Oneida man charged with impersonating an officer
On Dec. 3, 2018, at 5 p.m., Madison County Sheriff’s Office investigators arrested Christopher J. DeFazio, 22, of Oneida, on charges of second-degree criminal impersonation (a class A misdemeanor).
Police say DeFazio was involved in a road rage incident with another motorist Oct. 20, 2018. During the altercation, DeFazio was dressed in a security officer uniform and had a sheriff’s hat displayed near his windshield. DeFazio shined a flashlight in the eyes of the motorist and told the motorist that he was a Madison County Sheriff’s deputy.
DeFazio also talked into what appeared to be a police radio pretending to call for police backup.
After the incident, DeFazio contacted 911 to report the other motorist. An investigation into the incident determined that DeFazio had impersonated a police officer. DeFazio was issued an appearance ticket directing him to appear in Sullivan Town Court at 4 p.m. Jan. 15, 2019.
At the time of the incident, DeFazio was driving a red 1996 single cap Ford pickup truck.
Anyone having information about other incidents involving DeFazio impersonating a police officer are asked to contact Inv. Steve Sellin at 315.366.3009.
Oneida woman charged with fraud
On Dec. 3, 2018, at 6:45 p.m., Madison County Sheriff’s Office investigators arrested Christie A. Elghandour, 45, of Oneida, on charges of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing (a class E felony).
Police say Elghandour filed an application for public assistance at the Madison County Department of Social Services knowing that the information she provided was false. Elghandour allegedly failed to report that she was residing her husband, committing the fraudulent act with the intent to defraud the Madison County Department of Social Services to gain the benefit of public assistance.
Elghandour was issued an appearance ticket directing her to appear in Lenox Town Court Jan. 8, 2019.