WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 3-19-26

46 year old Arthur Cotten of Sidney, pleaded guilty to Reckless Endangerment & resisting Arrest in Delaware County Court, he was appearing for a conference on a pending indictment, he decided to pleaded guilty to the charges, relating to an incident on July 19, 2025, in the Village of Sidney, where he attempted to light himself on fire with gasoline in a garage near a propane tank, Sidney Police Officers Royce Terry and Jenna Nordberg, managed to get the fire extinguished without any person or property being seriously harmed. Cotten will be sentenced on April 28th

Another former corrections officer has pleaded guilty in the case connected to the beating death of Marcy Correctional Facility inmate Robert Brooks in December of 2024. Robert Kessler entered his plea in Oneida County Court, to a gang assault charge as part of a plea bargain deal in which he testified against his former colleagues David Kingsley, Nicholas Kieffer and Mathew Galliher. Kessler is scheduled to be sentenced to 4 years in State prison on May 14th.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced that 7 villages were designated in fiscal stress under his office's Fiscal Stress Monitoring System for their fiscal year ending in 2025. DiNapoli's office evaluates municipalities & school district each year for fiscal stress, no villages in the Tri-County Region were on the list this year. The report can be found at osc.ny.gov.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 3-19-26

Delaware County DA Shawn Smith announced that the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court affirmed the Delaware County County Court conviction of Joshua Condon that resulted in a 20 year prison term & 10 years old post release supervision. Condon appealed the sentence for Criminal Sexual Act for abusing an 8 year old child, but after losing the appeal, Condon's original sentence will stand.

37 year old Michael Brutvan of Binghamton, pleaded guilty to Murder in the Second Degree in Broome County Court and will serve a sentence of 17 Years to Life in a New York State Correctional Facility. On May 13, 2025, the Binghamton Police Department was dispatched to the Salvation Army located at 131 Washington Street for a report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, officers located a male inside the establishment suffering from stab wounds to the shoulder and neck. The victim was later pronounced deceased. Sentencing is scheduled for June 22, 2026, in Broome County Court.

P.M. NEWS Friday 11-14-25

Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith announced today the 3rd set of criminal indictments against 51 year old David Gensler of Delhi, Gensler was arraigned in Delaware County Court & the indictment was unsealed, the 3rd indictment is the result of a joint investigation by the Village of Delhi Police and the State Police. Previously, Gensler was indicted for Sexual Abuse, Attempted Sexual Abuse, Disseminating Indecent Materials to Minors, Luring a Child, Rape, Stalking & Unlawful Imprisonment. The New Indictments charges him with Falsely Reporting of an Incident, Offering a False Instrument for Filing, Tampering with Physical Evidence, & Conspiracy in order to falsely report a crime against another party. Gensler was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail, pending trial in this matter.

22 year old Matthew Bartosik of Conklin was sentenced today to 50 years in jail for the January 3rd killing of his uncle, Michael Lewis, following a family argument. Bartosik shot his uncle several times, resulting in his death, he also shot his cousin, who survived the incident. When police arrived and tried to enter the house, Bartosik shot at the troopers and deputies. Bartosik was eventually apprehended and took a plea deal and was convicted for 2nd degree murder, 4 counts of attempted murder, 3 counts of attempted murder of a police officer, plus criminal use of a firearm, criminal possession of a weapon & 1st degree assault.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-27-23

Today is Primary Day, the race with a lot of local interest is the Delaware County Republican Party Primary for the nomination for District Attorney. Long time area Attorney Joe Ermeti faces current Acting County District Attorney Shawn Smith for the County Republican endorsement. Smith already has the Conservative party nomination & will be on the ballot for Delaware County District Attorney in the November General Election.

The Broome County District Attorney's office announced that 51 year old David Rexer of Endicott was found guilty of conspiracy by a jury in Broome county Court recently. Rexer was found guilty of conspiring with another person to commit arson on an Endicott building last year, however the person that Rexer attempted to conspire with was an undercover police officer. Rexer has a prior conviction for 3rd degree Rape and will be sentenced to 1/13 to 4 years in jail on September 23rd.

Tomorrow On Tuesday, State Senator Fred Akshar, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, Johnson City Police Chief Brent Dodge and representatives of the State Department of Transportation will join local officials, family and community members to dedicate a portion of New York Route 17C the Patrolman David 'DW' Smith Memorial Highway in the Village of Johnson City. The dedication will begin at 11:00am at the Johnson City Police Department, Officer Smith served with the Johnson City Police Department for 18 1/2 years, in 2014, he was fatally shot after responding to a disturbance at a local business.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-1-22

Broome County Sheriff David Harder has appealed the State Supreme Court’s Decision to force the county correctional facility to resume in-person visitation. A recent State Supreme Court ruling stated that the Broome County Correctional Facility must allow visitors to be able to see their jailed friends and family beginning on September 5th, as COVID did not have the same threat of transmission level as it did in the beginning. Visitation was suspended in March 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic began closing down businesses, schools, government offices and organization worldwide & virtual visitation was permitted at the Broome County Facility.

