WCDO Radio News

21 year old Christian Rogler of the Town of Maine, pleaded guilty in Broome County Court for Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Accident and Attempted Rape. Rogler's guilty plea stems from two separate criminal incidents, last September in the Town of Dickinson, Rogler struck and killed Jamel Smalls of Binghamton, and fled the scene of the crash. Rogler will be sentenced to 2 and 1/3 to 7 years in State Prison, and in 2021, in Johnson City, Rogler engaged in an attempted sexual assault of an underage person, he will receive 3 and ½ years in State Prison, followed by 10 years of post-release supervision. Rogler is also required to register as a sex offender and a final no-contact order of protection will be issued for the victim. Sentencing is scheduled for May 28th.

The Jericho Arts Council & the Bainbridge Town Hall Theatre present "Yesterday Once More - A Tribute to The Carpenters" Saturday Night at 7:00 PM, Council Spokesman Phil Wade Comments:

(Phil Wade 2-28-25)

Wade said that in the gallery will be the works of Scott Higby, ​For ticket Reservations Call (607) 288-3882.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 2-28-25

State Police executed a search warrant in the town of Springfield for possible animal neglect. The investigation resulted in the removal of over 2-dozen animals. 8 dogs, 13 cats and 1 turtle were in need of immediate medical care and were turned over to the care of the Susquehanna SPCA. State Police were assisted by the Otsego County Emergency Services and the DEC, The investigation is on-going, charges are likely.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 8-12-24

State Police BCI is investigating the suspicious death of 2 individuals on Parsons Road in Chenango Forks. 63 year old Scott Cleary of Chenango Forks, was located deceased in his residence, 38 year old Matthew Lott of Chenango Forks, was located deceased a quarter mile north of the residence near railroad tracks. Cleary and Lott lived in the residence, The investigation is on-going, there is no threat to the community, More information will be released when available.

Governor Kathy Hochul today outlined plans for the next 2 phases of the development project at the former Oakdale Mall in Johnson City. Efforts include the reuse of an adjacent vacant site for the construction of new housing, the creation of further commercial opportunities, Phase II and III of the project will include the construction of an 85,000 square-foot medical campus; the construction of a new 22,000 square-foot child care center. Phase I redeveloped the former Sears store into the Lourdes Pavilion which included a host of health related services, & the addition of the two-story Beer Tree restaurant and brewery, so far, the redevelopment has added over 500 new employees and attracts thousands of daily visitors. For additional information about Oakdale Commons, visit oakdalecommons.com.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 8-12-24

Governor Kathy Hochul announced emergency assistance to support homeowners impacted by the remnants of Hurricane Debby. New York Homes and Community Renewal is launching an emergency repair program for homeowners in numerous counties affected by Debby, including Delaware County locally. Additionally, staff from the New York State Department of Financial Services will be deployed to impacted communities to support residents and businesses with financial services questions.

Broome County District Attorney's office announced that 56 year old Daniel Erickson of Greene, pleaded guilty in Broome County Court to Luring a Child, which was the top charge of the Indictment against him. Between June 28, 2023, and July 7, 2023, Erickson communicated with a 16-year-old student through Snapchat, for the purpose of luring the victim into a vehicle with the intention to engage in sexual acts. Broome County Sheriff's Office Detectives were able to apprehend Erickson before he made any physical contact with the victim. Erickson was fired from his position as a Middle School Principal in the Johnson City School District, he will be sentenced on July 30th to 6 months in jail, followed by 5 years’ of probation supervision, he was ordered to pay restitution to the victim, & he must register as a sex offender to the state's registry. Erickson will appear back in Broome County Court on May 6th for the purpose of turning himself in to begin serving the jail time.

Broome County Sheriff's Office arrested 37 year old Scott Hanrahan of Sanford for Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Possession of an Assault Weapon & Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. On Saturday Broome County Sheriff’s Road Patrol conducted a traffic stop on Route I-86 West in the Town of Windsor, deputies located cocaine, along with various assault weapons & multiple rounds of ammunition, Hanrahan had previous felony convictions & is facing new charges for illegal weapon and drug possession following the traffic stop. Hanrahan was arraigned at Central Arraignment Part and remains in custody at the Broome County Correctional Facility.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-20-23

State Police responded Wednesday night to a 1-vehicle crash on County Road 39 in the town of Bainbridge. 39 year old Naqwain Johnson of Schenectady drove his vehicle off the roadway and struck a tree, Sidney EMS responded however, Johnson did not survive, the passenger, 38 year old Shelly Courcelle of Schenectady, was transported to an area Hospital, The investigation is on-going.

