According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol a Trenton man was arrested for entering the Holland Patent High School and stealing property. On July 28th, 2026, a Deputy with the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the Holland Patent High School for a burglary complaint. Due to the nature of the call, this investigation was turned over to the Oneida County Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU). The Investigator assigned to the case learned that on July 25th, 2026, during the early morning hours, an 18-year-old man had illegally entered the Holland Patent School and while inside the school stole property that did not belong to him. On August 4th, 2026, Investigators located the 18-year-old male at his residence and subsequently took him into custody. The male was charged with one count of Burglary in the Third Degree and one count of Petit Larceny. After processing the male was escorted to the Oneida County Correctional Facility where he was to be arraigned in CAP court later in the afternoon. Due to the age of the male, no name or photograph will be released.

Oneida NY Arrest Blotter July 17 - 31, 2026 · July 17, 2026: - Georgietta Johnson, of Oneida, was arrested for assault second-degree: intent to cause physical injury with a weapon (DF), reckless endangerment second-degree, menacing second-degree: weapon and criminal possession of a weapon fourth-degree: intent to use. - Trisha N. Lightcap, of Lenox, was issued an appearance ticket for petit larceny. - Jason G. Voelker, of Durhamville, was arrested for DWI- 1st offense, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 of 1% or more- 1st offense, failure to stop at a stop sign and operating out of class. ------------------------------------------ · July 18, 2026: - Molly S. Hawkinson, of Oneida, was issued traffic tickets for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration, aggravated unlicensed operation third-degree, moved from lane unsafely and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. - Matthew L. Klein, of Oneida, was issued a traffic ticket for aggravated unlicensed operation third-degree. - Nathan L. Whaley, of Vernon, was issued an appearance ticket for criminal possession of a controlled substance seventh-degree. ------------------------------------------ · July 19, 2026: - Tiffeny J. Boyles, of Mohawk, was issued traffic tickets for aggravated unlicensed operation second-degree and operating an uninspected motor vehicle. - Rylan P. Doherty, of Canastota, was arrested for criminal tampering third-degree, resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration second-degree, disorderly conduct and harassment second-degree: physical contact. - Parish T. Gibson, of Oneida, was arrested for burglary third-degree: illegal entry with intent (DF) and petit larceny. - Elizabeth R. Waldron, of Durhamville, was issued an appearance ticket for criminal possession of a controlled substance seventh-degree and petit larceny, ------------------------------------------ · July 20, 2026: - Sara R. Arntson was issued an appearance ticket for a local law charge of violating park curfew. - Laura A. Coston, of Oneida, was arrested for aggravated harassment second-degree- injure family and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child. - Dustin J. Forward, of Bouckville, was arrested for criminal tampering third-degree. - David J. Panzica, of Oneida, was issued an appearance ticket for assault third-degree: intent to cause physical injury, criminal mischief fourth-degree: intent to damage property and menacing third-degree. ------------------------------------------ · July 21, 2026: - Jerry A. Mansir was issued an appearance ticket for a local law charge of possession/consumption of alcohol in public. - John M. Marchetti, of Sylvan Beach, was issued traffic tickets for aggravated unlicensed operation third-degree, unlicensed operator and failure to stop at a stop sign. - Scott H. O’Neill, of Oneida, was issued an appearance ticket for a local law charge of possession/consumption of alcohol in public. - James D. Odom, of Oneida, was issued an appearance ticket for a local law charge of possession/consumption