WCDO Radio News

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has sent formal inquiries regarding data security to Credit Check companies Experian and TransUnion, following the Equifax breach that exposed the personal information of millions. The Attorney General's office asks the companies to detail the security measures that were in place before they learned of the Equifax breach; steps the companies have taken since learning of the breach, and how they will further assist consumers in protecting their personal information. Equifax announced a massive breach affecting 143 million Americans and over 8 million New Yorkers, Hackers accessed names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses, driver's license numbers & Credit Card Numbers.

The State Attorney General Eric Schneidermann said that his office receives complaints from consumers about tax-related schemes, by scammers who are impersonating IRS officials and attempting to collect bogus tax debts, by phone calls or emails. The IRS and legitimate government agencies will never demand immediate payment or payment information over the phone. New Yorkers can report potential scams to the Attorney General's office at 1-800-771-7755. Scams or the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 800-366-4484.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman warned immigrants of scams, where people have been fraudulently posing as Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agents scams and demanding money in order to avoid deportation. Schneiderman said that his office has received an increasing number of scams as deportation raids that been have taken place. To report potential fraud, people are asked to call the Attorney General's Immigration Services Fraud Unit Hotline at (866) 390-2992 or email Civil.Rights@ag.ny.gov.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced a settlement with Cigna, requiring the health insurer to eliminate a ban on coverage for claims for neuropsychological testing of psychiatric conditions and autism spectrum disorder. An investigation was launched following a complaint last year about Cigna’s policy. Under the terms of the settlement, the company agrees to comply with Timothy's Law, which is named for a 13-year-old Schenectady boy who committed suicide after an insurance denial. The settlement requires Cigna to revise its policies, pay autism claims previously rejected, and pay a penalty of $50,000.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced New York State's participation in partial settlements with Volkswagen and its Audi and Porsche affiliates arising from Volkswagen's violations of emissions standards and state consumer protection laws. As part of the settlements, all owners of 2.0 liter, 4-cylinder engine VW and Audi diesel cars in New York will be entitled to be paid full, pre-scandal fair market value for their vehicle, in addition to a cash payment of at least $5,100, car owners may also choose to keep their vehicle and wait to see if VW and Audi develop acceptable emissions fixes; car owners who exercise this option will also receive a cash payment of at least $5,100. The settlements will also direct to New York over $115 million for environmental projects to improve New York's air quality, as well as over $30 million in additional monetary recoveries for the state's general fund.

Otsego County District Attorney John Muehl announced that 50 year old Casey Callahan was arrested Monday on a sealed indictment warrant for 2nd degree Murder for the killing his wife Elizabeth on January 19th, 2000, by allegedly running her over with a tractor trailer in a parking lot in Athens Township Pennsylvania. Muehl stated that the murder was planned out when Callahan & his wife lived at Goodyear Lake; Callahan is s currently serving a 12-½ year sentence for a criminal sexual act conviction from 3 years ago. Callahan was arraigned and was returned to the Attica Correctional Facility. Callahan faces 25 years to life in prison.

The Delaware County Board of Elections reminds county registered voters affiliated with the republican or democratic parties, that Primary Elections are today, from 12:00 Noon to 9:00 PM. Both Democrats & Republicans are holding a Primary for the 19th Congressional District. All Tompkins voters will now vote at the Tompkins Town Hall at 148 Bridge St., Trout Creek. More information is available at 832-5321. Attorney General Eric Schneiderman reminds voters that a hotline has been set up for those experiencing trouble in the polling place, the number is 800-771-7755.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced the guilty plea of 56 year old Donald McManus of Apalachin, to Attempted Grand Larceny.   The plea stems from allegations that Mr. McManus pocketed $8,200 worth of the proceeds from the sale of leftover copper used as part of the East Campus dorm construction at SUNY Binghamton.  McManus is expected to be sentenced to three years of probation, to pay restitution in the amount of $8,256.59, and to not work in a construction job or in any capacity for SUNY Binghamton.

The American Red Cross will hold Blood Drives Saturday at 2 area locations. One blood drive will be from 8:00 AM To 1:00 PM At the Main Street Baptist Church at 333 Main Street in Oneonta. Another Blood drive will be from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM At the 1st congregational Church at Bridge & Main Streets in Sidney. All Blood Types are needed; appointments can be made at RedCrossBlood.org, through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Eclipse Winterguard will be holding a benefit Spaghetti & Meatball Dinner and Basket Raffle today at the Sidney American Legion, 22 Union Street, from 5 - 8 pm. The Fundraiser is for 4 year old Savannah who was injured in an accident on Feb 20th. Dinner is $10 per plate, all proceeds and donations will go to the family.

THE AMERICAN RED CROSS WILL HOLD A BLOOD DRIVE AT THE LAURENS HIGH SCHOOL ON 64 MAIN STREET today, from, 3:00 TO 7:00 PM. ALL BLOOD TYPES ARE NEEDED AT THIS TIME. TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT, VISIT REDCROSSBLOOD.OR OR CALL 1-800 RED CROSS.

