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For Immediate Release U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of New York Louis LaPolla Allegedly Stole Tens of Thousands of Dollars in Scholarship Donations SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Louis LaPolla, age 78, of Utica, New York, has been charged by indictment with six counts of mail fraud. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Alfred A. Watson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. The indictment alleges that LaPolla set up a scholarship fund in honor of his late wife, Andrea LaPolla, after she passed away in 2018, with the stated intention of benefitting Utica City School District students who planned to pursue post-secondary education in health-related fields. The indictment further alleges that LaPolla received tens of thousands of dollars in donations intended for the scholarship fund from individuals and businesses and that he spent nearly all of the donated money on himself rather than depositing it into the scholarship fund. LaPolla served as the mayor of Utica from 1984 to 1995, and he served as President of the Utica City School Board from 2018 to 2022, following 21 years of service as a member of the board. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The charges filed against LaPolla carry a maximum term of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1.5 million, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. Following his arrest on these charges and initial appearance in federal court today, LaPolla was ordered released on conditions pending his trial. FBI is investigating the case with assistance from the New York State Police and the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry is prosecuting the case. Sources: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/former-utica-mayor-and-school-board-president-indicted-mail-fraud-scheme Updated September 22, 2023

PRESS RELEASE On September 22, 2023, at 12:10 p.m., State Police in Watertown responded to a three-vehicle crash on State Route 3 in the Village of Black River. A 2018 Ram pickup truck, operated by Shane D. Umstead, age 32, from Plessis, NY, was traveling east on State Route 3 when he failed to observe a 2017 Hyundai Elantra, operated by Roxanne E. O’Connor, age 74, from Carthage, NY which was stopped in traffic, striking the rear of the vehicle and pushing it into the path of a Dump Truck, operated by Joseph J. England, 51 from Adams, NY that was traveling westbound on State Route 3. O’Connor was transported to Samaritan Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. A front-seat passenger in her car, 79-year-old Charles A. Taylor, from Carthage, NY was transported to Samaritan Medical Center and then airlifted to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, where he was pronounced deceased. No other injuries were reported in the crash. The investigation is continuing. Sources: https://www.nyspnews.com/state-police-investigate-crash-on-state-route-3-in-black-river.htm

On September 21, 2023, at 6:43 a.m., State Police in Carthage responded to a shots fired complaint at 36100 Jackson II Road in the Town of Champion, Jefferson County. The homeowner and complainant were told by a neighbor he observed a white male in a black Volkswagen shoot a gun at the house. No one was injured in the shooting incident. At 9:19 AM, while conducting neighborhood interviews on Jackson II Road, Jefferson County 911 dispatched Troopers to another shots fired complainant on a snowmobile trail off State Route 26 across from the Great Bend Fire Department in the Town of Champion. A shooting suspect had been located by the complainant who pursued him onto an ATV trail. When Troopers arrived on the scene, the complainant restrained the suspect from leaving the scene. Due to his injuries, the shooting suspect was transported to the hospital with injuries he received as a result of a motor vehicle collision and being restrained. Evidence was recovered on the scene and the investigation is ongoing. State Police were assisted at the scene by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Village of West Carthage Police Department, and Carthage Area Rescue. Sources: https://www.nyspnews.com/state-police-investigating-shooting-incident-in-town-champion.htm

