City man accused of shaking and strangling baby that later died agrees to manslaughter plea...
The Jamestown man accused of intentionially strangling and shaking an 8-month old baby in April of 2024 has pled guilty to first-degree manslaughter in the case. Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt has announced that 28 year-old Sean Thomas entered the plea in county court on Dec. 15. Thomas was initially arrested... and arraigned on an eight count indictment in which he was charged with second-degree murder in the death of young Aniyah Turk... and, other related crimes. The child was rushed to a hospital... but, eventually succumbed to her injuries about a month later. Schmidt says Thomas faces up to 25 years in prison... and, will likely receive 20 years with five years of post-release supervision when he is sentenced on Feb. 23. The D-A thanked Jamestown police for their hard work on the case. JPD Sgt. Daniel Overend says "the choices that he made is a reminder that evil that can exist in our community. We cannot imagine the hurt that the victim's family felt and is currently feeling regarding Mr. Thomas’ actions. Atrocities such as this have a major effect on all of the officers and investigators involved. We pray that the victim's family will find some peace knowing that Mr. Thomas will spend a significant amount of his life incarcerated and our community is protected from him."
City woman arrested for allegedly waving knife during domestic incident...
A woman from Jamestown has been arrested for allegedly waving a knife at a juvenile during a domestic incident on the city's northside early Tuesday morning. Jamestown police were called to the location about 3 a.m. for an "in-progress" domestic dispute involving a knife. Officers say they investigated... and, arrested 34 year-old Samantha Omeruo for waving the knife in "close proximity" to the child. Omeruo was arrested for endangering the welfare of a child... and, held pending arraignment.
Brackman elected City Council president during council reorganizational meeting...
The new Jamestown City Council was sworn-in during last night's reorganizational meeting in Council Chambers at City Hall. City Clerk Jennifer John administered the Oath of Office. There's also a new Council President. With Democrats taking a five-to-four majority in last November's election... they voted incumbant Third-Ward Representative Regina Brackman to the position. Brackman says she's both "humbled and honored" to be elected to the post... and, adds she will do her best to support and guide the council to lead the city... and, support city departments and administration. Brackman just finished up her second-full term on council after being appointed to replace the late Vickeye James five years ago. She says she has worked hard to continue James' legacy of working hard for the people of her ward... and, the city at-large. Brackman says she believes that -- "Vickeye would be proud and supportive of my actions as a council member." She also vowed to do what's needed to improve the quality of life for the people of the city... and, resolution to "their concerns." The four new members of the Council are all Democrats. They are Fourth-Ward representative Doug Scotchmer... Fifth-Ward Councilwoman Hannah Jaroszynski... and, At-Large members Jeremy Endquist... and, Dan Gonzales.
Celoron man arrested following vehicle pursuit that begins in Jamestown... goes into Celoron... then back into the city...
A Celoron man faces multiple charges after allegedly leading police on a vehicle chase on Jamestown's westside following an unwanted person complaint. City police were called to the unidentified location about 1 p.m. Sunday... but, as officers arrived... they say 30 year-old Gregory Messere, Jr. fled the area in a truck and led officers on the pursuit. Officers say Messere failed to stop as he traveled through the city's westside... and, back into the village of Celoron. He's then accused of driving back into the city along Jones and Gifford Avenue. Police say he then continued onto Lister Street before traveling westbound toward Celoron again, where he ultimately abandoned the vehicle behind a village-owned property. During the pursuit... police say Messere nearly drove head-on into a JPD vehicle at a high rate of speed... and, nearly lost control of the vehicle while navigating an intersection at high speed. Messere fled the truck on foot but was later taken into custody without incident with coordinating police including the Sheriff's Office... and, State Police. He's is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny... first-degree reckless endangerment... unlicensed operation... reckless driving... failure to comply, along with several additional traffic violations. He was jailed pending arraignment.
Recently retired County Clerk, Larry Barmore, passes at age 74...
Just-recently retired Chautauqua County Clerk Larry Barmore of Gerry has passed away. In an obituary on the Jordan Funeral Home's webpage... it says that Barmore, who was 74, passed away last Saturday peacefully at his home with his wife and other family by his side. Larry managed the former Big N store in Jamestown... and, later joined the family business Gay Mark Tire & Wheel in Cassadaga... and later bought the business. From 2008 to 2013... Barmore was a member of the Chautauqua County Legislature... and in 2014... he sold the Gay Mark business once he was first elected to be County Clerk. He authored two books on the history of Sinclairville... and, was an avid pilot. The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8 at the Jordan Funeral Home in Sinclairville... where his funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday.
