WCDO Radio News

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 46 year old Derrick Gray of Middlefield for Criminal Contempt. Gray failed to obey a lawful court order issued by a judge to respond to the Otsego County Probation Department to receive a GPS ankle monitor, the Otsego County Court issued a bench warrant for Gray's arrest, he was arrested on December 25th and was remanded to the Otsego County Correctional Facility without bail, he was charged with violating a court order and issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Otsego Court, he was returned to the correctional facility.

Otsego County Sheriff Richard Devlin announced his plans Wednesday to run for re-election on the November Ballot for a 6th Term as Sheriff. Devlin has 36 years in law enforcement, including 19 years as Sheriff. Also, 25-year veteran of the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office Michael Stalter is challenging Devlin, both are running as Republicans.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 1-8-26

The Number of Flu cases is trending down in New York State, according to the State Health Department. The last Week of 2025 had 49,000 new cases reported, down 32% from the week before, there have been just under 240,000 for the entire flu season, Locally, there were 350 new cases of the flu reported in the Tri-County Area.

The Sidney Central School
District students were not allowed to leave the campus this morning following
the reports of a bear near the campus.
Department of Environmental conservation officers were called in.  The District was notified by local law
enforcement that the bear was no longer in the immediate of the vicinity of the
school & the Sidney District has resumed all normal activities this
afternoon.

Otsego County Sheriff Richard Devlin reports the Sheriff’s
Office along with the Susquehanna SPCA is investigating an animal cruelty
situation in the Town of Maryland.
Deputies located approximately two dozen dead cattle in a barn and
another 30 head in poor condition late Tuesday afternoon.  This is an on going investigation.

The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office’s Criminal
Investigation Division arrested 32-year-old Joseph Clark on 23 counts of
Criminal Contempt, it is alleged that while he was an Inmate at the Delaware
County Correctional Facility, Clark violated the terms of an Order of
Protection issued by the Town of Oneonta Court by contacting a protected
victim.  Clark is scheduled to appear in
the Town of Delhi Court on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 to answer these charges.

Governor Cuomo will deliver his 3rd inaugural address on
Ellis Island tomorrow.  Cuomo easily won
re-election to a 3rd term in November. Locally, State Senator Jim Seward will
be sworn into office on January 1st at the Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta.
Seward will be sworn into office for his 17th senate term. Otsego County Judge
John Lambert and Otsego County Sheriff Richard Devlin will also be sworn in for
new terms. Otsego County Board of Representative’s Chairman David Bliss will
serve as master of ceremonies. Otsego county judge Brian Burns will administer
the oath of office.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested and charged 41
year old Wade Johnson of Davenport, Wednesday for making an unsafe lane change,
leaving the scene of a property damage motor vehicle, and driving while
intoxicated, following a report of a vehicle into a utility pole on Charlotte
Creek Road in the Town of Davenport. Deputies say Johnson fled the scene of the
accident after the collision and was later apprehended at an address in the
Town of Davenport. Johnson was arraigned & was released on his own
recognizance to reappear at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 31-year-old
Joseph Clark of Franklin, New York on a bench warrant issued by the Town of
Franklin Court for failure to pay fines on a previous charge of Disorderly
Conduct, stemming from an incident in the Town of Franklin earlier in
2018.  Clark was arraigned in the Town of
Delhi Court and released on his own recognizance.  Clark is scheduled to return to the Town of
Franklin Court at a later date.

Vestal Police cancelled the missing vulnerable adult alert for 87 year old Charles McGlynn of Vestal late last night. Police said that McGlynn was found safe, & further details have not yet been released.

The Chenango County Sheriff's Office has an active Arrest Warrant for 42 year old Jason Barrows, who is known to frequent the Oxford and McDonough areas. Barrows has an active arrest warrant for 2nd degree Burglary, anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the Sheriff's Office at 334-2000 extension 1.

State DOT announced the opening of 2 lanes of traffic on the newly constructed section of Interstate 81 northbound and State Route 17 westbound between I-81 Exit 3 & Chenango Street in the city of Binghamton. This marks the end of the temporary, two-lanes-in-each-direction traffic pattern on I-81 southbound/Route 17 eastbound. The project is scheduled for completion in December 2020. Work in 2019 will include the construction of Front Street northbound lanes and a multi-use path.

