Wednesday, January 8
Courts

Jamestown Man Sentenced to Over 10 Years for Meth Trafficking in Major Federal Case

(WNY News Now) – A Jamestown resident will spend over a decade in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine.BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced the sentencing of Mark R. Maio, 40, of Jamestown, New York, who will serve a 121-month federal prison term after being convicted on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, over 50 grams of methamphetamine. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara, underscoring federal efforts to address meth trafficking across Western New York.The case dates back to January 2019, when a search warrant executed at Maio’s residence—shared with co-defendant Brittany Dellahoy—yielded substantial quantities of methamphetamine, marijuana, crack cocaine, heroin, and drug-related par...
Arraignment

Buffalo Teen Arraigned on Attempted Murder Charge in Seneca Street Stabbing

(WNY News Now) – A 17-year-old from Buffalo faces serious felony charges after an alleged early-morning stabbing incident in South Buffalo left a man hospitalized.Buffalo, N.Y. – 17-year-old Buffalo male was arraigned before Youth Part Judge Shannon Filbert on charges of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree and Assault in the First Degree, both Class “B” violent felonies. Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announced the charges following an investigation into an alleged stabbing that took place on November 1, 2024.Buffalo Police responded to a 1:00 a.m. call reporting a stabbing incident on the 1900 block of Seneca Street. Upon arrival, officers found a 43-year-old man with stab wounds to his chest and abdomen. The victim was transported by ambulance to Erie County Medi...
Arrests

Man Charged with Promoting Prison Contraband After Razorblade Found in Cell

(WNY News Now) – A contraband crackdown at Chautauqua County Jail led to the arrest of a Buffalo man after corrections officers discovered a razorblade in his cell.Mayville, N.Y. – On the evening of October 29, 2024, Chautauqua County Jail officers uncovered a razorblade in the possession of 39-year-old Dion James Carr during a routine cell search at the facility on East Chautauqua Street in Mayville, NY. Carr, who resides in Buffalo, now faces a first-degree charge of promoting prison contraband.Corrections officers immediately notified the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division upon discovering the contraband. Following an investigation, detectives formally charged Carr, and he is scheduled for arraignment at Centralized Arraignment Court. As are all persons ...
$49M Settlement Reached with Drug Makers Over Alleged Price Inflation – Consumers Could Receive Compensation
Community Concerns

$49M Settlement Reached with Drug Makers Over Alleged Price Inflation – Consumers Could Receive Compensation

(WNY News Now) – If you bought certain generic prescription drugs between 2010 and 2016, you may be eligible for a refund as part of a $49.1 million settlement with two major pharmaceutical companies.HARRISBURG – Attorney General Michelle Henry joined a coalition of 50 states and territories in announcing cooperation agreements and settlements with Heritage Pharmaceuticals and Apotex — totaling $49.1 million — regarding the companies’ price inflation and manipulation and other efforts to reduce options for consumers.According to the settlements, the generic prescription drug companies will pay a combined $49.1 million to consumers who purchased their products between 2010 and 2016. The companies will also cooperate in ongoing multistate litigation, led by Connecticut, against 30 corporate ...
Breaking News

Missing Person Alert: Search For Joshua Vanhouten Begins

(WNY News Now) – Joshua Vanhouten, a 36-year old male from Gerry, has been reported missing after leaving his residence on the morning of Saturday, October 26th, 2024.Gerry, N.Y. – Joshua Vanhouten, a 36-year old Gerry man, has been reported missing. He was last seen leaving his residence on the 1000 block of old Chautauqua Road in Gerry, N.Y. on Saturday morning, October 26th, 2024.Joshua Vanhouten is 5 ft. 10 in. in height and weighs approximately 160 pounds. He has hazel eyes and dirty blonde hair. He was reported to have left his residence on a black mini bike, and he was wearing grey flannel, light blue jeans, and a small black backpack.The Western New York Missing and Unidentified Persons Network will be putting together a search party this afternoon to attempt to locate Joshua Vanho...
Election 2024

