A state Supreme Court Judge has ruled that a civil trial to determine whether convicted sex offender Nushawn Williams remains imprisoned will be closed to the public. The Buffalo News reports the order follows a stunning claim that Williams... who was accused in the mid 1990s of infecting 13 young women in the Jamestown-area with HIV... does not have the virus that causes AIDS. Williams' attorney... John Nurcherno (Nerr-Chur-ee-no) says -- "it's time we start slowly setting the record straight. He never had it for a moment. It’s not my contention. It’s the result of a University of Massachusetts Medical School examination of his blood." Nuchereno made the comments following Wednesday’s appearance in front of Justice John Michalski (Mih-Call-Ski). The State Attorney General’s Office wants to keep Williams confined under the state’s mental hygiene law, arguing that he’s a sexual predator likely to infect others with HIV. Jury selection in the civil trial is scheduled to begin in a few weeks in Chautauqua County. If he were to be freed... Nurchereno says Williams plans to move to Virginia, where his wife and mother live.
A Jamestown man is jailed without bail for allegedly selling "crack" cocaine in the city over the past several weeks. City Police Captain Bob Samuelson says the department's Drug Enforcement Unit... along with the State Police C-NET Team... raided an apartment at 402 Lafayette Street about 1:45 this (Wednesday) afternoon... and, arrested 35 year-old Tyrone Schaffer. They also found a large quantity of "crack" inside... along with drug paraphernalia... and, a quantity of cash. Samuelson says they're looking for any connections to previous arrests... but, adds the sale of "crack" has been on the rise. Samuelson says Schaffer was arrested without incident... and, charged with Felony criminal possession of a controlled substance... first-degree criminal nuisance... and, criminally using drug paraphernalia. He adds police are continuing to investigate to see who else may be involved in "street-level" sales of "crack..." such as Schaffer. He was arraigned in city court... and, sent to the Chautauqua County Jail with bail to be set once the D-A's office makes a recommendation.
Jamestown police have been very busy in recent months... arresting alleged drug dealers with the help of the State Police. Police Captain Bob Samuelson says they've been working with that agency's Community Narcotics Enforcement Team to help with a number of investigations into "mid and street-level" drug dealing. Samuelson says their work with the C-NET group began in March of last year once the department ended it's association with the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force. Samuelson adds the general public has also been a big help. City police have publicized their Tip-Line as a way for people to anonymously help them with finding current drug dealers... or one's who have just moved into the area. Samuelson says they've had a "terrific response" from the public. If you have any information on drug activity in the city... Samuelson says you're encouraged to call the JPD Tip-Line at 483-TIPS. That's 483-8477.
A Jamestown man faces a number of charges following a traffic stop. Jamestown Police pulled over a vehicle Just before midnight this morning after the driver, 34 year old Richard Jabczynski failed to stop for a stop sign on Superior at Forest Avenue. Jabczynski was asked to get out of the vehicle and perform field sobriety tests. Officers spotted a plastic baggie sticking out of Jabczynski's pocket that contained a white powdery susbstance. The Substance tested positive as cocaine. Jabczynski also failed the sobriety test. Jabczynski is being held at the city Jail awaiting arraignment.
A long-time human service agency in Jamestown will be shutting it's doors at the end of next month. Media One News has learned that the Joint Neighborhood Project will be closing June 30th due to funding contraints... and, an effort to prevent "duplication of programs and services." In a letter sent to supporters and church groups... Interim Executive Director Patty Perlee says "everything has it's own season, and after 50 years, the season for Joint Neighborhood Project is coming to a close." JNP began in the 1960s as a provider of recreational opportunities for children in that part of the city. A Jamestown couple began the effort in 1963... and, three churches joined forces in 1969 to create JNP. It became the first local sponsor of GED classes... and, the USDA sponsored Women, Infants, and Children -- or WIC -- Program was first housed at JNP's 532 East Second Street location. We were unable to reach Patty Perlee for comment yesterday.
A Fredonia man has now been identified as the person killed late Tuesday night on a one-car crash in the north county town of Pomfret. Chautauqua County Sheriff's officers say 49 year-old David Lewandowski was northbound on Chestnut Road shortly before 10 PM Tuesday... and, failed to negotiate a curve. Deputies say Lewendowski's vehicle traveled through a lawn before the car struck a tree on the driver's side. Officers say he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Fredonia Fire Department's rescue team was also called to the scene.
Fifth-graders from throughout the area swarmed the grounds of Lake Chautauqua Lutheran Camp Wednesday for the annual Conservation Field Days. The event is put on by Cornell Cooperative Extension. Southwestern Central student Matthew Barton says he had a great day learning. There are 29 different stations at this year's Conservation Field Days covering everything from making maple syrup, to how to stay safe in the woods, and deal with animals that may approach. Fifth-grade Teacher Melissa Deppas from Southwestern says Conservations Field Days is a genuine educational experience. There's a second Conservation Field Day set for Thursday at Lake Chautauqua Lutheran Camp.
