Sheriff: Renaming Inmates Is Not a Priority According to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, New York state law will no longer refer to prisoners as “inmates” and will instead call them “incarcerated individuals”. Governor Hochul signed the legislation on Monday. She argues that removing the term “inmate” will help to reduce harmful stigma against incarcerated people by correcting outdated terminology. “In New York, we’re doing everything in our power to show that justice and safety can go hand-in-hand,” Hochul said.…
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Otsego County Jail
Sheriff says correction salaries still an issue as contract looms After closing of two housing units in the Otsego County jail on December 21 due to staffing issues, Sheriff Richard Devlin hopes the County Board of Representatives will offer a new contract to the Otsego County Deputy Sheriffs’ Benevolent Association with higher pay so the county can better retain staff at the jail. Sheriff Devlin said the union’s contract with Otsego County expires in January 2022 – something he hopes…
Salka Brings Bail Reform Message To Otsego County Again, Oberacker Promises Companion Bill ‘On Jan. 1’ If Elected Tuesday To State Senate…
GOP Lawmakers Rally Over Flaws In Justice Reform Prosecutors, Sheriffs Join Chorus Of Woes Emerging In Past 37 Days By JIM KEVLIN • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.com MIDDLEFIELD – It was a day for reporting nightmares. Oneonta Police Chief Doug Brenner reported his officers apprehended a possible shoplifter, but were unable to hold the suspect under New York State’s criminal justice reforms. “Even before we are done” with the paperwork, the store owners called again. “The shoplifter was back in their…
County Board Allocates $230K To Fix Jail Roof By LIBBY CUDMORE • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.com COOPERSTOWN – Even with $230,000 in emergency funding allocated by the Otsego County Board of Representatives to fix the leaking roof of the county’s Public Safety Building, it could still be six to eight weeks before inmates are returned to the jail. Still, by making use of foam roof repair or other means, the repairs will likely be done to a high standard. “We have…
LETTER from JOSEPH SKOVIRA Keep Town Justices, Police Separate To the Editor: Delaware County, where I previously served as Delhi town justice, did not have the apparent problems as indicated in Otsego County concerning the arraignment of arrestee. I was available for those early morning arraignments, sometimes covering for an unavailable justice court judge. One such arraignment was for a burglary committed at a far end of this county. The arresting officer thought it was to his advantage to disregard…
Inmates Transferred After Leaks Reported Repairs Underway At County Jail COOPERSTOWN – The Otsego County jail has been temporarily closed and inmates relocated after leaks were discovered, putting inmates and staff at risk, according to a media release by Otsego County Sheriff Richard J. Devlin, Jr. Accordng to Devlin, the cause of the leaks has been identified and are in the process of being repaired, but all inmates have been transferred to facilities in nearby counties.…
DETAILS FROM PROSECUTOR: DECATUR TWINS ASPHYXIATED 16 DAYS APART By LIBBY CUDMORE • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.com DECATUR – Kimberly Steeley’s infant twins, Bonde and Liam, both died from asphyxiation, according to District Attorney John Muehl. “At first, everyone thought Bonde died of SIDS,” said Muehl. “Then 11 days later, Liam died of the same condition.” Steeley, 27, Decatur, was indicted on two counts of second-degree manslaughter, one for each child, for recklessly causing the death of her children last June.…
SHERIFF’S SON RESIGNS JOB, ENDING CASE Roz Devlin ‘Chose Voluntarily’ To Separate From Department By JIM KEVLIN • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.com COOPERSTOWN – When Sheriff Richard J. Devlin Jr. took his oath of office last Tuesday, a new term began for him, and a new day for his department. The allegations against his son, Roz Devlin, were resolved with the younger man’s resignation in December from his correctional officer position, county Board Chair David Bliss said today.…
Inmate Faces Cocaine Charge; 2nd, Assault COOPERSTOWN – A fight and possession of crack cocaine led to new charges against two Otsego County jail inmates, according to releases sent today by the county Sheriff’s Department. Nancy Callahan, 39, Richfield Springs, was arrested Wednesday, May 2, for possession of crack cocaine while incarcerated. Mark A. Russitano, 32, Utica, was arrested Monday, May 7, for fighting with another inmate, deputies said.…