PRESS RELEASE 9/25/2023 On September 21st, 2023, shortly after 1:30 PM, an astute patrol member of the Oneida City Police Department observed Hunter H. Whipple, age 27, walking with another individual. Having knowledge that the Oneida Police Department Criminal Investigations Division had pending criminal charges for Whipple, he was placed in custody without incident by an Investigator who responded to their location. Whipple was found to be in possession of methamphetamine, US currency, digital scale, and packaging. Once Whipple was in custody, patrol conducted an area check for the second individual who had left the area in a suspicious hurry. Mark J. Morey, age 39, was located nearby and known to have an active bench warrant issued for his arrest. Subsequently, Mark Morey was also taken into custody and, upon doing so, a handgun was found in his possession. The bench warrant for Mark Morey stemmed from an incident involving methamphetamine, Fentanyl, and Suboxone. Hunter Whipple also had other charges relating to previous incidents of possession of methamphetamine and MDPV, with the intent to sell. The charges listed below reflect the culmination of these investigations. Following a further investigation, Hunter Whipple and Mark Morey were charged with the following: • Mark Morey: 1 ct - Criminal Possession of a Firearm (E Felony) 1 ct - Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the third degree (D Felony) - Bench Warrant charges: 1 ct - Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree, (B felony) 1 ct - Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the fourth degree, (C felony) 3 cts - Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree. (A misdemeanor) • Hunter Whipple: 1 ct - Criminal Possession of a Firearm (E Felony) 1 ct - Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the third degree (D Felony) 4 cts - Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree – (B Felony) 1 ct - Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the fourth degree – (C Felony) 4 cts - Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the fifth degree – (D Felony) 4 cts - Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree – (A misdemeanor) 2 cts - Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia in the second degree – (A misdemeanor) Mark Morey and Hunter Whipple were brought to Madison County Jail for Centralized Arraignment. Following arraignment, Mark Morey was held on $300.00 cash and Hunter Whipple was held on no bail. As the investigation continues, additional suspects and charges may be pursued. The keen observation skills of the members of Oneida’s patrol division led to the capture of these individuals. The Oneida Police continue to provide quality professional police services while aggressively investigating all crimes. Both the patrol and investigations divisions place a continued emphasis on combating drugs and taking illegal guns off our streets, keeping the community safe. ----------------------------------------- Sources: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=638713145117480&set=a.148676540787812

On July 28, 2023, around 6:19 p.m., Troopers responded to a residence on State Highway 37, in the town of Louisville for a missing person. The New York State Police are searching for Brian J. Snyder and seeking assistance from the public. On July 18, 2023, Snyder was involved in a motor vehicle accident and transported to Canton-Potsdam Hospital for his injuries. A cast was put on his left leg and he was discharged from the hospital on July 19, 2023. He was picked up from the hospital and brought back to his residence on State Highway 37, in the town of Massena. No one has seen or talked to him since July 19, 2023. He is 37 years old, approximately 6’, weighs approximately 180 lbs, and has black hair, and hazel eyes. He left his residence on an unknown date and time, traveling in an unknown direction, and with unknown clothing descriptions. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Brian J. Snyder is asked to please contact the New York State Police at 315-379-0012. Sources: https://www.nyspnews.com/the-new-york-state-police-are-seeking-assistance-from-public-for-missing-male-from-massena.htm https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=626060826384302&set=a.153499126973810

On Thursday, September 21st at 10:16 p.m. New Hartford Police were dispatched to the parking lot of Chipotle, 4815 Commercial Dr, in the Town of New Hartford for a report of a motor vehicle accident involving a moped that crashed into the building. Upon arrival it was determined that John Murphy, 18 years of age, was operating a 2022 Italica moped when he drove from a parking spot, up onto the sidewalk, and through the front glass doors of the business. The building sustained damage to the doors and windows. Murphy sustained several injuries and was treated at the scene then transported by Edwards Ambulance to a local hospital where he is currently in stable condition. No tickets or charges have been filed at this time. This investigation is ongoing. If any individuals witnessed this incident they are asked to contact the New Hartford Police at 315-724-7111. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=750674923754658&set=a.265416255613863

PRESS RELEASE State Police in Marcy are investigating a fatal crash that occurred on Saturday, September 16, 2023, on Shanley Road west of Ford Road in the town of Marshall, Oneida County. A 2023 Hyundai pickup truck, operated by Patrick P. Dougherty, age 61 from Clinton, NY was traveling westbound on Shanley Road at a high rate of speed when he drove off the north shoulder of the roadway, struck a tree, and overturned multiple times before striking a utility pole. Dougherty was pronounced deceased at the scene. State Police were assisted at the scene by Paris Hill Fire Department, and Edwards Ambulance Service. Sources: https://www.nyspnews.com/state-police-investigate-fatal-crash-in-town-marshall.htm

