STOCKPORT—The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office charged a Stockport woman for allegedly falsely reporting an incident, rape and child endangerment.

Deputy Sheriff Brian McSween of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation March 1 into a reported forcible rape that occurred in Stockport, according to a press release from Sheriff David P. Bartlett.

Dawn Budelman, 59, allegedly reported to authorities that a male entered her residence and raped her February 28. Criminal Investigator Joshua Oakes of the Sheriff’s Office Special Victim’s Unit immediately began an investigation that included multiple interviews, collection of evidence and an examination at Columbia Memorial Hospital. Further investigation revealed that a forcible rape did not occur and that Ms. Budelman had allegedly consented to a sexual act with a minor male under the age of 17 years old. Read more…

GHENT—A health care worker wanted for endangering a nursing home patient turned herself over to authorities in response to a post on the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.

Michelana Howard, 23, of Hudson was charged with endangering the welfare of an incompetent person, a class E felony, according to a March 10 press release from Sheriff David P. Bartlett.

An investigation began in October 2020 when Deputy Ryen Boehme received a complaint from an area nursing home reporting the improper behavior of an employee. The Special Victims Unit of the Sheriff’s Office was brought in to assist with the investigation. A charge for endangering the welfare of an incompetent person was drafted based on alleged actions of Ms. Howard. Read more…

AUSTERLITZ–An Austerlitz man was arrested for felony drug and weapons possession along with having a monkey as a pet without a permit.

State Police Troop K Violent Gang and Narcotic Enforcement Team (VGNET) arrested Gary M. Wood, 52, of Austerlitz for first degree criminal possession of a weapon, third degree criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, third degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, all class B felonies; 10 counts of third degree criminal possession of an assault weapon and third degree criminal possession of a weapon, all class D felonies; criminal use of drug paraphernalia, a class A misdemeanor, and a violation of Environmental Conservation Law 11-0512 possession of wild animals as pets, February 23.

A large cache of guns, drugs, money and a monkey were seized by State Police in a raid on an Austerlitz home, February 23. Photos contributed

Troop K VGNET and NYSP Special Operations and Response Team executed a warrant issued by the Columbia County Court for a residence at 289 Rigor Hill Road, Austerlitz, February 23. State Police seized 59 illegally possessed firearms. Among the guns seized were 16 illegal assault rifles and 2 handguns. About 17.7 grams of cocaine and $3,250 in cash was also seized. Read more…