According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, On August 12, 2024, at approximately 12:24 PM Deputies responded to Route 5 and 233 in the Town of Westmoreland for a personal injury motor vehicle crash involving a 2007 Honda Civic and 2016 Jeep Wrangler. The Jeep Wrangler was operated by Jessica Martin, 43 of Rome, NY, and the Honda Civic was operated by Tyler Lafrainboise, 23 of Oneida, NY. After an initial investigation, it was determined that the Jeep Wrangler had attempted to make a left turn onto State Route 233 from Route 5 and failed to yield the right of way for the Honda Civic. As a result of the crash, the occupant of the Honda Civic was transported to Oneida Hospital for minor injuries. A Uniform Traffic Ticket was issued to the operator of the Jeep Wrangler for Westmoreland Town Court for a later date. Deputies were assisted on scene by Central Oneida County Ambulance, Westmoreland Fire Department, and the New York State Police. Sources: https://oneidacountysheriff.us/news/66ba55be3bc473364b0cef3b/

On the morning of August 11, 2024, State Police responded to a tragic incident on I-684 northbound near Exit 4 in the town of Bedford. The incident involved a fatal motorcycle accident. It was reported that Kevin Castillo Rayo, 21, and his father, Nilson E. Castillo Calderon, 46, both from Flushing, were riding their motorcycles separately on I-684 when Castillo Calderon lost control of his motorcycle under unknown circumstances. As a result of the loss of control, Castillo Calderon veered off the road and collided with a guide rail, leading to the tragic loss of his life at the scene. The investigation into the incident is currently ongoing. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-investigating-fatal-motorcycle-accident-town-bedford

According to Oneida County Sheriff, Robert M. Maciol, a Vernon Center man was arrested on August 8th, 2024, following the burglary of a dwelling. On August 8th, 2024 at or about about 11:15 PM, Deputies responded to an address on Hulser Rd, in the Town of Trenton, for a reported Domestic in Progress. Upon Deputies arrival of the scene, it was alleged that Aaron Schaffer, 43 of Vernon Center, impersonated a police officer and utilized forced entry to gain entry into his ex girlfriends residence. Schaffer fled the scene before Deputies arrived. Schaffer's vehicle information was provided over the radio by the 911 center, for any available law enforcement units in the area. Shortly after, Schaffer's vehicle was located by Deputies and a routine traffic stop was conducted. During the traffic stop, Schaffer was taken into custody. Schaffer was transported to the Law Enforcement Building for processing. Schaffer was charged with Burglary in the second degree (C Felony), Criminal Impersonation in the first degree (E Felony), Menacing in the third degree (B Misdemeanor) and Criminal Mischief in the fourth degree (A Misdemeanor). Schaffer is currently being held at the Oneida County Correctional Facility, awaiting Centralized Arraignment. Sources: https://oneidacountysheriff.us/news/66b63d97f224154ecc0d6786/

August 5th 2024 On August 4th, 2024, around 12:40 PM, numerous witnesses called 911 to report what appeared to have been a road rage incident that resulted in two accidents on Commercial Drive between Moes Restaurant and Bremers Wine and Liquor Store. The investigation revealed that Riley Hartzog, 21 years of age from Sauquoit, had a verbal altercation with a victim that started in Verona and ended with two motor vehicle accidents in the Town of New Hartford. It was reported that Hartzog was operating a maroon sedan in a reckless manner and it appeared that he had chased down the victim who was driving a blue sedan at a high rate of speed. Hartzog’s actions were a direct contributing factor to the crash involving the victims car. Hartzog attempted to flee the area and while doing so he swerved around an uninvolved truck. At this time he lost control of his vehicle traveled across oncoming lanes of traffic along Commerical Dr. and then went off-road and airborne in the areas between Hage Carpet and The 5th Avenue Plaza where his vehicle came to rest just before striking the building. Hartzog then exited his vehicle on foot and Commercial Drive into the woods behind Bremer’s Wine & Liquor. Within hours, New Hartford Police had located and arrested Riley Hartzog where he was charged with one count of PL 120.20, Reckless Endangerment in The Second Degree, a class A —Misdemeanor. Hartzog was also issued Traffic Tickets for an uninspected Motor Vehicle, an Open Alcoholic Container in a Motor Vehicle, Reckless Driving, and Failing to Keep Right. Hartzog was released on an Appearance Ticket and is to return to the Town of New Hartford Local Criminal Court at a later date. This incident is still being investigated and more charges may be filed. https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02HBWzZ6M4GUe2MgXYeWvTQQusXxsqDmUCuy9ktjEqdHs2oTANfZ6PHhiGQXHZTLnil&id=100064364722662

