On December 16, 2024, State Police of Princetown arrested Jonathan Summers , 46, of Jefferson, NY, for two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon. On December 17, 2024, Summers  and Jennifer A. Scott , 44, of Jefferson, NY, were each arrested for 39 counts of Agriculture & Market law- Overdriving, Torturing, and Injuring Animals; Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance. On December 16, 2024, at about 1:55 p.m., Troopers responded to a residence in Jefferson, NY, for the reports of a property dispute.  During the investigation, Troopers determined Summers unlawfully possessed multiple firearms. Summers  cannot legally possess firearms in New York State due to a previous felony conviction.  The firearms were seized, and Summer was transported to SP Cobleskill for processing. He was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Jefferson Town Court on February 3, 2025, and released. While at the residence during the initial investigation, Troopers observed numerous cats living in poor conditions.  Troopers returned the following day for further investigation into the animals' wellbeing.  Multiple ducks, chickens, and cats were located on the property shared by Summers and Scott . Both claimed ownership of the animals. The ducks and chickens were found to be in poor physical condition, with no access to food or water.  In addition, multiple deceased animals were located. The two ducks, fifteen chickens, and twenty-two cats were voluntarily surrendered and turned over to the care of the Susquehanna Animal Shelter and the Schoharie County Animal Shelter. After the evaluation of the animals, Summers and Scott were arrested and transported to SP Cobleskill for processing. They were issued appearance tickets returnable to the Jefferson Town Court on February 3, 2025, and released.  Press Release Date: December 31st 2024 https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-arrest-two-animal-cruelty-jefferson

Press Release On December 26, 2024, State Police of Greenwich arrested Denzil K. Nanton , 30, of Hudson Falls, NY, for Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the second degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the third degree, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. On December 26, 2024, at about 9:09 p.m., Troopers responded to a home in Argyle, NY, for the report of a dispute in Argyle, NY. The investigation determined Nanton allegedly pushed multiple victims, one of which was holding a child at the time.  Further investigation discovered Nanton  was illegally in possession of a handgun that was charged with an illegal high-capacity magazine. Nanton was arrested and transported to SP Greenwich for processing. He was then turned over to the Washington County Correctional Facility to await arraignment.  https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-arrest-hudson-falls-man-gun-possession-following-dispute

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Jun Wang, age 62, a Chinese national and lawful permanent resident of the United States who has lived in Florida and Texas for most of the past 26 years, has been charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit money laundering. 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.  The indictment alleges that between June 2019 and June 2021 Wang received gift cards which had been obtained from victims of wire fraud schemes in the Northern District of New York and elsewhere and that he used the fraudulently obtained gift cards – totaling more than $2 million – at Walmart and Sam’s Club stores in Florida and other states to buy other gift cards and thereby disguise the source and nature of the funds obtained from the fraud victims. The charge filed against Wang carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, a fine of up to twice the value of the allegedly laundered funds, or $4 million in this case, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. Wang was arrested several weeks ago at Los Angeles International Airport, and arraigned this week in Binghamton, New York, before Magistrate Judge Miroslav Lovric, after being transported to the Northern District of New York. Judge Lovric ordered Wang detained pending trial, which is expected to be held sometime in 2025 before Senior United States District Judge David N. Hurd. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The FBI is investigating the case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tamara B. Thomson and Michael F. Perry. Updated December 20, 2024 https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/chinese-national-indicted-money-laundering-conspiracy-involving-walmart-gift-cards

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Emilio Chirico, age 56, the Station Manager for the DeWitt, New York Post Office, has been charged by indictment with wire fraud, misappropriation of postal funds, and false entries and reports, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Matthew Modafferi of the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG).  The indictment alleges that between January 2021 and March 2023, Chirico stole $81,553.94 in stamps from the DeWitt Post Office and falsified postal records to conceal the theft of the stamps.  Chirico has been the station manager at the DeWitt Post Office since March 2012. The charges filed against Chirico carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, and a term of supervised release of up to 5 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) is investigating the case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tamara B. Thomson and Michael F. Perry. https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/dewitt-post-office-station-manager-indicted-stealing-stamps

As anticipation of Donald Trump returning to the White House sparked a surge of optimism, small business owners across the nation are expressing renewed optimism about the future of the economy. A recent survey conducted by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) reveals a sharp uptick in confidence among small business operators, many of whom anticipate policy changes favorable to entrepreneurship and growth under a Trump 2.0 administration. Key drivers of this optimism include expectations for reduced regulations, tax cuts, and a renewed focus on American manufacturing and energy independence. During Trump’s first term, similar policies were credited with spurring job creation and increasing disposable income for many small businesses. “Our members are feeling hopeful about what a second Trump term could mean for their bottom line,” said Andrew Catelllo, CEO of My Upstate NY Marketing & VVS Mini Storage. “The promise of policies that prioritize lower taxes and fewer bureaucratic hurdles resonates strongly with the small business community. With their sights set on potential economic revitalization, many in the small business community are ready to rally behind the policies they believe will unlock their full potential. Souces: https://www.usfunds.com/resource/border-security-takes-center-stage-in-economic-and-market-trends/

On December 13, 2024, at about 07:50 a.m., State Police responded to 6603 Old County Road in the town of Lincoln for report of a structure fire. Shortly after arrival and during efforts to extinguish the flames, fire personnel observed one occupant deceased inside of the residence. The name of the deceased is being withheld pending identity by the medical examiner’s office. Investigation into the cause and origin of the fire is pending, however, a preliminary investigation does not indicate foul play. State Police were assisted on scene by Madison County Emergency Management, Fire departments from Lincoln, Canastota, Morrisville, Wampsville, North Chittenango, Chittenango, Munnsville, Smithfield, and Sylvan Beach. The investigation is continuing; updates to follow.