The Appellate Division of the State Supreme Court has ordered a New Trial of Scott Mawhiney of Deposit, who was previously convicted for shooting State Trooper Ryan Thorpe in 2021. Mawhiney's attorney argued that excluding a Psychiatrist testimony in the case regarding Mawhiney's anti-anxiety prescription led to an unjust conviction, a new trial date has not yet been announced.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 7-21-23

National Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies will be held this weekend in Cooperstown. The festivities start with the Parade of Legends Cooperstown at 6:00 PM Saturday. The parade originates at Lake Street and Chestnut Street, proceeds down Chestnut Street toward Main Street and onto Main Street to the Baseball Hall of Fame. The Parade of Legends will feature more than 4 dozen returning Hall of Famers as well as Class of 2023 members Fred McGriff and Scott Rolen. The Induction Weekend will conclude with the inductions of McGriff and Rolen Sunday at 1:30 at the Clark Sports Center.

The Delaware County IRT Military Medical program concluded on Wednesday, after 9 days of services offered for free at the Walton High School. The military was able to serve 1,079 patients, performing 7,181 procedures for a total cost savings to the community of $585,141.81. Delaware County Director of Planning & Watershed Affairs Director Shelly Johnson Bennett said that Delaware County will apply again in the future to bring these needed Medical, Dental, Vision & Veterinary services back to the County.

The Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak announced that Kyle Babola of Johnson City pleaded guilty for killing Scott Groover with a machete in 2021. Babola took a plea deal of 20 years to life before the trial could start, the maximum sentence could have been 25 years to life in prison.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 1-26-23

The Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak announced that 34 year old Kyle Babola of Johnson City pleaded guilty for the killing of 55 year old Scott Grover in Johnson City on New Year’s Eve in 2021. Babola killed Grover by striking him numerous times with a machete during a dispute at 330 Floral Avenue. He will be sentenced to 20 years to life in state prison in April 2023.

A Windsor man has pleaded guilty to Robbery in the 3rd degree. According to the Broome County District Attorney, Scott Frost admitted he stole a motorcycle and threatened to shoot the owner while he was on parole for a burglary in 2014 in Tioga County. Frost will be sentenced in December 2022 and faces two to four years.

The Broome County Sheriff's Office arrested Michael Benedict of Binghamton, Stephen Parsons of Greene, and Melissa Johnson and Patrick Hill, both of Smithville Flats, for Grand Larceny for allegedly stealing a utility trailer and utility terrain vehicle in the Town of Kirkwood. The suspects & the stolen items were found in Binghamton, all 4 face court action shortly.

Binghamton Police are investigating the report of a body found in a creek by a passerby Thursday Morning near Bayless Avenue. 64 year old Debra Scott of Johnson City was found in the creek by the town & city Binghamton lines, An autopsy was conducted and the cause of death has not yet been determined.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 2-16-22

The Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak announced that a grand jury has filed charges against 2 murder suspects in Broome County Court regarding unrelated homicide cases. Mitchell Lindow was charged with 1st degree murder in connection to a December 2nd stabbing, where Lindow allegedly killed David Royes while committing a felony burglary at 110 Main Street in Binghamton by stabbing him multiple times. Korchak also said that Kyle Babola is charged with 2nd degree murder for the killing of Scott Grover with a machete in Johnson City. Both face court action at a later date.

Jury selection began in Broome County Court yesterday in the trial of 44-year old Scott Mawhiney of Deposit, who has been charged with 1st degree attempted murder, assault, criminal possession of a firearm and several other charges, for allegedly shooting Trooper Ryan Thorp on June 23rd. State Police and Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a home on Sunrise Terrace in Deposit when shots rang out and Trooper Thorp was wounded in the arm, Trooper Thorp is still recovering from his injuries.