On August 6, 1928, Corporal Edward F. Dolphin, 27, died following a motorcycle accident returning to Troop K Headquarters from patrol. On July 27, 1928, Corporal Dolphin's motorcycle overturned when it struck a rut in the road near Kenisco Dam. Trooper Dolphin died ten days later in the White Plains Hospital as the result of a fractured skull. Corporal Dolphin had been a member of Troop K since 1924 and rose to the rank of Corporal in 1927. Corporal Dolphin had been Regimental Heavyweight Boxing Champion when he was assigned to a Coastal Defense Artillery Unit of the U.S. Army. Sources: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=807420278248355&set=a.153499116973811

On July 31st, 2024, State Police arrested Aaron M. Sotherden, age 35, of 947 County Route 84 Hastings, NY on 28 felony counts and 13 misdemeanor counts related to illegally possessed firearms and firearms-related material.  The charges are detailed as follows: Aaron Sotherden 3 counts of the Class C Felony of Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd in violation of NY Penal Law Section 265.03 sub 3 2 counts of the Class D Felony of Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd in violation of NY Penal Law section 265.02 sub 7 18 counts of the Class D Felony of Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd in violation of NY Penal Law section 265.02 sub 8 5 counts of the Class E Felony of Criminal Possession of a Firearm in violation of NY Penal Law section 265.01-b sub 1 12 counts of the Class A Misdemeanor of Failure to Safely Store Rifles, Shotguns, and Firearms 1st in violation of NY Penal Law section 265.45 sub 1 1 Count of Unlawful Purchase of Body Armor, in violation of NY Penal Law section 270.21 The State Police also arrested Todd A. Sahm, age 54, of 369 County Route 4 Hastings, NY on 1 felony count related to an illegally possessed firearm. Southern was remanded to the Oswego County Jail on 100,000 cash or 500,000 bonds.  Sahm was issued an appearance ticket and released. The arrests are connected to a 10-month joint investigation conducted by the New York State Police Community Stabilization Unit and the New York City Police Department Intelligence Division. The State Police along with the NYPD executed search warrants at 947 County Route 84 and 369 County Route 4 both in the town of Hastings resulting in the above mentioned arrests. The Community Stabilization Unit was assisted by the State Police Violent Gangs and Narcotics Enforcement Team, the State Police Counterterrorism Intelligence Unit, the State Police Computer Crimes Unit,  the Oswego County Sheriff’s Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.     The New York State Police Community Stabilization Unit is a unit within the state police dedicated to Narcotics, Firearms, and Human Trafficking. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/new-york-state-police-arrest-hastings-man-illegally-possessed-firearms

On August 2, 2024, at about 1:47 p.m., State Police responded to State Route 26 in the town of Ava for a crash involving a motor vehicle and an Amish buggy. A preliminary investigation revealed a 2014 RAM 1400 operated by Alexander W. Pfendler, age 33, from Constableville, NY, was traveling south on State Route 26, when it struck the rear of an Amish buggy traveling in the same direction, ejecting a 14-year-old female, and 16-year-old male occupant. Both occupants of the Amish buggy’s names are being withheld due to pending notifications to family members. The male operator of the buggy was transported from the scene to Upstate Hospital with serious injuries. The female passenger of the buggy was transported to Wynn Hospital where she was treated and released. No injuries were reported by Alexander W. Pfendler. The investigation is continuing. https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-investigate-amish-buggy-personal-injury-accident-ava

