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New York State Police Blotter – March 27, 2025
3/27/25 10:06 p.m. – After investigating an incident
in the village of Richburg, state police later arrested Damion N. Merrill, 19,
of Olean. He was charged with making a false report to law enforcement
regarding an incident that did not occur. He was processed and issued an
appearance ticket for court.
3/28/25 12:22 a.m. – After an incident in the town of
Erwin just after midnight today, state police arrested Richard W. Wilson, 30,
of Woodhull. He was charged with second-degree criminal contempt for allegedly
disobeying a court order. He was taken to Steuben County Jail and held for
Central arraignment.
The Allegany County Board of Legislators on Wednesday appointed Charles Bessette of Wirt to fill a vacancy in its Third Legislative District. He filled the seat of Adam Cyr who vacated his seat and is a current candidate for County Treasurer.
2025 ALLEGANY COUNTY BOARD OF LEGISLATORS STANDING COMMITTEES
1. HUMAN SERVICES: Chairman: Burdick Vice Chairman: Ricketts-Swales Committee Members: Barnes, Bessette, Hanchett, Healy, Root
2. PERSONNEL: Chairman: Ricketts-Swales Vice Chairman: Ricci Committee Members: Bessette, Burdick, Hanchett, Havey, Root Special – Negotiations Liaison Committee (Sub-Committee of Personnel) Chairman: Ricci
3. PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Chairman: Root Vice Chairman: Hanchett Committee Members: Barnes, Curran, Havey, Healy, Ricci, Ricketts-Swales
4. PUBLIC SAFETY: Chairman: Havey Vice Chairman: Stockin Committee Members: Barnes, Bessette, Demick, Healy, Ricketts-Swales
5. PUBLIC WORKS: Chairman: Fanton Vice Chairman: Demick Committee Members: Barnes, Curran, Healy, Stockin
Special – Space Needs Committee (Sub-Committee of Public Works) Chairman: Demick Vice Chairman: Healy Committee Members: Fanton, Hanchett, Havey, Root, Rumfelt
6. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Chairman: Curran Vice Chairman: Hanchett Committee Members: Barnes, Demick, Fanton, Ricketts-Swales
7. WAYS & MEANS: Chairman: Stockin Vice Chairman: Fanton Committee Members: Burdick, Demick, Havey, Healy, Ricci, Root
Special – Budget Committee (Sub-Committee of Ways & Means) Chairman: Burdick Vice Chairman: Barnes Committee Members: Curran, Fanton, Ricci, Rumfelt, Stockin
Flames torch town of Willing home- Allegany County
Flames Thursday afternoon at 4:35 p.m. damaged a
single-family home at 1904 State Route 19 (at Peet Avenue) in the town of
Willing. First responders arriving at the scene said there were “flames
showing.” Allegany County Fire Coordinator Bill Day said there appeared to “be
no entrapment.” Deputy Fire Coordinator Brian Smith told 911 that power lines “were
down” and National Grid needed to respond. Allegany County dispatched
Willing, Alma, Scio, Andover, Whitesville and Wellsville fire departments to the scene.
Allentown and Genesee, PA were called for stand-by. Wellsville ambulance
responded with medics while Medical Transport covered for Wellsville. State
Route 19 was shut down in the area during firefighting operations. Fire
officials requested the American Red Cross to the scene to help one adult male.
Several units returned to service just after 6 p.m. The cause is currently
under investigation.
Periods of Northeastern precipitation resulted in modest trimming of abnormal dryness (D0) and moderate to extreme drought (D1 to D3) in northern New York and along the Atlantic Coast. Farther south and inland, however, some expansion of dryness (D0) and moderate to severe drought (D1 to D2) was noted from West Virginia into western New York.
Leslie D. “Pete” Prentice: Father, Grandfather
Leslie D. “Pete” Prentice, 94, of 8988 County Road 20, Cuba,
passed away Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital,
Bath after a short illness.
Born on July 2, 1930, in Ischua, he was a son of Leslie M.
and Edna A. Robinson Prentice. On
October 31, 1953, in Belfast, he married the former Betty Ann Mead who
predeceased him on January 16, 2017.
Leslie served in the United States Marine Corps. during the
Korean War from 1948 until 1952. He
received the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Ribbon, and Good Conduct
Medal for his service. After 28 years he
retired from Friendship Dairies.
He is survived by his children, Connie (Terry) Stives of Friendship,
Paul (Donna Hess) Prentice of Rushford, Brian (Bonnie) Prentice of Franklinville, Ricky Prentice of Yorkshire
and Michael (Kelly Dreilling) Prentice of Centerville; 8 Grandchildren, 14
great grandchildren Several Nieces and Nephews.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by 3
Brothers Stanley, Maynard, and George Prentice and two sisters Aletha Barber
and Genevieve Wells, and a step sister Evelyn Straight.
