MADAM PARLOR OWNER PLEADS GUILTY IN HUMAN TRAFFICKING CASE ::Friday, April 18::

The main target in a 15 month human trafficking investigation pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday to forcing women to work as prostitutes in her four area massage parlors. In exchange for the plea, Len Chong promised to help prosecutors make their case against others who are believed to have used their authority and influence to illegally bring the women to Western New York and force the to perform sexual acts. Chong - who is from Malaysia - could have received a minimum 15 years in jail, but will be sentenced to 5 1/4 to 6 1/2 years if she cooperates with law enforcement officials. The 43 year old Chong admitted to recruiting female employees through newspapers ads, and contacts in New York City. Chong ran massage parlors in Lockport, Niagara Falls, Wheatfield, and Tonawanda. Under the terms of the plea bargain, she must also pay $350-thousand in restitution to 11 women who were former employees. Chong is being held without bail until her sentencing on August 14. At that time she could also face a fine of up to $250-thousand and up to five years of supervised release.

NIAGARA COUNTY TO OBTAIN MEDICAID FRAUD INVESTIGATOR ::Friday, April 18::

Niagara County will receive state funding to hire a medicaid fraud investigator, lawmaker Paul Wojtaszek announced Thursday. Wojtaszek - a former medicaid fraud prosecutor in the state attorney general's office - introduced a resolution in January requesting that the county be included in the state's county audit and investigation demonstration project. The legislature and the state have both approved that request. Wojtaszek and social services commissioner Anthony Restaino said the new employee will focus on fraudulent claims sent to medicaid by doctors and other health care providers. Restaino says the county already assigns three sheriff's office investigators, six social services staffers, and an assistan DA to welfare fraud investigations. They will deal with all types of public assistance, not just medicaid.

FBI WORKING ON ABDUCTED N-T GIRL CASE ::Friday, April 18::

FBI agents on Thursday combed through the abandoned Gilmore Avenue house where a 12 year old girl was taken after being abducted at knifepoint on March 20. North Tonawanda police captain William Hall says the FBI offered to lend some of their agents to help police gather forensic eveidence, after working on a different case in the area. Also involved were members of the Niagara Falls Police Department, who worked with N-T officersto take interior measurements of the house, so that the precise positioning of items can be recorded in the NFPD's computer. Because of this, investigators will have access to a virtual representation of the premises as the investigation into what person or persons were behind the abduction continues.

NIAGARA COUNTY TOUGH GUY GETS HARD TIME

After four hours of deliberation a county jury found Richard Matt guilty of the murder of North Tonawanda businessman William Rickerson over 10 years ago. Matt was found guilty of all eight charges against him. He was accused of robbing, killing, then cutting up the body of Rickerson, and throwing those choppings in the Niagara River. Defense attorney Matthew Pinn said that Matt was confident that he would be acquitted before the jury came back. Afterward Matt sat steely eyed and emotionless as the jury forewoman ready the guilty verdicts. Pinn says he took it calmly and stoically. As for how he handled the case, he said he had no regrets and plans to file an appeal.

Meantime members of Rickerson's family burst into tears as the verdicts came in, shaking hands with prosecutes. Matt is being held without bail and will be sentenced May 30.

TOM CHRISTY UPDATE

Fans of talk show host Tom Christy and Legislative Journal once again took county legislators to task last night, telling members of the majority caucus they should reconsider their position on the now canceled program. Earlier this month, members of that majority rejected a resolution that called on LCTV's board of directors to reinstate the show - and Christy along with it.

Meantime the story about the email John Lombardi continues with the Common Council president saying that Christy supporters have taken it out of context, that the message had to do with his attempt to land a spot on the LCTV board and nothing to do with removing Christy as the host or taking Legislative Journal off the air. Lombardi did admit he probably shouldn't have used the term "Maziarz Headquarters", saying in doing so he was referring to Glenn Arranow and Mike Norris - 2 members of the GOP who are close to Maziarz. The State Senator denied this allegation once again, claiming he never he didn't have anything to do with the firing of Christy or the cancellation of his show, or speaking with Lombardi about Christy and the program.

TOWN OF SUMMERSET LOOKING TO THE WIND TO SUPPLEMENT COAL

The Town of Somerset has been taking a hard look at wind energy and how windmills can be used to supplement the use of oil and electricity. Town Board member Randy Wayner was a special guest Wednesday on your Hometown Station, and says they'll talk about it during their April 23 meeting.

If the town ever does get windmills, the residents can take full credit. The board tabled the idea last month, and only pressure from town residents got it back on the agenda.

AKRON BUSINESSMAN FORMERLY ANNOUNCING CANDIDACY FOR REYNOLDS' SEAT

Jack Davis - owner of I Squared R in Akron - announced he'll be running for Tom Reynolds' seat this November. This marks Davis' third run for the spot; turning down any money from special interest groups and pledging $3-million of his own funds.

The 75-year old democrat has also been known to run on the platform of 'saving jobs,' and that's no different this time around. He says when elected, he'll oppose any free trade agreements, and will seek America's removal from the World Trade Organization.

Other than saving jobs, Davis plans on securing the border- disallowing any amnesty bills - and pulling troops out of Iraq.