Council approves new ordinances regarding vacant housing units, and public nuisance...
The Jamestown City Council has unanimously approved two new local laws dealing with vacant housing, and public nuisance issues in the city. During last night's voting session... lawmakers approved the two ordinances without comment. While a couple of landlords at the meeting voiced concerns over the vacant property registry... City Council President Tony Dolce said afterwards that the law came out of many comments by city residents... and, actually gets the city out in front of the state which is also considering such legislation. Dolce adds it's also modeled after some other New York state communities. He says the measure gives the city's Department of Development the ability to help evict tenants who aren't living up to their lease... or damage the unit. As for the public nuisance ordinance... he says that "puts more teeth" into Secton 215 of the charter by strengthening what development officials can do to deal with quality of life matters. Dolce says the city council will further take up a third ordinance regarding a Rental Property Inspection law next month.
Beardsley pleads guilty to drug charges in federal court...
The leader of a drug trafficking ring in the city of Jamestown has pled guilty to federal charges of narcotics conspiracy... and, distribution of fentanyl... causing death. U.S. Attorney Trini Ross has announced that 38 year-old Rocco Beardsley entered the plea Monday before U.S. District Court Judge John Sinatra, Jr. in Buffalo. Prosecutors say that... between late 2018 and March 2020... Beardsley conspired with seven others sell methamphetamine, fentanyl, and other controlled substances in the Jamestown area. In April of 2019... Beardsley allegedly sold acetyl fentanyl and fentanyl, which resulted in the death of an individual identified as "J.A." They say -- after learning of J.A.’s death -- Beardsley tried to conceal his involvement in the overdose, including directing others to destroy evidence. During that time... he bought and sold fentanyl, and meth for profit and for his own use, utilizing social media to conduct his drug trafficking activities. Beardsley also used homes on Sampson Street and Cowden Place for his drug trafficking activities. During the investigation... law enforcement conducted five controlled purchases from Beardsley. In addition... they say Beardsley and his co-conspirators also made a series of money transfers in furtherance of the conspiracy. During the investigation... raids were also conducted on the homes involved... and, during one... law enforcement seized a large amount of drugs... as well as 12-gauge shotgun, and drug paraphernalia. Beardsley was previously convicted on federal and state drug charges. He faces 20 years to life in prison when he is sentenced next July.
Schmidt announces sentence for Tufino in drug case...
A Jamestown man will spend the next four years in state prison after being convicted of fourth-degree attempted criminal possession of a narcotic drug. Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt says 46 year-old Alexis Tufino also received two-years post release supervision from Judge David Foley for the Felony charge. Schmidt says... in April of 2023... Jamestown police conducted a traffic stop on Tufino’s vehicle and located suspected narcotics. He says a more thorough search of him was also conducted by officers... who found more suspected narcotics. Tufino was initially charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and, fourth-degree criminal Possession of a narcotic drug.
Jamestown and Chautauqua County officials recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month...
Dozens of blue pinwheels were planted around Tracy Plaza and Jamestown High School Monday afternoon to raise awareness of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. A rally was held prior to that inside the lobby of City Hall... with elected, and other local officials on hand. Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt told the gathering that his office "is committed to combating child abuse by treating these crimes with the utmost seriousness and working closely with law enforcement to crack down on offenders." He says there are things to look out for that may indicate that they are being abused. They can include: dressing or "covering up" more, eating less or much more, and becoming more introverted. Schmidt adds that "protecting our children is paramount, and we will tirelessly pursue justice for victims while holding perpetrators accountable to the fullest extent of the law." April is actually Child Abuse Prevention Month... but, the county's "Safe Harbor" program coordinator with the Child Advocacy Program says it's also "Family Strength and Support" Month. Saradeen Randall says the focus there is on prevention.
Three arrested in Stockton on warrants, and drug possession...
Three people were arrested Monday morning during a warrant check at a town of Stockton business on drug... contempt and sex abuse charges. Sheriff's officers say they sought 30 year-old Andrew Whitford of Frewsburg... and, when they made contact with him... deputies saw a car occupied by 31 year-old Shannon Boardman and 32 year-old Brandon Vangiesen -- both of whom have unknown addresses. Officers knew of multiple warrants for Vangiesen... and, an active order of protection between the two. Boardman and Vangiesen were later found to have nearly 9-grams of fentanyl along with scales and packaging material in their possession. Deputies charged both with third and fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia. Vangeisen was additionally charged with second-degree criminal contempt... and, Whitford was arrested on a warrant for second-degree sexual abuse.