of alcohol in public. ------------------------------------------ · July 22, 2026: - Evelyn R. Buell, of Oneida, was issued an appearance ticket for a local law charge of unlawful possession of alcohol by a person under 21. - Caleb E. Chesebro, of Oneida, was issued an appearance ticket for a local law charge of unlawful possession of alcohol by a person under 21. - Robert A. Harp, of Oneida, was arrested for criminal possession of a weapon third-degree: previous conviction (DF) and harassment second-degree: physical contact. - Lana L. Lucero, of Oneida, was issued an appearance ticket for obstructing governmental administration second-degree, harassment second-degree: physical contact, disorderly conduct: fight/violent behavior and a local law charge of possession/consumption of alcohol in public. - Izaya J. Miles was issued an appearance ticket for trespass. - Cody E. Muir, of Oneida, was issued traffic tickets for aggravated unlicensed operation third-degree, circumventing an ignition interlock device and speeding in school zone. - Samantha M. Ross, of Oneida, was issued an appearance ticket for disorderly conduct: obscene language/gestures. - Curtis J. Wilson Jr. was issued an appearance ticket for petit larceny. ------------------------------------------ · July 23, 2026: - Holly A. Hall was arrested on an arrest warrant for criminal possession of stolen property fifth-degree. ------------------------------------------ · July 24, 2026: - Curtis J. Wilson Jr. was issued an appearance ticket for petit larceny. - Breanne L. Findlay, of Oneida, was arrested for criminal contempt first-degree: physical contact (EF), endangering the welfare of a child and harassment second-degree: physical contact. ------------------------------------------ · July 25, 2026: - Dennis D. Gelatt, of Utica, was arrested for DWI- 1st offense, DWAI combined drugs/alcohol, criminal possession of a controlled substance seventh-degree, use of alcohol/cannabis in motor vehicle on highway, failure to keep right, driving left of pavement markings, improper left turn and illegal signal. - David L. Havener was arrested on an arrest warrant for criminal trespass third-degree. ------------------------------------------ · July 26, 2026: - Kelly S. Tornatore, of Oneida, was arrested for endangering the welfare of an incompetent/disabled person first-degree (EF). ------------------------------------------ · July 28, 2026: - Jeremy M. Jaegers, of Oneida, was arrested for strangulation second-degree (DF) and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. ------------------------------------------ · July 29, 2026: - Jake M. Becraft, of Oneida, was issued an appearance ticket for harassment second-degree: physical contact. - Jacob A. Scheid, of Oneida, was issued an appearance ticket for criminal possession of stolen property fifth-degree. - Patrick G. Seeber, of Canastota, was issued a traffic ticket for aggravated unlicensed operation second-degree: 3 or more open suspensions. - Amber L. Wilcox, of Oneida, was issued an appearance ticket for petit larceny. ------------------------------------------ · July 30, 2026: - Sara R. Arntson was issued a criminal summons for trespass. - Courtney R. Hall, of Oneida, was arrested on a superior court bench warrant for criminal possession of stolen property fourth-degree and petit larceny. - Lana L. Lucero, of Oneida, was issued a criminal summons for a local law charge of possession/consumption of alcohol in public. ------------------------------------------ · July 31, 2026: - Andre R. Coss Jr., of Oneida, was issued an appearance ticket for criminal trespass second-degree. - Douglas W. Gorton, of Oneida, was arrested for DWI- 1st offense and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 of 1% or more- 1st offense. - A Juvenile male was issued an appearance ticket for providing a false written statement. - Christofel Torres-Roman, of Oneida, was issued traffic tickets for aggravated unlicensed operation third-degree and operating an unregistered motor vehicle. ------------------------------------------ ***𝘋𝘐𝘚𝘊𝘓𝘈𝘐𝘔𝘌𝘙***: 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘵𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘢𝘸.

