WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 6-25-26

Several law enforcement agencies commented at a press conference in Binghamton today regarding the Fire at the Knight's Inn of Endwell June 22nd, State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation Captain Lucas Anthony discussed the investigation & released the names of those deceased in Monday's Fire:

(Captain Lucas Anthony 6-25-26)

State Police arrested 24 year old Tyler Russell of Endwell, Monday for 6 counts of 2nd degree Manslaughter & 1 count of Arson, he is being held at the Broome County Correctional Facility without bail pending Grand Jury action.

The National Weather Service announced that they have already confirmed 6 tornadoes this year, after last Thursday's 2 confirmations in Cortland & in Yates County. The first tornado of 2026 in New York State was confirmed as an EF-1 in Cattaraugus County on March 31st, the 5 additional Tornadoes were in Upstate or Western New York Counties so far. Since 1990, the average has been 16.5 per year, with a record 25 tornadoes occurring in 1992.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-23-26

State Police arrested 24 year old Tyler Russell of Endwell, for 6 counts of Manslaughter and 1 count of Arson in connection with Monday's Fire at the Knight's Inn of Endwell, where 6 people died, 2 were hospitalized and over 70 were left homeless. Russell was processed and was turned over to the Broome County Jail for Centralized Arraignment. Additional information, including the identities of the victims, will be released at a later time.

State Police arrested 39 year old Joshua Skobern of Johnson City after an investigation into an arson at self-service car wash in Endicott. Skobern was charged with Criminal Mischief, 5th degree Arson after Troopers responded to Enviro Auto Wash on Watson Boulevard for damage that occurred on April 12, to a car wash payment kiosk. An investigation determined that Skobern punched the payment kiosk then struck it with a spray wand and then used a lighter to burn the face-plate, causing damage. Troopers located Skobern at his residence. He was taken into custody and was processed and was issued appearance tickets to the Union Town Court on April 28.

Patrick Shea was sentenced to 7 years in state prison and 5 years of post-release supervision for 4th Degree Arson and 2nd Degree Manslaughter, in connection with the February 2025 fire at 1 Main Street in Binghamton, that led to the death of Firefighter JR Gaudet, who was trapped under debris while battling the blaze, he later died at Wilson Hospital, Shea pleaded guilty to the charges in January.

The 33rd Chenango Blues Festival in Norwich, NY on August 21st and 22nd as well as the Free Thursday show in East Park on August 20th. This year's Headliner will be Booker T. Jones, Tickets are available at chenango bluesfest.org.

A.M. NEWS Friday 2-13-26

Patrick Shea plead guilty to manslaughter and arson, he set a fire to keep warm inside a vacant structure at 1 Main Street in Binghamton on February 12, 2025, the fire led to the death of Binghamton Firefighter J.R. Gaudet, who died when the building collapsed on him. Shea is expected to serve 7 years in prison as part of a plea bargain arrangement.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-23-26

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a report of suspicious activity Monday in the Town of Middletown. A Deputy encountered 49-year-old Amy Slater of Fleischmanns, Slater made admissions to the Deputy, regarding her setting her residence on fire. Multiple fire departments responded Upon conclusion of the investigation, Slater was arrested and charged with Arson and Criminal Mischief, Slater was arraigned and released pending her appearance in the Town of Middletown Court at a later date to answer the charges.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-24-25

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office arrested 2 people on a variety of felony charge. On December 15th, deputies responded to a burglary complaint in the Town of Binghamton, they found fresh footprints in the snow, signs of a break-in and smoke billowing from inside the house due to an active fire. State Police & Binghamton Fire Department responded, Deputies followed footprints and found evidence of stolen items, they used a drone to & located 37 year old Anthony Storti of Conklin, who was found to be in possession of narcotics, the investigation uncovered that Storti had been in the residence, left a vape behind and he set a fire inside. 24 year old Allyson Russell of Endicott, was identified as an accomplice in the burglary and arson. Both were charged with a host of felonies including Burglary, Arson criminal possession of a weapon, Grand Larceny & criminal possession of a controlled substance, they face court action shortly.

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 24 year old Austin Hitt of Schenevus for Arson, Burglary & Criminal Mischief, following an investigation into a reported residential fire in Schenevus. Hitt allegedly entered the residence unlawfully and intentionally set a fire inside, he was arrested and was held at the Otsego County Correctional Facility pending arraignment at Otsego County Central Arraignment and was later released.

