Richard Lafrance

JAMESTOWN – The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Busti resident on rape charges following an investigation into an alleged suspicious situation that took place recently in the Towns of Ellery and Sheridan.

The sheriff’s office say 33-year-old Richard Lafrance of Forest Avenue Extension was being held without bail in the county jail on two counts of second-degree rape, three counts of second-degree criminal sex act and first-degree sexual abuse.

The investigation was handled by the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division and the New York State Police after a complaint was received May 9. No other details are being released, other than Lafrance being arrested and placed into custody on Monday night.

According to the Post-Journal, Lafrance was convicted in 2006 on charges of second-degree rape and second-degree sexual abuse after an incident took place in Oregon in September 2005 and resulted in a 75-month state prison sentence. As part of the conviction, Lafrance registered as a Level 3 sex offender, meaning he was viewed as having a high risk of committing another sex crime and/or harm to the community.

Lafrance is tentatively scheduled to appear for separate preliminary hearings Thursday in Ellery and Sheridan.

Dennis Park, Jr.

JAMESTOWN – City police have arrested a Conewango, NY man on multiple charges following an alleged sexual assault that took place late Tuesday morning at a south side laundromat.

City police say 31-year-old Dennis Park Jr. was charged with Criminal Sex Act – 1st degree, Unlawful Imprisonment – 2nd degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon – 3rd degree, Menacing – 2nd degree, Criminal Obstruction of Breathing, and Forcible Touching.

Police say the alleged incident took place on Tuesday, July 17 at about 11:15 a.m. at a laundromat on Marion St. in Jamestown when a female victim said she was assaulted by a male suspect at knife point. As officers responded to the scene, they located Park who fit the victim’s description and he was later positively identified by the victim.

Park was taken into custody to await arraignment and police say other charges could be forthcoming pending a further investigation.

According to a JCC media release, it’s been determined by JCC officials and the Jamestown Police Department that the victim is not a JCC student or a resident of the residence halls.

JCC staff and Jamestown police officers learned that a breach in residence hall security occurred on the night of the alleged incident. As a result of the security violation, two students were removed from the residence life program and another student, who had prior conduct violations, was expelled from JCC.

JCC vice president of enrollment management and institutional advancement Kirk Young said that the JPD has advised JCC officials that it is now at a point in its criminal investigation that JCC can resume its investigation into this incident.

JCC officials believe the situation is an isolated incident and that the campus community and residents are not at risk.

City police say the incident reportedly took place inside one of the college’s residence halls at around 4 a.m. Monday morning.

An initial investigation has revealed that this was NOT a random act and investigators are interviewing several students and are asking that anyone who may have information on the incident to call the police.

JCC released a statement on Monday, saying it is cooperating fully with the investigation and the college will also investigate any allegation of student misconduct.

Anyone with information regarding the incident should contact JPD at 716.483.TIPS.

NY Governor Andrew Cuomo

ALBANY – Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced nearly $6.5 million in grants to 55 state-approved anti-sexual assault crisis and prevention programs operated by hospitals, non-profit organizations and governmental agencies statewide.

The grants will fund a variety of existing programs, including 24-hour crisis hotlines, crisis counseling, trauma therapy, referrals to support services for both victims and their families, training for advocates, court accompaniment for victims and criminal justice advocacy.

In addition, the funding will support community education, training for advocates and sexual assault forensic examiners, and prevention efforts in both community and educational settings, including schools, hospitals and on college campuses.

Programs receiving funding in Western New York were:

• Cattaraugus Community Action, Inc.: $108,800
• YWCA of Niagara County: $71,000
• Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York: $270,600
• Suicide Prevention and Crisis Services, Inc.: $166,700
• The Salvation Army: $68,500

According to a release from the sheriff’s office, investigators received a complaint of an alleged Sex Offense that took place in the Bemus Point area of Chautauqua County on a minor.  The incident allegedly occurred back in August 2016.