PRESS RELEASE On September 14, 2023, at approximately 3:06 p.m., New York State Police at Homer responded to a report of an aircraft upside-down on a runway at the Cortland County Airport. Cortlandville Fire, the Cortland Fire Hazmat Team, and TLC Ambulance also responded to the scene. The pilot and only occupant of the single-engine Cessna 305A “Bird Dog” self-extricated from the plane prior to the arrival of first responders. He is identified as Bradley S. Fitchett, age 58 of Ellsworth, KS, and was transported by TLC Ambulance to Guthrie Cortland Medical Center for what appear to be non-life-threatening injuries. The plane was traveling from Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport and was landing at the Cortland County Airport to refuel before its final destination in Kansas when the Cessna flipped. Approximately 5 gallons of fuel spilled as a result of the incident. The Federal Aviation Administration was contacted and is investigating. Sources: https://www.nyspnews.com/nysp-responds-to-small-aircraft-flipped-at-cortland-county-airport.htm

PRESS RELEASE On September 13, 2023, State Police of Clifton Park arrested Dakota Smith, 28, of Malta, NY, for Grand Larceny in the third degree and Scheme to Defraud in the first degree. On June 8, 2023, Troopers received a complaint from a Clifton Park resident concerning a possible contractor scam. The investigation determined Smith, the owner of DAS Builders & Remodeling LLC., who was acting as a contractor, entered into an agreement with the victim to complete a home renovation project in November of 2022. Smith collected a deposit of more than $18,000 from the victim and failed to start the work or purchase the necessary materials for the project. He also was unable to return the victim’s deposit. Further investigation determined this is an ongoing course of conduct for Smith. Smith surrendered himself to SP Clifton Park, where he was arrested and processed. He was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Clifton Park Town Court on September 28, 2023, and released. Sources: https://www.nyspnews.com/state-police-arrest-saratoga-county-contractor-for-grand-larceny.htm

Dion Underwood Forfeits Nearly $40,000 in Drug Proceeds ALBANY, NEW YORK – Dion Underwood, age 46, of Johnstown, New York, was sentenced today to 63 months in prison, to be followed by 4 years of supervised release, for running a narcotics distribution conspiracy in the Capital Region. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarantino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement. Underwood previously pled guilty and admitted that between January and December 2021, he supervised members of a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and heroin in the Capital Region, including Albany, Schenectady, and Montgomery Counties. As part of his plea and today’s sentence, Underwood also agreed to forfeit $39,403 seized by federal agents as proceeds of the conspiracy. The DEA investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin S. Clark prosecuted the case. https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/fulton-county-man-sentenced-63-months-running-narcotics-distribution-conspiracy

DEC to Host Free Fishing Clinic on Sept. 16 at North-South Lake Campground, Greene County DEC to Provide Education and Equipment to Anglers The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is hosting a free fishing clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16, at the North-South Lake Campground in Haines Falls, Greene County, DEC Regional Director Anthony Luisi announced today. "Free fishing clinics are fun for the entire family and provide special attention to inexperienced anglers of all ages as they're introduced to New York's vast fishing opportunities," Director Luisi said. "North-South Lake is one of DEC's most popular campgrounds and is also a preeminent fishing destination in the Catskills for anglers of all abilities to enjoy." The event, free to the public, will be held at the hand launch at North Lake Beach (PDF). Fishing licenses are not required to fish during the program, but all other statewide and special regulations remain in effect. During the free fishing clinic, participants can learn about fish identification, fishing equipment and techniques, before getting the opportunity to cast their fishing lines into the water. DEC will supply fishing rods, bait, and tackle, but experienced anglers are encouraged to bring their own fishing gear. Children under 16 must be supervised. Participants will be required to pay applicable day-use service charges to enter the facility. For more information on statewide free fishing clinics, visit DEC's website. Sources: https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/128431.html

🚨WANTED FOR HOMICIDE. PLEASE SHARE🚨 The Syracu​se Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating 22-year-old Marley Oselmo​. Oselmo is wanted in the murder of Kelvonn Godbolt, which took place on Tuesday, August 29th, 2023, around 7:18 p.m., in the 1900 block of South Avenue. Oselmo has active warrants for Murder in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree. Oselmo is described as being five feet, six inches tall, weighing around 150 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. His last known address is 28 Caton Drive. Oselmo is considered armed and dangerous. If you see him or know of his whereabouts, please call 911 or the Syracuse Police Warrants Squad at (315) 442-5230. Sources: Syracuse Police Department https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=688030546693586&set=a.217797457050233