Theodore Miller, 35, of South Charleston, was sentenced today to seven years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $398,533.52 in restitution for two counts of wire fraud. Miller defrauded more than 180 individuals through two real estate investment schemes. According to court documents and statements made in court, Miller conceived and perpetrated the fraudulent schemes between the spring of 2022 and September 2024.  Miller solicited investors on social media, where he portrayed himself as the “Wolf of West Virginia,” a wealthy, successful and knowledgeable real estate mogul with enough disposable income…

WCBC News has learned of the passing today of local businesswoman Adrienne Ottaviani. Ottaviani served on both the Allegany County Board of Education and the Allegany County Commissioners during her career. She had also been Executive Director for the Maryland Coal Association. Along with her family, she welcomed guests to Ristorante Ottaviani in downtown Cumberland for many years. Details on arrangements have not been made available.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced that  a Pennsylvania man has been charged in connection with a fatal utility vehicle accident on Deep Creek Lake earlier this year.  Ricky A. Wise, 59, of Mount Pleasant, faces multiple criminal and traffic charges, including negligent manslaughter with a vehicle, negligent homicide by motor vehicle while under the influence, homicide with a motor vehicle while impaired, driving while under the influence of alcohol and driving while impaired by alcohol. The Feb. 22 crash led to the death of David T. Linsenbigler, 58, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania.  Wise was charged via criminal summons…

Andy Ellis, a former Green Party leader and candidate, has formally filed his candidacy for governor.  Ellis filed Monday to run for governor as a Green Party candidate. Ellis made it official Monday when he filed his paperwork with the Maryland State Board of Elections in Annapolis.

On Monday, September 22, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department served three Circuit Court bench warrants on Patrick Thompson. The warrants were issued as the result of Thompson violating probation on charges of Assault-1st Degree, and 2 counts of Assault-2nd Degree. Thompson was arrested and transported to the Allegany County Detention Center where he is currently being held without bond pending his appearance before the court. ARRESTED: Patrick Lee Thompson    AGE: 33 Cumberland, MD

On Monday, September 22, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department served a criminal summons on Jayson Stallings. The summons was issued as the result of a private citizen filing charges against Stallings at the District Court of Allegany County. Stallings signed for his copy of the summons and he was released pending trial. ARRESTED: Jayson Lee-Evan Stallings   AGE: 26 Cumberland, MD CHARGES: Theft less than $100

The American Red Cross says it has seasonal challenges as colder weather begins across the country. As part of National Preparedness Month, Red Cross Regional Director Jason Keeling talked with WCBC, saying they are entering the time of year when significant storms and weather events keep donors from giving blood…    “We are reminding people that these events can happen and therefore donations of blood can significantly help because sometimes units of blood go uncollected when we have weather events that force cancellations.” Keeling adds that two types of blood are always being sought… “O-blood is one of the types…

The fight to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage continues as unions across the state urge lawmakers to raise the wage to $15 per hour.  Almost 50,000 workers in the state earn a wage of $7.25 an hour or less. Sam Williamson of the Service Employees Union calls it “embarrassing” that Pennsylvania has not raised the minimum since 2009…     “Every single state surrounding Pennsylvania has a higher minimum wage. We’re not concerned that raising the minimum wage is going to negatively impact businesses. In fact, when working people have more money in their pockets, they spend it where they live….

Update September 23rd at 3 p.m: Joseph Malenich has returned home. Report September 23rd at 4 a.m: Joseph Malenich (age 15) has been reported missing to the Cumberland Police Department.  He was last seen in the 1500 blk. of Oldtown Rd. on 9/22/25 at approximately 6:00 PM.  Anyone that has information as to his whereabouts is urged to contact the Cumberland Police Department at 301-777-1600.    

The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s office is investigating a Monday fire in Bel Air that caused over $100,000 in damages. Fire crews responded to 14400 North Bel Air Dirve just before 9am for a fire at a two-story family dwelling. Fire alarms in the home did activate to warn residents. Preliminary investigation indicates an electrical malfunction caused the fire. Numerous pets were able to get out of the house unharmed while one cat was treated with oxygen on scene and is expected to make a full recovery.