City man indicted on federal drug and sex trafficking charges...
A federal grand jury has indicted a Jamestown man on multipe sex trafficking... kidnapping and drug charges following a lengthy, five year investigation. U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that the grand jury returned the indictment charging 47 year-old Edward Leeper, Jr., also known as Edward Barnes, Jr. with attempted sex trafficking, sex trafficking, kidnapping, aiding and abetting, distribution of fentanyl, and maintaining a drug involved premises. DiGiacomo says the combined charges carry a mandatory minimum of 90 years in prison and a maximum of life. Prosecutors say between 2019 and 2024... Leeper is accused of sex trafficking or attempting to sex traffic... and, kidnapping a total of eight victims, using force and threats of force. In addition... they saw Leeper used a Broadhead Avenue home for his drug trafficking activities, including fentanyl and methamphetamine. They add that Leeper is also charged in a separate federal case with narcotics trafficking. He is accused of conspiring with local drug trafficker, Joseph Zaso and others, to sell heroin and fentanyl in the Jamestown area between 2018 and, May of 2022. DiGiacomo says if you were victimized by Edward Leeper, Junior in any way... or have any additional information regarding his alleged illegal activities... call Homeland Security Investigations at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.
Humane Society takes in 19 additional dogs following investigation into cruelty case in Sinclairville...
The Chautauqua County Humane Society is putting out an urgent call to the public to help find homes for 19 dogs following a cruelty investigation in Sinclairville. The Sheriff's Department raided a home there... and, found the dogs living in poor conditions. Humane Society Community Education and Outreach Coordinator Amanda Sublett says staff immediately transported the animals to the shelter, where medical exams were performed. Sublett says "overall... they seem to be in good shape, but they need dental work and basic medical care. Everyone came in needing vaccinations, deworming, and flea treatment." Due to the nature of the case, six of the dogs are available for immediate foster-to-adopt placement... while the remaining 13 will remain in CCHS care until a court decision is reached. Sublett says the dogs are "scared or nervous, but friendly." Sublett adds that the "sudden arrivals" has put more strain on the shelter... which was already at capacity prior to the 19 dogs brought there. She says all dog adoption fees have been reduced by 50-percent for the remainder of this month. For more information... call the Humane Society at 665-2209.
City man faces criminal contempt charges following domestic incident on westside...
A man from Jamestown faces multiple contempt charges following a domestic incident on the city's westside Wednesday afternoon. Jamestown police say they were called to the unidentified location shortly before 1:30 p.m., and, located the suspect -- 60 year-old William Dunlap -- hiding under a bed. Officers say Dunlap was found to be in violation of two active orders of protection... and, which required him to stay away from two female victims at the residence. Police took Dunlap into custody on two counts of second-degree criminal contempt... and, he was taken to the city jail pending arraignment.
Wendel holds virtual meeting with local leaders about updated and expanded Government Reduction Initiative...
Local towns, villages and cities got some clarification this week about Chautauqua Countys' updates, and expanded Government Reduction Initiative. County Executive P.J. Wendel hosted a video conference with many of those leaders about the $500,000 program he outlined during this year's budget presentation. Wendel says the program actually began in 2017 when the village of Forestville received $50,000 to assist with dissolving into the town of Hanover. He says it allows muncipalities, districts, and courts -- among others -- to apply for up to $100,000 for an analysis or other preliminary work on such moves. Wendel says... unlike the past GRI program... this one would assist local governments, school districts and other entities to get "up-front" money to begin the process of merging, consolidating... or sharing services. He says some localities have already begun looking at those possibilities... including now "shared facilities." Wendel adds that he also wants to look at "long-range" plans that would reduce costs -- not just for the current or upcoming year -- but, 5 to 10 years down the road. He made his comments for this weekend's Community Spotlight program on the Media One Radio Group stations.
City ready for Christmas Parade and tree lighting on Tracy Plaza Saturday...
A few, final preparations are underway before tomorrow night's annual Jamestown's Holiday Parade and, the lighting of the city's Christmas Treet at Tracy Plaza. Mayor Kim Ecklund says Owner Pat Smeraldo with Collaborative Children's Solutions says they already have more than 70 groups, businesses, and organizations signed up for the parade early Saturday evening... right after the city's Christmas Tree is lit on Tracy Plaza. Ecklund says the lighting will be held at 5:30 p.m... and the parade will step off at 6 p.m. She adds that some organizations could have "2 or 3 floats" involved in Saturday night's program. She says there is a forecast of snow... but, hopefully just enough to lend to the atmosphere. City Parks Manager Dan Stone and his crews have trimmed the 40-foot tall Douglas Fir tree with more than 3,000 LED lights... and, the public is encouraged to attend the free events. This year's theme is "The Magic of Holiday Movies."
