Niagara Co. man jailed for murder of two women whose bodies were found in Chautauqua County, now facing a murder charge in case involving Niagara Falls woman...
The Niagara County man sentenced to 40-year prison terms for the murders of two women found on a trail in Chautauqua County has now been charged with a third murder. Niagara County District Attorney Brian Seaman announced on Facebook Tuesday that 62 year-old Richard Fox has been indicted on one count of second-degree murder in the death of 32 year old Crystal Curthoys, formerly of Lockport, in January 2023, in Niagara Falls. Seaman says Niagara Falls Police opened an investigation into Fox after he was charged with two murders in Erie County. The investigation led to the discovery this past March of human remains in a house where Fox had formerly lived in Niagara Falls. Those remains have been identified as belonging to Curthoys through dental records. Fox was remanded to jail without bail... and, a future court date is set for next Jan. 5.
Quick work by firefighters saves town of Chautauqua home from extensive damage...
Quick work by firefighters from Sherman contained fire to the bathroom-area of a home on Route 430 in the town of Chautauqua overnight. The Stanley Hose Company reports on it's Facebook page that they were called to the scene about 1:30 a.m... and, when crews arrived... they encountered heavy smoke conditions. Officials say they were able to quickly locate the fire and successfully contain it to a bathroom area. Thanks to the rapid response and skilled work of our members, the residence was saved. They add there were no injuries reported. County EMS and the Sheriff's Department assisted at the scene. Crews were there about two hours.
County Legislature recognizes four outgoing lawmakers, including longest-serving among current lawmakers...
The longest serving member of the Chautauqua County Legislature currently was among the four members leaving the panel at the end of the year recognized by lawmakers recently. Sheridan Republican Terry Neibel began serving on the legislature after being elected in November of 2013, following a lengthy term as the county's GOP Elections Commissioner. Neibel thanked the department heads he worked with during his 12 years on the legislature... saying they made "my job that much easier." He adds the county workforce is "second to none." Neibel says he's the county is in a very good financial position due to it's undesignated fund balance... or "rainy day" fund. In addition to Neibel... the legislature also honored Jamestown Republican Phil Landy... who served one term on the panel. Others included Jamestown Republican Tamara Dickey... who was appointed in September of 2024 to replace David Wilfong -- who moved to Florida. The fourth lawmaker was Fredonia Democrat Tom Carle... who replaced Susan Parker at the end of 2024... and, ran unsuccessfully for County Executive against Republican P.J. Wendel this past November.
Medina pleads guilty to federal methamphetamine trafficking charge...
A man from Jamestown has pleaded guilty to possessing and trafficking large amounts of methamphetamine in the city during 2024. U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo has announced that 20 year-old Ruben Medina entered the plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah McCarthy to possession with intent to distribute five grams or more methamphetamine, which carries a mandatory minimum of five years in prison... a maximum of 40... and, a $5-million fine. Prosecutors say that on Sept. 11 of 2024, Medina was pulled over by Jamestown Police for an outstanding probation warrant. Initially, he refused to get out of the car... but, later complied and was taken into custody. He was searched... and, allegedly found in possession of about 109 grams of meth. Back in June of 2024... a raid was conducted on a Newland Avenue home -- associated with Medina. Investigators seized cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, p-fluorofentanyl, suboxone strips, $200 cash, a digital scale, and a firearm. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
Corrections officer at County Jail arrested for allegedy bringing in and selling drugs to an inmate...
A corrections officer at the Chautauqua County Jail has been arrested for allegedly selling an illegal drug to an inmate at the jail last month. Sheriff's officers say their Criminal Investigation Division was requested by jail administration to investigate suspicious activity of an employee. The investigation identifed the suspect as 27 year old Dylan Gross of Brocton... wno allegedly sold a controlled substance to the inmate. Gross was charged with fifth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance... second-degree promoting prison contraband... and, official misconduct. Gross turned himself in on Dec. 19... and, he was held pending centralized arraignment. He's to appear in Chautauqua Town Court at a later date.
Unidentified person injured after car crashes into tree during vehicle chase in Stockton and Portland...
A short vehicle chase in the towns of Stockton and Portland last Sunday night remains under investigation after the car went off of Route 380 and crashed into a tree. Sheriff's officers say they tried to stop the vehicle in Stockton shortly after 10 p.m., but, the driver did not pull over. Deputies say the unidentified driver then left the road in the town of Portland and struck the tree. The operator was injured... and, was flown to a nearby hospital for treatment. No other information has been released.
