A federal grand jury in Buffalo Thursday returned
a six count indictment against three County men
claiming they used two Wheatfield restaurants for
drug trafficking. J-T Wheatfield co-owner, 45 year
old Joseph Tomasino of North Tonawanda, Papa
Joe's Bar and Restaurant owner, 41 year old Stephen
Catone of Wheatfield, and 28 year old Wesley Albert
of North Tonawanda were charged with conspiracy
to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine in
addition to the crime of maintaining drug involved
premises. The indictment seeks the forefeiture of
the two restaurants. The charges carry a maximum
penalty of life in prison, A $4-million fine, or both.
The Grand Jury also charged Albert with growing
marijuana at properties in Niagara and Erie counties.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years
in prison, a million dollar fine, or both. Assistant US
Attorney Michael McCabe said the indictment charges
the defendants were involved in a large scale drug
trafficking organization in parts of Niagara and
Northern Erie counties that started in 2005. The
indictment charges Albert with supplying cocaine
to Catone who then allegedly stored and sold it
at his business. Tomasino is accused of buying
cocaine from the drug ring and then allowing
distributors to sell it from his bar in 2009. The
charges stem from a drug raid last July where
twenty others were also arrested.
Friday, January 15, 2010
PASQUANTONIO RESIGNS
The Niagara Falls School Board last night accepted
the resignation of former CSEA Union President
Jeffrey Pasquantonio during a special meeting. It
happened after a resident submitted evidence he was
doing personal business while he was supposedly
clocked in for the district. Pasquantonio was
followed by Probe Services for three years and was
allegedly seen painting and doing construction work
at private homes between 50 & 60 times. A confidential
report said he used a district issued credit card to buy
paint and materials. He was also videotaped shopping,
running errands, and dining out in Niagara and Erie
counties during work days. District officials say he
won't face disciplinary action but criminal charges
could be filed.
the resignation of former CSEA Union President
Jeffrey Pasquantonio during a special meeting. It
happened after a resident submitted evidence he was
doing personal business while he was supposedly
clocked in for the district. Pasquantonio was
followed by Probe Services for three years and was
allegedly seen painting and doing construction work
at private homes between 50 & 60 times. A confidential
report said he used a district issued credit card to buy
paint and materials. He was also videotaped shopping,
running errands, and dining out in Niagara and Erie
counties during work days. District officials say he
won't face disciplinary action but criminal charges
could be filed.
GOVERNOR'S BUDGET ADDRESS
The Governor's office announcing he will
propose a four year moratorium on unfunded
mandates in his budget address next Tuesday.
He'll also propose reforms to the Wicks Law to
lift contract restrictions that increase costs for
school districts and ultimately, property taxpayers.
Paterson said the law imposes inefficient
contract requirements that substantially drive
up capitol construction costs. Paterson's office
says his mandate reform agenda includes more
than 100 reform initiatives that'll provide savings
to local governments of nearly a billion dollars
over the next three years.
propose a four year moratorium on unfunded
mandates in his budget address next Tuesday.
He'll also propose reforms to the Wicks Law to
lift contract restrictions that increase costs for
school districts and ultimately, property taxpayers.
Paterson said the law imposes inefficient
contract requirements that substantially drive
up capitol construction costs. Paterson's office
says his mandate reform agenda includes more
than 100 reform initiatives that'll provide savings
to local governments of nearly a billion dollars
over the next three years.
HAITI
Catholic parishes throughout the diocese
of Buffalo will be taking up a special collection
at all masses this weekend in support of relief
efforts in Haiti. All the money will be given to
Catholic Relief Services. They're on the scene
readying food and other aid for victims. The
Hartland United Methodist Church will hold a
spaghetti dinner next Friday to benefit relief
efforts. It'll be held from 4-7pm at 8017 Ridge
Road. State Senator Antoinne Thompson says
monetary donations will be taken during a blood
drive from noon till 6 today at 786 Delaware
Avenue in Buffalo. He'll also accept toiletries,
non perishable food items, and cash
Saturday at 65 Court Street in Buffalo.
of Buffalo will be taking up a special collection
at all masses this weekend in support of relief
efforts in Haiti. All the money will be given to
Catholic Relief Services. They're on the scene
readying food and other aid for victims. The
Hartland United Methodist Church will hold a
spaghetti dinner next Friday to benefit relief
efforts. It'll be held from 4-7pm at 8017 Ridge
Road. State Senator Antoinne Thompson says
monetary donations will be taken during a blood
drive from noon till 6 today at 786 Delaware
Avenue in Buffalo. He'll also accept toiletries,
non perishable food items, and cash
Saturday at 65 Court Street in Buffalo.