40 Year Old Jeremiah Raub from New Milford Pennsylvania was sentenced in Broome County to 20 years to life for 2nd degree Murder, plus 20 years to life for Arson with sentences to run concurrently in a New York State correctional facility. Raub was found guilty at trial in August in connection with the fatal March 17, 2011, fire at 20 Milford Street in the City of Binghamton, Raub intentionally set a fire in a recycling bin at the residence, the fire caused the death of 17 year old Jeffrey Aissa, who was inside the home at the time of the incident.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce General Membership Meeting tomorrow at 7:30 am at Bob's Diner, where minutes from the August 19, 2025 meeting will be discussed, and various community updates and events will be shared.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-15-25

Delaware County District Attorney's Office announced a 7 count indictment against 46 year old Arthur Cotten of Sidney. Sidney Police responded July 19th to a domestic dispute, where Cotten is accused of damaging a property and attempting to set it and responding officers on fire. The Indictment charges Cotten with Attempted Arson, Attempted Assault, Reckless Endangerment, Criminal Possession of Dangerous Weapon, Resisting Arrest, Obstructing Governmental Justice & Menacing.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 8-20-25

Jeremiah Raub was found guilty by a Broome County Jury today for 1 count of 2nd-degree murder and 2 counts of 1st-degree arson, in connection with a 2011 Binghamton fire that killed 17 year old Jeffrey Aissa. 6 people escaped the blaze, Aissa died inside the house. The 1st trial for Raub ended when the jury could not reach a verdict, he will be sentenced at a later date in Broome County Court.

Sidney Police Department responded to a domestic dispute Saturday at a residence on West Main Street, where a man was destroying property. Officers located 45 year old Arthur Cotten in the garage, he began dousing the floor and the garage with gasoline, Officers attempted to stop him, he was able to ignite the gas can with a lighter, Officers were able to physically restrain Cotten and pull him and themselves away from the fire, which was quickly extinguished. Cotten was charged with Aggravated family offense, Reckless endangerment, Attempted Arson, Criminal possession of a weapon, Attempted Assault, Criminal mischief, Resisting arrest, Menacing and Obstruction of governmental administration, Cotten was arraigned at the Delaware County Central Arraignment court where he was released on $1000 cash bail to appear back in court at a later date.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 7-10-25

State Police arrested 43 Year old Delbert Dewey of Sherburne for Arson & Criminal Mischief, On July 5th, Troopers responded to a report of a vehicle on fire in a driveway on Classic Street in Sherburne. The investigation revealed that Dewey intentionally started a fire inside the vehicle after having a disagreement earlier in the day with the residents on Classic Street. Dewey was later arrested and was arraigned and was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $15,000 cash bail, $30,000 bond, pending future court action.

The Amphenol Corporation will be holding an open house on Saturday July 19th to celebrate operating for 100 years in Sidney, spokesman Chris Capello explains:

(Chris Capello 6-5-25)

Capello has also compiled a book about the companies history, which will be unveiled in July, we will air this complete interview in the coming weeks.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 6-5-25

43 year old Steven Baker of Sidney appeared in Delaware County Court Wednesday and was arraigned on a sealed indictment, which was unsealed with a charge of 3rd degree arson. The Indictment alleges that on May 19th, Baker and a co-defendant stole a motor vehicle and intentionally set fire to it in the Town of Sidney. Baker was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $50,000 cash bail.

Oneida County Sheriff's Deputy Aaron Alshaman has been charged with 4 counts of attempted murder and 1 count of Arson, he allegedly set a home on fire on April 9th, while his infant child, the child's mother and her parents were inside. All occupants escaped without injury, an Oneida County Grand Jury has indicted Alshaman on the charges, he faces arraignment on the Grand Jury Indictment shortly.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 3-14-25

Binghamton Police arrested 36 year old Patrick Shea for 2nd degree murder & 4th degree arson, following the investigation into the fire February 12th at 1 Main Street, where Binghamton firefighter John Gaudet died. The fire was ruled as an arson, Shea was arraigned by a Grand Jury in Broome County Court on Friday, he was remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.

A Delaware County Grand Jury returned a 5-count indictment against Charles Larson, for driving while Intoxicate, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, speeding, & operating out of class among other similar charges. Larson was arrested initially for operating a motorcycle in an intoxicated condition in the town of Colchester on October 20th, with his licensed already revoked, plus his licensed did not allow for him to operate a motorcycle.

The Clean Slate Act went into effect in New York State Saturday, which will automatically seal an individual’s New York State criminal records. The law states that Convictions under New York state law are eligible for sealing, Except for Sex crimes, Sexually violent offenses or class “A” felonies with the exception of drug-related convictions. The law does not apply to federal crimes or convictions in other states. For the record to be sealed, a specific period has to pass, 3 years for a misdemeanor & 8 years for a non”A” felony. The full law can be read at lawny.org.