Press Release On August 4, 2024, State Police members arrested Greta Thomas, age 56, of Constable, NY, for arson 5th. On August 3, 2025, at approximately 6:12 p.m., Troopers responded to County Route 20 in the town of Constable for an arson complaint.  An investigation determined Thomas burnt the victim's shoes in a burn barrel.  The victim located the shoes in the burn barrel, which had been destroyed by the fire. Thomas was arrested and transported to SP Malone for processing. Thomas was released on an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Constable Court for a later date in September. https://troopers.ny.gov/news/constable-female-arrested-arson-5th

press release On August 1, 2024, State Police members arrested Devon Q. Delee, age 28, and Lisia M. Noel, age 27, both of Syracuse, NY for criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd. On August 1, 2024, at approximately 9:36 p.m., Troopers observed a 2017 black Audi traveling north on State Highway 37 in the town of Morristown, violating a vehicle and traffic law.  Troopers initiated a traffic stop and interviewed the driver, who was identified as Noel, and the passenger was identified as Delee.  Further investigation determined drug paraphernalia, identified as heroin inside of the vehicle. Delee and Noel were arrested and transported to SP Ogdensburg for processing.  They were arraigned in the Town of Morristown Court where they were later released on their own recognizance. State Police members were assisted by the St. Lawrence Sheriff's Department https://troopers.ny.gov/news/two-syracuse-individuals-arrested-stemming-traffic-stop

On July 30, 2024, at about 7:38 p.m., State Police responded to State Route 8 in the town of Norway for a one-vehicle accident. The preliminary investigation has determined Trinity R. Barnello, age 16, from Cold Brook, was driving a red 2006 Mazda 6 traveling east on State Route 8, when she failed to negotiate a curve and lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle rolled over, struck a tree, and caught on fire. Trinity R. Barnello was pronounced deceased on scene. An autopsy will be conducted to determine an official cause of death. The investigation is continuing. https://troopers.ny.gov/news/troopers-investigate-one-car-fatal-town-norway