At Leslie’s request there will be no visitation or
service.
Troopers investigate five-vehicle crash in Andover
State police said two people sustained injuries during a
five-vehicle accident at 7:33 a.m. Wednesday on State Route 21 in the town of
Andover near the Alfred line. It is believed that one person was transported to
UR St. James in Hornell and another was taken to UR Jones Memorial in
Wellsville. The other occupants were treated and/or evaluated at the scene.
Troopers listed the drivers as Samantha M. Quick, 23, of Almond; Colleen J. McDermott,
51, of Hornell; Aiden P. Diehl, 19, of Hornell; Luke B. Sargent, 43, of
Hornell and Carli R. Corcoran, 29, of Hornell. Ambulances responded from
Andover, Alfred, Wellsville and Medical Transport. Andover and Alfred Station
fire assisted at the scene and closed down the highway. Reports suggested the
highway was slippery with snow at the time. The accident description was not
immediately available.
Hazel was born on May 12, 1942 in Wellsville to Harold E. and Fanny E. (Taylor) Lehman. She attended Andover Central School. She served in food preparation at Alfred State College Dining Services for 32 years.
Hazel is survived by two children, Robert A. (Cindy) Cornell, Jr. and Michele (Robert) Kurtz, both of Andover; a sister, Darlene (Mike) Willis of Wayland; a son-in-law, Robert L. “Rob” Baker of Alfred Station; a brother-in-law, Wendell Bennett of Andover; eight grandchildren, Amanda (Aaron) Ross, Heather Mesler, Tricia (Robert) Davenport, Charity Davenport, Curtis (Terry Flint) Wagner, Robert A. (Georgia) Cornell, III, Tyler Cornell and Danielle (Andrew) Bledsoe; eight great-grandchildren, Colton Ross, Mikey Mesler, Brentley Mesler, Ethan Davenport, Cierra Davenport, Natalee Cornell, Jayden Dix and Rhys Cornell; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a daughter, Corinna Ann Baker; three brothers, Charles E. Lehman, Carl. L. Lehman and James H. Lehman; and two sisters, Lois E. Ryan and Mary Lou Bennett.
Hazel had a heart of gold. She routinely put the needs of others before her own needs. She spent many years of her life as a caregiver for others. Hazel was also feisty and strong willed but those closest to her loved her and appreciated knowing where she stood on a particular subject. And she was passionate about her family, especially her many grandchildren.
Hazel enjoyed the simple things of life. She loved to work, cook, watch her soaps, cheer for her beloved Buffalo Bills and reminisce on the good ole days that included Elvis. Her favorite pastime was sitting on her porch watching the birds and animals while listening to her windchimes.
Hazel was a lifetime member of the Andover Rod and Gun Club.
Per her wishes, there will be no prior calling hours. A Celebration of Life will be held during better weather at a time to be determined. Burial of her ashes will take place in Hillside Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
Memorial contributions in Hazel’s name may be made to Andover Rod and Gun Club, 597 Kilbane Road, Andover, NY 14806. © 2025 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.
The Allegany County Board of Legislators has appointed
Charles Bessette of Wirt to fill a vacancy in its Third Legislative District.
On March 26, 2025, after passing Board Resolution No. 138-25, Bessette was
sworn into office by the Honorable Thomas P. Brown.
Bessette is a 30-year resident of the Town of Wirt and
served 35 years with the United States Postal Service, including 6 years as
managing Postmaster for Allentown, Alma, Richburg, and Little Genesse. He also
served as President of the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus-Allegany Postmaster
Association from 2011 to 2015 and as Adverse Action Representative for United
Postmasters and Managers from 2012 to 2023.
A retired U.S. Air Force Reserve Master Sergeant, Bessette
was Commander of the Bolivar American Legion from 2015-16. He continues his
commitment to volunteerism though work as President of the Cattaraugus-Allegany
BOCES Board of Education, with the Bolivar-Richburg Educational Foundation, and
as a recently appointed member of the ACCORD Corporation Board of Directors.
Following the legislative meeting, Bessette expressed appreciation and optimism for the appointment. “I would like to thank the District III Republican Committee and the Board of Legislators for entrusting me in this important position. It will be an honor representing the people in District III for the remainder of the year.” Chairman Harris noted that in addition to filling the current vacancy in District III, Legislator Bessette is campaigning to serve District III in the subsequent term, which will commence on January 1, 2026.
Bessette fills the seat of former legislator Adam Cyr, who is currently seeking the office of Allegany County Treasurer.
