Burham back for federal court appearance to allow prosecution to move forward in Pa...
The Chautauqua County man accused of killing a Jamestown woman in the early morning hours of last May 11 will first be prosecuted in Pennsylvania on kidnapping charges. That from District Attorney Jason Schmidt late this morning... who says he's been coordinating efforts with the U-S Attorney's Office... and, Warren County District Attorney Rob Greene. Schmidt says that's because 34 year-old Michael Burham abducted an elderly couple from Sheffield, Pa., and, used their vehicle to flee to South Carolina... where he was caught on May 24. He says that was done -- "so that we could coordinate our respective efforts in the most effective and sensible way possible to ensure that Mr. Burham is held accountable for his actions." In addition... Schmidt says the delay gives his office more time to gather evidence and testimony in the murder of 34 year-old Kala Hodgkin... and, a later arson fire that destroyed a vehicle in another part of the city.
City man pleads guilty to federal drug trafficking charges...
A Jamestown man has pleaded guilty to being part of a drug trafficking operation in the city in May of last year following a traffic stop. U-S Attorney Trini Ross has announced that 37 year-old Richard Philbrick pled guilty in District Court in Buffalo to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 400 grams or more fentanyl. Prosecutors say Philbrick bought and sold heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine for profit and his own use... and, used Facebook for his drug trafficking activities. They add he also used and maintained residences on Newland Avenue for trafficking his drugs. During the investigation... agents conducted multiple controlled purchases from Philbrick. On May 4, 2022... police conducted a traffic stop and recovered drugs and drug paraphernalia... nearly $1,100 cash... and a Pellet Gun during a search. Ross says Philbrick faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison... a maximum of life, and a $10-million fine when he's sentenced next Oct. 2.
Jamestown man sentenced to nearly 15 years in prison for operating drug trafficking operation...
A Jamestown man has been sentenced to nearly 15 years in prison after being convicted on major drug and weapons possession charges in federal court in Buffalo. U.S. Attorney Trini Ross announced Wednesday that 38 year-old Douglas Beardsley... who had been convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine... and being a felon in possession of firearms... received the 176 month sentenced from U.S. District Judge Richard Arcara. Prosecutors say their investigation showed that... between September 2018 and January 2019... Beardsley bought, sold, and distributed heroin and methamphetamine for profit in the Jamestown area. They says he used several co-conspirators, associates, and runners as well as Facebook and various electronic devices to operate his drug trafficking activities. Investigators say they also found that Beardsley used homes on Linden and Forest Avenues in Jamestown for his drug trafficking. One was raided in January of 2019... and, they recovered two firearms, ammunition... cash, quantities of crystal meth, a digital scale, and other drug paraphernalia.
Early Primary voting begins this Saturday in Chautauqua County...
Early voting will get underway this weekend with Primary Day set for June 27 in New York State. Chautauqua County Board of Elections Republican Commissioner Brian Abram says there will be one location for the nine days of early voting in the county. He says that's because there a few races that are more concentrated in the north county area Voting will be at the County Fairgrounds in Dunkirk. The city of Dunkirk is one of six local municipalities where primary contests will be held. Contests will also be held in the towns of Arkwright, Dunkirk, Mina, North Harmony, and Ripley. The county Board of Elections says hours for Saturday and Sunday voting will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information... go on-line to VoteChautauqua.com.
Rabid Fox found in Bemus Point leads to county Health Dept. warning...
The Chautauqua County Health Department has received notice of a rabid fox in the Bemus Point area that reportedly bit multiple people last Friday, June 9. County Director of Environmental Health Jessica Wuerstle says her office received notice the fox had bitten the people in an area near Route 430. Wuerstle says the county Health Department is following-up with the people involved to ensure that they receive proper medical attention. A New York State Encon officer responded to the situation and killed the grey fox later in the day last Friday. It was sent for testing and was determined to be positive for rabies. The Health Department says if you believe you had physical contact with this fox and have not seen a medical provider... call the county Health Department at 716-753-4783.
Three-day Juneteenth Celebration in Jamestown se to begin Friday...
This weekend’s Juneteenth celebration in Jamestown will be one of the biggest ever. City Councilwoman Regina Brackman, chair of the Juneteenth committee, says last year’s declaration of a federal holiday has helped build awareness... and, more recognition. Brackman says it's also brought in more sponsorship for their programming. She says there will be a free preview concert at 7 p.m. Friday night at the Winter Garden Plaza featuring 'The Breeze Band' from Erie, Pa. Recording artist Marsha McWilson will perform at the Spire Theater at 7 Saturday night. Tickets for that event are $5.
