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Email: "Forensic report on phones awaited"
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LITTLE?VALLEY?— Results of a forensics report pertaining to telephone records are being awaited in the investigation into the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Department. An investigation into the department began by Gerald Stout, Wyoming County district attorney, after allegations were made against the department that include one having to do with sexual harassment. Edward Sharkey, Cattaraugus County district attorney, looks into such investigations, but he had a conflict of interest investigating the Sheriff’s Department, with which he works closely. Cattaraugus County Judge Larry Himelein appointed Stout to head up the investigation. Stout said Tuesday the forensics report regarding telephone records is being awaited. He could not comment further regarding whose records were being investigated. “These things take some time,” he said, adding he is uncertain when the results will be returned or the investigation complete. Stout previously requested the New York State Police help with the investigation, but his request was denied. Some of the allegations, which he could not specify due to confidentiality requirements, surfaced prior to the death of Sheriff Dennis John, who died Aug. 18 from a self-inflicted gun shot wound. Stout said it would be useless to pursue charges against John, adding he is not saying there are any allegations. Stout has said previously the investigation deals with the living. “There are rumors and allegations. We need to just have them investigated, brought out, put people on paper and deal with the facts,” Stout said. “It’s important to put to rest a lot of these rumors and allegations.’’ Timothy Whitcomb, Acting Cattaraugus County sheriff, previously said he welcomed any investigation into the sheriff’s department.

 

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