiddelman, Catherine Ghosh, and Meredith C. Foster are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Nandita Vasantha. Contact Nicholas Biase, Shelby Wratchford(212) 637-2600 Updated January 31, 2025

On February 4, 2025, the New York State Police stationed in Ithaca responded to a critical situation by extending their assistance to the New York State Park Police, who were deeply involved in an investigation concerning a missing woman from Cayuga Heights. This woman was reported to be experiencing a significant mental health crisis, which raised immediate concerns for her safety and well-being. As the investigation unfolded, the dedicated Troopers directed their efforts towards Taughnock Falls State Park, a scenic area known for its breathtaking landscapes and natural beauty. It was within this park that the search culminated in a tragic discovery; the woman was found deceased in a creek that runs adjacent to the popular Taughnock Falls State Park trail, a location frequented by hikers and nature enthusiasts alike. In the aftermath of this heartbreaking event, the Trumansburg Fire Department was called upon to assist with the sensitive task of recovering the woman’s body from the creek. Their expertise and professionalism were crucial in ensuring that the operation was conducted with the utmost respect and care for the deceased. Following the recovery, initial assessments indicated that no foul play was suspected in relation to her death, which provided some relief to the community that had been anxiously awaiting news. However, the investigation remains ongoing, as authorities seek to piece together the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and the events that led to this tragic outcome. The local community has been deeply affected by this incident, and support services are being made available to those who may be struggling with similar issues, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness and the need for compassionate care and intervention in times of crisis. https://troopers.ny.gov/news/troopers-assist-locating-woman-who-was-suffering-mental-health-crisis-deceased

On February 4, 2025, the New York State Police Troop E Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team (VGNET) executed a search warrant at 61 Staples Road in the town of Erin, Chemung County. This warrant was executed following a three-month-long investigation. Assisting units included the New York State Police Special Operations Response Team (SORT), Contaminated Crime Scene Emergency Response Team (CCSERT), Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), State Police Horseheads Uniform Force (UF) and Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), Troop E Crisis Negotiation Unit (CNU), and the Elmira Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit. Seized Items Narcotics and Currency: Approximately 4 ounces of methamphetamine oil Approximately 1 ounce of crystal methamphetamine Scales and packaging materials for narcotics $4,700 in U.S. currency Firearms: 20 firearms, several with defaced serial numbers, including: 1 AK-47 assault rifle 1 AR-10 assault rifle (Ghost Gun) 1 SKS assault rifle 2 sawed-off shotguns 8 bolt-action rifles 1 lever-action rifle 6 shotguns 11 high-capacity ammunition magazines Approximately 10,000 rounds of assorted ammunition Explosive Materials: Approximately 20 pounds of binary explosive material (removed by BDU) Chemicals and equipment used in the manufacture of methamphetamine (removed by CCSERT) Arrests and Charges Robert R. Budnick, age 42, of Erin, NY Charged with: Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 2nd (A-II Felony) Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd (C Felony) Arraigned in the Town of Horseheads Court and remanded to the Chemung County Jail on $250,000 bail or $1,000,000 bond. Buck L. Bates, age 40, of Elmira, NY Charged with: Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th (A Misdemeanor) Released on an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Erin Court on February 25, 2025. This is an ongoing investigation.  Contact Troop E Public Information Officer: Trooper Lynnea Crane Troop E Commander: Major Kevin Sucher SOURCES: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/search-warrant-executed-chemung-county-leads-narcotics-firearms-and-explosive-materials

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Christopher McCarty, age 33, of Manhattan, pled guilty today to mailing a letter containing a threat to kill two New York State judges.  United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. McCarty admitted that between May and June 2023, he was incarcerated at the Auburn Correctional Facility in Auburn, New York.  McCarty admitted that on or about May 31, 2023, he mailed a letter to New York State Governor Kathy Hochul.  In the letter, McCarty wrote that when he was released from prison, he was going to kill two New York State judges who had presided over his case leading to his incarceration at Auburn Correctional Facility. At sentencing scheduled for June 10, 2025, before Senior United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby, McCarty faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 5 years, post-release supervision of up to 3 years, and a fine of up to $250,000.  This case was investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss is prosecuting the case. Updated February 4, 2025 https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/manhattan-man-pleads-guilty-mailing-letter-containing-threat-kill-two-judges