Morning News Briefing
Written by WBTA STAFF on May 21, 2019
Albion Correctional Officer accused of sex abuse of inmates.
26 year old David Stupnick of Medina has been arrested by New York State Police out of Batavia following an investigation into alleged sex abuse at the Albion Correctional Facility.
According to investigators Stupnick was engaging in inappropriate sexual relations with two female inmates at the prison.
He was charged with 4 counts of Sex Abuse in the second degree and 2 counts each of Criminal Sex Act and Official Misconduct.
Stupnick was ultimately released with appearance tickets for Albion Town Court in June.
Communities along the Lake Ontario shore prepare for potential flooding as a State of Emergency is declared.
Governor Cuomo has declared a state of emergency for counties along the shoreline of Lake Ontario as lake levels are rising and rapidly approaching the levels that caused widespread damage two years ago.
The Orleans County Emergency Management Office also issued a declaration announcing a State of Emergency in order to take preparedness measures.
There are hundreds of National Guard members on standby to respond to any emergencies and although the lake level is expected to rise into the late spring officials say there is no immediate public safety threat.
Assemblyman Hawley Joins call for tax relief legislation for volunteer first responders.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley of Batavia joined Assembly Minority colleagues at a press conference yesterday in Albany in support of National EMS Week, to unveil legislation that would exempt volunteer firefighters and EMS workers from state income taxes.
According to the proposed legislation to be eligible for the state income tax exemption, a volunteer must be in good standing, have a minimum year of service with the fire dept., be certified by the Chief Emergency Service Coordinator of their county and attend at least 55% of department activities.
The state Legislature has given its approval to a bill involving undetectable guns.
The law would make it illegal to manufacture, sell or have 3D-printed or plastic weapons.
Supporters of the measure say those firearms can often pass undetected into secure buildings or onto aircraft, putting public safety at risk.
Anyone caught breaking the law would be charged with a felony.
There’s no word yet if the governor will sign the legislation.
There will be a change in leadership at the head of the state Republican Party.
Today, current Chairman Ed Cox will meet with Erie County Republican Chairman Nick Langworthy in Albany.
They’ll be discussing Langworthy’s transition into leading the state GOP later this year.
Cox announced yesterday he was leaving the position to help President Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign.
Langworthy will officially be elected in July.
