Area residents named in indictment

Area residentsnamed in indictment
CLEVELAND -- Several Youngstown-area residents are named by a federal grand jury in Cleveland in a 24-count indictment on tax-related charges. Charles L. Wade, 48, who list four aliases, and his daughters Tonya P. Alexander, 25, and Latoya D. Alexander, 27, are charged with conspiracy to impede and obstruct the lawful functions of the IRS. Rashida L. Williams, 24, and Elvira Williams, 44, are charged with conspiring to make, utter and possess counterfeit securities, commit mail fraud, commit wire fraud and to commit bank fraud. Melvin Vaughn, 31, and Aileen Blackshear, 38, are charged with one count of conspiracy to make, utter and possess counterfeit securities, and to commit bank fraud. The U.S. Attorney's Office did not provide addresses but said they all live in the Youngstown area.
New citizens
YOUNGSTOWN -- Five people were naturalized as U.S. citizens during a ceremony Thursday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court. Judge R. Scott Krichbaum presided. They are: Nharmah Badger of Colonial Drive, Canfield (Ghana); Yakov Bratslavskiy of Granada Avenue, Youngstown (Russia); Abdelrahim Ayed Al Emaishat of Stanton Avenue, Boardman (Jordan); Nancy Magdelena Witmer of West Garfield Road, Salem (Canada); and Julie Victoria Johns of Salem-Unity Road, Salem (Dominican Republic).
Railroad track stolen
YOUNGSTOWN -- A trainmaster for Ohio Central Railroad told police that someone used a cutting torch to remove 40 to 60 feet of rail about 150 yards east of 555 N. Meridian Road. Another 40 to 60 feet had been cut but not removed. Repair costs were not immediately available. The track was last inspected April 8 and the damage discovered Thursday.
Judge's order appealed
YOUNGSTOWN -- The city is appealing a judge's order that the Youngstown Civil Service Commission must immediately have a promotional examination for the position of police captain and promote two police officers to that rank. Acting Judge Mary Cacioppo of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court ruled earlier this month that the city erred when it did not fill two captain vacancies in January 2000. The city argued that it had abolished those positions, but Judge Cacioppo said they should have filled them instead, as required by Ohio law. The judge said that once the captains are hired, they will receive back pay and seniority to Jan. 6, 2000. Judge Cacioppo has stayed imposition of her order until the matter is heard by the 7th District Court of Appeals.
Auditor, staff honored
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Mahoning County Auditor's Office has received the certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association. The award is presented to local governments that publish a comprehensive annual financial report that meets the GFOA's high standards. Auditor George Tablack and his staff were honored by Ohio Auditor Jim Petro for the achievement. The GFOA is a nonprofit organization that serves government finance professionals in North America.
Museum activities
YOUNGSTOWN -- Ohio Historical Society's Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor is offering a special program for home-schooled children from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to next Friday. Other times are available by appointment. Hands-on activities that emphasize the history of the Mahoning Valley will be available. Pupils may work at a construction station, make charcoal sketches of a coal mine labor scene, go on a scavenger hunt and more. Cost is 75 cents per child and $2.50 per adult. Reservations are suggested for groups of 10 or more. Call Laura Zeh at (330) 743-5934 for information.
Domestic dispute
STRUTHERS -- An argument between a Walnut Grove Circle man and his 16-year-old son just before 10 p.m. Thursday escalated into a fist fight that sent both to the emergency room for treatment of minor injuries, police said.
Terry M. Ferrick Sr. had cuts to the thumb and fingers of his left hand. Terry M. Ferrick Jr. sustained cuts to his lower lip and gum, which required three stitches.
Ferrick Sr. is charged with felonious assault, domestic violence and criminal damaging. Ferrick Jr. is charged with aggravated trespass and domestic violence.
Woman robbed at mall
NILES -- A woman told police that a man displayed a gun and robbed her of $20 Thursday evening at Eastwood Mall. The woman said she was walking in the Sears concourse when the man walked up to her and lifted his shirt to reveal a small handgun tucked into his pants. He demanded money, and the woman gave him $20. He ran out of the mall through the license bureau exit.