Search Results

Press Release In the early morning of September 6th, 2023, the Oneida City Police officers were dispatched to a reported burglar alarm activation at the OQ Smokeline store in Glenwood Plaza. Upon arrival of officers, the side glass door to the building was found smashed. Initial investigation confirmed that the store had been burglarized. Clear surveillance video from the area shows a group arrived in the area by way of two vehicles: a dark-colored minivan and a white four-door sedan. Individuals from both vehicles entered the store through the smashed side door. While inside, items from the store were taken and further damage to the store occurred. The individuals then fled in the same vehicles, before the arrival of police moments later. The Oneida City Police alerted other area police agencies of the events that occurred, including the description of the vehicles involved when they became known. Police later learned, and were able to confirm, that the same group of individuals were involved in similar incidents in Onondaga County on today’s date, after leaving the City of Oneida. The Oneida City Police, along with other area police agencies, are working to identify all the involved parties. The Oneida City Police Department encourages anyone who witnesses any suspected crime occurring, or has information about a past crime, to please call (315) 363-2323 to report it. Note: Due to other circumstances, we are not posting photos right now. We already have the vehicles identified, and they are both stolen from the City of Syracuse. One has been recovered since this incident occurred. The Oneida City Police, along with other area police agencies, are working to identify all the involved parties. If you have knowledge of this incident or the individuals involved, please contact us at (315)363-2323. Oneida City Police Department https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=627891522866309&set=a.148676540787812

PRESS RELEASE On August 30, 2023, Troopers out of SP Clarence arrested Charlene Wieczorek., 57, of Clarence, NY, for Cemetery Desecration 2nd. Troopers responded to a larceny complaint at Clarence Fillmore Cemetery on Ransom Road in the town of Clarence. Wieczorek took a flag valued at $50.00 from a cemetery plot and left the area. Wieczorek was transported to SP Clarence for processing. Wieczorek was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the town of Clarence court at a later date. https://www.nyspnews.com/clarence-woman-arrested-for-cemetery-desecration.htm

PRESS RELEASE On September 3, 2023, at 7:30 P.M., Troopers out of SP Olean responded to Cheese Factory Road in the town of Allegany for a vehicle that struck multiple people. The investigation determined that a 2014 Ford Fusion operated by Peggy J. Errera, 70 of Bradford, PA, was backing out of a driveway into the roadway. Errera intended to go straight, but never straightened the wheels as she accelerated the Ford. The Ford accelerated back into the driveway and struck six people gathered on the front lawn of the residence. One of the victims, Ronald S. Piechota, 81 of Schenectady, NY was pronounced deceased at the scene. Another 66-year-old victim was airlifted and taken to Erie County Medical Center with severe injuries. The four other victims are all being treated at local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. Errera was evaluated by a Drug Recognition Expert and no signs of intoxication were detected. The Collision Reconstruction Unit and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation assisted in this investigation. This is still an ongoing investigation. https://www.nyspnews.com/vehicle-strikes-multiple-people-in-fatal-collision.htm

PRESS RELEASE On September 4, 2023, at approximately 7:43 p.m., State Police members were responding to a wrong-way motorist on Interstate 87, in the town of Lewis, Essex County. A preliminary investigation determined the Troopers were attempting to initiate a traffic stop on the vehicle, when the operator failed to comply, resulting in a pursuit. The operator of the vehicle was traveling northbound in the southbound lane on Interstate 87 in the town of Lewis. The pursuit came to an end when the operator of the vehicle struck a vehicle head-on, resulting in serious injuries to individuals in both vehicles and one fatality. Southbound lanes are closed between exit 33 and 32. A traffic diversion is in place at exit 33 while accident reconstruction, vehicle recovery, and clean-up efforts take place. State Police are being assisted at the scene by Troop B BCI, Troop B CRU (Collision Reconstruction Unit), Essex County Sheriff’s department and multiple local fire and rescue departments. The crash remains under investigation. https://www.nyspnews.com/state-police-investigate-fatal-accident-on-interstate-87-in-town-lewis.htm

