I Never expected when I titled my article as the "Cliff Olney Chronicles" that i would have to waste more time writing about him. But I woke this morning to find Olney didn’t just respond to my reporting—he had a full-blown meltdown in print.

In a letter to the Watertown Daily Times' NNY360, Olney traded facts for flair, dodging accountability with the finesse of a guy cornered in his own contradictions. He wants the public to believe that anyone who dares to report on his actions must be part of some grand conspiracy—one that includes ethics boards, court records, petitioners, and, apparently, meme pages.

Let’s be honest: this isn’t a rebuttal. It’s a tantrum. And it says a lot more about Cliff Olney’s character than it does about mine.

Olney opens his screed with a jab at me and my publication—Trash Media—as if the size of my operation somehow invalidates the facts I report facts. That’s the move of a man more concerned with optics than truth. Sorry Cliff, but you don’t get to dismiss journalism just because it’s independent. If anything, it’s the independence that makes it honest.

Joel Edward Thompson (38) 173 E Main Apt# 3 - Thompson is charged with Criminal Tresspass in the Second Degree. Reports state that Thompson enter a dwelling at 612 Bronson St through the back door and remained within. He was transported to PSB, processed, and held pending arraignment.

Tyana Dolored Colon (25) 22508 Colonial Manor Rd. - Colon is charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation int the Third Degree and running a red light. he was transported to PSB, processed and turned over to PMO with two apperance tickets for city court.

Jon Patrick Buote (56) 178 Flower Ave Apt.# B Buote was stopped by police on the 400 block of Stone St and charged with Failure to Stop at a stop sign. Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, & Operating without a Seat Belt. He was processed on scene and released with 3 apperance tickets for city court.

Michael Rachard Heisler (34) 8619 Peck St. - Heisler is charged with Driving While Ability Impared in the First Degree, Unsafe Lane Change, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, and Excessive Speed for Weather Conditions. He was transported to PSB, processed and released with apperance tickets for city court.

Paul Eric Vanwormer (63) 5007 Washington St. - Vanwormer is charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the Third Degree, Innsufficent Tail Lamps, Operation of a Motor Vehicle BAC .08 of 1%, & Driving While Intoxicated. He was transported to PSB , where he was brethalized, processed, and released with appearance tickets for city court.

Steven Philips Wolcott (30) 1650 State St. - Wolcott is charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the Third Degree, Operate Vehicle without Insurance, Operating an Unregistered Motorcycle. He was processed on scene and released with three apperance tickets for city court.

Sarah Marie Douglas (39) Douglas was arrested on a bench warrant out of city court. She was processed and held pending arraignment on 04/19/25.

Kateland Marie Corey (34) 23604 Swan Hallow Rd. - Corey was arrest and charges with Criminal Tresspass in the Second Degree. Reports state Corey entered and did intentionally stay in the residence at 340 Winslow St. knowing she did not have permission to be there. She was transported to PSB, where she was processed and released with an apperance ticket.

Cory Lee Granger (24) 37722 Ore Bed Rd. Philadelphia, N.Y. - Granger is charged with Criminal Mischeif in the Second Degree. Police reports state did damage two glass doors at VP Racing with a value exceeding One thousand, five hundrend dollars. He was transported to PSB, processed, and held pending arraignment.

Watertown, N.Y. -- Upon returning to my hometown of Watertown, after years away working a much larger area of coverage in the Florida State Capitol, I expected to be greeted by the quiet old small-town vibe I left behind. What I didn’t expect upon arrival, to find so much of the city in disrepair, nor was I expecting the droves of homeless that seem to have settled in most of our public areas. So i really had to question, to be blunt, What the Hell Happened? So I decided to start digging into th...

They offer condolences, call for justice, and promise accountability — all in the polished, passionless language of a press release that could have been typed by a bot. And increasingly, it is. As artificial intelligence quietly slips into the backrooms of political offices and campaign war rooms, the public is left asking a question that should shake every voter to their core: are we still electing human beings, or are we electing whatever version of them their comms team feeds into ChatGPT? Wh...

SACKETS HARBOR, NY — A protest that brought more than 1,000 demonstrators to the lakefront home of former acting ICE director Tom Homan has sparked a wider debate over immigration enforcement, the role of local media, and the blurred line between public protest and private harassment.


More than 1,000 demonstrators marched to the lakefront home of former acting ICE director Tom Homan in protest under false information disseminated through local media outlets & school administrators.


The protest followed a March 27 ICE operation at North Harbor Dairy Farm, during which a Guatemalan woman and her three children were detained. The arrest occurred during an investigation into another individual unrelated to the family. ICE later confirmed the family was transported to a residential detention facility in Texas and released on April 6.

In an April 14 interview with WWNY 7 News, Homan pushed back on what he called “false claims” circulating in the media and local community.

