Two city residents indicted by federal Grand Jury for drug trafficking...
Two Jamestown residents have been indicted by a federal Grand Jury in connection with a drug trafficking operation in the city the past three years. U.S. Attorney Trini Ross has announced the grand jury returned the indictment Monday against 50 year-old David Ledesma... and 31 year-old Susan Walker... are charged with narcotics conspiracy, using and maintaining a drug-involved premises, and possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl. Ross says Ledesma is also charged with distribution of controlled substances causing serious bodily injury and distribution of heroin, fentanyl, and para-fluorofentanyl. Prosecutors say between May of 2020 and May of 2023... Ledesma and Walker conspired to sell heroin and fentanyl in the area... and, maintaining a residence on Lafayette Street in Jamestown to manufacture, distribute, and use heroin. In addition, Ledesma is accused of selling controlled substances to an individual identified as "A.R." causing serious bodily injury. If convicted, Ledesma faces a maximum of 20 years in prison... and, Walker faces a maximum of 10 years.
Jamestown man arrested on drug charges after being found sleeping inside running car...
A Jamestown man found sleeping inside a running vehicle has been arrested on an outstanding warrent... and for being in possession of fentanyl and methamphetamine. City police were called to an eastside location shortly after 10 a.m. Monday... and, found 25 year-old Dale Linkous inside the vehicle. Officers were made aware of the warrant... and, also found that Linkous' driver's license had been revoked. They add he was also required to have an Ignition Interlock System... but, it did not. Linkous was taken into custody... and, he was found with the Meth and fentanyl in his possession... along with a small amount of cocaine that was inside the car. He was also charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... two counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... third-degree Aggravated unlicensed opeartion... and, operation of a motor vehicle without an Ignition Interlock System. Linkous was jailed pending arraignment.
Wendel signs 2024 budget approved by legislature...
Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel has now signed the 2024 budget that was approved by county lawmakers 15-4 last week. Wendel says he's excited about the spending plan... which totals $294.1-million. He noted that the legislature described the negotiation period as "probably one of the best" in some time... and the changes made were "very solid." Wendel says budget, which lowers the tax rate by 89-cents per $1,000 full value, is a "sound" one for county residents. While cutting the tax rate... Wendel's budget does include a $1.8-million increase in the tax levy... and, was rejected by all four Democrats on the legislature... who wanted to use more fund balance to lower the levy. Wendel says one of the late changes made to the budget involved his proposal for a Lake Maintenance Fund that was reduced from $1-million to $500,000.
City Council introduces local law to increase income limit for Senior property tax exemption...
The Jamestown City Council has introduced a local law that would increase the amount of income seniors can receive, and still qualify for a local property tax exemption. At-Large Councilman Jeff Russell formally introduced the measure during last night's voting session to be tabled for 30-days. Russell says... raising the combined income from $19,000 to $22,000... will benefit a number of local seniors who recently received cost of living increases from Social Security. He says there are a few dozen such residents were looking at losing the exemption if it stays in place. In fact... he said some could see their taxes double if there is no increase. Russell added that those seniors who were receiving only Social Security face the possibility of losing their homes due to the federal increase. He brought up the idea at a recent work session. Councilmembers noted that the change would also be in line with what Chautauqua County has done with the limits on income eligibility for a property tax exemption.
Woman arrested for DWI after car strikes utility pole...
A 28 year-old woman is accused of driving drunk after her car struck a utility pole on Jamestown's westside early Sunday evening. City police say they responded to the report shortly after 8 p.m., and, found that Kimberly Carare was driving the vehicle, and the sole occupant. Officers say their investigation showed that Carare was driving while intoxicated, and her blood alcohol content was above the legal limit. Police say they also determined that she was driving with a suspended license due to a previous DWI arrest in September. Carare was taken into custody for DWI, first-degree Felony aggravated unlicensed operation of a Motor Vehicle... along with numerous traffic citations. Carare was held pending arraignment.
Woman found with drugs at Jamestown city jail...
A woman who was arrested on previous charges last week in Jamestown has now been arrested for being in possession of two controlled substances illegally while being taken to the city jail. Jamestown police say they were told that 37 year-old Danielle Braun was being remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail on the previous charges last week. However... as she was being taken by court security to the city jail... she was found with the two illegal substances... and, she was issued appearance tickets for two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance.