Bassett Healthcare Network will be holding COVID-19 vaccination booster shot clinics, that will be open to the public. O’Connor Hospital in Delhi is holding a COVID-19 vaccine booster clinic on Saturday, from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, with the Moderna vaccine only. Appointments are required at 746-0525. Also, the FoxCare Center in Oneonta is holding a COVID-19 vaccine booster clinic on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, that clinic will provide boosters for Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. No appointment is needed for the Oneonta clinic. More Information is available at bassett.org and the Bassett Facebook page.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 6-24-21

State Police arrested 44 year old Scott Mawhiney of Deposit for 1st degree attempted murder, following the shooting of Trooper Ryan Thorpe last night in Deposit. Troopers responded to a domestic dispute after 9:00 Last night on Sunrise Terrace, Trooper Thorpe was taken to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City, where he recovering form emergency Surgery, Mawhiney was taken into custody & was remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail, the investigation is continuing.

Otsego County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 26 year old David Johnson of Norwich following the investigation of a motor vehicle accident in the Town of Pittsfield on June 16TH.  Johnson was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, DWI, Driving while Ability Impaired by Drugs & Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle, among several other charges, Johnson is accused of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of methamphetamine, he was taken to Bassett Medical Center for injuries sustained during the accident, he was processed & issued an appearance ticket for Pittsfield Court at a later date.

The Otsego County Department of Health will be holding a Johnson and Johnson single dose COVID Vaccine clinic tomorrow.  The clinic will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the Laurens Fire Department, for those 18 & older, no appointments are necessary; the clinic will be walk in only.

The Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 21 year old Scott Sieger of Oneonta following an investigation into a Forged Check.   Sieger was charged with Forgery, criminal Possession of Stolen Property & Criminal Impersonation, for allegedly forging a stolen check in order to purchase a vehicle, he will appear in Town of Oneonta Court at a later date.

Bassett Healthcare Network’s FoxCare Pharmacy in Oneonta is now offering the Johnson & Johnson 1-shot COVID-19 vaccines for people 18 and older every Tuesday through Friday. Appointments are requested through the State Department of Health’s registration page, apps2.health.ny.gov, more information is available at 431-5959.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of an Ohio man for Criminal Possession of a Weapon and numerous other charges after being stopped on I-88 in the Town of Oneonta on May 8th for erratic operation of a motor vehicle.  51 year old Scott Travis was charged with Criminal Possession Weapon Firearm/Handgun, Driving while Intoxicated, Refusal to take Breath Test, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation and speeding among other charges, Travis was turned over to the Otsego County Correctional Facility following arraignment.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 21 year old Scott Sieger of Oneonta for Larceny and Criminal Possession of Stolen property, following an investigation into a missing credit card.  Sieger was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Oneonta Court at a later date.

Members of Governor Cuomo’s Administration will Open State Vaccination Sites.  Today at 1:00 PM, Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul will open the State Vaccination Site at the Binghamton University Foundation, 10 Gannett Drive in Johnson City. More information is available through am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov.

A Census Bureau Representative will be at the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce office at 189 Main Street in Oneonta Friday afternoon from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, to assist with the online application and to answer any questions for anyone interested in getting information for the 2020 census.   The  Census Bureau is seeking thousands of people to assist with the 2020 Census count and they are actively recruiting for Census Listers and Census Field Supervisors.  No experience or education is required, more information is available at 2020census.gov.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation restricting non-profit
corporations from participating or intervening in any political campaign on
behalf of or against a candidate running for public office. The measure
codifies the federal restriction on non-profit corporations participating or
intervening in political campaigns, also known as the Johnson Amendment.     In June 2018, the Attorney General filed a
civil complaint alleging that the Donald J. Trump Foundation had violated the
Johnson Amendment's prohibition on providing support to candidates in office
which resulted in the Foundation's dissolution.

Chenango County Public Health  will hold an informational public meeting
regarding the hazards of Vaping, Public Health Director Darlene Gramstad told
WCDO News that Dr. Scott Cohen will give the presentation:

(Darlene Gramstad 10-24-19)

More information is available at 337-1660, the presentation
will be held at the SUNY Morrisville Campus in Downtown Norwich today from
12:00 Noon to 1:00 PM and 5:30 to 6:30 PM.

The Investigation of Scott Lisincchia revealed that he had
drugs in his system, at the time when he was the driver in Schoharie limo crash
that killed 20 people last October.
Lisincchia reportedly had marijuana and traces of an anti-seizure
medication in his system; he was one of the 20 killed in the crash.  The owner of the Prestige Limo Service that
Lisincchia worked for, Nauman Hussein, faces grand jury proceedings
tomorrow.  The National Transportation
Safety Board and state police are continuing to investigate the crash.

