PRESS RELEASE
SP Machias- Amber Alert ends in felony arrests
On May 23, 2017 at approx. 7:58 a.m. SP Machias patrol received a report of a 12-year-old female runaway from the Town of Franklinville. During the investigation information was obtained that the 12-year-old female, McKenzie R. Wilson, had been linked to an 18-year-old male from a recent arrest of Disseminating Indecent Material to a Minor. The 18-year-old male, Joshua R. Monette, and a 16-year-old mutual friend, John D. Harvey were also found to be unaccounted for.
While conducting neighborhood interviews, SP Machias received a report of a stolen vehicle not far from the residence of Monette. The complainant of the stolen vehicle also reported that a handgun was inside the stolen vehicle. The father of Monette also reported a handgun missing from the residence. This information, combined with the previous encounters, led investigators to believe this to be a possible child abduction therefore requiring the initiation of an Amber Alert Message.
At approximately 4:10 p.m. SP Machias BCI and patrols located all three subjects along with the stolen vehicle at an abandon house near the suspects residence. No injuries to any involved parties.
Cattaraugus County District Attorney Lori Rieman was consulted and both males charged with Grand Larceny 4th (E Felony), Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd (2 counts, C Felony), Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4th (E Felony) and Unlawful Imprisonment 2nd- Due to Wilson being younger than 16 years old (A Misdemeanor).
Monette is additionally being charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
Both suspects are being arraigned at the Town of Machias Court.