The State DEC reported that hunters reported taking 14% more deer in the Northern Zone and 11% more in the Southern Zone, than they did last year. Preliminary figures show hunters killed nearly 109,000 deer this fall statewide, compared to just under 98,000 last year and 86,000 in 2016. Bear hunters reported taking 1,066 bears, the 2nd straight decrease since 2016.

The State Labor department released the report of local unemployment rates for November. The state rate was 3.9%, Locally, Chenango County had 3.5%, Delaware County had 3.7% & Otsego County had 3.4% unemployment in November.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 32 year old Terence Ito of Walton for Criminal Contempt; he is accused of violating an order of protection that had been put in place by the Delaware County Family Court. He was arraigned in the Delhi Town Court where he was released on his own recognizance; he will reappear at a later date in the Franklin Town Court.

State Senator Jim Seward will be sworn into office on January 1st at the Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta. Seward will be sworn into office for his 17th senate term. Otsego County Judge John Lambert and Otsego County Sheriff Richard Devlin will also be sworn in for new terms. Otsego County Board of Representatives Chairman David Bliss will serve as master of ceremonies. Otsego County Judge Brian Burns will administer the oath of office.

Delaware Valley Humane Society will see some added revenue next month, following a pledge by a Sidney business, Erin Insinga of the Humane Society explains:

(Erin Johnson 12-28-18)

Additional information about the fundraiser, pet adoptions or items that can be donated to the shelter can be obtained by calling 563-7780.

The 2018 Greater Binghamton Project Homecoming Job & Career fair will be held today at the Oakdale Mall in Johnson City. Representatives from 65 area employers will be on hand, the fair will run from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, it is sponsored by the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce.

The results are in from the State Board of Elections in the U.S. Senate seat, Democratic incumbent Kirsten Gillibrand by a 2 to 1 margin over Republican Chele Farley, in local Congressional races, in the 19th District, Democrat Antonio Delgado defeats incumbent John Faso by about 3%. In the 22nd District: Democrat Anthony Brindisi defeats incumbent Claudia Tenney. In State Office races, Incumbent Democrat Andrew Cuomo defeated all challengers to win a 3rd term as Governor, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli easily defeats all challengers for another term., and the new Attorney General will be Democrat Letitia James. In the race for the 6th District State Supreme Court seat, Republican Joe McBride wins. In area State Senate races, in the 42nd district, Democrat Jennifer Metzger wins over Republican Ann Rabbitt for the seat previously held by the retiring John Bonacic, in the 51st district, Republican Incumbent Jim Seward wins re-election for a 17th term, in the 52nd district , Incumbent Republican Fred Akshar was unopposed. In local State Assembly Races, in the 121 District: Republican John Salka defeats longtime incumbent Bill Magee, in the 122 District: Incumbent Cliff Crouch easily defeats Conservative Nicholas Libous, in the 123rd District: Democratic incumbent Donna Lupardo was unopposed & in the 102nd District: Democrat Aidan O’Conner wins by a slim margin over incumbent Republican Christopher Tague. Rich Devlin is re-elected as Otsego County Sheriff & David Harder is re-elected as Broome County Sheriff.

Governor Cuomo defeated Cynthia Nixon easily for the Democratic Party Primary for Governor, also winning statewide Primary Elections were Kathy Hochul for Lieutenant Governor, & Letitia James for Attorney General. Local State Assembly incumbents Cliff Crouch & Bill Magee won their Primary challenges by large margins. Otsego County Sheriff Richard Devlin Jr. won his Primary election for the Republican nomination over challenger Robert Fernandez.

Tomorrow is Primary Day in New York State, as voters in Political parties decide on their candidate to represent that party on election day in November. Among the key Primary races for Democrats, candidates will be chosen for Governor between incumbent Andrew Cuomo & Cynthia Nixon; there are 4 candidates running for Attorney General & in the 121st Assembly District, Democrats will chose between Dan Buttermann & incumbent Bill Magee. Republicans locally will be deciding their candidate in the 122 Assembly District between incumbent Cliff Crouch & Nicholas Libous & in the Otsego County Sheriff's race Republican voters will decide between incumbent Richard Devlin Jr. & Robert Fernandez.