“None of that is true,” Homan said, addressing reports that ICE agents handcuffed the children. He shared a timeline of the family’s detention, including health screenings, a mental health evaluation (which the family declined), and Homeland Security interviews.

Homan also revealed that he has called for a federal investigation into the protest itself.


“I’ve asked for an investigation into who sent over a thousand people to my private residence,” he told WWNY. “There’s a line between protest and harassment, and we’re going to find out who crossed it.”

In the days following the operation, several local outlets amplified unverified claims made by school officials and protest organizers, including allegations that children were forcibly restrained.

Some critics argue that outlets like WWNY helped spread misinformation by reporting emotional reactions from school administrators,without confirming the underlying facts, giving them a larger platform for their disinformation. These claims were later contradicted by ICE’s official timeline and Homan’s statement.

“There’s a responsibility to get it right—especially in high-stakes cases involving children and immigration enforcement,” said a media ethics expert from Syracuse University.

The family has since returned to the North Country, where community members welcomed them back. Organizers say public pressure played a role in securing the release, though ICE maintains that the outcome was the result of routine legal procedures and shows no evidence the local protest had any influence.

The protest has become a flashpoint in an ongoing national debate over immigration policy, federal authority, and the power—and limits—of community action. As the federal review unfolds, Homan continues to stand by the agents involved. His message to the public was direct: “Base your opinion on fact,” he said. “That’s the only way we’re going to have a serious conversation about immigration enforcement in this country.”

Homan: “Base your opinion on fact”
“Base your opinion on fact,” he said. “That’s the only way we’re going to have a serious conversation about immigration enforcement in this country.”


*Have a tip or story related to this case? Contact Us: trashmediagroup@gmail.com or our Submission Page

Andrea Ann Brozzo (40) 409 Academy St - Brozzo was arrested on the 500 block of Clay Street in the city on an executive bench warrant for Jefferson County family Court. The defendant was transported to PSB, processed, and turned over to the Jefferson County sheriff's office.

Elvin Brandon Nieves (33) 25791 NYS RT 37 Apt.# 109 - Nieves is charged by police with public lewdness in the first degree, endangering the welfare of a child and possession of a controlled substance in the Seventh degree. Police report state that the defendant exposed his genitals to a female victim as well as a 3-year-old juvenile and did intentionally stroke his genitals while speaking to another victim at Holy Family Church located at 129 Winthrop Street. The defendant was also previously convicted of public lewdness on 04/03/2025. He was arrested on the above charges and transported to PSB where he was processed and released with an appearance ticket for Watertown city court with a date of 04/28/2025 at 9:00 am.

On April 12, 2025, at approximately 2:04 p.m., State Police in Carthage responded to a report of a hit-and-run crash on State Route 3 in the town of Champion, Jefferson County.Upon arrival, Troopers located a 2020 GMC pickup truck operated by Rodney Clement, age 66, of Carthage, NY. Clement reported that a blue sedan swerved directly in front of him and abruptly braked, causing his vehicle to rear-end the sedan. Clement stated that the driver of the sedan exited the vehicle, and a physical alter...

SAN DIEGO — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement have removed Tomas Jesus Yarrington Ruvalcaba, 68, a citizen of Mexico wanted by Mexican authorities, April 9.Enforcement and Removal Operations Harlingen and San Diego deportation officers, in coordination with ERO Mexico City, removed Yarrington, a former governor of Tamaulipas, Mexico, and former presidential candidate in Mexico, at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. Yarrington was turned over to Mexican authorities without incident. He is wante...

AMHERST, NY - On April 9, 2025, John C. Todaro, 49, of Amherst, New York, was arrested on charges of promoting and possessing a sexual performance by a child. The arrest sent shockwaves through the community—not only because of the nature of the charges, but because of Todaro’s prominent role as vice president of the Buffalo chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.), an organization founded to protect the very victims he now stands accused of exploiting.  B.A.C.A. is a global nonprofit fo...

Gregory Phillip Jones Jr (49) 661 Factory Street Apt# 20 - Jones is charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the 3rd Degree, and Unsafe Signaling While Turning. The defendant was issued two appearance tickets for Watertown city court.

Robert Emery Marion (28) 163 Winthrop Street Apt#.3 - Marion is charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the Third Degree and Unsafe Signaling. The defendant was transported to PSB and processed and held pending arraignment.
Rober...

A chilling new study released by the Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) has uncovered a dangerous and escalating trend: the normalization — and even glamorization — of political violence, particularly from voices on the left.

Dubbed “assassination culture” by NCRI researchers, this phenomenon reflects a growing online movement in which the idea of politically motivated murder is not only tolerated but celebrated. The report cites the December 2024 assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson as a disturbing flashpoint, after which his alleged killer, Luigi Mangione, was transformed into a folk hero on social media.

