North Tonawanda, NY — The next time he appears in City of Tonawanda court, James A. Ramsey will have a public defender.
The 42-year-old city resident is accused of stealing two stone memorials to World War I soldiers from the historical society in November 2008. Appearing in city court for the first time Tuesday, Ramsey told Judge Mark Saltarelli that he is unemployed and will need to be provided with an attorney.
Saltarelli provided Ramsey with the information he will need to contact a public defender, but refused to listen to any of Ramsey’s explanations for the circumstances that led to his arrest. Ramsey also received a copy of the charges against him, the complaint from historical society member Dick Dutton reporting the theft and a deposition from another individual involved with the investigation. The defendant was also given a copy of his statements given to police after being charged with petit larceny. He is due back in court at 9:30 a.m. March 30.
One of the stolen stones has been recovered, although not in the location that Ramsey allegedly disclosed to police. The stone is still in police possession and several round indentations consistent with being struck with a ball-peen hammer in an effort to destroy it.
Ramsey’s statement included a location for the second stone, at a campground in Brookville, Pennsylvania. Police are hopeful they can get Ramsey to cooperate in having that stone returned.
Local News
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GETTING HELP: James Ramsey, accused of stealing two stone memorials to World War I soldiers enters Tonawanda City Court Tuesday morning. He will receive a public defender after telling Judge Mark Saltarelli that he can't afford one. Doug Benz/News
Ramsey will get public defender
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