PRESS RELEASE On September 1, 2023, at approximately 8:15 pm, New York State Police at Deposit responded to a reported stabbing on a Trailways Transportation Bus, traveling from New York City to Binghamton. The bus was on State Highway 17 in the town of Deposit when the incident was reported and indicated that a female had been stabbed numerous times. A male occupant of the bus and traveling companion of the female fled the bus and into the nearby woods when the bus stopped. The male was located and taken into custody a short time later. He is identified as Dominique D. Holloman, age 32 of New York City. He was charged with the class “D” felony of Assault in the second degree. Holloman was processed at SP Deposit and transported to the Delaware County Jail for Centralized Arraignment. The female was treated at UHS Wilson Hospital for what appeared to be non-life-threatening injuries. https://www.nyspnews.com/troopers-respond-to-reported-stabbing-on-charter-bus.htm

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Christopher Mozone, age 36, of Albany was sentenced today to serve 41 months in prison for engaging in a fraudulent scheme to obtain a government loan meant for businesses struggling with the financial effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and James Bensley, Resident Agent in Charge of United States Secret Service (USSS)’s Albany Resident Office. As part of his previously-entered guilty plea to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, Mozone admitted that he conspired to obtain a $124,800 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) by falsely representing on a loan application that he owned a business when no such business existed. Mozone then spent the loan proceeds—which were supposed to be used for business purposes—on personal expenses, including nearly $10,000 in jewelry and a trip to Atlantic City, New Jersey. Senior United States District Judge Lawrence E. Kahn also imposed a 3-year term of supervised release, to begin after Mozone is released from prison, and ordered him to pay $43,378.08 in restitution to the SBA. This case was investigated by the USSS. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua R. Rosenthal and Michael D. Gadarian prosecuted the case. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. Updated August 31, 2023

Wells Enterprises’ New Manufacturing Facility Will Retain 401 Jobs and Create More Than 200 New Jobs for the Production of Ice Cream and Frozen Novelty Products See Rendering of State-of-the-Art Plant Here Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that Wells Enterprises is planning to expand its manufacturing facility in Dunkirk, making a significant investment to create a world-class ice cream plant on its current property. The project will allow the company to add more than 200 new jobs and retain 401 existing full-time jobs. New York State is supporting the project with up to $10 million in Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits and a $6 million grant from Empire State Development in exchange for job creation and capital investment commitments. The Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency is also working with the management team of Wells to provide the support necessary for company executives to officially greenlight the project. “The new, state-of-art ice cream manufacturing plant in Chautauqua County will create jobs and spur economic growth for years to come,” Governor Hochul said. “This project is a win for hundreds of plant workers, a victory for many local business partners that benefit from the facility, and an important success story for the region’s overall economy.” Liam Killeen, CEO of Wells Enterprises said, “We are extremely excited to build on the strength of our team in Dunkirk and continue to work with the community to grow and expand our operations here. The investment in Dunkirk illustrates our passion to provide high-quality premium ice cream products that bring joy to consumers around the world. The planned expansion also reinforces our dedication to our team, consumers, and the community as a critical part of the long-term future of our company.” The Dunkirk manufacturing facility, located at 1 Ice Cream Drive, plays an important role in the company’s expansion plans for its national manufacturing network of its Blue Bunny, Halo Top, Bomb Pop and Blue Ribbon Classics brands. The expansion is anticipated to more than double the facility's current production capacity and help support the company’s continued plans for growth in novelty and packaged ice cream, while enabling future innovation. Construction will begin on the new facility in the last quarter of 2023. It will include all new production lines, cold storage, and administrative office space. Wells will continue to manufacture ice cream products in the existing facility while construction of the new plant is underway. The company’s success is strongly supported by local dairy farmers who provide the majority of the fluid milk used at the facility today. The planned expansion will continue to utilize millions of pounds of dairy annually. That number is expected to grow along with the overall consumption of ice cream. Fortune Business Insights estimates the global ice cream market will reach $104.96 billion in 2029, up from $71.52 billion in 2021—a 46 percent jump in less than a decade due to the world’s craving for ice cream. Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Together we have changed the story in Dunkirk from a major loss to a huge win. The construction of Wells' new state-of-the art ice cream plant will add hundreds of jobs — it's a sweet victory for the community, and ESD is proud to have played a role in negotiating. Whether it is ice cream, yogurt, or cereal, the food manufacturing industry is an important ingredient for our economy. The new high tech production facility in Dunkirk is a taste of the job growth and business opportunity that New York has experienced under Governor Hochul’s leadership.” Read the full press release here.

