North Country Briefs

Jailed man now a victim

as his debit card is hit

While a Fort Drum man was spending time in jail, a Black River woman went on a $2,270 spending spree using his debit card, state police allege.

Roxanne E. Cunningham, 19, of 29736 Route 3, was arrested by state police Wednesday afternoon on felony charges of first-degree identity theft and fourth-degree grand larceny. She awaits grand jury action after being sent to the Metro-Jefferson Public Safety Building, with bail set at $1,000 by town of Watertown Justice James P. McClusky.

Documents filed with the court allege that between Dec. 31 and Feb. 23 Miss Cunningham made six purchases using a debit card belonging to Jacob W. Schroader, Fort Drum. One of the purchases on Jan. 20 amounted to $541.36 at Nice N Easy, Route 11, according to the court file.

Mr. Schroader was arrested and jailed on on Dec. 5 after he stole an all-terrain vehicle from a storage area of the police garage at the Public Safety Building. The ATV was there as recovered stolen property. He pleaded guilty to third-degree burglary in February and remained jailed until April 7.

Watertown man charged

with criminal mischief

Arthur J. Beach III, 30, of 142 Mechanic St., Apt. 1302, was charged by city police Wednesday night with fourth-degree criminal mischief.

He is accused of kicking and damaging the front door at the apartment of Debra A. Beach, 132 William St., according to police.

City pair to answer counts

after fight in front of child

A man and woman are facing charges after they had a domestic fight Wednesday afternoon in front of an 11-year-old boy, according to Watertown police.

Gregory E. Brown Jr., 23, and Kristy L. Hall, 30, both of 94 Maywood Terrace, are charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Mr. Brown is additionally cited with harassment.

Police said Ms. Hall attempted to hit Mr. Brown with a football helmet, and he pushed her, causing her to fall onto her son, who was seated on a couch. Both are due to appear in City Court.

Henderson Harbor woman

charged over phone calls

HENDERSON — JoAnn B. Tousley, 49, of 11419 Ben's Cove, Henderson Harbor, was charged Wednesday afternoon by state police with second-degree criminal contempt.

Police said she faces prosecution on allegations that she violated an order of protection by making telephone calls to her estranged husband, Scott W. Tousley, 44.

Troopers say man held

knife to woman's throat

PITCAIRN — A Gouverneur man is accused of holding a hunting knife to his girlfriend's throat during an argument early Thursday.

Joseph M. Wagar, 25, was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and second-degree menacing, state police said. The unidentified woman wasn't injured.

He was arraigned in Fowler Town Court and sent to St. Lawrence County jail, Canton, on $2,500 cash bail.

Man used companion's ID

after she died, police say

Two days after his "companion" died in February, a town of Theresa man used the woman's personal identification to pull money from her account at Watertown Savings Bank, Watertown police allege.

Richard L. Hirschel, 50, of 28312 Joyner Road, was charged Wednesday by city police with fourth-degree grand larceny, identity theft and third-degree possession of personal identification information. He awaits grand jury action.

Police documents indicate Mr. Hirschel used the identification of Marcelle A. Dunham, same address, on the morning of Feb. 27 to make a $2,687 withdrawal from her account. Mrs. Dunham, 58, died on Feb. 25. Her obituary listed Mr. Hirschel as her companion.

Lacona man hospitalized

after being hit by vehicle

SANDY CREEK — A Lacona man was listed in critical condition Thursday afternoon at Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, after being struck by a vehicle Wednesday night at County Route 22 and Wart Road in the town of Sandy Creek, according to state police.

Scott A. Felio, 39, suffered multiple cuts and was unconscious at the accident scene, police said.

The accident occurred at about 9:45 p.m., when police said he walked into the path of a vehicle driven by William J. Dowie, 39, Richland.

Sackets Harbor man jailed

on fireworks, other counts

SACKETS HARBOR — A village man remained jailed Thursday in connection with his arrest Saturday evening at the Sackets Harbor battlefield.

Michael J. Brown, 48, of 104 E. Washington St., is charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and unlawful use of fireworks. Hounsfield Town Justice Gary A. Loomis set bail at $750, sending him to the Metro-Jefferson Public Safety Building, Watertown.

Police said he was initially cited with the fireworks charge. He directed abusive language at an officer and then scuffled while being arrested.