State Police continue to investigate the November 1983
murder of 19-year-old Bessie Williams of Johnson City, who was reported missing
to the Johnson City Police Department when she did not return home after
picking up her paycheck at the Quality Inn Lodge in Endwell.   On April 11, 1985, State Police responded to
a report of human skeletal remains near King Street in the Town of Barker.    A forensic examination determined the
remains were those of Bessie Williams, and the manner of death was
homicide.  State Police have been attempting
to identify a suspect whose vehicle was towed by citizens in the fall of 1983,
from a field bordering the wooded area where her remains were discovered, he
was described as an intoxicated white male, 25 - 30 years old, 5' 7" to
5'10" with medium build, wearing work boots, jeans and a blue wind
breaker, the vehicle was a late 1970s white hatchback.  Many leads have been followed up, the case is
still open.  Anyone with information is
asked can call State Police at 561-7400.

State DEC Officials announced that 2 men have been charged, for allegedly dumping waste from the power cleaning of the Oneonta High School Track, into the Oneonta creek nearby. John Scott & Victor Doratto of Copeland Coating Company were ticketed for disturbing a protected stream, after local residents reported the change in color of the creek.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies were dispatched to Delaware Valley Hospital in Walton on June 26th as a result of patients seeking medical treatment following an ATV accident. The Investigation revealed that a 12 year old Walton girl was operating an ATV in the Town of Tompkins when she lost control, left the roadway, traveled down an embankment, overturned and came to a rest in a creek bed. The driver and 2 passengers on the ATV, 42 year old Beth Czerniak and an 8 year old girl, all 3 were treated at Delaware Valley Hospital. Czerniak was later transported to Wilson Hospital, Johnson City, for further treatment of a head injury. Deputies have arrested Beth Czerniak of Walton for 2 counts of endangering the welfare of a child and for numerous other traffic charges, she will appear in Town of Tompkins Court at a later date to answer the charges.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 36 year old Scott Johnson of Sidney Center for DWI, Aggravated DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, plus several other charges, Johnson is accused of operating a motor vehicle in an intoxicated state with 2 children in his vehicle in the Town of Masonville. Johnson held a conditional license and was operating his vehicle outside of the restrictions; he was arraigned in the Town of Masonville Court, and remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $2,500 cash bail, or $5,000 bond pending court action at a later date.

3 men were arrested after State Police CNET and Troopers conducted a vehicle and traffic stop in Johnson City. A search revealed a hidden compartment containing Fentanyl, Oxycodone, suboxone, powdered heroin, a digital scale, packaging material, marihuana and $5,945 in cash. Police arrested 27 year old Coren Walker of the Bronx, 40 year old Scott Layton of Johnson City, & 24 year old Giovanni Foster of Johnson City, on a variety of drug charges, All 3 were arraigned and remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.

The State University of New York has established a task force to focus on food security issues at its 64 campuses. The SUNY system reported that 70% of its campuses have a food pantry for students or partnerships with community organizations that provide meals. SUNY Chancellor Kristina Johnson said the goal is for all campuses to have food pantries or arrangements with community groups that provide resources for food.

State Police arrested 49 year old Harvey Scott of Oneonta for Petty Larceny, after Scott allegedly walked out of the Oneonta Walmart with a cart full of items totaling $676. Harvey was remanded to the Ostego County Jail on $1,000 cash bond or $2,000 bail.

65 year old Ramadan Abdullah of Johnson City was found guilty this afternoon in Broome County Court, on a number of counts of criminal possession of a weapon. The man charged after a major weapons bust in Broome County in June has been found guilty of several counts of criminal possession of a weapon. The jury deliberated for about 8 hours starting yesterday through early this afternoon, Abdullah faces sentencing on December 19th, and he was transported back to the Broome County Jail.

Chenango County Sheriff’s department arrested 51-year-old Scott Fitch of Preston for 2 counts of Harassment. Fitch is accused of subjecting a victim to unwanted physical contact during the course of a domestic dispute, Fitch was arraigned in the Town of Oxford Court and was released on his own recognizance, he will appear in the Town of Preston Court at a later date.