On Sunday, the Chenango County American Legion will host a joint visitation by the Legion's State Commander James Yermas, & State Auxiliary President Jan Mahoney among others. the leaders will visit Oxford's Fort Hill Post 376, the Veterans' Home at Oxford, the Chenango County Sheriff's Department in Norwich, followed by a reception & dinner at the Lieutenant Warren Eaton, DSC Post 189, at 29 Sheldon Street, Norwich.

26-year-old Timothy Green of New Berlin has been charged with forgery and Grand Larceny following an investigation by the State office of the Inspector General. Green was a substitute worker for the New York State Office for the People with Developmental Disabilities in Norwich, he is accused of submitting fraudulent time sheets for work that he did not do, which resulted in over $39,000 in payments. Green was arraigned in the Town of Guilford court and remanded to the Chenango County jail on $50,000 cash bail or $100,000 property bond.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman issued a brochure offering tips to New Yorkers buying health insurance coverage for next year, entitled “Shopping For Health Insurance Coverage” Which is being released in advance of the New York State of Health Marketplace’s open enrollment period starting on Sunday. Schneiderman encourages consumers to take advantage of this open enrollment period to evaluate how their current health plan, whether it will change, or to consider what other options are available. Open enrollment through New York State of Health begins on November 1 through December 15th, for coverage effective January 1st.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced that his office reached an agreement with Don’s Automotive Mall in Binghamton to resolve an investigation that revealed that the company was selling salvaged automobile airbags in violation of New York State law. Don's agreed that they would not sell any salvaged airbags without first complying with the law, New York requires anyone attempting to sell inflatable restraint systems salvaged from another vehicle to have it first certified according to standards established by a nationally recognized testing, engineering and research body approved by the DMV. Currently there are no approved standards from the State of New York, the sale of all salvaged airbags illegal.

Delaware County District Attorney Investigators and the Walton Police Department arrested 27-year-old Brandi Wyckoff of Walton for 2 counts of Forgery & 2 counts of offering a false instrument for filing. Wyckoff was arraigned in Delhi Town Court and remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $5,000 Bail or $10,000 Bond. Pending future court action.

On Saturday, the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office, & Norwich Police executed a no knock search warrant at 30 Classic Street in the Village of Sherburne. 50-year-old Frederick Harty of Sherburne was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to sell, Criminal Nuisance, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, & Criminally Possessing Drug Paraphernalia. 46-year-old Tabitha Harty was also charged with Criminal Nuisance. Frederick Harty was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $20,000 cash bail. Tabitha Harty was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $2,000 cash bail. The Sheriff’s Office recovered heroin, scales, packaging material, and unlawfully possessed prescription pills.

A forum for 5 candidates for various Franklin town government positions will be held at 6:30 tonight at the Ouleout Valley American Legion at 327 Main Street in Franklin. The moderator will be Franklin Mayor Tom Briggs.

The State Attorney General's office will be doing a presentation on "Senior Scams" this afternoon at 2:00 PM at St. James Manor, Oneonta. The event is open to the public. More information is available at 432-4500 extension 207.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced that his office has obtained an order dissolving Angel’s Gate animal hospice and rehabilitation charity & directing that the charity’s real property be sold with the proceeds to be paid to another charity whose mission is the protection and care of animals. Acting Supreme Court Justice John Lambert ordered the appointment of a receiver to sell the property held in the names of Angel’s Gate, Inc. and Susan Marino in the Town of Meredith. Schneiderman’s Office previously brought a proceeding against Angel’s Gate and Marino to dissolve the corporation because they had failed to file legally required financial reports related to the handling of their charitable funds.  Marino and Angel’s Gate had raised over $3.1 million from donations; Marino mismanaged the funds while continuing to live on the property as her primary residence, without any oversight by an inactive Board of Directors.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced the arrests of 68-year-old Kenneth Cohn and his wife, 64-year-old Sharon Cohn of Binghamton, for allegedly violating the Workers’ Compensation law and illegally obtaining over $1 million from the Medicaid system. while owning & operating Yellow Medi-Van and Taxi, Incorporated. The Cohns were charged with Grand Larceny, Offering a False Instrument for Filing among other charges, they were arraigned in Binghamton City Court.

Today is Primary Day in New York State, for those who want to decide on a candidate to represent their political party in the November elections. In Delaware County, The Democratic Party will hold Primaries for Town of Middletown Supervisor between Patrick Davis & Marjorie Miller. The Republican Party will hold a Primary for the Harpersfield Town Supervisors position between current Delaware County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jim Eisel and Edward Pick & In the Town of Walton for Town Supervisor, the race is between Charles Gregory & Bruce Dolph. In Chenango County, primary races of interest include the republican primary for District Attorney between incumbent Joe McBride and Zachary Wentworth. In the city of Norwich, there is a Republican Primary for Mayor between Incumbent Joe Mauirano & Christine Carnrike.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman will operate a statewide Election Day Hotline during the primary election this Thursday, September 10. Voters encountering barriers to access at their polling sites can report those issues to the Attorney General’s Office by calling the hotline at 800-771-7755, or by emailing the office at civil.rights@ag.ny.gov. The Hotline will be available until 9:00 PM. .

