Crime Stoppers WNY Is Offering Rewards For Leads In These 7 Cases

Crime Stoppers WNY is offering various rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspects in these 7 cases in May. If you have any information, you can report it anonymously by calling 716-867-6161, through the "Buffalo Tips" app, or by visiting www.crimestopperswny.org.

1. Suspect Wanted: Ivan Melendez
Reward of up to $2,500

Ivan Melendez is wanted by New York State Parole. He is a known Latin King gang member and should be considered armed and dangerous.

2. Suspect In The Murder Of Jose Barreto-Gonzalez
Reward of up to $7,500

Jose Barreto-Gonzalez was killed on September 23, 2023, at 98 Isabelle Street in Buffalo.

3. Suspect In The Murder Of Alexy Ortiz
Reward of up to $7,500

Alexy Ortiz was killed on June 28, 2023, on the Scajaquada Expressway near Delaware Avenue in Buffalo.

4. Suspect Wanted: Emerson Vernon
Reward of up to $2,500

Emerson Vernon is wanted by New York State Parole.

5. Suspect Wanted: Tyler Magee
Reward of up to $2,500

Tyler Magee is wanted out of Erie, Pennsylvania for attempted murder. He should be considered armed and dangerous.

6. Suspect In The Murder Of James Hartzog
Reward of up to $7,500

James Hartzog was killed on January 1, 2010, at 135 Strauss Street in Buffalo.

7. Suspect Wanted: Nathan Royse
Reward of up to $2,500

Mr. Royse is currently on parole for a conviction of Burglary in the Second Degree. He has an active parole warrant for absconding as well as an active warrant issued by the Batavia Police Department for Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree. He should be considered armed and dangerous.

9 Registered Animal Abusers In Cattaraugus County Banned From Having Pets

These people in Cattaraugus won't be participating in National Pet week ever again, thankfully.  They are registered animal abusers! I think it takes a special kind of evil to hurt a harmless animal. I understand that people sometimes take in a pet, only to realize they have bitten off more than they can chew.  But that doesn't give them the right to abuse the animal.  There are many resources available to rehome an animal if a person realizes they can't care for it.

Not every county in WNY has a registry - only Niagara, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua Counties have one. By law, they are not allowed to have animals in their possession. If you plan on providing an animal to another person in New York, where there is a registry, you must check it first,

Anyone selling, giving away or adopting an animal to another person in Chautauqua County must check the registry prior to any change in ownership. Giving, selling or adopting an animal to a person on the registry is a violation of county law.

The people below have been convicted of animal abuse in Cattaraugus County.

Cattaraugus County Registered Animal Abusers

1. Bonnie George

2. Connie Lipka

3. Corey Cassford

4. Donald George

5. Gerald Nason

6. Laura L. Chase

7. Mark Kirtz

8. Michelle Newbauer

9. Sheila Bisking