P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-5-24

56 year old Paul Geer of Hancock was arraigned on a federal indictment charging him with 3 counts of coercing and enticing 3 separate children to travel across state lines to engage in unlawful sexual activity, Geer was a teacher at the Family Foundation School in Hancock, he imposed various disciplinary sanctions on students which were equivalent to torture and forcing children to perform forced physical labor, in 1994, 2000, and 2001, Geer used his position of authority to coerce 3 students to travel with him, to Maine, Pennsylvania, and Toronto, Canada, with intent to engage in sexual activity with the minors. The 3 counts of coercion and enticement each carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of 5 years. The 3 counts of transporting children across state lines carry a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 5 years, he will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

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Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 39 year old Branden Barker of Edmeston following an investigation of a motor vehicle accident. Barker was charged with DWI, Driving w/.08% or more, Driving While Ability Impaired by Alcohol, Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident & Failure to Keep Right, he was located in the vicinity of the accident in Edmeston after fleeing the scene, he’ll face court action shortly.

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A 4.8-magnitude earthquake struck in Lebanon New Jersey This Morning, which was felt around the Northeast region of the United States, according to the United States Geological Survey. The U.S.G.S. received 102 responses of residents having felt the earthquake, around 10:23 AM.

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The U.S. Social Security officials reported a new scam where people posing as Social Security Agents ask unsuspecting residents for cash or gift cards & to meet them in person to hand off the cash. Social Security agents will never pick up money of gift cards from anyone, Officials state that you should stop talking to the scammer, & Call the police and file a police report & File a complaint with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. Report Social Security-related scams to oig.ssa.gov & ftc.gov.

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The Utica Police Department has disclosed the identities of the deceased individuals involved in the Kingston Road incident Tuesday night. The 2 deceased individuals were 22 year old Sara Doody and 26 year old Donte Green both of Utica. Utica Police said that Green shot Doody in the head, shot his grandfather in the leg & when Police responded, he fire shots at the Officer and fled into a nearby resident & shot himself to death with a rifle. The 2 year old child of Doody & Green was removed from the scene and was brought to family members, Green’s Grandfather is in an area hospital recovering from gunshot wounds to his legs.

A.M. NEWS Friday 4-5-24

New York lawmakers passed another extension for the state’s budget on Thursday to ensure state workers get paid and operations continue, as negotiations continue. The extension will push the deadline to pass a budget to April 8th, local Assemblyman Brian Miller comments:

(Brian Miller 4-5-24)

Last year, lawmakers passed the budget almost 1 month later than the April 1st deadline.

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The Board game “Clue” will be brought to life on the Martin W. Kappel Theater stage this weekend in Norwich, by the Norwich Theater Company, Terry Colf plays Colonel Mustard & he visited WCDO to talk about the play:

(Terry Colf 4-1-24)

The shows will be this Friday & Saturday night at 7:00 PM, with a Sunday Matinee at 2:00 PM, Tickets are available online at norwichtheatercompany.org, at Service Pharmacy locations, at the Chenango Arts Council office or at the door before the show, they can also be reserved at 607-244-3852.

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The Binghamton Rumble Ponies Season will be getting underway with the home opener today at Mirabito Stadium against the New Hampshire Fisher cats at 6:35 PM. Tickets for that game & all other home games are available at milb.com/binghamton/tickets.

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The 10th Annual “YOUTH FOR CHRIST 5K JOKER 3.6 MILE RUN & 1.1 MILE WALK” will be held Saturday, funds raised will support the Teen Center at 16 Watson Street in Unadilla. The run starts at 10:30 A.M. at the Teen Center.

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