New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman was in Binghamton Thursday to discuss his efforts to keep Southern Tier families in their homes. The Attorney General's Office released a report detailing the results of efforts to prevent foreclosures across the state. Over the last three years, with the help of the Homeowners Protection Program and the State Mortgage Program, more than 3,700 households have been saved from foreclosure in the Southern Tier region.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced that Maine and Maryland have joined the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Heroin Task Force that marshals the resources of top law-enforcement officers across Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, over half of law-enforcement agencies in these two regions reported “high heroin availability” in their jurisdictions in 2013. In New York State, heroin and synthetic opioid overdoses killed 2,051 New Yorkers in 2011, more than twice the number in 2004. Statewide there were almost 20,000 hospitalizations related to heroin in 2013.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced that in the next two weeks he will resubmit the Abandoned Property Neighborhood Relief Act, to reduce the number of vacant and abandoned properties falling into disrepair across the state by informing homeowners of their right to stay in their home until a court orders the homeowner to leave, requiring mortgage lenders and servicers to identify, secure and maintain vacant and abandoned properties much earlier in the foreclosure process, and creating a registry of such properties to assist municipalities with enforcement of laws regarding property maintenance. Homeowners who need assistance are encouraged to call the Attorney General’s statewide foreclosure hotline at 855-HOME-456 and visit AGHomeHelp.com to connect with HOPP organizations and agencies in their area that can provide foreclosure prevention services.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced a new scam app that allows homeowners to identify and avoid mortgage rescue scams. AG ScamHelp.com is a web based-app that allows users to search the name of any real organization offering mortgage assistance. The app will show that an organization is "Trusted" if it is part of the Attorney General's Homeowner Protection Program, or has been approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. It will also warn consumers of some of the hallmarks of mortgage rescue scams

State attorney General Eric Schneidermann announced that almost 23 million records of New Yorkers have been exposed to 5,000 data breaches since 2006.  Schneiderman reported that 7.3 million records of New Yorkers were exposed in about 900 data breaches last year alone, including the highly publicized Target breach as well as Living Social. Schneiderman is urging businesses to identify and minimize data collection practices and create an information security plan that includes encryption. Consumers are advised to create strong passwords and update them frequently, and to closely monitor credit and bank statements each month.

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman released the list of the top 10 consumer fraud complaints received by his office last year. Internet-related complaints topped the list, followed by automobile-related scams and credit-related complaints that involved debt collection, credit card billing and identity theft. In addition, the Attorney General's Office continues to receive a large number of mortgage-related complaints. For more information go to oag.state.ny.us.

State Police released more details about the February 19th town of Walton arson, with 2 murders and a suicide.  Lieutenant Eric Dauber of the state police BCI unit said that police were summoned to the John Lockwood road residence to serve a warrant to Debra Sundstrom for failure to appear in court for  several counts of grand larceny, police heard 2 shots, where Sundstrom shot a dog and then her self, after setting the house on fire.  Lieutenant Dauber said that they went to question Randy Sundstrom at the family address at 1884 South River Road in Walton, only to find out that he had not been seen in 3 years, his body was found last Friday in the backyard there:

(Lt. Eric Dauber 2-26-13)

Lieutenant Dauber said that Dominick Bosco’s remains were found at the John Lockwood road residence, he was likely killed 1 to 3 days before the February 19th fire.  The investigation is continuing anyone with information is asked to call State Police at 561-7400.

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Wednesday in a case challenging the constitutionality of a core provision of the Voting Rights Act. State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman led a 4-state coalition to argue that the Court should reject the constitutional challenge given the important role that the Voting Rights Act plays in blocking and deterring voting discrimination. The brief was filed jointly with California, Mississippi and North Carolina in the case of Shelby County Alabama vs. Holder.

Following the January tax law changes made by Congress under the American Taxpayer Relief Act, the Internal Revenue Service announced today it plans to open the 2013 filing season and begin processing individual income tax returns on January 30th.  The IRS originally planned to open electronic filing this year on Jan. 22; more than 80 percent of taxpayers filed electronically last year. Updated information will be posted on IRS.gov.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has won litigation against retailers selling deceptively labeled designer drugs. The Supreme Court decision holds business owner John Tebbetts responsible for selling deceptively labeled drug products to consumers from his 8 upstate head shops, & for denying that the products were meant for human consumption.    Schneidermann’s lawsuit attempted to stop the sale of “Bath Salts” and “Synthetic Marijuana” in violation of the state's labeling laws.