Weekend News Brief
Written by WBTA STAFF on January 17, 2025
Two members of the Rochester Police Department are suspended after what are being called immature and unprofessional radio calls. The calls started Sunday and were made on one of the department’s secondary channels that are used to communicate between police vehicles. At points, the calls involved expletives and the officers also spoke about challenging each other to see who can run fastest or do the most push-ups. The officers are suspended without pay until an internal investigation is done.
The Erie County District Attorney’s Office is warning residents across the region about a robbery and sextortion scam. The office says they are investigating multiple complaints from victims who have reported being robbed during an encounter with a person they believed to be an escort. When the victim arrives for the arranged “date”, they are robbed by the suspects. Other reports involve the victim being forcibly filmed, and then being threatened to have the video posted on social media unless they pay the suspect. District Attorney Mike Keane says any victims or witnesses who have information on this crime or suspected human trafficking to contact his office or their local law enforcement agency.
Tyler Wilkinson
A Hamburg man has been found guilty on charges of child sexual abuse. According to prosecutors, 28-year-old Tyler Wilkinson engaged in inappropriate conduct with a child under 17 years old between June 2017 and April 2022. He was also accused of having sexual contact with a child he knew who was under 13-years-old in 2021. Wilkinson was found guilty of first-degree sexual abuse and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. He faces a maximum of seven years in prison.
New York National Guard in Washington, DC for President Trump’s inauguration.
Hundreds of New York National Guard soldiers and airmen are on their way to Washington, DC ahead of President-elect Trump’s inauguration. The group will help with traffic control and crowd management during Monday’s swearing-in ceremony. Members of the Civil Support Team are also going to be on the lookout for potential chemical, radiological and biological hazards. The soldiers and airmen are scheduled to return next Tuesday and Wednesday.
Bundle up, Bills Mafia! (Buffalo Bills photo)
Bills’ fans heading to Highmark Stadium today are urged to dress appropriately as dangerously cold temperatures are expected. Wearing multiple layers is advised, as well as hand warmers. Fans are also reminded that Highmark Stadium allows battery-operated clothing inside to help maintain body temperature. Dr. Michael Galante, the Facility Medical Director at Mercy Ambulatory Care Center, is also cautioning people against excessive alcohol consumption, as it can increase the chances of hypothermia.
Two of the top quarterbacks in the NFL are set to square off in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills are hosting Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens Sunday night at Highmark Stadium. The Bills enter the Divisional Round as the second seed and are coming off a win over the Denver Broncos in the Wild Card round. Allen completed 77 percent of his passes for 272 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Buffalo is the second seed in the AFC after winning the AFC East at 13-and-4. The Ravens are making a trip to Orchard Park following a victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Divisional Round. Jackson combined for 256 yards and two touchdowns. Baltimore finished first in the AFC North and is the third seed in the conference after going You can watch the game on channel 4 starting at 6:30 tomorrow evening. And… it was nine years ago this weekend, in 2016, when Kathryn Smith became the NFL’s first female full-time coach. The Buffalo Bills hired her as a special teams quality control coach.
Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School at 73 Union Street will host their third annual meat raffle tomorrow evening, January 18th from 7 until 9pm. For more information, please call 585-343-2783, ext. #106.
Richmond Memorial Library (undated file photo)
The next Friends of the Richmond Memorial Library monthly book sale is scheduled for Thursday, February 6th from 9am until 7pm! The sale is held the first Thursday of each month. All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Library in support of Richmond Memorial Library. The sale is downstairs in the Wilber-Fox room. An elevator is available. For more information, please call: 585-343-9550.
