Guilty plea for Lockport woman in cocaine possession

A Lockport women pleaded guilty in Niagara County Court to possessing cocaine.

Latasha L. Ford, 29, who has addresses listed on Jackson Street and Lincoln Avenue, pleaded to fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, but was charged originally with two counts of third-degree possession of a controlled substance, one count of fifth-degree possession of a controlled substance and three counts of seventh-degree possession of a controlled substance.

Sheriff’s deputies said they found Ford in possession of 1.6 grams of cocaine while she was in the Town of Lockport.

Ford is scheduled for sentencing July 13.



Drug thief pleads guilty

A Newfane man accused of stealing prescription medication from an elderly lady’s mobile home last October pleaded guilty to a reduced charge in Niagara County Court.

Matthew A. Venne, 22, 5996 Redwood Lane, was charged last year with second-degree burglary and petit larceny, but pleaded to second-degree attempted burglary.

In February, Venne originally pleaded not guilty to the charges.

A report from the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office said Venne entered a mobile home near his residence and stole several prescription medication from the victim.

A witness reportedly told deputies they saw him enter the mobile home, then flee when confronted by the witness.

Deputies said with the help of the Sheriff’s K-9 unit, they found Venne hiding at his home in possession of the pills.

Venne was also ordered by Judge Sara Sheldon Sperrazza to compete the judicial diversion drug program, and if successful, the burglary charge could be dropped.

If not, he could face up to seven years imprisonment.



Bail increased for Middleport rapist

Bail was set at $100,000 for a Middleport man accused for raping a Lockport woman at knife point.

Harold G. Case, 49, was charged with first-degree rape, Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth R. Donatello said and more charges could be lodged against Case.

Case could face 10 years to life imprisonment if convicted.



Drug charges dropped against Lockport man

Drug charges were dropped last week for John J. Falsetti, 58, of High Street.

A county court judge suppressed the evidence and determined Lockport police’s search of Falsetti’s car was unlawful.

Falsetti was originally charged by Lockport police with fourth-and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, having a prescription drug outside the original container, passing in a no-passing zone and having an uninspected vehicle.

Upon searching the vehicle, police reported that they found morphine in Falsetti’s’ vehicle.



Guilty plea for Lockport man in drug case

A Lockport man pleaded guilty earlier this week in Niagara County Court to drug charges.

Martin R. Stephen 42, of Michigan Street, pleaded guilty to attempted fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

According to a Lockport police report, Stephen, became irate with patrol while investigating a shooting at Casa Montego last year and was detained by officers who found him in possession of cocaine.

Stephen will face up to 2 1/2 years in prison at sentencing July 14.