ESPN+ will stream more college football than ever before this fall, with more than 500 games featuring teams from FBS conferences like the SEC, Big 12, American, ACC, CUSA, MAC and Sun Belt, and FCS schools from the Big Sky, MVFC, Patriot League, Ivy League, Southern, Southland, MEAC, SWAC, ASUN/WAC, the Big South-OVC Football Association and Pioneer. The 2023-24 season kicks off Thursday, Aug. 31 with 218 games exclusively on ESPN+ in September. Week 1 Highlights | September 2: Mercer at No. 22 Ole Miss – The Ole Miss Rebels begin their 2023 campaign with a non-conference matchup at home versus the Mercer Bears in Week 1 of the college football season. UT Martin at No. 1 Georgia – The two-time defending National Champion Bulldogs kick off their season against the Skyhawks at 6 p.m. Southeast Missouri State at No. 16 Kansas State – The two teams meet for the first time, following Kansas State winning last season’s Big 12 Championship. Central Arkansas at Oklahoma State – Oklahoma State looks to kick off a successful season in their home opener. Texas State at Baylor – Former Auburn and LSU quarterback TJ Finley makes his debut for Texas State, while Baylor looks to follow up last year with another win and get back into the Top 25. Additional highlights: 14 total SEC games over the course of the season, with one game for each SEC school. More than 20 Big 12 Now on ESPN+ games on platform – more than ever before – with additional games added to the schedule throughout the season. Approximately 30 games from The American over the course of the season, with at least one appearance from each school. Robust schedules from Conference USA, the MAC, Sun Belt, UMass and numerous FCS conferences, with more added to the schedule throughout the season. Every game of the FCS Playoffs will stream on ESPN+, including 16 exclusive games and Division II and III. For the first time, ESPN+ will stream the Secretaries’ Cup (Merchant Marine Academy @ US. Coast Guard Academy) on Veterans’ Day, Saturday, Nov. 11. College Football on ESPN+ – First Five Weeks Schedule (subject to change): https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2023/08/espn-to-stream-more-than-500-college-football-games-this-fall-3/ Contacts: ESPN+: Olivia Coryell (olivia.coryell@espn.com) CFB on ESPN: Amanda Brooks (amanda.d.brooks@espn.com)

On Thursday, August 24th, 2023, around 5:50 p.m., Officers at Destiny USA responded to a suspicious person with a weapon complaint. A visitor to the mall reported seeing a white man, in his 20's, drop a revolver as he was exiting a vehicle in front of the mall. The man reportedly picked the weapon up off the ground and placed it into his waistband before walking into the mall. Officers began reviewing security cameras in an attempt to identify the man. Officers Coleman, Ristau and Heri began searching for the suspect inside the mall, while Officer Goldberg reviewed security camera footage, and provided the other Officers with a picture of the suspect. On the first floor of the mall, Officer Heri observed two men who matched the suspects description on the security footage. The men were walking towards the exit near the Carousel entrance. When the men spotted the Officers, they began to walk towards them. Officer Coleman directed one of the men, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Flynn, to move towards a corner area, where he could be frisked. Officer Ristau found a loaded HNR Sportsman .22 Long Rifle inside Flynn's waistband. Flynn also had a black shoulder bag, which contained two folding pocket knives, and a small amount of different pills, determined to be suboxone, ambien and xanax. Other Officers searched the teen who was with Flynn, and found a 'sawed off' loaded Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works 12 gauge shotgun inside a backpack that he was carrying. Both Flynn and the teen were taken to the Public Safety Building. Flynn was charged with Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree. The 17-year-old was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree and Criminal Possession of a Firearm​. Flynn was lodged at the Onondaga County Justice Center, while the teen was lodged at Hillbrook Detention Center. We would like to thank all of the Officers working at Destiny USA for their quick response to this incident, which helped to take two guns off of City streets. This is a great example of when you see something, say something, and call 911. Syracuse Police Department https://www.facebook.com/SyracusePolice/posts/pfbid02JjCvEeZqwmhb3p8LHfeTRbZ7y75fhJmzt2t7enXBeEB32kjrwx9NRwcKvemRuGKbl

