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According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, a Vernon man was taken into custody following a physical altercation involving a weapon on Monday evening. On December 1, 2025, at approximately 7:00 p.m., Road Patrol Deputies responded to 3310 Simmons Road in the Town of Vernon for a report of a disturbance involving a weapon. According to law enforcement, an individual on scene was acting erratically and pointed what appeared to be a handgun at two victims. As the victims attempted to flee into a nearby residence, the suspect reportedly advanced toward them with the weapon in hand. A physical struggle then broke out between the suspect and one of the victims, who was ultimately able to disarm him. Deputies later determined the weapon to be a handgun-style pellet gun. Upon arrival, Deputies were able to take the suspect into custody without incident. He was identified as Glenn A. Wallis , age 40, of Vernon. Wallis was transported to the Kurt B. Wyman Law Enforcement Building for processing. Following an investigation, Deputies charged Wallis with: Two counts of Menacing in the Second Degree  (Class A Misdemeanor) One count of Harassment in the Second Degree  (Violation) Additionally, a member of the Criminal Investigation Unit charged him with: One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree  (Class D Felony) Wallis was lodged at the Oneida County Correctional Facility and is scheduled to appear in CAP Court later today, December 2, 2025. Authorities have not reported any serious injuries resulting from the incident.

According to Oneida County Sheriff, Robert M. Maciol, on November 29th, 2025, a Rome man was arrested following a report of a motor vehicle accident involving a firearm.   On November 29th, 2025, at approximately 2:29 PM, Oneida County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a seasonal road in the Town of Verona regarding a motor vehicle accident involving a firearm. It was reported to deputies that a verbal altercation occurred, along with a property damage motor vehicle accident. Further investigation led deputies to discover that a shot was fired at a vehicle, striking the vehicle, which was occupied by two individuals. None of the parties involved in this incident was injured.  The investigation was ultimately turned over to members of the Criminal Investigations Unit and as a result, Floyd F. Bush Jr. (48) of Rome was taken into custody and charged with Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree (class D felony). Bush Jr. was transported to the Oneida County Sheriff's Office Law Enforcement Building for processing. After Bush Jr. was processed, he was turned over to the Oneida County Correctional Facility and is currently awaiting Centralized Arraignment.

According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, a City of Utica couple was taken into custody following a traffic stop on Commercial Drive in the Town of New Hartford on Saturday evening. On November 29th, 2025, at approximately 7:00 p.m., a Road Patrol Deputy initiated a traffic stop on Commercial Drive. Upon speaking with the occupants, the Deputy determined that they had recently been involved in a dispute at the Sangertown Mall, an incident already under investigation by the New Hartford Police Department. While the Deputy was addressing the traffic stop, several additional individuals—also connected to the earlier dispute—arrived at the scene in a separate vehicle. One of them, Melissa Henderson, age 42, began crossing Commercial Drive, intentionally blocking vehicular traffic in violation of Disorderly Conduct (NYS PL 240.20 sub 5). As the Deputy attempted to detain Henderson, another member of the arriving group, Stephen Bembry, age 35, began pushing Deputies and physically interfering with their investigation. Both Henderson and Bembry resisted arrest and were subsequently taken into custody. During the struggle, Henderson also kicked one of the Deputies attempting to detain her. Following the investigation, the two were charged as follows: Melissa Henderson (42): • Disorderly Conduct (Violation) • Harassment in the Second Degree (Violation) • Obstructing Governmental Administration in the Second Degree (Class A Misdemeanor) • Resisting Arrest (Class A Misdemeanor) Stephen Bembry (35): • Obstructing Governmental Administration in the Second Degree (Class A Misdemeanor) • Resisting Arrest (Class A Misdemeanor) Henderson and Bembry were transported to the Kurt B. Wyman Law Enforcement Building for processing and were later held at the Oneida County Jail pending arraignment in CAP Court. Assisting agencies at the scene included the New Hartford Police Department, Whitestown Police Department, New York Mills Police Department, and the New York State Police. Sergeant Brady Wood #66 Oneida County Sheriff’s Office 6065 Judd Road, Oriskany, NY 13424 Sheriff’s Line: 315-736-0141

