FREWSBURG - A couple has been charged with second-degree criminal possession of marijuana, a class D felony. William N. Kamholtz, 57, and Susan K. Kamholtz, 53, both of Riverside Road were charged following an investigation.
Officers from the Town of Carroll Police Department, Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force and U.S. Forest Service have been investigating William's marijuana growing and distribution organization and associates for a period of time. On Sept. 25, the investigation concluded with a search of the Kamholtz residence at 1430 Riverside Road. During the search, officers located over seven pounds of marijuana packaged for sale, a marijuana drying shed, numerous marijuana paraphernalia, growing equipment and firearms. On Sept. 25, William had been previously arrested and was in custody by the U.S. Forest Service for growing marijuana. He currently is being held in McKean County Jail in Pennsylvania.
On Oct. 5, after further investigation, Susan was arrested by the Town of Carroll Police Department pursuant to a warrant issued from the town of Carroll. She was held on $20,000 cash or $40,000 property bail. William will be charged with a detainer warrant upon released from McKean County Jail.
This investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected.
North Harmony fire ruled accidental
NORTH HARMONY - A fire in North Harmony on Thursday has been ruled accidental. The Ashville Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 2467 Butts Road at 12:46 p.m. Upon arrival, the single family residence was found fully involved. The Chautauqua County Fire Investigation Team was requested in determining the cause of the fire. Upon investigation, it was discovered a stove pipe, from a wood burning stove in the basement, was installed too close to combustible material. This was determined to have started the fire. No one was home at the time and no injuries were reported. The house was a total loss. The fire has been ruled accidental. Assistance from Panama, Chautauqua, Bemus Point, Ellery Center, Lakewood and Busti fire departments were also called to the scene.
Chautauqua Sheriff's Office
The sheriff's office is investigating the larceny of four Pro Comp 16-inch alloy rims with Mickey Thompson Baja ATZ 305/70 RX16 tires. These tires were stolen from a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado on Bowers Road in Stockton on Sept. 22 between the hours of 5 and 9 p.m. Anyone with information is asked to contact the WeTip number at 800-78-CRIME (800-782-7463). WeTip offers rewards of up to $1,000 when the anonymous tip leads to an arrest and conviction. Rewards are paid anonymously through postmasters to protect the identity of the caller.
Samuel O. Cuyler, 24, of Main Street, Dunkirk was charged with third-degree welfare fraud, first-degree offering a false instrument for filing and misuse of SNAP/Food Stamps on Wednesday. Cuyler failed to notify the Chautauqua County Department of Social Services he was employed. He received $4,685.87 in benefits that he was not entitled to receive. Cuyler was issued appearance tickets for the City of Dunkirk Court at a later date. Incidents of suspected Welfare Fraud can be reported by calling 1-800-338-5368 (hotline) or the WeTip at 1-800-782-7463.
