Statement From Sheriff Jim Allard

On Monday, November 27, the Steuben County Legislature repealed Resolution Number 186-23, which would have imposed an unprecedented requirement on the County Sheriff to obtain liability insurance against lawsuits arising from the Sheriff’s Office’s performance of official duties. The repealed resolution would have required the Sheriff to immediately purchase millions of dollars of insurance at his own cost. If he did not, the County would not allow him to complete the duties of Sheriff and would withhold his pay. The Legislature compared the Sheriff to a contractor, not a duly- elected County official, and ignored the fact that the Sheriff is, and was, covered by the County blanket insurance policy.  The Sheriff welcomes the repeal of this Resolution, which was one of two Resolutions passed on September 25th affecting the Sheriff’s status and operations. (The other September 25 Resolution rescinded the County’s duty under the Public Officer Law and County Local Law to indemnify the Sheriff, for legal fees and liability incurred in the performance of his official duties.) 

Resolution 186-23 was passed with virtually no notice to the Sheriff, or public debate; the Sheriff was given no notice of its intended repeal; and the Resolution—if it had been allowed to take effect—could effectively have left the County without a Sheriff.  The legality of both September 25 Resolutions has been challenged by the Sheriff in New York State Supreme Court, and at the time of today’s repeal, both have been enjoined from taking effect by a Supreme Court Justice.
Even with today’s repeal, the remaining September 25th Resolution, stripping the Sheriff of indemnification under the Public Officer Law, remains under legal challenge. Underscoring the serious detrimental impact that losing indemnification could have on the Sheriff’s ability to carry out his public safety duties, the New York State Sheriff’s Association (NYSSA)—which represents Sheriffs across every county in New York State—has asked the Justice hearing the Sheriff’s challenge, for permission to file a “friend of the court” brief, arguing in support of the Sheriff’s position. NYSSA’s papers to the Court make it clear that the organization is concerned the Steuben County Legislature’s actions could ultimately have a drastic impact on law enforcement operations throughout the state. NYSSA’s request to the Court is available at the Steuben County Sheriff’s App and website under the NEWS and PRESS RELEASE tab.

In spite of the ongoing dispute over the Legislature’s September 25 Resolutions, Steuben County residents should know that the Sheriff’s Office remains committed above all else to its public safety mission, and the Sheriff, his deputies, and all civilian personnel continue to carry out the full range of the office’s responsibilities and services. For more information about the Sheriff’s Office, follow us on Facebook at Steuben County Sheriff’s Office or visit our website:

https://www.sheriff.steubencountyny.gov

 

Statement From Corning Police about Stolen Car Cases

On November 10, 2023, the Corning Police Department was notified of a burglary that had occurred at an East Market Street Extension home in the City of Corning.  An investigation was conducted by the Corning Police and Steuben County Sheriff’s Office, and a majority of the stolen items were recovered.  On November 14, 2023, the Corning Police Department responded to a report of a stolen vehicle from the same residence on East Market Street Extension in Corning. An investigation led to the vehicle's recovery on November 15, 2023, on Hittown Road. in the Town of Caton. Zoey M. Shomo (26) of Tioga, PA, was operating the vehicle, and Larry S. Kirk (38) of Addison, NY, was also present.  On November 15, 2023, Ms Shomo was arrested and charged with Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle in the 3rd Degree. She was released and issued an appearance ticket to appear in Corning City Court on a later date.  On November 21, 2023, the Corning Police Department received a report of another stolen vehicle from Lamphear Court, in the City of Corning. An investigation led to that vehicle's recovery.   Mr Kirk was arrested and charged with Grand Larceny in the 4th Degree.  Further investigation into the November 10, 2023 burglary identified Mr Kirk and Ms Shomo as the primary suspects.  Also, on November 21, 2023, Mr Kirk and Ms Shomo were arrested and charged with Burglary in the 2nd Degree (C Felony) and Grand Larceny in the 4th Degree (E Felony).  Mr Kirk was arraigned in Steuben County Centralized Arraignment Part (CAP) Court and is currently being held in the Steuben County Jail.  Ms Shomo was arraigned in Steuben County Centralized Arraignment Part (CAP) Court and released.
 

Snow Is On The Way

Governor Kathy Hochul says that a lake effect weather system is expected to dump over a foot of snow in areas near Lakes Ontario & Erie starting tonight through Tuesday night. We're closely monitoring this & are ready to assist local partners. Please take precautions if traveling, monitor forecasts & stay safe.  (Our meteorologist says, that while this will affect Steuben County, the snow will be much worse in Wayne, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Erie Counties.) 

 

Over 50 Lives Have Been Saved By Steuben Co Deputies 

Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard says there’s been over four dozen lives saved by members of the sheriff’s department who are EMT’s.  "This past year, we reached a milestone, where we have over 50 documented life-saving events that our deputy EMTs have done in Steuben County," Allard said.  

 

Steuben County Legislature's Public Hearing On The Budget 

The Steuben County Legislature is having a hearing on the county 2024 budget today.  Officials say there will be a decline in the tax rate, and that the average tax payer will pay $6.80 per assessed $1,000.    

Bus-Involved Accident In Allegany County This Morning

There was a collision this morning in Wellsville.  State Troopers out of Wellsville responded to a collision involving a bus and a vehicle.   They say that the preliminary investigation reveals that a bus traveling on State Route 19 was struck by a vehicle. The operator of the vehicle is in serious condition. The eighteen passengers on the bus have no or minor injuries.  More details will be released as the investigation continues.