(WNY News Now) – A Chautauqua County Grand Jury has indicted a Brocton man on 35 charges following a months-long investigation into multiple reported burglaries targeting Amish communities in western Chautauqua County.
CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N.Y. — Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt announced that Jarrett Sikes, 46, of Brocton, was arraigned June 15 before Judge David W. Foley on a 35-count indictment stemming from a lengthy burglary investigation conducted by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office.
According to prosecutors, the charges arise from 10 separate burglary incidents reported between July and September 2025 in Amish communities located in the towns of Chautauqua, Portland, and Sherman. Investigators said multiple residences were unlawfully entered and property was stolen.
The indictment charges Sikes with 11 counts of Burglary in the Second Degree, nine counts of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, nine counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree, two counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree, two counts of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, and two counts of Attempted Burglary in the Second Degree.
Authorities said stolen property included numerous firearms and personal items valued at more than $1,000. Investigators reported that some of the stolen items were recovered during the investigation.
A second suspect, Melinda Pelayo, 56, of Dunkirk, was also charged with two counts of Attempted Burglary in the Second Degree. Pelayo was arraigned June 15 and released on her own recognizance.
Judge Foley set bail for Sikes at $100,000 cash or a $200,000 property bond. Both defendants are scheduled to return to court for a future discovery conference.
The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division credited several agencies for assisting with the investigation, including the Sheriff’s Road Patrol Division, Narcotics Investigation Division, Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office, New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Dunkirk Police Department, and Pennsylvania State Police.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Leave a Reply