State Police and Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a fire alarm and disturbance at an apartment located at 2708 North Street in Endicott Saturday. 46 year old Michael Stephens of Endicott is accused of intentionally starting the fire & for menacing troopers with a knife before retreating back into his apartment. Stephens suffered from smoke inhalation, 1 Trooper climbed a ladder and removed Stephens from the scene, he was taken to Wilson Hospital where he was treated & released, he was then charged with 2nd degree Arson & Menacing a police officer, he was taken to the Broome County Correctional Facility for Arraignment.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-19-24

New York City officials announced that they have elevated to a drought warning and paused the $2 billion Delaware Aqueduct Repair Project upstate, the reservoirs are expected to be re-opened to allow for more water to reach New York City, meanwhile the Statewide burn ban continues as wildfires continue to burn at more than a dozen locations, due to low water levels & exceedingly dry conditions. Various warnings have been released to conserve water because of drought-level conditions throughout the Catskill region and beyond.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 10-7-24

Otsego County Sheriff's office arrested 33 year old Schuyler Schmidt of Garratsville following an investigation of a structure fire in the Town of New Lisbon. Schmidt was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Arson, Criminal Mischief in connection with a structure fire of a garage owned by a relative, multiple area Fire Departments responded, investigators located approximately thirteen vehicles & Machinery sustained significant damage or had become a total loss. Upon Arrested, Schmidt allegedly possessed methamphetamine, he was held at the Otsego County Correctional Facility pending arraignment.

48 year old Edward Monk of Binghamton was sentenced last week in Broome County Court to 3.5 years to 7 years in State Prison for Attempted Arson & Aggravated Harassment of an Employee by Inmate. On December 9th, 2023 Monk set fire to 2 trucks at a Mirabito gas station on Upper Front Street. On March 15, 2024, while incarcerated at Broome County Jail, Monk threw a cup of urine at forensic workers and a corrections sergeant.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 5-28-24

The Otsego County Office of Emergency Services announced that 29 year old Michael Bredin on the Town of Maryland, has been charged with 2nd degree Arson by the State Police & Otsego County District Attorney's Office. On March 31st, the Schenevus Fire Department, along with Oneonta City Firefighters, responded to a blaze at an apartment house on State Route 7, the fire was quickly knocked down, and investigators determined that the fire was deliberately set. Bredin was arraigned Friday & faces court action at a later date.

An American Red Cross Blood drive will be held in Oneonta Saturday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The Blood Drive will be at the Southside Mall's Oneonta YMCA, appointments can be made at RedCrossBlood.org, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-12-24

Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies responded Tuesday night to a report of a robbery in progress at the Sunoco Gas Station / Empire Food Store in Harpursville. Brody Kenyon of the Town of Colesville had entered the store and demanded a lighter and lighter fluid, he allegedly doused the employee with it and attempted to set him on fire, the attempt was unsuccessful, the spilled lighter fluid ignited and burned an ATM before extinguishing. Kenyon then stole several items & fled on foot. Patrols located Kenyon, he was charged with Arson, Assault with Intent to Cause Serious Injury with a Weapon, Robbery, Reckless Endangerment, he was arraigned and remains in custody at the Broome County Correctional Facility. Kenyon was also charged with attempted Burglary & criminal mischief for attempting to break into the Harpursville Fire Station and damaging property, prior to the gas station incident.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 3-29-24

Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 52 year old Timothy Wakefield of Smithville for Scheming to Defraud, with multiple counts of Grand Larceny, and Arson, following a nine month long investigation into a Chenango County business. Wakefield is accused of conducting numerous auctions and he allegedly had failed to pay the clients that the auctions were being held for. On December 19, 2023 while Detectives were still investigating the auction business of Wakefield, when the 911 Center received a call from Wakefield reporting a structure fire. The Office of Emergency Services ruled the fire to not be accidental. Last week, Chenango County District Attorney's Office presented evidence to the Chenango County Grand Jury, they indicted Wakefield, he was released and will reappear at a later date in the Chenango County Court.

3 murder suspects are in custody after a joint police operation between the U.S. Marshals, Southern Tier SWAT Team, the Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force and the Endicott Police Department Wednesday night. U.S. Marshals Service notified Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies of 3 murder suspects possibly staying in Endicott, for a murder, robbery & Arson on January 20th in Norristown, Pennsylvania. A search warrant was obtained for 1104 Monroe Street in Endicott, the law enforcement agencies executed the search warrant & arrested 29 year old Daquan Allen, 18 year old Damon Brantley & 28 year old Jerry Butler, they were taken to the Broome County Sheriff’s Correctional Facility as fugitives from justice, where they were remanded, & are awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania.

