01 July 2023

NEW YORK STATE POLICE 
Major Eugene J. Staniszewski
Troop A Commander

PRESS RELEASE

On June 29, 2023 the Bureau of Criminal Investigation out of SP Amity arrested Jeremy J. Vankuren, 33 of Fillmore, NY for Kidnapping 2nd degree (B Felony), Aggravated Animal Cruelty (E Felony), Menacing 3rd degree (B Misdemeanor), Torturing/Injuring Failure to Provide Sustenance (A Misdemeanor) and Obstruction of Governmental Administration (A Misdemeanor).

On June 28, 2023, Troopers out of SP Amity received a complaint of possible animal cruelty. Investigation determined that Vankuren had people at his residence on County Route 23 in the town of Hume on June 19, 2023.

Allegedly during that time, Vankuren forcefully restrained a 28-year-old victim to a chair outside the residence. Vankuren then took his red nosed pitbull and put it into a burning barrel in front of the victim. The victim was held against their will for multiple hours.

 The Bureau of Criminal Investigation executed a warrant at the Vankuren residence and located the burned deceased dog and other items relating to the incident.

 Vankuren was arrested and processed at SP Amity. Vankuren was arraigned at the town of Hume Court. Vankuren was remanded to the Allegany County Jail in for $20k cash and $40k bond with a return date of July 13, 2023.
This is still an ongoing criminal investigation. 

The Allegany County District Attorney’s Office and the Allegany County SPCA assisted in this investigation.