As we enter the holiday season, the members of the Oneida County Sheriff's Office remind all residents to stay safe, stay alert, and look out for one another. The Thanksgiving holiday weekend is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Whether you're driving across town or across the County, we want you to arrive safely. Always buckle up and never drive impaired. State, County, and local law enforcement agencies will be out to help ensure our roads and communities remain safe for everyone. If you plan to celebrate, please plan ahead. Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Arrange for a designated driver, use rideshare options, or stay overnight if necessary. Impaired driving endangers lives and carries serious legal consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving remains a major factor in Thanksgiving-related fatalities. In 2023, 92 drivers were involved in fatal crashes on Thanksgiving Eve — 33% of whom were drunk. From 2019–2023, 868 people were killed in drunk driving crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period. Before you get behind the wheel this year, remember that even a small amount of alcohol affects you more than you think. If you are hosting a holiday gathering, please celebrate responsibly. Monitor alcohol consumption, provide non-alcoholic options, ensure guests have safe transportation, and never allow an impaired individual to drive. With a Winter Storm Watch in effect from Thursday afternoon through Saturday morning, residents should prepare for potentially hazardous travel conditions. Monitor local forecasts, allow extra travel time, reduce speed on snow-covered or icy roads, and keep emergency supplies in your vehicle. “As families prepare for Thanksgiving travel, we’re facing both increased traffic and the potential of winter weather,” said Sheriff Robert Maciol. “Slow down, give yourself extra time, and never drive impaired. The most important safety decisions will be the ones made before you get behind the wheel.” “This Thanksgiving week and through the weekend, millions will hit the roads to spend time with family and friends in one of the busiest travel times of the year,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “Please do not let this joyous time end in tragedy by driving distracted or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Our law enforcement agencies will be heavily patrolling our roadways to make sure that everyone gets to their destinations safely and enjoys the holiday season.” Lieutenant Curtis Morgan Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Community Affairs Unit 315-765-2220 www.sheriff.oneidacountyny.gov cemorgan@sheriff.oneidacountyny.gov (Please note my new email)

Rome, NY — Two residents of the Shady Grove Trailer Park were charged with animal neglect after Rome Police discovered six malnourished dogs in need of urgent care on Saturday afternoon. On November 22, 2025, at approximately 1:15 p.m., officers from the Rome Police Department’s Patrol Division responded to a report of animal neglect at 7095 East Dominick Street, lot 5. Upon arrival, officers found two adult dogs and four puppies  showing clear signs of malnourishment. The animals were immediately turned over to the City of Rome Animal Control for treatment and recovery. The owners, Jennifer D. Voci (11/16/1983)  and Robert P. Ridley (01/01/1975) , were taken into custody and charged with Failure to Provide Sustenance  under Agriculture and Markets Law 353, a Class A misdemeanor. Both individuals were processed at the Rome Police Department and released on appearance tickets for a future court date in Rome City Court. The City of Rome Animal Control Center  is now seeking donations of dry puppy food  to help support the puppies’ recovery. Anyone wishing to donate can contact the Animal Control Office at 315-337-6260 .

Verona, NY — A Town of Verona man wanted on several felony warrants was taken into custody early Tuesday morning after a late-night standoff, according to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol. On November 24th, 2025, around 10:15 p.m., Road Patrol Deputies responded to a residence on State Route 31 near Germany Road for a reported dispute in progress. Upon arrival, deputies learned that one of the individuals involved, Patrick Higgins, 36 , was a wanted suspect out of the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office for Burglary in the Second Degree , a Class C felony. Deputies also discovered that Higgins was wanted by the New York State Police on additional felony charges. When deputies attempted to make contact, Higgins refused to exit the residence. A perimeter was quickly established, and OCSO Negotiators were called to the scene. After several hours of communication, Higgins surrendered without incident at approximately 1:00 a.m. Higgins was taken into custody and will be transported to the Oneida County Jail, where he will be held pending an appearance in Oneida County Court. The Oneida County Sheriff’s Road Patrol Division was assisted by the OCSO Criminal Investigations Unit, OCSO Negotiators, and the New York State Police.