Oneonta Police announced that 3 men wanted for an April Burglary have been arrested. Oneonta police responded to a domestic dispute on April 22nd. 1 of the victims was pistol-whipped & was treated & released from minor injuries at Fox Hospital. 34-year-old Teddy Faison of Oneonta was arrested in Monticello, he's been charged with 2nd degree assault and criminal possession of a weapon, he was remanded to the Otsego County Jail without bail. Also charged was 19 year old Brian Scott of Utica, & 19 year old Nelson Navar of Utica, they were charged with 1st degree burglary & 1st degree robbery, they both face court action shortly.

Brandon Corey was sentenced today in Broome County for a knifepoint rape of a woman in the parking lot at Wilson Hospital in Johnson City in April 2016. Corey will serve 10 years in prison followed by 20 years post-release supervision, he was also ordered to register as a sex offender.

State police announced an arrest today in connection with the September 24th shooting on Carl Street in the Town of Union that injured 1 male subject, who was taken to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City. Initially, 4 subjects were taken into custody & were released. Today state Police arrested 35-year-old Paul Warner of Endicott for Attempted Murder. Warner was arraigned & was remanded to the Broome County jail without bail. The investigation is ongoing.

State Police announced that Tierra Scott was back in custody after she escaped police custody & stole a Trooper’s vehicle. State Police reported that a Trooper was delivering Scott to the Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office when she removed her restraints. The Trooper left the vehicle to take her into the office when she climbed into the driver’s seat and locked the doors, & drove off, dragging the Trooper for a short distance. The unidentified Trooper suffered minor injuries; the patrol car was found on Wetsel Hollow Road in the town of Schoharie. State Police had Scott back in custody Sunday evening.

2 teenagers are accused of shooting an 11 year old in Johnson City Tuesday night. Police reported that the 17 and 16-year-old boys are charged with felony assault, the 16 year old was also charged with felony criminal possession of a weapon. The 11 year old victim was treated at Upstate University Medical Center in Syracuse and later released, the injuries were not life threatening.

State Police at Deposit arrested 21-Year-old Scott Primavera of Guilford, Connecticut for felony criminal possession of marihuana, after a traffic stop for speeding on State route 17 in the Town of Hancock. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of over 16 ounces of marihuana. Primavera was arraigned in the Town of Hancock jail and was remanded to the Delaware County jail on $1,500 cash bail or $3,000 bond.

Governor Cuomo, New Jersey Governor Christie, US Homeland Security Secretary Johnson and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio are among the participants this afternoon at 3:00 PM at a Bi-State Meeting on Regional Security and Preparedness in Manhattan. Governor Cuomo and Governor Christie announced that they would discuss existing security and preparedness coordination with representatives from the FBI, & from the New York & New Jersey Homeland Security, Emergency Services, State Police, National Guard, and other law enforcement and public safety agencies.

State Police arrested 29-year-old Benjamin Dickey of Sidney for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance; they also arrested 26-year-old Scott Correll of Afton for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. The arrests resulted from a vehicle stop for a defective brake light while driving on Main Street in Oneonta. Troopers determined that Correll possessed cocaine and Dickey possessed 4.8 grams of marihuana. Both were issued tickets returnable to the Village of Sidney Court on September 23rd.

The husband of a Pennsylvania woman found dead back in July is now charged with involuntary manslaughter. Scott Kunkle, 29, of Monroe Twp., is charged with aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter in the death of his wife, 28-year-old Patricia Kunkle, in July after Pennsylvania State Police responded to a domestic dispute at the couple's home. An autopsy at Lourdes Hospital ruled Patricia's death a homicide and the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head and internal injuries. Toxicology reports showed the presence of bath salts in Patricia's system. Kunkle was originally arrested for simple assault and reckless endangerment before those charges were withdrawn Monday morning by the Bradford County District Attorney. He was released on $50,000 unsecured bail.

A two vehicle accident near the town line of Nanticoke and Glen Aubrey has left two dead. 34 year old Brett Berg, of Johnson City was driving his car south on Route 26 when it crossed into the opposite lane while going around a curve and hit an SUV. Berg and Michael Smith, 49, of Homer, were pronounced dead at the scene. Passenger Gail Renninger-Smith, 50, of Homer, was taken to Wilson Memorial Hospital for treatment of her injuries.