The Otsego County Sheriff’s department announced that Margaret Thayer was found deceased near her Property in the town of Otsego this morning. Thayer was reported missing back on march 6th, Deep snow drifts had prevented deputies from reaching some of her property behind her residence, an autopsy may be performed, Sheriff Richard Devlin reported that there was no trauma to the body and foul play is not suspected, the investigation is continuing.

The Otsego County Board of Representatives Public Safety & Legal Affairs Committee released a report today regarding their attempts to investigate alleged terrorist threats made by Otsego County Corrections officer Sergeant Ros Devlin last January, Devlin is the son of Otsego County Sheriff Richard Devlin. Today’s report outlined the efforts made to investigate the matter where Ros Devlin was accused of threatening to bring a duffel bag full of guns to work at the Otsego County Jail, shoot co-workers & to shoot up an area school. The Committee sought legal advice or action from Sheriff Devlin, the Otsego County District Attorney, the Otsego County Attorney, State Police, and the state Attorney General’s office & Governor Cuomo's office with little success. The committee recommends that Sheriff Devlin recuse himself, & appoint the County Board or another board to investigate & short of recusal, they recommend that the sheriff require a full mental health examination of Ros Devlin, that the DA's office appoint a special prosecutor, that a process be enacted to insure better coordination among law enforcement agencies to deal with terrorist threats coming from a law enforcement officer. The committee expressed concerns that the school in question was never notified of the threats, they have vowed to continue with their investigation. Ros Devlin has been suspended with pay, had his gun permits suspended and is not allowed on county property.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 40 year old Gloria Prott of Southhaven on charges of unlawful possession of marijuana, criminal possession of a controlled substance, driving while ability impaired by drugs, speeding at 80 miles an hour in a 55 zone and operating a motor vehicle with an open container of an alcoholic beverage, following a traffic stop on State Highway 17 in the Town of Hancock. 49-year-old Edward Prott of Southhaven was a passenger in the vehicle; he was also arrested for criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana. Cocaine and Marijuana were seized from the vehicle; both were arraigned in Hancock Village Court and were remanded to the Delaware County Jail on cash bail pending future court action.

Chenango County Sheriff Deputies & Norwich City Police arrested 56-year-old James Brown following an investigation into the illegal growing of cannabis. The investigation led Deputies to a Sherburne residence where marijuana plants were discovered, Brown was released on an appearance ticket for a later date in the Town of Sherburne Court.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 57-year-old Timothy Hunter after a warrant was issued for his arrest following a domestic dispute where he allegedly displayed a firearm; the victims fled the scene to a nearby residence & called 911. Hunter was arrested without incident and arraigned in the Town of North Norwich Court where he was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $250 cash bail.

The investigation into the actions by Otsego County Sheriff Rich Devlin's Son Ros, while serving as a Corrections officer at the Otsego County Jail, has been passed on to an investigative body for further scrutiny, Unadilla Representative Ed Frazier explains:

(Ed Frazier 9-5-17)

Ros Devlin was suspended earlier this year for allegedly making threatening remarks while on the job & was suspended & his firearms privileges removed.

The Public Safety & Legal Affairs Committee of the Otsego County Board of Representatives announced that they continue to investigate the situation regarding Sergeant Ros Devlin of the Otsego County Corrections Department, who is also the son of Otsego County Sheriff Richard Devlin. Ros Devlin was accused of using excessive violence as a corrections officer, he is also accused of making threats, possibly against area schools and the public in general that led to his pistol permit being revoked, and he was banned from being on County Property, and his behavior was being investigated by the County District Attorney’s office, The County’s Labor Attorney, the Sheriff’s Department & State Police. Sheriff Devlin was requested to recuse himself from the investigation due to an obvious conflict of interest, which he initially refused; County officials said that the Sheriff did not advise them of his original disciplinary action until April 10th. The investigation is continuing.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 21 year old Alissa Young of Hancock, Thursday for 1 count of Driving While Ability Impaired Drugs plus other charges, Following the report of a vehicle going off the road and into a ditch on State Highway 97 in the Town of Hancock, she was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 bail bond. Deputies also arrested Young’s passenger, 26-year-old Anthony Rhinebeck of Hancock, for Criminal Possession of a Hypodermic Instrument, he is accused of possessing 3 hypodermic instruments, Rhinebeck was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bail bond.