ROME, N.Y. — The City of Rome Police Department recently recognized the advancement of three officers and welcomed five new recruits during a promotional and swearing-in ceremony. The ceremony was held Thursday, July 23, 2026, to celebrate the professional achievements of current department members and officially introduce the newest recruits beginning their law-enforcement careers. Officers Promoted The department announced the following promotions: Alexzandra Carletta was promoted to lieutenant. George Gebo III was promoted to sergeant. Zachary Hadasz was promoted to sergeant. Five New Recruits Join the Department The Rome Police Department also welcomed five recruits from communities across Central New York: Morgan Zike of Camden Eric Mendiola of Rome Rafael Ventura of Utica Joshua Bruce of Utica Gage Fay of Rome Department officials congratulated each officer and recruit on reaching the important milestone and wished them continued success as they serve the department and the Rome community. The ceremony reflects an ongoing investment in department leadership and the next generation of officers serving residents of the City of Rome.

According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, a Barneveld woman has been arrested for entering an apartment and stealing property. On July 16, 2026, Sheriff’s Road Patrol received a complaint from a male who reported that someone had entered his apartment on College Street in the Village of Clinton while he was out of town and stolen property. After taking the complaint and due to the felony level crime that was reported, the case was turned over to the Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Unit for further investigation. The Investigator assigned to the case learned that on July 15, 2026, Sara M. Cloe, age 34, had entered the victim’s apartment without his knowledge or permission, and stole property that did not belong to her. On August 3, 2026, Cloe turned herself in to the Sheriff’s Office, where she was charged with one count of Burglary in the second degree, a class C felony, and petit larceny, a class A misdemeanor. After processing, Cloe was taken to the Sheriff’s correctional facility, where she was to be arraigned at CAP Court later in the afternoon.

Suspect arrested after multiple retail thefts. The New Hartford Police Department has arrested a suspect following an investigation into multiple reports of retail theft occurring at Walmart on Commercial Dr. On July 23, 2026, New Hartford Police officers responded to Walmart on Commercial Dr., for a reported larceny in progress. Upon arrival, police officers located a suspect as she exited the store with merchandise that had not been paid for, according to Walmart Staff. When police officers attempted to place the suspect under arrest, the suspect actively resisted arrest. Officers took the suspect into custody after a brief struggle, and the stolen merchandise was recovered. During the investigation, New Hartford Police Officers worked closely with Walmart Loss Prevention staff and reviewed surveillance footage related to other reported larcenies. Officers also coordinated with the Mohawk Valley Crime Analysis Center, the Rome Police Department, and the New York State Police, Lee Center, whose assistance helped identify the suspect in regard to previously committed thefts. As a result of the investigation the suspect, identified as Katie Fonda, 46 who provided a Rome, NY address, was not only charged with Petit Larceny in violation of NYS PL 155.25, and NYS PL 205.30, Resisting Arrest for the July 23rd incident, but she also charged with Misdemeanor Petit Larceny in regards to a Larceny that occurred at Walmart on Commercial Dr. on July 17th 2026. Following processing, Fonda was issued appearance tickets related to the above charges and then subsequently transferred to the custody of the New York State Police who had open Arrest Warrants for her on other active Larceny Cases being investigated by SP Lee Center.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Lomere Holliman, 23, of Syracuse, New York, was sentenced July 8th 2026, to 75 months in prison for possessing and distributing fentanyl and carrying a firearm during those crimes. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Bryan DiGirolamo and Syracuse Police Chief Mark Rusin made the announcement. As part of his earlier plea, Holliman admitted that, from March to September 2025, the defendant repeatedly sold firearms, ammunition, high-capacity magazines, and fentanyl in Syracuse. He further admitted that he used his firearm sales to foster his drug trafficking business. U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of New York Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/syracuse-man-sentenced-75-months-gun-and-drug-trafficking-offenses

