WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-7-18

State police are asking for the public's help in locating 39 year old James Sitts of Oneonta, who is wanted in connection with a grand larceny investigation. Sitts is described as a white male, 5 feet 10 inches tall, 165 pounds with brown hair, blue eyes and a beard, he has several distinctive tattoos on his neck and right arm, his last known address was in the Lantern Hill Trailer Park in Oneonta. Anyone with information is asked to call state police at (607) 561-7400.

Federal law Enforcement officials arrested 41 year old Justin Hobbie of Springfield, on child pornography charges. Hobbie was working as a physical education teacher & was formerly a girls’ soccer coach in the Cooperstown School District. District officials alerted parents of the arrest this morning, they did not believe that any incident involving a Cooperstown Student occurred, the investigation is continuing.

60 year old Lynn Beilby of South New Berlin has been charged with animal abuse, for allegedly torturing an animal and failing to provide sustenance to an animal. Beilby is scheduled to appear in the Town of Morris Court on January 14th to answer to the charges.

The Delaware County Historical Association will host its inaugural Christmas Fair on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The event is free & open to the public, more information is available at 746-3849 or e-mail dcha@delhi.net

The Village of Franklin will hold their annual Christmas celebration tomorrow. Events will include a Library Book Sale, Grandma’s Pantry will be open from 11:00 to 3:00 at the Methodist Church, and the annual Holiday Market will run from 12:00 to 4:00 at the Fire House, pictures with Santa Claus will begin at 6:00 PM, also at the Fire House.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce announces a variety of events to be held Saturday. The highlight will be a parade starting at 5:00 PM, there will also be a library open house from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, and carolers, and after the parade be sure to go to the Episcopal Church (with red doors) for your photos with Santa.

State Police arrested 37 year old Michael Collins of Butternuts, for Unlawful Imprisonment, Criminal Obstruction of Breathing and Criminal Mischief, after Troopers were dispatched to a residence on Wilbur Hill Road in the town of Butternuts for a domestic dispute. After an investigation, troopers determined that Collins and a victim were involved in an argument that turned physical, where Collins is accused of choking, taking a phone away when the victim attempted to call for help and not allowing the victim to leave. Collins was arraigned in the town of Butternuts Court where he was released on his own recognizance. The judge issued an order of protection to the victim.

The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage and they are hosting 3 blood drives today. In Oneonta, a blood drive is being held at SUNY Oneonta from 12:00 Noon until 5:00 PM, one is being held in Cooperstown from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Clark's Sports Center, & another is being held in Morris from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Zion Episcopal Church on Main Street. Blood donors of all blood types, especially type O, and platelet donors are urged to make an appointment to donate at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS

The Unadilla Rotary Club & the Unadilla Chamber of Commerce will be presenting the Annual Santa Saturday in Unadilla, with Events being held at the Bauer Community Center at 246 Main Street, from 1:30 to 4:00 pm. Santa will arrive by Fire Truck at 3:00 pm. The parade will form at 2:30 on Sperry Street, off Clifton Street and proceed down Main Street to the Community Center. The Unadilla Rotary Club will have their annual basket raffle fundraiser with ticket winners announced. The Unadilla Public Library will be showing Classic Christmas Movies.

Delaware & Ulster Rail Road is participating in the 2018 Delaware County Toys for Tots campaign and passengers can ride the Silver Sleigh on Sunday, in exchange for a new, unwrapped toy that will be delivered to a Delaware County child in time for Christmas! For departure times and more information visit durr.org.

State Police are currently investigating a complaint on Wednesday ion the town of Franklin where 2 males posed as utility company workers while another person burglarized the home. 2 men wearing walkie talkies approached an elderly couple in front of their residence and distracted them, while the 3rd person entered their home and taken a large amount of cash, jewelry and coins. The suspects were in a white SUV with out of state plates. 1 man is described as Hispanic, clean shaven, approximately 50 years-old, approximately 5’3, 175 pounds, wearing a dark blue sweatshirt with matching sweatpants and a beanie hat. The 2nd man is described as 5’ 3”, a little older with facial hair and blue eyes, wearing blue jeans, a gray sweatshirt and a baseball cap, anyone with information should contact State Police at 432-3211 or 561-7400.

Acting Attorney General Barbara Underwood will return to her previous position as the state Solicitor General shortly. Underwood was appointed as acting Attorney General in May following the resignation of Eric Schniederman, following multiple sexual abuse allegations. Underwood will return to her old job following the swearing in of new Attorney general Letitia James in January.

The State Department of Transportation reminds motorists to obey the "Move Over Law". DOT Officials remind motorists that they should slow down & move over for vehicles with flashing red, white or amber lights, such as DOT vehicles, tow trucks, ambulances, fire trucks, & police vehicles.

State Police arrested 45 year old James Mumbulo of Edmeston for 27 counts of Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals, after State Police were dispatched to check the welfare of several animals at a rented dairy farm on County Route 20 in Edmeston. Troopers located 27 deceased cow carcasses and several inches of manure, there was no food or water in the barn. After consulting with a veterinarian and the District Attorney’s office, Mumbulo was arrested. He was released on appearance tickets returnable to the town of Edmeston Court on November 19th.

State Police in Oneonta was notified that a skimming device was found inside the ATM at Community Bank, NA at 4987 State Route 23 in Oneonta. The device was found by a technician who was called to repair the ATM. the skimming device was placed inside the ATM Friday night by unknown older white male wearing glasses, shorts, a ball cap, and a hooded sweatshirt. The same suspect was involved in a similar skimming device incident in Scranton, PA in February. the ATM’s security features may have immediately disabled the ATM, but it is still unknown whether any cards may have been compromised. Anyone with information can contact State Police in Oneonta at 432-4844.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 34 year old James Bellows of Fleischmanns, as a fugitive from justice from McLeod County, Minnesota. Bellows was arraigned at the Town of Delhi Court where he was remanded to the custody of the Delaware County Jail without bail pending extradition from Minnesota.

Troy Police announced the arrest of 2 men Saturday in connection with the slayings of 4 people in a basement apartment recently. 38 year old James White and 24 year old Justin Mann of Scheneactady were each charged with 1st-degree murder and 4 each counts of 2nd-degree murder, for the killings of Shanta Myers, her 11 year old son Jeremiah, her 5 year old daughter Shanise Myers & & 22-year-old Brandi Mells. Troy Police said that Myers 15 year ols son was out of town on a retreat at the time of the murders, White & Mann are being held without bail in the Rensselaer County Jail.