Bipartisan Call for Peace: 50 Attorneys General Urge Peaceful Election and Transfer of Power

(WNY News Now) – In a unified front, New York Attorney General Letitia James and 49 other attorneys general from across the political spectrum have called for a peaceful election and committed to safeguarding democracy and public safety.NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James and a bipartisan coalition of 50 attorneys general issued a statement calling for a peaceful election and transfer of power and condemning any potential political violence:“Regardless of the 2024 election outcome, we condemn any and all acts of violence related to its results. A peaceful transfer of power is the highest testament to the rule of law, a tradition that stands at the heart of our nation’s stability. As Attorneys General, we affirm our commitment to protect our communities and uphold the democra...
JPS 2024-25 Delayed Opening/Closing Information
Community

JPS 2024-25 Delayed Opening/Closing Information

(WNY News Now) – JAMESTOWN, N.Y. – As the weather begins to change, Jamestown Public Schools may need to delay or close schools due to weather conditions. If schools are closed or have a delayed opening, JPS will make an announcement on area radio and television stations, and post on the JPS Facebook Page (@JamestownPublicSchools) and JPS Twitter/X feed (@JamestownSchool). The district will also communicate with families and staff using its direct messaging system. Parents and students can expect to receive telephone, email and text messages on delayed openings or school closings, as long as their contact information is up-to-date in the district’s system. The district encourages families to contact their child’s main office to update their contact information. School closing decisions are...
Arrests

Kennedy Woman Faces Grand Larceny and Forgery Charges in Alleged Youth Club Embezzlement

(WNY News Now) – Town of Ellicott Police allege that a local woman illegally withdrew over $3,000 from a youth club’s account, issuing herself a forged check.A 35-year-old woman from Kennedy, New York, has been charged with grand larceny in the third degree and forgery in the second degree following an investigation by the Town of Ellicott Police Department. Cassandra L. Dickerson is accused of taking more than $3,000 from a local youth organization’s account and forging a check to herself.According to the police report, the investigation began when a complaint of suspected fraud involving the youth club’s finances was filed. Authorities claim Dickerson used her access to the club’s funds to withdraw a substantial sum, allegedly creating and endorsing a fraudulent check in her name.Followi...
Arrests

Falconer Man Arrested on Criminal Mischief and Coercion Charges in Domestic Dispute

(WNY News Now) – A Falconer resident faces criminal mischief and coercion charges following a domestic incident that prompted a swift response from Town of Ellicott Police.Falconer, N.Y. – On October 20, 2024, Michael J. Thompson, 35, of Falconer, was arrested by the Town of Ellicott Police after a domestic disturbance led to accusations of criminal mischief in the fourth degree and coercion in the third degree. Authorities responded to the reported incident in Falconer, where it is alleged that Thompson engaged in actions that met the criteria for both charges.Following his arrest, Thompson was transported to the county jail for arraignment under the Centralized Arraignment Program (CAP). According to the police, he will appear in Town of Ellicott Court at a later date to answer to these ...
Arrests

Jamestown Man Charged with Grand Larceny in Fourth Degree After Warrant Arrest

(WNY News Now) – A Jamestown resident, Jacob A. Trippy, 31, faces a grand larceny charge following a recent arrest on an active warrant by the Town of Ellicott Police.On October 29, Town of Ellicott Police Department charged Jacob A. Trippy, 31, with grand larceny in the fourth degree after he was apprehended on an outstanding warrant. According to the Ellicott Police, the incident began when officers from the Jamestown Police Department conducted a routine street check on Trippy in Jamestown. During this check, authorities confirmed that Trippy had an active warrant issued by the Town of Ellicott Police Department.Following his identification, Trippy was taken into custody and subsequently turned over to Ellicott Police. At the scene, Trippy was issued an appearance ticket and released. H...