PRESS RELEASE On August 29, 2023, State Police of Saratoga arrested David A. Fink, 27, of Ballston, NY, for Arson in the second degree(B-Felony) and Reckless Endangerment in the first degree(D-Felony). On August 29, 2023, at about 2:20 a.m. Troopers responded to an apartment complex on Dominic Drive in Ballston, NY, for a report of a structure fire. The Ballston Spa Fire Department isolated and extinguished the fire, which they determined to be suspicious. The State Police Saratoga Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Fire Investigators from the Saratoga County Office of Emergency Management and New York State Fire Investigators responded to the scene to investigate. The joint investigation determined that the fire was intentionally started in Fink’s apartment. Additionally, it was determined that the fire suppression system and fire alarms in Fink’s apartment were disabled prior to the fire being ignited. Fink was located later in the day outside the apartment complex and arrested. He was transported to SP Saratoga for processing and then arraigned at the Ballston Town Court. Fink was released under the supervision of the Saratoga County Probation Department. State Police wishes to thank all assisting municipal fire agencies and emergency medical providers who responded to the scene. NEW YORK STATE POLICE Major Dennis J. Schager Troop G Commander https://www.nyspnews.com/state-police-make-arrest-following-ballston-fire-investigation.htm

PRESS RELEASE On August 31, 2023, at approximately 1:19 a.m., the New York State Police in SP Rochester investigated a two-car fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred on State Route 104 in the eastbound lanes near the Five Mile Line Rd exit in the town of Webster. A preliminary investigation revealed that a 61-year-old male was driving his 2022 Chevrolet Silverado truck the wrong way (westbound) in the eastbound lanes. A 31-year-old male was driving a 2008 Mercury Sable eastbound when the two vehicles collided head-on. The 31-year-old male was pronounced deceased at the scene. The 61-year-old was transported by ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The New York State Police Collision Reconstruction responded to assist at the scene. This is an active investigation. Anyone with information about this accident is asked to call New York State Poice at 585-398-4100. NEW YORK STATE POLICE Major Brian J. Ratajczak Troop E Commander https://www.nyspnews.com/state-police-investigate-fatal-head-on-collision-on-state-route-104-in-town-webster..htm

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Shane Barnes, age 38, of Akwesasne, New York, pled guilty today to transporting six aliens. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Chief Patrol Agent Robert N. Garcia, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector made the announcement. In pleading guilty, Barnes admitted that on September 28, 2022, he drove a pickup truck to the riverbank of the U.S. side of the St. Regis River. Shortly after arriving at the riverbank, six aliens emerged from the woods and got into the pickup truck. The defendant then drove the aliens to Hogansburg, NY, and then to Bombay, NY. The defendant further admitted that he expected to be paid for transporting the aliens. Sentencing is scheduled for January 10, 2024, before United States District Judge David N. Hurd in Utica, New York. Barnes faces up to ten years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to three 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. This case was investigated by the United States Border Patrol. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss. https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/akwesasne-man-pleads-guilty-transporting-six-aliens