HENRY RAY CARTER (42) 535 EMERSON ST. APT# 1 - Carter is charged with Criminal Mischeif in the Fourth Degree. Reports state Carter did intentionally damage the door of victim, Sheena Covell's, with a fire extinguisher. He was transported to PSB, where he was processed and held for arraignment.

JOSHUA BUSTAMANTE CAILER (22) 20358 BAGRAM RD APT.# 105A - Cailer was pulled over on the 100 block of Arsenal St. by city police and charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Failure to Obey Traffic Signals, & Aggravated DWI. He was transported to PSB, where he was released with appearance tickets for city court.

BRANDON DONALD HARTNER (28) 226 W MAIN ST. - Hartner was arrested at his residence on a Executive Bench Warrant out of city court. He was transported to PSB where he was held pending arraignment.

CHELCIE CHRISTINE STILLWELL (33) 24437 STATE ROUTE 283 - Stillwell was stopped by city police on the 700 block of Coffeen St. and charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation & Using a Mobile Phone Withle Driving. She was processed on scene and released with two appearance tickets for city court.

Sackets Harbor, N.Y. -- Recent events in Sackets Harbor, New York, have sparked controversy and debate over an ICE operation that led to the detention of a mother and her three children. Governor Kathy Hochul and various advocacy groups have criticized the detentions, claiming that ICE acted without a judicial warrant. However, newly emerging details suggest that the presence of federal agents at the location may have been tied to a far more alarming case—one involving the arrest of a South Afri...

It was bound to happen. We, as a society, have returned to the absolute apex of fashion absurdity. After decades of shrinking hemlines, plunging necklines, and the ever-present threat of sheer fabric malfunctions, we have finally arrived at what can only be described as the sartorial equivalent of a midlife crisis: the Butt Cleavage Dress.Yes, you read that correctly. Just when I thought fashion trends couldn’t get any more ridiculous, here comes a dress that takes the age-old philosophy of less...

New York -- The recent disclosure of an "emotional romantic relationship" between former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and his top aide, Melissa DeRosa, casts a new shadow over Cuomo's already blemished reputation. This revelation, emerging amid Cuomo's campaign for New York City mayor, underscores a troubling pattern of ethical breaches and alleged abuses of power that have characterized his career.Cuomo's tenure as governor was marred by numerous allegations of sexual harassment, with at leas...

Nikita Nicole Shook (38) Homeless - Shook is charged with Resisting Arrest, Criminal Impersonation in the Second Degree, and an Executive Arrest Warrant out of city court. Police reports say she intentionally prevented a uniformed police officer from performing an authorized arrest when she failed to place her arms behing her back causing a struggle to ensue. Police say Shook attempted to identify herself as Gina Pelligrino (DOB 05/22/99) to avoid being arrested on two active warrants out of city court. She was transported to PSB, where she was processed and held pending arraignment.

Bryant Patrick Sanford (38) 661 Factory St Apt.# 19 - Sanford was arrested on the 300 block oh High st. on an Executive Bench Warrant out of city court. He was transported to PSB, processed and held pending arraignment.

Jacob Isaiah Tompkins ( 42) 25265 State Route 3 - Thompkins was arrested by city police on the 200 block of N Pleasant St. on an Executive Bench Warrant from city court. He was transported to PSB, processed, and held pending arraignment.

Kelly James Earl (51) 2444 Back St., Felts Mills - Earl was arrested on a Executive Bench Warrant out of Watertown City Court. He was processed and peld pending his arraignment.

Watertown, NY — The Watertown City School District, encompassing the City of Watertown and the towns of LeRay, Pamelia, Rutland, and Watertown, has successfully secured community approval for its proposed $110 million capital project.

With a decisive vote of 678 in favor to 138 against, the community showed strong support for enhancing the safety, comfort, and overall well-being of students and staff. The approved funding will address essential infrastructure needs, ensuring that the district's schools remain safe, warm, and dry, providing an optimal learning environment for students and a supportive workplace for educators.

Dr. Larry C. Schmiegel, Superintendent of Schools, expressed his gratitude to the community for its trust and support:

"I am deeply grateful for the trust our community has placed in us by approving this capital project. This vot e reflects the shared belief that when our schools thrive, our entire community thrives. By investing in our schools, we are investing in the future of our children and the continued success of our district. As we say in our district’s motto, 'Our children, our future!' – this is a commitment to providing the best possible learning environments for all of our students. Thank you to everyone who participated in this important decision."

BRIDGET LEE DEPRIEST (43) 1007 STATE ST APT. 4 - The defendant did commit the offense of attempted assault in the second degree, when she struck Carl Burns on the back with a baseball bat multiple times attempting to cause physical injury. She was also charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the third degree when she possessed a baseball bat and used such dangerous/deadly instrument against Carl Burns by striking him multiple times on the back. The defendant did so while having a previou...

