Two former Chautauqua County Dept. of Mental Hygiene and Social Services charged in connection with theft-fraud totaling more than $7-million...
Two former employees of the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services have been charged following an investigation into several million dollars worth of welfare fraud. County Executive P.J. Wendel says the county's Program Integrity Unit several months ago spotted a "red flag" in the DSS Program between 2020 and 2025... and, found about $7.4-million was used -- "fraudulently and inappropriately." Wendel says a report was made to the PIU, and investigated. Once the evidence was found... he says it was turned over to the District Attorney's Office. Officials say some of the money has been recovered. The major suspect has now been identified as 38 year-old Amber Tibbetts of Jamestown... a former DSS Clerk. Director of Mental Hygiene and Social Services Carmelo Hernandez further explained that the "big red flag" was someone in the county. First Assistant DA Tom Rankin called the case troubling... and, says Tibbetts faces 20 counts... including six counts each of first-degree tampering with public records... second-degree forgery... and, four counts of second-degree identity theft. Rankin says the second person charged... a case worker... faces one count of fifth-degree welfare fraud and has been referred to a local court.
Lakewood man arrested for allegedly having sex with two girls -- under 13 years of age -- in town of Portland...
A man from Lakewood has been arrested for allegedly having sexual contact with two girls under the age of 13 in the town of Portland. Sheriff's officers say they've formally charged 29 year-old Alex Rosage with first-degree rape... and, forcible touching in connection with the July 18 incident. Rosage was taken into custody by the Sheriff’s Office Road patrol and taken to the county jail pending centralized arraignment. Rosage will appear at a later date in Portland Town Court. The Sheriff's Office says it "remains committed to protecting the children of our community and ensuring those who endanger their safety are held accountable. We will continue to thoroughly investigate allegations involving the abuse or exploitation of children and work diligently to provide a safe environment for all children in Chautauqua County."
City teen arrested in Busti after crashing truck he allegedly stole Tuesday...
A Jamestown teen has been arrested for allegedly stealing a truck in the town of Busti... and, crashing it into a ditch Tuesday morning. Lakewood-Busti police say they were called to the scene on the Busti-Sugar Grove Rd. just before 6:30 a.m., and, found the truck crashed into the ditch. Officers say they found the unidentified 18 year-old nearby... who appeared to be drunk. Police say they also determined the truck had been stolen from a town of Busti resident. The teenager was arrested on several charges including: DWI... Aggravated DWI for having a blood alcohol content of .18 or higher... fourth-degree grand larceny... fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property... fourth-degree criminal mischief... unregistered motor vehicle... and, unlicensed operation. The teen was issued appearance tickets for Busti Town Court.
Lakewood man arrested for alleged first-degree rape of two girls in the town of Portland...
A man from Lakewood has been arrested for allegedly having sexual contact with two girls under the age of 13 in the town of Portland. Sheriff's officers say they've formally charged 29 year-old Alex Rosage with first-degree rape... and, forcible touching in connection with the July 18 incident. Rosage was taken into custody by the Sheriff’s Office Road patrol and taken to the county jail pending centralized arraignment. Rosage will appear at a later date in Portland Town Court. The Sheriff's Office says it "remains committed to protecting the children of our community and ensuring those who endanger their safety are held accountable. We will continue to thoroughly investigate allegations involving the abuse or exploitation of children and work diligently to provide a safe environment for all children in Chautauqua County."
Ecklund says second-quarter sales tax were up... but, not as much as hoped...
A pair of really good months for sales tax revenues during the second-quarter of this year in the city of Jamestown helped put that total well-over budget. However... Mayor Kim Ecklund was hoping for a bigger amount to help offset a sluggish first-quarter. Ecklund told the City Council that the amount brought in exceeded projections by nearly $130,000. She says City Comptroller Ericka Thomas noted that both April and May were up... but, June was down. However... Ecklund says... with local events taking place in July... and, more in August... city officials are hoping for a better third-quarter. Among those events for August include the just recently concluded Lucille Ball Comedy Festival... and, the upcoming 13 year-old Babe Ruth World Series. Series officials and teams have begun arriving in Jamestown... and, the games begin at Diethrick Park this Sat., Aug. 15.
City Council committees approve reciept of $20,000 NYS Discovery Grant for JPD...
Two Jamestown City Council committees have approved receipt of a $20,000 state grant to upgrade the police department's evidence unit. The "sub-award" is through the New York State Discovery Grant program... and, administered by the Chautauqua County District Attorney's Office. Public Safety Committee Chairman Jeremy Endquist says Chief Scott Forster described what the grant will be used for... noting that the 10 items include tables, and supplies and technical items. The Evidence Room is part of the JPD Detective Bureau. In addition to the Public Safety Committee... the council's Finance Committee also approved receiving the award. There will be no cost to the city for the upgrades. The full council will act on the resolution at it's August voting session.
