(WNY News Now) – An investigation into alleged welfare fraud has led to the arrest of a Machias resident, accused of unlawfully obtaining SNAP benefits by concealing income.Olean, N.Y. – The Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Bureau has arrested 41-year-old Christine M. Villani of Machias, NY, on charges stemming from alleged welfare fraud. Following a complaint lodged by the Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services in May 2023, authorities began investigating Villani’s SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) account.The investigation revealed that Villani allegedly received $3,392.00 in benefits by withholding income details, leading to charges of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (D Felony), Welfare Fraud in the Third Degree (D Felony), and Offeri...

(WNY News Now) – In a coordinated operation, local authorities arrested a Salamanca resident wanted on a federal warrant, with support from the U.S. Marshals Service.Salamanca, N.Y. – On the morning of October 25, 2024, Sheriff Eric A. Butler reported the apprehension of Thomas R. Priviglian, age 51, at his residence on Erie Street in Salamanca, New York. Local deputies, responding to a known federal warrant, arrived at Priviglian’s address at approximately 10:00 a.m. for a warrant attempt.Upon arrival, deputies successfully located and identified Priviglian, who had an active warrant from the United States District Court. Following standard protocol, Priviglian was taken into custody without incident and subsequently handed over to U.S. Marshals for arraignment.The warrant, issued by Judg...

(WNY News Now) – A routine traffic stop on Forest Ave. early Monday led Jamestown officers to arrest a local woman for driving while intoxicated, marking her third DWI charge this year.Jamestown, N.Y. – In the early hours of October 28, Jamestown Police officers from the Third Platoon conducted a traffic stop on Forest Ave. at approximately 2:17 a.m. The vehicle, driven by Krista J. Jones, a 33-year-old Jamestown resident, was flagged due to a suspended registration. The routine stop quickly escalated when officers noted signs of impairment.During the stop, Jones was subjected to field sobriety tests, which she reportedly failed, leading officers to take her into custody on charges of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). A background check revealed that Jones’ New York State driving privileges...