The numbers are in for the Laurens Central School Coaches vs Cancer Basketball event this past Saturday, where they were able to raise $5,467 for the American Cancer Society through a Zumbathon, basket raffles and admission donations. WCDO Sports Director Nate Lull reported that the Schenevus Coaches vs Cancer event was postponed tonight due to the weather and will be made up at a later date.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 1-23-24

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 31 year old Thomas Harris of Masonville for making a Terroristic Threat. On January 10th, Deputies received a complaint that an individual had made threats of arson towards a local business, it was determined that Harris did make the threat to “burn down” the business’s headquarters on a recorded line while talking to the business’s after-hours dispatch center. Harris was charged with Aggravated Harassment and Making a Terroristic Threat, he was transported to and held at the Delaware County Correctional Facility to await centralized arraignment.

The Tioga County District Attorney’s Office announced that 32 year old Boyd Fenton of Athens, Pennsylvania was arraigned on a 105-count indictment for setting a fire at Tioga Downs that killed 30 horses, destroyed the barn, injured a trainer, he was indicted for arson, assault, burglary, 38 counts of criminal mischief, 30 counts of interference with or injury to domestic animals; 31 counts of overdriving, torturing and injuring animals; aggravated cruelty to animals; bail for Fenton has been set at $25,000 cash, $50,000 property and $250,000 secured bond.

The Southern Tier Music Festival will return to the Sidney Airport next summer, organizers Ed Curley & Teri Schunk visited WCDO to make the announcement:

(Teri-Ed 11-10-23)

More information will be released in the coming weeks, information will be updated at the Southern Tier Music Festival Facebook page.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 11-10-23

State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation arrested 32 year old Boyd Fenton of Athens, Pennsylvania after a fire at a barn at the Tioga Downs Casino complex Thursday. Over two-dozen racehorses died in the fire. Fenton has been charged with Arson, Burglary, Criminal Mischief & Assault, An investigation revealed that Fenton entered the barn and intentionally set a fire, causing thousands of dollars’ worth of damage. 1 person who entered the burning barn in an attempt to save horses suffered second degree burns and was transported to Robert Packer Hospital for treatment. Fenton was arraigned and remanded to the Tioga County Correctional Facility.

Delaware County Clean Sweep will be held this Friday & Saturday for those who have registered to participate, Solid Waste Coordinator Tyson Robb explains:

(Tyson Robb 9-20-23)

Robb said that on Friday, businesses & Municipalities will bring their items from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, then farmers will bring their materials from 12:15 to 2:00 PM, household will participate from 8:00 AM to 12:00 Noon Saturday.

The Otsego County Health Department announced that a bat has tested positive for rabies in Burlington Flats today. There was 1 human exposure, that person is undergoing post exposure vaccinations. More information about rabies is available at 547-4230 or on the Health Department page at otsegocounty.com.

A.M. NEWS 9-20-23

31 year old Thomas Harris of Unadilla was sentenced to a 5-year term of probation supervision for 4th degree Arson in Delaware County Court. On June 4th, 2022, State Police responded to reports of a structure fire in the Town of Sidney, Troopers discovered beer bottles, some with gasoline, the victim told Troopers that Harris threw the bottles, starting the fire. Investigators obtained DNA Swabs from Harris, Harris's DNA was on the bottles, he was arrested & Harris pled guilty to Arson. Harris was directed to immediately report to the Delaware County Department of Probation.

State Police at Richfield Springs were dispatched to assist the Richfield Fire Department with a fire in a 2nd-floor bathroom at Richfield Springs Central School. An investigation revealed that a 15-year-old male intentionally lit a soap dispenser on fire, which caused property damage only. No injuries were reported. The juvenile was charged with 2nd degree Arson.

P.M. NEWS Wednesday 8-23-23

31 year old Thomas Harris of Unadilla, pleaded guilty to 4th degree Arson, on June 4, 2022, State Police responded to reports of a structure fire in the Town of Sidney. Upon arrival, the Troopers discovered several broken and intact beer bottles, some of which contained gasoline, a victim stated that Harris threw the bottles, starting the fire. The Bottles were tested, the results confirmed the presence of Harris’ DNA on the bottles. Harris will be sentenced to five years of felony probation supervision when sentenced at a later date.

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.