SEARCH FOR NEW COUNTY MANAGER
The Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce is
offering to help the County in it's search for
a new manager. Chamber Chief Deanna
Alterio-Brennen sent Legislature Chairman
Bill Ross a letter last week offering their aid
in the search. She said legislators should get
a jump start on the process to give them the
most time to find the right candidate. She
reccomended they form an ad-hoc committee
of outside business professionals to vet the
first round of applicants.
offering to help the County in it's search for
a new manager. Chamber Chief Deanna
Alterio-Brennen sent Legislature Chairman
Bill Ross a letter last week offering their aid
in the search. She said legislators should get
a jump start on the process to give them the
most time to find the right candidate. She
reccomended they form an ad-hoc committee
of outside business professionals to vet the
first round of applicants.
POLICE OFFICER HIT IN THE FALLS
A 20 year old Falls man is accused of hitting
a police officer with his car early yesterday
morning while fleeing from a traffic stop on
Portage Road. Craig Crumpler Junior of
Main Street allegedly put his car into gear and
drove off after being told to get out of his
vehicle. He struck Officer Dan Pierini in the
right leg. He was chased until he crashed
into a snowbank. The pursuing officer then
sled into Crumpler's. Crumpler then climbed
over the hood of the patrol car and ran through
yards in the 1000 block of 19th Street before
he was caught. Police said he tossed 64 bags
of marijuana on the ground during the chase.
He was originally pulled over for talking on his
cell phone and driving without headlights. He
was also charged with reckless endangerment,
resisting arrest, unlawfully fleeing from the police,
aggravated unlicensed operation, and failing to
stop for stop signs.
a police officer with his car early yesterday
morning while fleeing from a traffic stop on
Portage Road. Craig Crumpler Junior of
Main Street allegedly put his car into gear and
drove off after being told to get out of his
vehicle. He struck Officer Dan Pierini in the
right leg. He was chased until he crashed
into a snowbank. The pursuing officer then
sled into Crumpler's. Crumpler then climbed
over the hood of the patrol car and ran through
yards in the 1000 block of 19th Street before
he was caught. Police said he tossed 64 bags
of marijuana on the ground during the chase.
He was originally pulled over for talking on his
cell phone and driving without headlights. He
was also charged with reckless endangerment,
resisting arrest, unlawfully fleeing from the police,
aggravated unlicensed operation, and failing to
stop for stop signs.
GOP ELECTIONS COMMISSIONER
The County's Republican Commitee last
night nominated Maryann Casamento to be
the GOP Elections Commissioner. She's
from the Town of Niagara and has worked
for the board for 20 years, most recently as
Deputy Elections Commissioner. The
County Legislature could vote Tuesday to
give her the $50,000 a year job. Former
Commissioner Scott Kiedrowski resigned
last week to take the job of City Clerk and
Treasurer in North Tonawanda.
night nominated Maryann Casamento to be
the GOP Elections Commissioner. She's
from the Town of Niagara and has worked
for the board for 20 years, most recently as
Deputy Elections Commissioner. The
County Legislature could vote Tuesday to
give her the $50,000 a year job. Former
Commissioner Scott Kiedrowski resigned
last week to take the job of City Clerk and
Treasurer in North Tonawanda.
YWCA FITNESS CENTER CLOSING
The YWCA Fitness Center in Lockport is closing
today. CEO Kathleen Granchelli told the Union
Sun & Journal membership was about half of
what is was five years ago and they did not want
to raise membership fees. She said they would
have to charge $800 a year and they would never
do that for a YWCA program. The operation has been
around for about 25 years at various locations
downtown, most recently in the Ulrich City Center.
today. CEO Kathleen Granchelli told the Union
Sun & Journal membership was about half of
what is was five years ago and they did not want
to raise membership fees. She said they would
have to charge $800 a year and they would never
do that for a YWCA program. The operation has been
around for about 25 years at various locations
downtown, most recently in the Ulrich City Center.
FIGHT AT LOCKPORT HIGH SCHOOL
Two ambulances were sent to Lockport
High School Thursday after a fight broke
out just before noon between two boys in
the cafeteria. A student and teacher suffered
minor injuries. A 15 year old, who fell and
cut his head, received several stitches at the
hospital. The teacher suffered a minor head
injury while trying to break up the fight. The
two students will be suspended.
High School Thursday after a fight broke
out just before noon between two boys in
the cafeteria. A student and teacher suffered
minor injuries. A 15 year old, who fell and
cut his head, received several stitches at the
hospital. The teacher suffered a minor head
injury while trying to break up the fight. The
two students will be suspended.
BABY BEATEN
Twenty-eight year old John Jordan of Maple
Avenue in the Falls plead not guilty yesterday
in County Court to charges he repeatedly beat
an 11 month old baby boy. The incidents
allegedly took place between April 10 and May
30 of last year but he was not arrested until
October 19. The child suffered seven broken
bones including fractures of both arms, both
legs, and his clavicle. The baby is not his son,
but officials would not release further information
about his identity.
Avenue in the Falls plead not guilty yesterday
in County Court to charges he repeatedly beat
an 11 month old baby boy. The incidents
allegedly took place between April 10 and May
30 of last year but he was not arrested until
October 19. The child suffered seven broken
bones including fractures of both arms, both
legs, and his clavicle. The baby is not his son,
but officials would not release further information
about his identity.
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