Newly-Appointed Chief Service Officer Matt Schaffer Has More Than A Decade Of Experience Leading Service-Oriented Nonprofit Organizations; Will Lead New Office Charged With Connecting New Yorkers To Service Opportunities Governor Hochul’s 2024 State of the State Included Proposal To Create New Office Of Service and Civic Engagement, Led By Chief Service Officer And Housed Within the Office of the Lieutenant Governor Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the appointment of Matt Schaffer as the State’s first-ever Chief Service Officer. The Chief Service Officer is tasked with leading the Office of Service and Civic Engagement (OSCE), which was announced as the sixth proposal from Governor Hochul’s 2024 State of the State agenda. “Public service is an honor and we must continue to inspire young people to answer the calling of public service,” Governor Hochul said. “With this new appointment, the Office of Service and Civic Engagement will continue to focus on supporting the next generation of public servants who will lead their communities into the future.” “Through the Office of Service and Civic Engagement, we will connect folks to opportunities that will ground them in our shared capacity to love one another, and unite us around our values as New Yorkers,” Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado said. “I am honored to join Governor Hochul in announcing Matt Schaffer to lead this effort, a dedicated public servant with over a decade of frontline experience inspiring others to serve. Today's announcement delivers on Governor Hochul's bold vision laid out during this year's State of the State address, which promised equal and fair opportunity for New Yorkers from all walks of life.” OSCE will be headed by the newly appointed Chief Service Officer who will lead service and civic engagement efforts across the state. This model has been used to drive positive outcomes in service across other states. Over the next year, OSCE will invest in public service with mutually beneficial paid service opportunities such as the Empire State Service Corps in partnership with SUNY. OSCE will also partner with the State’s Commission on National and Community Service, to build out a holistic action plan to connect more New Yorkers, particularly our youth, to service opportunities. Mr. Schaffer, whose first day as Chief Service Officer is August 5, 2024, comes to the OSCE after serving 15 years as a leader promoting service and civic engagement at City Year, a national educational non-profit that trains and prepares young adults for a year of service in schools, where he most recently served as the Managing Director of Government Partnership. For 11 years, Mr. Schaffer was a leader at City Year New York, supporting over 2,000 AmeriCorps members who served over 20,000 students in NYC public schools, primarily in East Harlem, South Bronx, East NY Brooklyn, and Long Island City Queens. Mr. Schaffer was instrumental in helping City Year align its service model with the Community Schools Initiative in NYC, which is a strategy to increase equity in public schools and provide comprehensive support (including mental health, social and emotional services, academic support, and enrichment) for children and families. For the last 4 years, Mr. Schaffer has led State and Local Government Engagement nationally for City Year, supporting national service initiatives in 29 cities across the United States, with a special focus on strengthening school-based supports for children. Commission on National and Community Service Chair Michael Cashman said, “We are delighted to work with Matt Schaffer as Chief Service Officer and can’t wait to get started on this exciting new partnership with the Office of Service and Civic Engagement. Matt’s dedication to and background in national service and AmeriCorps will be a huge asset to our shared mission of serving the people of the great state of New York.” New York State Chief Service Officer Matt Schaffer said, “Governor Hochul and Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado are passionate and visionary champions of service and civic engagement, and I’m thrilled to join the team and work in collaboration with thousands of New Yorkers to grow and enhance service programs throughout the State. The establishment of the NYS Office of Service and Civic Engagement is a signal that this work is a priority for the Governor and the Lt. Governor, and it is a privilege and honor for me to be a steward of this initiative, as the first Chief Service Officer of New York State.” SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “SUNY believes that civics and service are vital components of higher education and we are grateful for the leadership and partnership of Lieutenant Governor Delgado and the Office of Service and Civic Engagement. The Empire State Service Corps is already generating enormous excitement and energy, with more than 1,000 applications submitted in just a few weeks for the 500 spots this year. The Empire State Service Corps is a key program within Governor Hochul’s comprehensive service commitment, and we look forward to working with Matt Schaffer and Lt. Governor Delgado.” City Year CEO Jim Balfanz said, “City Year commends Governor Hochul and Lt. Governor Delgado on their investment in expanding and enhancing service opportunities in New York State, and we applaud the formation of the Office of Service and Civic Engagement. Personally, I am thrilled that Matt Schaffer will become New York State's first Chief Service Officer and have no doubt there will be great outcomes for New Yorkers under his leadership. Matt has served at City Year for 15 years, where he has been a tireless champion of making service accessible for young people and developing diverse leaders who can work across lines of difference. He has been influential in advancing educational equity throughout the country, especially in New York, as well as supporting community leaders to equip young people with the tools to thrive as civically engaged adults. We are excited for Matt and can't wait to see what he will help to build in the State of New York.” OSCE, which is housed within the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, presides over the State’s strategy on uplifting communities statewide through accessible public service opportunities. Mr. Schaffer will be charged with increasing civic and service opportunities across New York, overseen by Lieutenant Governor Delgado.

On July 30, 1941, Trooper Robert A. Moore, 27, was killed when his motorcycle collided head-on with an automobile. Trooper Moore was passing a vehicle to stop a speeder when he struck an oncoming car. He died of his injuries at Syracuse University Hospital without regaining consciousness. Trooper Moore joined the Division on July 21, 1936 at Troop D Oneida. He was stationed at the West Winfield, Pulaski and Fayetteville Stations during his career. Sources: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=803204678669915&set=a.153499116973811