The Otsego County Board of Representatives has requested an employee file from Otsego County Sheriff Richard Devlin. The board wants to review potential violations of the county’s workplace violence prevention program & what if any disciplinary actions were taken, regarding the sheriff’s son, Corrections Officer Ross Devlin. Vice Chairman of the County Board of Representatives Ed Frazier of Unadilla told WCDO News that Ross Devlin’s Superiors came to the board:

(Ed Frazier 3-10-17)

Sheriff Devlin told WCDO News what actions he has taken to resolve the issue:

(Richard Devlin 3-10-17)

Ed Frazier also said that during their workplace violence investigation, other information came to light regarding disciplinary procedures and treatment of inmates at the Otsego County Jail.

Oneonta Police were dispatched Wednesday to a reported attempted home invasion robbery at 306 Chestnut Street. 3 men reportedly arrived in a dark colored sedan; one of the men was described as a “young black male” with short hair. The initial officers noted a powerful odor of marihuana in the dwelling. A search warrant was obtained & executed & 4 pounds of marihuana and over $14,000 cash was seized. Police arrested 25 year old Edwin Milette of Oneonta for Criminal possession of marihuana, the investigation into the alleged burglary is continuing. Milette was arraigned in Oneonta City Court and was remanded to the custody of the Otsego County Sheriff on $15,000 cash bail or $30,000 bond.

Oneonta police & the Otsego County Sheriff’s Department K-9 unit, served a no-knock search warrant at 42 River Street in Oneonta, Wednesday. Charged with criminal possession of a Controlled Substance; 3rd degree Conspiracy & Criminally Possessing Drug Paraphernalia were 50 year old Anthony Malewski of Oneonta, 27 year old Marley Serra-Seeley of Frackville, Pennsylvania, 30 year old Noel Perez of The Bronx. Police seized 3 grams of crack cocaine and drug-packaging materials, All 3 were held pending arrangement in the City of Oneonta Court.

Otsego County Sheriff's Department & Oneonta police are investigating drug overdoses that may have resulted from the injecting of tainted heroin. Several overdoses were reported throughout the county in the last few days, Sheriff Richard Devlin Jr. urged anyone with information about local heroin trafficking to contact the sheriff's drug tip line at 547-1690, or Oneonta police at 432-1111, option 1. officials are waiting for the results of autopsies as the investigation continues.

State Senator Jim Seward & Otsego County Sheriff Richard Devlin will be sworn in for another term each at their respective positions, tomorrow at the Otsego County Courthouse in Cooperstown. Seward will be sworn into office for his 15th 2-year senate term. Otsego County Representative Rick Hulse Jr. will serve as master of ceremonies. Supreme Court Justice Michael Coccoma and Otsego County Judge Brian Burns will administer the oath of office; the ceremony begins at 1:00 p.m. at the County Courthouse at 197 Main Street Cooperstown.

A Chenango county man has been arrested for allegedly driving while impaired by drugs and getting a vehicle stuck in mud in a person's yard Sunday. Cortland County Sheriff's Department arrested 50-year-old Timothy Green of McDonough on charges of driving while impaired by drugs, driving an uninspected, uninsured vehicle with improper license plates, & driving without a license. Green was taken to Cortland County Jail on $5,000 cash bail and $10,000 bond pending court action

State Senator Jim Seward will be sworn in for another term in the Senate Thursday at the Otsego County Courthouse in Cooperstown. Senator Seward will be sworn into office for his 15th senate term, Otsego County Sheriff Richard Devlin will also be sworn in for a new term. Supreme Court Justice Michael Coccoma and Otsego County Judge Brian Burns will administer the oath of office. The Ceremony will begin at 1:00 p.m.