State Senator Peter Oberacker marked Women’s Equality Day by announcing Delaware County Undersheriff Kim Smith as the 2022 New York State Senate “Woman of Distinction” from the 51st Senate District. Smith started as a part-time corrections officer with the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office in 1997. She was named as the Delaware County's 1st female Undersheriff by Sheriff Craig DuMond in May of 2022. The complete list of 2022 honorees is available at nysenate.gov/women-of-distinction.

Governor Hochul signed a bill by State Senator Fred Akshar and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, to rename a portion of State Route 17C after Officer David “DW” Smith. Officer Smith was shot and killed responding to a disturbance in 2014, he served in the Johnson City Police Department for 18 years.

Broome County Sheriff’s Office responded on August 21st after an Officer observed a stolen vehicle from Syracuse, traveling on Upper Front Street in the Town of Dickinson, the vehicle fled following an attempted traffic stop. A pursuit ended when the stolen vehicle hit another motorists in Binghamton. 26 year old Morgan Schoonmaker was a passenger in the vehicle and was taken into custody as she fled, 31 year old Corey Murry of Syracuse was taken into custody a short time later, both possessed heroin, cocaine, and oxycodone and will face numerous charges when processed

The fate of suspended Otsego County Corrections officer Ros Devlin has been turned over to the chairman of the Otsego County Board of Representatives David Bliss. The decision allows Bliss to order a medical examination of Ros Devlin, who is Sheriff Rich Devlin's son, and he can proceed reaching a decision of Ros Devlin's fate. Ros Devlin has been on paid suspension since January of 2017, after he allegedly threatened terroristic action against area school district & threatened suicide, while Sheriff Devlin allegedly resisted taking action against his son.

State Police arrested 3 local residents for 2nd degree Burglary that occurred October 15, 2017 at a home on State Route 206 in the town of Masonville. Rifles, tools and boxes of ammunition were taken, Investigators arrested 37 year old Jarred Cutting of Masonville in January, he was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond. On Feburary 1, 30 year old Andrew Baker of Bainbridge, was arrested for Resisting Arrest & burglary, he was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 bond. Investigators later learned Casey Smith was incarcerated in the Otsego County Jail on unrelated charges. Smith was arrested by Investigators last week, & was arraigned and was returned to the Otsego County Jail.

Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride announced that Jury selection will continue Monday April 9 in the murder trial of Jeremy Coates. Coates is accused of Killing David Green in Oxford in 2016, Jury selection began Monday of this week and 12 jurors were selected before exhausting the entire list of potential jurors. A new list of potential jurors will report on Monday to continue selection for the required alternate jurors, that will be followed by opening statements and witness testimony. The trial is expected to last two weeks.

Johnson City Police Patrolman Lou Cioci was presented the Congressional Medal of Valor by President Barack Obama this morning at the White House. Cioci was recognized for his actions on March 31st 2014, after fellow Johnson City Police Officer David Smith was shot and killed on Harrison Street, as Patrolman Cioci arrived, he opened fire on the gunman, hitting him several times, The injured gunman tackled Cioci, attempting to grab his service weapon, Cioci shot the man twice more during the confrontation, ending the attack.

Broome County Sheriff David Harder reminded the area public today that they are still looking for Brenda Halpin of the town of Chenango. Halpin is a 37 year old white female, only 5 foot tall & weighing about 90-95 pounds. She was last seen wearing pajamas and may have on a black coat and sneakers. She has long brown straight hair and wears glasses. Brenda suffers from Huntington’s disease which affects her physical abilities including walking normally. Halpin was last seen at her residence on Poplar Hill Road in Chenango Bridge on Friday, April 8th, Anyone with any information is urged to call the Broome County Sheriff’s Office at 778-1911.

The Johnson City Police Department invites the community to pay tribute to fallen Officer David Smith by donating blood at a special blood drive in his memory today. Smith was killed in the line of duty 2 years ago while responding to a 911 call. The Blood Drive is today from 1:00 to 6:00 PM, at 308 Main Street, Johnson City, to make an appointment to download the Blood Donor App, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org.

Governor Cuomo honored 27 fallen law enforcement officers from agencies across New York State, including officers who died last year in the line of duty. The names of the 27 officers honored today have been inscribed on the Police Officers' Memorial located on the Empire State Plaza in Albany. Among those added to the memorial were State Trooper Christopher Skinner of Troop C, who was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver on I-81 on May 29th, and Johnson City Police Officer David Smith, who was ambushed while responding to a disturbance call on March 31. The memorial's complete Roll of Honor is posted at criminaljustice.ny.gov.