Media Release:
Petit Larceny, Welfare Fraud 5th
Allegany County Sheriff Scott Cicirello reports that on March 25, 2025, Deputies of the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office arrested Richard Duell, age 51, of Cuba, New York. It is alleged that Duell, did commit a fraudulent welfare act by withholding information in regards to his household income resulting in the receiving of services in the amount of $474, in which he was not entitled to. Duell was charged with Petit Larceny and Welfare Fraud 5th both misdemeanors. Duell was issued an appearance ticket and released on his own recognizance to reappear at the Village of Belmont Court at a later date. The Allegany County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Allegany County Department of Social Services Fraud Unit.
On Wednesday Deputies from the Allegany County Sheriff's Office arrested Lucas R VanDyke, age 24, of Alfred Station, NY on a County Court Warrant for Violation of Probation. He was transported to the Allegany County Jail pending arraignment on 03/27/25.
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Casey Medina, 33, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Meredith A. Vacca to possession of child pornography and cyberstalking, which carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that on August 22, 2024, investigators executed a search warrant on Medina’s cellular telephone. During a forensic extraction and a manual review of the phone, approximately 360 images of child pornography the defendant had received over a social media platform were recovered. At least one image involved a prepubescent child being subjected to violence.
In addition, between May and August 2024, Medina disseminated and posted sexually explicit photographs that had been edited to falsely depict an individual (victim) engaged in sexually explicit activity to various social media platforms and public websites via the internet. The photographs depicted the victim’s face superimposed on pornographic images made to appear as if she was engaged in sexual intercourse. Beginning in May 2024, over the course of approximately 26 days, and again between June 2024 and July 2024, Medina sent, and recruited others via the internet to send, threatening and harassing text messages to the victim. The messages included threats to kidnap, rape, sexually abuse, and kill her, as well as including the sexually explicit images with her face superimposed on them. In many instances, Medina included identifying information while disseminating the victim’s images, including her hometown and place of work.
The plea is the culmination of an investigation by the Onondaga County, NY, Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Tobias Shelley, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 4, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., before Judge Vacca.
Date: Tuesday March 25, 2025
Wellsville Police,
acting on an Arrest Warrant, arrested Lori A. Bowker, age 44 of Wellsville,
charging her with Petit Larceny (Class A Misdemeanor). The charge stems from an incident that took
place at Dollar General in February of 2024.
Bowker was processed and transported to the Allegany County Jail pending
arraignment in CAP Court. Bowker is due
to appear in Wellsville Village Court at a later date.
ROULETTE, PA---Patricia L. “Pat” Tankersley, 83, of Roulette, passed away in her home with her loving family by her side on Sunday, March 23, 2025, after a long illness.
Born on Sunday, August 3, 1941 in Bradford, she was a daughter of Bernard J. and Francis L. Olewinski Pistner. On February 24, 1962 in Port Allegany, she married Larry E. Tankersley, who passed away on July 14, 2007.
Pat was a graduate of Bradford High School in Bradford. She was employed as a proof reader for National Geographic in Washington, DC and had also been employed in the kitchen at St. Bernard Elementary School in Bradford.
Pat was a member of St. Bernard Roman Catholic Church in Bradford. She loved to read, crochet, and word search puzzles. She loved her dogs, Maggie and Candy.
Left to cherish her memory are three children, Barbara A. Smith of Bradford, Mark E. Tankersley of Pittsburgh, and Karen M. Kline of Bradford; seventeen grandchildren; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; a brother, Thomas (Genevieve) Pistner of Rixford; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Pat was predeceased by two sons, Timothy A. Tankersley and Michael K. Tankersley; and three brothers, Bernard Pistner, Donald Pistner, and Rupert Pistner.
In keeping with Pat’s wishes there will be no public visitation. A celebration of Pat’s life will be held on a date and time to be announced.
Burial will be in Rasselas Cemetery in Elk County.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Pat’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or to the Roulette Volunteer Ambulance Association, PO Box 172, Roulette, PA 16746.
Pat’s family has entrusted her care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA.
To express condolences, light a candle, or share fond memory of Pat, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
AG to prosecute Pennsylvania man
On Tuesday, Coudersport police filed a criminal complaint
against a Port Allegany man. 35-year-old Joshua John Rosenwie was charged with
felony contraband involving a controlled substance and intentionally possessing
a controlled substance by a person not registered. The charges stem from an incident January 6th in Coudersport Borough. Rosenwie was arraigned before
Magisterial District Judge Bryan D. Phelps, who set bail at $25,000 unsecured.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 10th at 12 p.m. Megan
Ann McGoron, Esq. will be prosecuting the car for the Pennsylvania Attorney
General’s Office.