After an Investigation, deputies arrested 28 year-old Timothy Perrin Monday Morning, Oct. 2, and charged with one count of Rape 1st degree (B Felony), one count of Rape 3rd degree (E Felony), and two counts of Criminal Sexual Act 2nd degree (E Felony).

Perrin was remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash bail or $50,000property bond.

No other details into the alleged incident was provided.

Steven Morris Jr.

MAYVILLE – The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office is announcing the arrest of a Cassadaga man on charges related to the alleged sexual assault of a child.

Late last week sheriff’s deputies executed an arrest warrant issued by Chautauqua County Court on 32-year-old Steven C. Morris Jr. in the Town of Charlotte. Investigators say Morris allegedly engaged in sexual conduct with a person less then eleven (11) years old in April 2017.

Morris was charged with Criminal Sexual Act in the first degree and Predatory Sexual Assault against a child. He was arraigned in Chautauqua County Court and committed to the Chautauqua County Jail on bail of $150,000 cash/$300,000 property.

Congressman Tom Reed (Center) with representatives from the Salvation Army and its Anew Center, which provides help to victims of Sexual Abuse and Domestic Violence in the Jamestown Community. Reed visited with the Salvation Army and its Anew Center workers during a visit on Friday, June 3, 2016.

JAMESTOWN – Congressman Tom Reed (R-Corning, NY 23)was in Jamestown Friday to meet with representatives from the Salvation Army Anew Center at the Salvation Army of Jamestown.

Reed, who represents Jamestown as part of the state’s 23^rd congressional district, said he was there to learn more about the Anew Center’s services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, Adding that he plans to use what he learned to help identify ways to increase support for services aimed at helping the victims.

“We want to hear from the front line, from these individuals, what we can be doing as policy makers to provide those services that are in so much demand here,” Reed said. “We wish it wasn’t in so much demand but clearly there is a demand and need and we want to have that priority conversation and make sure we’re doing our best to see it gets the attention that it deserves.”

During his visit Reed toured with Anew Center, which provides short-term housing and care for victims of sexual assault or domestic violence. He also talked with Anew Center staff so he could get specific details on what could be done to improve services.

According to Anew Center officials, the current shelter – which is located at a confidential location in Jamestown to protect victims and give them privacy – has 13 beds, a bathroom and shower, a kitchen and common room for victims. They say that on average, the shelter assists an estimated 200 people each year. They hope to either upgrade the current shelter or relocate to one that provides better access to handicapped individuals.

“It’s very important to have this talk – to be able to visit and have a dialogue with Congressman Reed and to let him know exactly what we’re going through here,” said Captain John Merchant, who oversees all operations and services at the Jamestown Salvation Army.

Reed said the issue of sexual assault is a personal one for him and his family. In March 2014 he made a speech on the House floor to talk about the importance of addressing the issue, noting that his niece was the victim of a sexual assault.

The Anew Center has a 24-hour hotline, which receives more than 4,000 calls a year. The number is 1-800-252-8748 or 661-3897.

City police say 37 year-old Jose Figueroa allegedly forced his way into an ex-girlfriend’s Baker St. apartment early Thursday morning. Once inside he allegedly held her down and didn’t allow her to leave. Figueroa is also accused of forcibly touching the victim and attempting to rape her.

The victim was able to get away briefly and call 911before Figueroa took the phone away. She then was able to make her way outside and get help.

Police arrived on the scene and found that the victim had a valid order of protection against Figueroa. He was found a short distance away from the scene and taken into custody without incident.

Figueroa faces multiple charges including 1^st degree attempted rape and 1^st degree criminal contempt. He is being held pending arraignment in city court.

NY Governor Andrew Cuomo

ALBANY – Governor Andrew Cuomo has signed legislation that he says strengthens the protections for victims of sexual assault.

The new legislation ensures that – in cases where the defendant is convicted of sexually assaulting a family member – the order of protection for the victim extends at least through the end of the defendant’s probation term.

Previously, orders of protection often expired while an offender was out of jail but remained on probation.