New Hartford, NY — Two Utica women are facing felony charges after allegedly stealing nearly $2,000 worth of merchandise from Victoria’s Secret at Sangertown Square Mall on October 30th, 2025. New Hartford Police responded to the store on Seneca Turnpike after staff reported that two females had fled with concealed merchandise. Officers arriving on scene gathered witness information, identified that the suspects fled in a vehicle, and collected additional evidence. The case was turned over to the New Hartford Police Criminal Investigation Division, where investigators reviewed surveillance footage and other evidence tied to the incident. Victoria’s Secret staff determined the total value of stolen merchandise to be $1,859. Following the investigation, police charged Odasha Watson, 29, of Utica , and Judith Bennett, 27, also of Utica , with: One count each of NYS PL 155.30 — Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree , a Class E felony. Both Watson and Bennett were processed and released on appearance tickets. They are scheduled to answer the charges in New Hartford Town Court in December.

Press Release Troopers from Troop T, SP Tarrytown, responded to a bus fire at approximately 1:37 p.m. today on the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. Investigation revealed that a Hudson Link bus carrying four passengers became engulfed in flames as it was traveling south.  The passengers and driver were safely removed from the bus and transferred to another carrier. No other vehicles were involved, and no injuries were reported. The Pocantico   Hills, Tarrytown, Central Nyack, and South Nyack fire departments responded to extinguish the fire. Southbound lanes were temporarily shut down for bus removal, and traffic was moving in the left lanes. The bus has been removed, all lanes are open and traffic is moving with residual delays.

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that MARIO POWELL was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John P. Cronan to 97 months in prison for assaulting a corrections officer with a contraband weapon on May 30, 2020, while incarcerated at the Metropolitan Correctional Center, New York (“MCC”).  In September 2025, POWELL was convicted of assaulting a corrections officer with a deadly and dangerous weapon and possession of prison contraband following a five-day trial before Judge Cronan. “Mario Powell brazenly ambushed a corrections officer at the Metropolitan Correction Center in New York City, trying to slit his throat,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “This sentence shows that violence in our corrections facilities will trigger meaningful consequences.” According to the allegations contained in the Indictment and the evidence presented during the trial: On May 30, 2020, at the MCC, POWELL forcibly assaulted a corrections officer with a deadly and dangerous weapon and, in doing so, lacerated the officer’s neck.  In order to commit the attack, POWELL obtained and possessed a weapon made of razor blades.                                  * In addition to the prison term, POWELL, 34, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release. Mr. Clayton thanked former MCC staff for their assistance and praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas John Wright, Henry L. Ross, and Leslie B. Arffa are in charge of the prosecution.