UTICA, N.Y. — Homelessness increased by 12.2% across the Utica-Rome, Oneida County and Madison County region, according to a newly released report from the New York State Comptroller’s Office. The increase comes despite an overall statewide decline in homelessness and highlights the growing housing challenges facing many communities outside New York City. According to State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, New York’s homeless population declined by 7.9% between the January 2024 and January 2025 federal point-in-time counts. However, homelessness increased in 17 of the state’s 25 regional Continuums of Care, including the region covering Utica, Rome, Oneida County and Madison County. The report found that 11 regional areas experienced increases of more than 10%, showing that homelessness remains a growing concern across much of Upstate New York. Death Reported During Utica Encampment Sweep The release of the state report follows a tragic discovery at a homeless encampment in Utica. On July 20, 2026, Utica Police officers were assisting Oneida County Sheriff’s deputies with a sweep of an encampment off Burrstone Road when they found an individual lying on the ground. Police reported that the person was deceased. The incident was reported by the Utica Police Department and local news outlets. No arrests connected to the encampment sweep have been confirmed. The discovery has drawn additional attention to the dangerous conditions faced by people living outdoors, including exposure to extreme weather, medical emergencies and limited access to health care, shelter and other essential services. Construction Begins on 102 Affordable Apartments State and local leaders are also moving forward with a major affordable and supportive housing project in Utica. On July 23, 2026, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the start of construction on THRIVE Cornhill, an approximately $80 million development featuring 102 affordable apartments in Utica’s Cornhill neighborhood. The project will consist of two newly constructed buildings and will include affordable housing, supportive services and community spaces. Nineteen apartments will be reserved as supportive housing for eligible seniors with disabilities and young adults transitioning out of foster care. The development is also expected to include two community centers offering health, wellness, recreation, employment and social services. State officials said the development is designed to expand access to stable housing while supporting the continued revitalization of the Cornhill neighborhood. Homelessness Increasing Outside New York City While the statewide homeless population declined, the comptroller’s report showed that the improvement was largely driven by reductions in New York City. Many regions outside the city experienced significant increases, placing additional pressure on local governments, shelters, nonprofit organizations and emergency-service providers. Housing advocates have argued that addressing homelessness requires more than clearing encampments. Long-term solutions often include additional affordable housing, emergency shelter capacity, mental-health care, addiction treatment, rental assistance and employment support. The 12.2% regional increase shows that homelessness is becoming a more visible and urgent concern across Oneida and Madison counties. As the THRIVE Cornhill project moves forward, local leaders will continue facing questions about whether housing and support services can expand quickly enough to meet the region’s growing needs. CNYOnline.com Local News will continue following developments involving homelessness, affordable housing and support services throughout the Mohawk Valley.

NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. — A bat found in New Hartford has tested positive for rabies, according to the Oneida County Health Department. The bat was submitted to the New York State Department of Health’s Wadsworth Center for testing on July 27, 2026. Positive test results were reported on July 31. Three people were exposed to the bat and are receiving post-exposure treatment, health officials said. Rabies is a serious viral disease that can infect people and animals through the saliva of an infected animal, most commonly through a bite or scratch. Anyone who may have had physical contact with a bat should contact the Oneida County Health Department immediately, even when no visible bite is present. Health officials advise residents not to release a bat found inside a home when a possible human or pet exposure may have occurred. The bat should be safely contained, without direct contact, so officials can determine whether testing is necessary. Residents should also avoid approaching wild or stray animals that appear unusually aggressive, confused, unusually tame, unable to move normally, or are drooling or foaming at the mouth. Pet owners are urged to make sure their dogs, cats, and ferrets remain current on their rabies vaccinations. New York State law requires those animals to receive rabies vaccinations, including regular booster shots. Anyone who believes a person or pet may have been exposed to a bat or another potentially rabid animal should contact the Oneida County Health Department at 315-798-5064. The county’s rabies exposure line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. CNYOnline.com Local News will provide additional information if it becomes available.

According to the City of Utica Police Department On July 29th, 2026 at approximately 11:40PM officers assigned to the Tactical Unit conducted a vehicle stop on the 700 block of South St regarding NYSV&TL violations. During the course of the stop a quantity of suspected methamphetamine was located and two individuals were arrested and transported to the Utica Police Department. One of the individuals provided the booking officer with a name that they were subsequently booked, fingerprinted, and photographed under. When the fingerprint results were returned, it was learned that the name provided was in fact not the name provided to the officers. At this time it was learned that the true identity of the individual was Branden Ward age 33 of Morris, NY. At the conclusion of the incident, Ward was charged with: Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree Forgery in the second degree

