City man faces multiple Felony charges following domestic violence incident...
A man from Jamestown has been arrested following a domestic violence incident in which he allegedly choked a woman... and, threatened her with a knife. City police were called to an eastside home about 6:30 a.m. Friday... and found that 53 year-old Angel Carmona Santiago had violated an order of protection. Officers say Santiago allegedly choked the victim until she was unconscious... hit her in the head with a mop... threatened her with the knife... and, forcefully prevented her from leaving the scene. Santiago allegedly resisted after being told he was being arrested. However... he was taken into custody on charges including second-degree assault... menacing and strangulation... along with second-degree unlawful imprisonment. He was jailed pending arraignment.
Five city residents indicted by federal Grand Jury for drug trafficking conspiracy...
Five people from Jamestown have been indicted by a federal Grand Jury for allegedly being part of a narcotics conspirace between 2018... and, May of 2022. Acting U.S. Attorney Joel Violanti has announced the indictment charging 33 year-old Andres Pizzaro-Campos... 34 year-old Max Pizzaro Campos... 52 year-old Cindy Frank... 48 year-old Edward Leeper -- also known as Edward Barnes... and, 21 year-old Jaquez Thomas -- also known has Quez -- with narcotics conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life. In addition, Andres and Max Pizzaro Campos are also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and maintaining a drug involved premises, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison... consecutive to any other penalty. Cindy Frank is also charged with obstruction of justice. Prosecutors say during the approximately 4 year period... the defendants conspired with Joseph Zaso and others... to sell heroin and fentanyl in the Jamestown area. The Campos are accused of using a Hazzard Street home and possessing firearms to conduct their drug trafficking activities. In addition... in July of 2023... Cindy Frank allegedly falsely testified, concealing her knowledge of Joseph Zaso's drug trafficking activities. Zaso was previously charged and convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
Hochul announces mediated agreement between State and Corrections officers...
A consent order has been issued by a mediator to end the work stoppage by corrections officers at facilities operated by New York State. Gov. Kathy Hochul... in a printed statement late Thursday... said -- "we have reached a consent award to address many of the concerns raised by correction officers... but, DOCCS back on the path to safe operations, respect the rights of incarcerated individuals and prevent future unsanctioned work stoppages." She did add that she has "the utmost respect and gratitude for the correction officers, civilian DOCCS employees, National Guard personnel and other staff who have done their absolute best to maintain order in our correctional facilities during this challenging period." In response... State Senator George Borrello says the agreement with the corrections officers union would allow a "temporary suspension of certain provisions of the HALT Act to provide an opportunity for evaluation. It remains to be seen whether this will lead to real, lasting reforms." He adds there's also a provision to have a third-party mail vendor screen all incoming inmate mail, which he calls "a positive step." Howevr... he says it does not include the mandatory use of body scanners for visitors to detect dangerous drugs like fentanyl and K2 which continue to enter the prisons at an alarming rate."
County Legislator voices support for DOCCS workers at this week's meeting...
County officials were in the process of looking to draft a motion or resolution supporting a quick end to the strike... and the correction workers to improve safety conditions in the state facilities. Dunkirk Democrat Bob Bankowski has worked at the Lakeview Shock Incarceration facility near Brocton... and, says he understands the plight of corrections officers. Bankowski says -- at times -- they literally live at the state prisons due to lack of staffing... and, end up working 24 to 32 hours sometimes as part of forced overtime. Jamestown Democrat Fred Larson... noted though... that the strike is a violation of New York's Taylor Law... which prevents state workers from striking. County Executive P.J. Wendel also spoke, and urged lawmakers to write to the state, and support a quick resolution to the matter.
City police arrest pair during traffic stop on drug related charges...
Two people from Jamestown face drug-related charges following a traffic stop on the city's southside this past Tuesday night. Jamestown police say they conducted the stop on Christopher Light for multiple traffic infractions in the area of Foote and Prather Avenues shortly after 8 p.m. Officers say they spotted drug paraphernalia in plain view inside the car... and, a further search led to discovery of a quantity of Fentanyl inside the vehicle. Police arrested both Light, and his passenger, Amie Hogg, for seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Officers say the also found additional quantities of Fentanyl and cocaine when they searched Light. He was also charged with a second count of seventh-degree criminal possession of drugs. Both were arraigned... and, issued appearance tickets for city court.
