Jamestown Woman Charged in Taking Drugs To Jail

— In a concerted effort to curb the influx of illegal substances into the Chautauqua County Jail, Corrections Officers apprehended an individual suspected of smuggling drugs.

On Friday, Tammra Topliffe, 41, of Jamestown was intercepted by vigilant officers during routine security at inmate visitation. Acting on a tip, officers kept surveillance on Topliffe while in visitation and were able to observe her passing a cache of narcotics to Preston Lawrence, 30, an inmate in Chautauqua County Jail.

The seized contraband, Suboxone a prescription medication which is a controlled narcotic preparation, represents a flagrant violation of regulations governing the operation of correctional institutions.

Authorities have underscored the gravity of the offense, emphasizing the potential consequences of introducing drugs into a controlled environment such as a jail facility. Such actions not only endanger the welfare of inmates but also undermine the integrity of the justice system as a whole.

“The arrest serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by corrections officers in combating the proliferation of drugs within the jail. Despite stringent security measures and constant surveillance, individuals continue to attempt to smuggle contraband into jails, exploiting vulnerabilities in the system for personal gain,” the news release said.

In response to the incident, jail administrators have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing security protocols and implementing measures to deter future smuggling attempts. This includes the deployment of advanced detection technology, increased staff training, and collaboration with external agencies to disrupt illicit supply chains.

Topliffe was charged with first-degree promoting prison contraband and fourth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, both felonies. Lawrence was charged with first-degree promoting prison contraband and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Both suspects were arraigned at the Centralized Arraignment Program at the Jail. Assisting with the detail were Chautauqua County Narcotics Investigators and the Jamestown Police Department.

Authorities continue to ask members of the community to call and report suspicious or narcotics related activity within their neighborhoods as well as any suspicious activity that may compromise the safety and security of correctional facilities. By working together with law enforcement, communities can play a vital role in combating the scourge of drug smuggling and upholding the integrity of the justice system. For Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Investigators Tip line call either 800-344-8702 or 716-664-2420 and for the Jamestown Police Department Tip line call 716-483-8477.

CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

— FRENCH CREEK — The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office Responded to Route 474 for a motor vehicle accident on Saturday. The operator was identified as Nathan L. Dunn, 24, of Wattsburg, Pa. Dunn was transported by EMS to Corry Memorial Hospital to be evaluated for possible injuries. Further investigation found Dunn to be driving while intoxicated. Dunn was charged with DWI and speed not reasonable or prudent. Dunn will be back in town court later.

— KIANTONE — Around 8:13 p.m. Friday, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office responded to a motor vehicle accident at Peck Settlement Road and Route 60. The operator was identified as Robert R. Mizell, 67, of Frewsburg. Further investigation found Mizell to be driving while intoxicated. Mizell was charged with DWI, DWI per se, and following too closely. Mizell will return to court later.

— SHERIDAN — At around 3:04 p.m. Friday, deputies responded to a personal injury motor vehicle accident on Route 20. As a result of the accident, two individuals who were involved were transported to Brooks-TLC Hospital for apparent non-life threatening injuries. Through an investigation it was found that Kerri L. Page, 38, of Hanover was following too closely which resulted in the accident. Page was issued a traffic ticket and is to return to court later.

JAMESTOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT

— Three individuals are facing drug charges following a traffic stop around 1:45 a.m. Saturday.

Willie C. Graham, Jamie L. Warner and Bryan D. Knapp are faced with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia, tampering with physical evidence and several citations.

The sedan was attempted to be stopped at Jefferson and West Seventh streets but did not comply. A vehicle pursuit occurred, which ended on Washington Street near West 10th Street. Through an investigation it was found that occupants of the vehicle were in possession of a quantity of methamphetamine and fentanyl. All were being held pending arraignment.

— Darin L Bates, 25, of Jamestown was charged with criminal contempt and harassment.

At 11:20 a.m. Sunday, officers of the first platoon responded to a westside residence for a reported unwanted male. Upon arrival, officers were advised by a female victim the male was inside the residence and he had threatened to burn her house down and beat her until the police arrived.

Further investigation deemed that the female victim had a valid order of protection against Bates. He was taken into custody and was held pending arraignment in Jamestown City Court.

— Jonathan H. Edwards, 50, of Jamestown was charged with criminal contempt after officers responded to an eastside residence for a domestic dispute in progress at 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Upon arrival and after further investigation, officers were made aware that Edwards had violated a stay away order of protection against the female victim. Edwards had opened the female victim’s apartment door several different times, which constituted a violation of the order. He was held pending arraignment.