SOUTH BROOKFIELD, N.Y. — The National Weather Service has confirmed that a brief EF-0 tornado touched down in South Brookfield during Wednesday afternoon’s storms. The tornado developed at approximately 1:54 p.m. on July 29 along Beaver Creek Road, about 2,000 feet south of Lamb Road. It remained on the ground for roughly two minutes before lifting near Morgan Road at approximately 1:56 p.m. According to the National Weather Service damage survey, the tornado produced estimated peak winds of 70 mph. Its path measured approximately 0.87 miles long and reached a maximum width of about 50 yards. No injuries or fatalities were reported. Survey crews documented broken tree limbs, an uprooted hardwood tree and minor tree damage along the storm’s path. A sawmill and several sheds or small storage buildings were also damaged or tipped over, scattering debris across a residential property. The tornado traveled south along Beaver Creek Road, crossed the roadway near Chesebro Road and moved across a small pond. The final damage was observed at a cemetery along Morgan Road, where several large tree limbs were snapped before the tornado lifted. An EF-0 is the lowest classification on the Enhanced Fujita Scale and is assigned to tornadoes with estimated winds between 65 and 85 mph. Even tornadoes rated EF-0 can damage trees, sheds, roofs and other structures. The National Weather Service thanked Madison County Emergency Management, local media organizations and residents who provided storm reports and eyewitness accounts. The findings remain preliminary and could be updated following a final review of the storm.

VERONA, N.Y. — Big changes are coming to the Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Central School District beginning in the fall of 2026, and many parents and students are beginning to consider how the new school structure will affect their daily routines. Under the district’s reconfiguration plan, students will attend school based on grade level instead of having multiple elementary grade levels in each community school. New VVS School Configuration for Fall 2026 Pre-K through Grade 1: J.D. George Elementary Grades 2 through 4: E.A. McAllister Elementary Grades 5 and 6: W.A. Wettel Elementary Grades 7 through 12: Grades 7–12: VVS Middle/High School (re-established as a unified 7–12 campus) All four VVS school buildings will remain open. However, students may attend a different building than the one closest to their home. A Major Adjustment for Students For some students, the change may bring excitement, including the opportunity to meet new classmates and participate in programs designed specifically for their age group. For others, leaving a familiar school, teacher, or routine could be difficult. Students may need time to adjust to a new building, bus route, daily schedule and larger group of classmates. Families With Multiple Children Could Face New Challenges Parents with children in different grades may experience the biggest changes. One family could have a first grader at J.D. George, a third grader at E.A. McAllister, a sixth grader at W.A. Wettel and a high school student at the VVS Middle/High School campus. That could mean different bus schedules, arrival and dismissal times, parent conferences, concerts, sporting events, and emergency pickup locations. Families who drive their children to school may also need to coordinate drop-offs and pickups at multiple buildings. Childcare arrangements and work schedules could be affected depending on when each school day begins and ends. Communication Will Be Important As the fall 2026 transition approaches, parents will likely be looking for clear information about bus routes, school hours, classroom assignments, before- and after-school care, orientations and building procedures. The reconfiguration represents a significant change for the entire VVS community. How could this affect your family’s bus schedules, childcare, work hours, drop-offs, school events and daily routine? Are you excited about the change, concerned about it or still waiting for more information?

Oneida County Sheriff candidate Jared Pearl has been endorsed by the New York State Troopers PBA and the N.Y. State Police Investigators Association. Pearl began his accomplished career with the New York State Police in 2003. He recently retired at the rank of Senior Investigator. Jared was also a Deputy with the Oneida County Sheriff’s Department, assigned to the Mounted Unit and as a Special Deputy in the Oneida County Jail. Pearl currently serves in the Maynard Volunteer Fire Department, and his leadership positions have included: Chief, Assistant Chief, Captain, Lieutenant, and President. He also has served as President of the Oneida County Fire Chiefs Association and as a member of their board of directors for eight years. “I’m honored to receive the full trust and support from the New York State Troopers PBA and the New York State Investigators. These unions together represent thousands of hardworking and dedicated members of law enforcement who keep our communities safe every day. I pledge to work hard every day alongside these individuals to hold criminals accountable and restore public safety to Oneida County. We need change, and I’m ready to deliver that change for residents,” said Jared Pearl. Jared Pearl is running on the Republican and Conservative ballot lines. The General Election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026.