Press Release On December 12, 2024, at approximately 8:30 p.m., New York State Police members were informed of two missing females. During the active investigation into the missing individuals, on December 15, 2024, State Police members were informed of a fire at 2 Birch Street in the town of Plattsburgh, the residence of the two missing.   State Police members responded to the scene and spoke with the New York State Fire Investigator regarding the incident, and it was determined to be suspicious in origin. An active investigation regarding the fire and missing females continued.   On December 16, 2024, New York State Police members actively searched surrounding areas, leading them to locate human remains. The State Police are executing multiple search warrants and are processing the scenes to gather evidence.  State Police advise they think this is an isolated incident and there is no immediate threat to the public. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call State Police at 518-873-2776.The State Police are being assisted in this investigation by the Clinton County District Attorney, Plattsburgh Police Department, State and County Fire, and the Clinton County Sheriff's Department.  https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-locate-human-remains-town-plattsburgh

On December 15, 2024, State Police members arrested  Shawn G. Sawyer , age 47, from Oswego, NY, for: Arson 3rd degree (class “C” felony) Criminal Mischief 2nd degree (class “D” felony) Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd degree (class “D” felony) Menacing a Police Officer (class “D” felony) Resisting Arrest (class “A” misdemeanor) On December 14, 2024, at about 3:49 p.m., State Police responded to 120 Engles Road in the town of Oswego for a disturbance. Upon patrol arrival, Sawyer  was screaming at the patrol with a knife in his hand.  Sawyer  refused to drop the knife and barricaded himself inside the residence. After a standoff and discussion with a Crisis Negotiator and Special Operations Response Team,  Sawyer  started a fire within the residence. Special Operations Response Team made entry to locate  Sawyer , who refused commands, was tased, and taken into custody.  Sawyer  was transported to Oswego Hospital for medical evaluation. Sawyer  was discharged from Oswego County Hospital and transported to be arraigned at Oswego County CAP Court. Sawyer  was sent to the Oswego County Jail and held on bail $15,000 cash / $30,000 bond / $150,000 secured bond.

Trooper David W. Cunniff, 35, died on December 17, 2013, as a result of injuries he received a day prior when his patrol car was struck by a tractor trailer. Trooper Cunniff was issuing ticket during a traffic stop on the New York State Thruway in the city of Amsterdam when a tractor trailer veered off the roadway and struck his patrol car, as well as the vehicle he had stopped. Trooper Cunniff was a nine-year veteran and was assigned to SP Fultonville in Troop T at the time of his death.

This past weekend, the Syracuse Police Department was able to honor our fallen hero, Officer Michael Jensen, and his lasting legacy. We ensured that he will forever be remembered by placing his memorial plaque on our Wall of Honor. Officer Jensen and Onondaga County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Michael Hoosock were both killed in the line of duty on April 14th, 2024. Officer Jensen's memorial plaque was placed on the Wall of Honor, joining 11 other Syracuse Police Officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice in order to protect their community. This prestigious honor also serves as a reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face on a daily basis. We are thankful for all of our Officers who serve our community with dedication, and we know that they will continue to promote the values that Officer Jensen embodied each and every day. Sources: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=991274166369221&set=pcb.991274363035868

On Saturday morning, December 14th, 2024 David Yaddaw, 73, of Westmoreland was operating a 2013 Chevrolet pick-up, when he failed to stop at a stop sign while exiting Sangertown Square Mall and turned into the path of Aleksanr Vykhodet, 42, from Utica who was operating a 2015 Toyota van with three children passengers. The collision caused both vehicles to collide into an embankment in front of Berkshire Bank with the pick-up truck subsequently striking an unoccupied parked car in the parking lot of Berkshire Bank. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured. Mr. Yaddaw received Uniformed Traffic Tickets for failing to stop and failing to yield the right of way when entering a roadway. Sources: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0a3MMRHBqWu3iYCdyKKhMETj2cidn6fjygv7w5P4FiGrqWNfNWzUJzp4om6RY5Ds9l&id=100064364722662

The Western Oneida County Housing Alliance, or WOCHA, came together to look at just that! Made up of local municipal leaders, realtors, construction contractors, landowners, and investors, this group met to look at past, current, and future housing needs in our area. Government officials from the City of Sherrill and the Towns of Vernon, Verona, and Vienna, along with area stakeholders, were joined by representatives from NYS Homes and Community Renewal, Department of State, Empire State Development, Mohawk Valley EDGE, and Oneida County Planning to review recent housing studies, discuss projected housing trends, and explore commonalities related to housing. Oneida County Department of Planning Commissioner James Genovese shared results of housing surveys and an in-depth study conducted by Oneida County. That study revealed several trends that influence who lives in our communities and, more importantly, who will live here in the future. Tim Fitsgerald, vice-president of economic development for Mohawk Valley EDGE shared recent projects and developments undertaken throughout the County and how EDGE assists municipal planning. Both presentations are available on their respective websites. Allison Madmoune of Empire State Development, Revitalization Specialist Danny Lapin, and Development Director Darren Scott also commented on available state programs and services that can be utilized in local housing development. After local leaders shared their comments and perspectives, the evening concluded with a commitment to reconvene in April to further explore housing opportunities and commonalities for those living in western Oneida County. The date and time of our next forum will be posted on FaceBook. For further information, feel free to text County Legislator Keith Schiebel at 315-335-0887.