Morning News Brief
Written by Tom Tharp on July 14, 2023
For the first time since Michael Burham’s escape from the Warren County Jail on the night of July 6, investigators have found what they believe is evidence that he is still in the area. According to investigators, a pair of bags were found while crews searched the woods near Warren, Pennsylvania. They were wrapped in a dark tarp and partially hidden under a log. They contained clothing, food and other survival materials. Police said they’re confident they belonged to Burham and are urging people in that area to keep an eye out for anything that may look similar. Investigators also said they believe it is very likely Burham has a gun on him and the combined reward for information leading to his capture is now over $20,000. Burham escaped from jail after being arrested for the murder of his girlfriend in Jamestown and kidnapping of a couple from Warren.
A home health aide in Monroe County is accused of stealing more than 60,000 dollars from a 90 year old client. 60 year old Alpha Harris was charged with grand larceny after she allegedly stole $60,000 from Hilda McLeod’s checking account over the course of several months. According to court documents, McLeod, who suffers from dementia, provided the $16,000 down payment for the former health aide’s current home. McLeod is also listed as a co-owner, although attorneys say she’s never stepped foot inside. McLeod and her attorneys want the house to be sold at public auction so that the mortgage can be paid off, therefore relieving McLeod of any financial obligation. Harris is scheduled to be arraigned in Pittsford Town Court on the criminal charges next Thursday.
The Murray Town Supervisor, 65 year old Joseph Sidonio, was arrested on Wednesday by Orleans County Sheriff’s Deputies for an incident that happened at 4:30 in the Town of Murray Highway Department parking lot. It is alleged that Sidonio drove his truck at a high rate of speed at another individual who was getting into his vehicle in the parking lot after work. Sidonio then swerved at the last second to avoid a collision that could have resulted in serious physical injury to this individual. Sidonio was processed at the Orleans County Jail and issued an appearance ticket to appear in the Town of Murray Court immediately after processing. Sidonio was arraigned in Town of Murray Court where an Order of Protection was issued to the victim. Sidonio was released on his own recognizance and will appear in the Town of Murray Court on August 9.
A Rochester man wanted in Maryland for the rape of a 13-year-old girl is now in the custody of U.S. Marshals. A Marshals task force arrested 22-year-old Zachary Vandame-Mancine during a traffic stop Wednesday on North Goodman Street. Vandame-Mancine is accused of meeting a 13-year-old girl online and enticing her to send nude photos in exchange for money. He also allegedly traveled to Maryland to engage in sexual acts with the girl. Vandame-Mancine is charged by the District Court of Maryland in Baltimore County with rape, sex offense, sexual solicitation of a minor and soliciting child porn.
Just a little over six months after collapsing on the field during an NFL game, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin presented the training staff that saved his life with the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2023 ESPY Awards Wednesday night. Hamlin was wiping away tears as he made his way out to the microphone, where he stood for nearly 40 seconds of applause before he announced the award. The training staff then made their way out to the podium where Hamlin greeted them with hugs.
Sheriff’s and police department pups got some green from the Downs. On Thursday, a ceremony was held in the lobby at Batavia Downs Gaming as Batavia Downs and CEO Henry Wojtaszek presented both local K-9 Units with a check from money that went unclaimed at Batavia Downs. When the money went unclaimed, Batavia Downs decided to sponsor the Department’s K-9 Unit as they have done in the past. Both the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department and the Batavia Police Department’s K-9 Units received $2,000 each.
