Ripley Man, 63, Dies In Morning House Fire

RIPLEY — A morning fire at 9087 Old Route 20 has led to the death of a resident.

Chautauqua County sheriff’s deputies report the Ripley Fire Department responded to a house fire at along with Westfield, Sherman, Fuller Hose in Northeast, Pa., and Chautauqua County Emergency Services around 5:35 a.m. Saturday. During the investigation, it was discovered that the homeowner, Richard McCutcheon, 63, was found deceased inside the structure.

The investigation into the fire and McCutcheon’s death is continuing.

Muffler, Meth Lead To Charges For Bemus Point Man

ELLERY — A loud muffler led to deputies locating methamphetamine in the vehicle of a Bemus Point resident.

At about 2:17 a.m. Saturday, Chautauqua County sheriff’s deputies observed a violation on Lakeside Drive. The operator was identified as Jeffrey A. Schermerhorn, 36. An investigation found Schermerhorn to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and a quantity of methamphetamine.

Schermerhorn was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, inadequate muffler, and no left side-view mirror.

Schermerhorn was released and will be back in town of Ellery court at a later date.

CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

¯ PORTLAND — Dylan K. Sugden, 26, of Fredonia, was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana, moving from lane unsafely, uninspected and unlicensed operator. Deputies received a complait at 11:10 p.m. Thursday of a westbound vehicle all over the road on Route 5 in the town of Portland. After witnessing a traffic violation, the vehicle was stopped, and following an investigation, Sugden was taken into custody. He was released with tickets to appear in Portland Town Court later.

¯ VILLENOVA — Tanisha Anna Rae Jones, 28, of Irving, was charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se and moving from lane unsafely. Deputies were called to a report of a vehicle off the road at 5:11 a.m. Saturday in the town of Villenova. The driver was identified as Jones, who was later determined to be operating the vehicle in an intoxicated state. Hone is scheduled to appear in town court later.

¯ BEMUS POINT — Jacqueline J. Moore, 25, of Bemus Point, was charged with first-degree felony aggravated unlicensed operator, aggravated DWI per se with a BAC of 0.18% or greater, DWI and failure to signal. Deputies stopped a vehicle at 3:25 a.m. Sunday for an observed traffic violation on Maple Street in Bemus Point. An investigation found that Moore was allegedly intoxicated and that her driving privileges were suspended for a previous conviction of driving while impaired. Moore is scheduled to appear in Ellery Town Court later.

¯ GERRY — Jemini D. Merzweiler, 26, of Sinclairville, was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana and inadequate muffler. Deputies stopped a vehicle at midnight Feb. 7 for a violation in the town of Gerry.

An investigation found that Merzweiler was allegedly in possession of multiple prescription opiate pills and a quantity of marijuana. Merzweiler is scheduled to appear in Gerry Town Court later.

JAMESTOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT

¯ Keith K. Ellis, 26, and Rachael V. Mehmel, 35, both of Jamestown, were charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property. Officers responded at 2:48 a.m. Friday to Harrison Street for a report of a suspicious U-Haul truck. It was learned that the truck was reported stolen out of the city. Ellis and Mehmel were taken into custody, processed and later released.