The results are in from yesterday’s elections. In statewide races, Governor Andrew Cuomo, State Attorney General's Eric Schneiderman & State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli win re-election by healthy margins, and all 3 state propositions pass. In the 19th Congressional District Incumbent Chris Gibson is re-elected, in the 52nd State Senate district, Incumbent Tom Libous is the winner, in 121st Assembly District, incumbent Bill Magee wins again, & Broome County Sheriff David Harder is re-elected.

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In local races, for the Sidney Town Board, Republican Jody Proffitt defeats Loddie Marsh by a small margin, in Oneonta, Patricia Kent wins re-election to the town board by a large margin, in Franklin, Republicans Donald Smith and Lisa Huyck win 2seats on the town council

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested Ganesh Ramsaran for 2nd degree Bribery; he is accused of offering a Chenango County Corrections Officer of $100,000 to aid in his escape from the Correctional Facility. Ramsaran was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded back to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $1,000,000 Dollars Cash Bail or $2,500,000 Property Bond, he’ll return to the Town of Norwich Court at a later date. The investigation is continuing with additional charges possible.

The Delaware County Department of Corrections announced that the 4th annual Andrew Brown Memorial Golf Tournament would be held tomorrow at Hardwood Hills gold Course in Masonville, with a tee time of 8:30 AM. Organizers announced that the money raise with this years tournament will go to the family of Johnson City Police officer David Smith, who was shot & killed in the line of duty on March 31st.

Governor Cuomo's campaign will not appeal a ruling allowing Zephyr Teachout to remain in the Democratic primary. A state appeals court rejected the campaign's argument that Teachout has spent part of the past five years in Vermont. A lower court had already ruled Teachout could stay on the ballot for the September 9th primary. Teachout teaches at Fordham University Law School in New York City. A recent Quinnipiac University poll found 85 percent of state Democrats said they know too little about Teachout to have any opinion of her.

Service arrangements have been announced for fallen New York State Trooper Christopher Skinner. Skinner was a 13-year veteran of the New York State Police; he was killed in the line of duty last Thursday, after he was intentionally hit by a car while conducting a traffic stop on I-81. Calling hours are scheduled from 3:00 to 8:00 PM today at the Community Baptist Church on 743 Chenango Street in Port Dickinson. Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 AM Tuesday, at First Baptist Church at 1321 Reynolds Rd. in Johnson City.

Funeral services for Johnson City Police officer David Smith will be held this morning in Johnson City.  The Funeral will start at 11:00 AM at Sarah Jane Johnson Church in Johnson City. Road closures along Main Street in Johnson City will be instituted; Representatives from Police agencies from all over will be attending.

Calling hours for the fallen Johnson City Police officer David Smith will be held today from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Chase Funeral Home in Port Dickinson.  Officer Smith’s Funeral will be tomorrow morning at 11:00 AM at Sarah Jane Johnson Church in Johnson City.  Representatives from Police agencies from all over will be attending.

The National Baseball Hall Of Fame announced today that on Memorial Day Weekend would feature 75 former major leaguers playing in 2014 Hall of Fame Classic, presented by Ford Motor Company, at Doubleday field in Cooperstown.  Hall of Fame Members Roberto Alomar, Andre Dawson, Rollie Fingers, Eddie Murray, Phil Niekro and Ozzie Smith will serve as managers and coaches for the sixth annual game on Saturday, May 24th starting with the Home Run Derby at 1 PM and the Classic will start at 2:05 PM. Tickets for the Hall of Fame Classic are $ available at 1-877-726-9028 or at baseballhall.org.

The Johnson city police department announced that calling hours for officer David Smith will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday at the Chase & Son Funeral Home at 737 Chenango Street in Port Dickinson and funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday at Sara Jane Johnson Memorial Church at 308 Main Street in Johnson City.  Johnson City Police announced that street closures are expected along Main & Baldwin Street on Friday.

the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office and City of Norwich Police Department executed a “no knock” search warrant at a Norwich Inn motel room located in the Town of Norwich Monday afternoon. The search warrant followed an investigation into Crack Cocaine sales, officers arrested 18 year old Noel Budram of The Bronx, who was found to be in possession of crack cocaine and $2,400 cash. Budram  was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, and was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court, he was remanded to the Chenango County Jail and is scheduled to reappear at a later date, further arrests are pending.

Binghamton & Johnson City Police Chief Joseph Zikuski announced that Johnson City Police Officer David Smith was shot & killed yesterday morning at about 7:05 AM near Wilson Hospital.  The suspect was 43-year-old James Clarke of Greene, who died yesterday morning in surgery.  Officer Smith arrived near the entrance of Southern Tier Imaging to a reported disturbance, when he arrived; Clarke attacked him, took his service weapon & shot Officer Smith during the struggle.  Police back up arrived & shot Clarke several times.  The investigation is continuing.