New Hartford, NY – Upscale Resale Events  is thrilled to announce the return of its premier seasonal event, The Holiday Family Spectacular , taking over the former Jo Ann Fabrics location in New Hartford for two weekends in December. Utilizing a massive 25,000 square feet  of retail space, the Spectacular is set to be the largest local market for holiday shopping and selling. The event will run across two consecutive weekends: December 4th – 7th  and December 11th – 14th , offering community members an opportunity to shop for unique, gently used and handmade gifts while also earning extra cash for the holidays. The market will feature goods from over 80 local families and vendors , ensuring a diverse selection of items for the entire family, from babies and children to adults. "We are committed to helping our community both save money on gifts and make money by cleaning out their homes before the new year," said a representative from Upscale Resale Events. "Securing the huge former Jo Ann Fabrics space allows us to maximize the number of vendors and provide a truly grand, festive shopping experience." Community Focus and Family Fun Beyond the extensive shopping selection, the event prioritizes family entertainment and community support: Feed Our Vets Partnership:  On the main opening day ( December 4th ) and Restock Day (December 11th ), guests can gain exclusive early shopping access (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM) by bringing a non-perishable food item to benefit Feed Our Vets . Festive Activities:  Families can enjoy Pictures with Santa Claus  (dates/times to be announced), participate in The Great Elf Hunt  throughout the enormous venue, and take advantage of various vendor exhibits, photo experiences, and a dedicated kids' corner. Key Shopping Dates Upscale Resale Events has structured the schedule to offer multiple access points and deals: Date Time Highlight/Special Event Monday, Dec 3rd 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM Consignor Exclusive Pre-Shop Day Tues, Dec 4th 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Opening Day:  Early access with Feed Our Vets donation (10am-4pm) Mon, Dec 11th 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Restock Day:  Fresh inventory & early access with Feed Our Vets donation (10am-4pm) Thurs, Dec 14th 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Half Price Day:  Items marked for discount will be 50% off The event's final day, December 14th, offers the deepest discounts, allowing shoppers to grab last-minute deals. All other days (Dec 5th, 6th, 7th, 12th, 13th) are open to the public from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Location:  The Old Jo Ann Fabrics Location, New Hartford. About Upscale Resale Events:  Upscale Resale Events specializes in creating large-scale, organized consignment and resale marketplaces, providing a trusted, high-quality environment  for families to shop and sell.  Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/UpscaleResaleEvents Website:   https://www.upscaleresaleevents.com   Media Contact:  Tiffany Chrisian, Owner Tiffany@upscaleresaeevents.com

Verona, NY — November 19, 2025 — According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, Deputies responded to a serious motor vehicle accident on Blackman's Corners Road in the Town of Verona on November 18th, 2025, at approximately 9:50 p.m. Upon arrival, Deputies discovered that a single vehicle traveling northwest on Blackman's Corners Road had left the roadway and collided with a tree. The investigation revealed that the operator lost control of the vehicle prior to the crash. The driver was pronounced deceased at the scene as a result of the collision. A passenger in the vehicle sustained serious injuries and was transported to Wynn Hospital for treatment. Their condition has not yet been released. The identities of both the deceased and the injured passenger are being withheld pending notification of the family. Blackman ' s Corners Road was closed for the duration of the on-scene investigation but has since been reopened to the public. The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. The Verona Fire Department and Vineall Ambulance Service provided assistance at the scene. Further information will be released as it becomes available. ..

On Thursday, November 13, 2025, following an investigation, the New York State Police arrested Lieutenant James R. Spencer, age 57, of the Watertown Police Department, for Harassment in the Second Degree (violation) and Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class A misdemeanor). The investigation began after the Watertown Police Department reported an incident involving a use-of-force occurrence at the Metro-Jefferson Public Safety Building on September 24, 2025, at approximately 10:30 a.m. involving a male juvenile. The investigation determined that the juvenile’s guardian drove to the Jefferson County Public Safety Building to have an officer speak with the juvenile. The juvenile refused to enter the building and ran into nearby bushes. Two Watertown Police Department officers and a Jefferson County Detective made contact with the juvenile and began escorting him toward the building while holding his hands. As Spencer approached to assist, the juvenile kicked off one of his shoes, striking Spencer near the groin. Spencer then used force to place the juvenile on the ground in order to handcuff him. The juvenile was brought to the front of the building and released back to his legal guardian. Spencer was arrested at SP Watertown based on a criminal summons issued by the City of Watertown Court. He is scheduled to appear in the City of Watertown Court for arraignment on November 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. https://troopers.ny.gov/news/new-york-state-police-arrest-watertown-police-lieutenant