Arrest made in connection with animal cruelty case involving 19 dogs in Sinclairville...
A Sinclairville man has now been formally charged in connection with last week's discovery of 19 dogs found living in deplorable conditions in the town of Gerry. Sheriff's officers say they and members of the Chautauqua County Humane Society responded to a report of animal abuse and neglect on Edson Road just after 9 a.m. last Wednesday. Deputies say they spoke with the dog's owner... 64 year-old Mark Coppola... and, a search warrant was obtained. They say Coppola had 15 dogs, and four puppies living in feces on concrete floors with no bedding in their kennels. Officers add they didn't have access to water. All the dogs were taken to the Humane Society's shelter for evaluation and veterinary care. Coppola was charged with 19 counts of overdriving... torturing and injuring animals... and, failure to provide proper sustenance. He was released with appearance tickets for Gerry Town Court.
City man arrested after allegedly slashing the face of another man during argument last Friday...
A Jamestown man has been arrested after allegedly pulling a knife on another man during an argument at a northside address... and, cutting him in the face. City police say they were called to the unidentified location about 1:30 p.m. last Friday to a reported stabbing. Officer say they found the vicitm... who had a severe laceration to his face... and, needing medical attention. Police say their investigation showed that 40 year-old John Kellom, Jr. had pulled the knife and slashed the victim before running off. Officers found Kelloom at a nearby home... where he was arrested without incident. He's charged with second-degree assault... and, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Kellom was arraigned in city court... and, taken to the county jail pending further court action.
Man from Kennedy arrested for burglary, and violating an order of protection...
A Kennedy man has been arrested for allegedly entering a home illegally... and, violating an order of protection to stay away from the residence. Sheriff's officers were called to the scene about 2:30 p.m. Sunday... and, on arrival... found the suspect -- identified as 21 year-old Justin Nickerson -- inside. Deputies say they determined that Nickerson had entered the home to commit a crime... and, he was arrested for second-degree burglary, along with second-degree criminal contempt . Nickerson was taken to the county jail pending centralized arraignment.
Thousands gather for annual Jamestown Christmas Parade, and tree lighting ceremony...
It was a cool evening with very little precipitation for the city of Jamestown's annual Christmas Parade and tree lighting last Saturday night. Those coming downtown for the festivities were treated to holiday music... and, several street vendors. People were able to enjoy treats like kettle corn... hot coffee... cocoa and others from vendors along the parade route on Third Street... and, some businesses that stayed open for the event. Mayor Kim Ecklund led the countdown for the tree lighting on Tracy Plaza with the Messina family, which donated the 40-foot tall Douglas Fir tree to be the city's tree. Their grandchildren threw the switch to light the tree's more than 3,000 LED lights. The mayor especially commended the city Parks and Recreation Department for all it's efforts in getting the tree harvested... put up on the plaza... and, decorated it.
Leeper indicted on federal drug and sex trafficking charges...
A Jamestown man has been indicted by a federal grand jury on multipe sex trafficking... kidnapping and drug charges following a lengthy, five year investigation. U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo has announced 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. He is accused of conspiring with local drug trafficker, Joseph Zaso and others, to sell drugs in the Jamestown area between 2018 and, May of 2022. DiGiacomo says if you were victimized by Leeper in any way... or have any additional information regarding what he's accused of... call Homeland Security Investigations at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.
Holy Apostles Parish will not be closing and merging with St. James...
Members of the Holy Apostles Parish in Jamestown have received good news to begin the Christmas season from The Vatican. Officials were told this past week that their parish will not merging with St. James Parish. The Post-Journal reports that they were told by a leader of the group "Save Holy Apostles Parish" that the move had been overturned. The statement on their Facebook page said -- they were "overwhelmed with joy" that it is not closing. The thought of it closing was super depressing. Thank you to John Campion and Samantha Scalise and everyone else who worked VERY hard to save the church." The closing of Saint's Peter and Paul Church was originally announced in September 2024... with members announcing a short time later that they were going to appeal the decision. The group that made the decision to appeal announced early Saturday morning that their appeal had been upheld.