Albany, N.Y. -- New York’s ambitious overhaul of its home care system has hit a major roadblock, with a whistleblower from within the administration describing the situation as a complete “s--t show.” The transition, which was set to shift over 280,000 home care recipients to a new payment processing system managed by Public Partnerships LLC (PPL), has been met with delays, confusion, and growing backlash.The state originally planned to implement the change by April 1, but reports of unapproved...

In a recent development that has sent shockwaves through the Northville community, girls' basketball coach Jim Zullo has been dismissed following a postgame incident involving senior player Hailey Monroe. The episode, captured on camera, shows Zullo pulling Monroe's ponytail after the Falcons' loss to LaFargeville in the Class D New York State championship game at Hudson Valley Community College.

Monroe, who had fouled out during the game and is celebrated as the program's all-time leading scorer, was seen reacting to the unexpected gesture. The footage further depicts a teammate intervening between Zullo and Monroe before the scene shifts away.

In response to the incident, the Northville Central School District promptly issued a statement expressing deep concern over the coach's conduct:

"We hold our coaches to the highest standards of professionalism, sportsmanship, and respect for our student-athletes, and this behavior is completely unacceptable."

The district emphasized its commitment to maintaining a respectful and supportive environment for its athletes, announcing that Zullo "will no longer be coaching for the Northville Central School District." They also assured the community of ongoing support for the affected players and their families.

The incident has sparked discussions about appropriate coaching behavior and the importance of safeguarding student-athletes' well-being. As the community grapples with the aftermath, the focus remains on ensuring such incidents do not recur and that the values of respect and integrity are upheld within all school programs.

A large-scale fire broke out at 14673 Case Road in the Town of Brownville on Thursday, March 20, 2025, shortly after 1:30 PM. The fire quickly spread, prompting multiple fire departments to respond to the scene, where they battled a rapidly escalating blaze.

Numerous 911 calls flooded the emergency lines, reporting heavy fire coming from the residence. Assistant Chief Postorino of the Town of Brownville Fire Department, while en route, spotted a towering column of black smoke in the area, which led him to request additional support from Chaumont and the Town of Watertown fire departments.

Upon arrival, Assistant Chief Postorino confirmed that the two-story home was fully engulfed in flames, but fortunately, all occupants had safely evacuated the structure. The initial response was swift, with 7-1-1, the first arriving unit, deploying multiple attack lines and ground monitors for defensive operations. Glen Park Fire Department arrived shortly after and began deploying similar tactics to contain the fire.

Albany, New York -- In recent weeks, a coalition of New York state senators has intensified efforts to urge Governor Kathy Hochul to postpone the impending transition of the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) to a single fiscal intermediary. The transition, slated for April 1, 2025, aims to consolidate administrative functions under Public Partnerships LLC (PPL), replacing approximately 600 smaller entities. However, lawmakers and advocates express concerns about potential disruptions in care for thousands of vulnerable New Yorkers.

State Senator Leroy Comrie, a Democrat from Queens, has been at the forefront of this advocacy. On March 13, 2025, he dispatched a letter to Governor Hochul, co-signed by eight fellow senators, urging a postponement of the transition deadline to June 1. The letter highlighted the challenges faced by consumers and caregivers in navigating the new system, emphasizing that even those with proficient technological skills are encountering significant obstacles. Senator Comrie underscored the potential harm of a hasty transition, stating, "The cost of this is too high. Too many people will be harmed. For us to rush this process, just to appeal to people's egos."

Watertown Man Charged With Predatory Sexual Assault against a Child
On 03/14/2025 Watertown Police Department received a report of sex offense that occurred in 2020 in Watertown, NY. It was alleged that James Marquette had sexual contact with a five-year-old female on several occasions. The allegations were investigated by our criminal investigation division. The allegations were corroborated with the assistance of the Child Advocacy Center of Northern New York.

On 03/20/2025, James William Marquette Jr., a 46-year-old male residing on W Main St in Watertown, NY, was charged with Predatory Sexual Assault against a Child, a Class A-2 felony. He was arraigned in Jefferson County CAP Court and held without bail in the Jefferson County Correctional Facility.

WPD was assisted in this investigation by Jefferson County Child Protective Services.

Albany, NY -- The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) in New York State is on the brink of a significant forced transformation that has sparked widespread concern among consumers, caregivers, and advocacy groups. The state's plan to transition to a single fiscal intermediary (FI) by April 1, 2025, has led to fears of potential disruptions in care for thousands of New Yorkers who rely on this vital program.  CDPAP is a Medicaid program that allows chronically ill or physically d...