Man charged with extortion
PUTNAM — After being notified there was a warrant out for his arrest, Paul A. Riemann, 61, of 27 Bailey Heights, Norwich, turned himself in to the Putnam Police Department Dec. 16.
He was charged with criminal attempt at larceny first-degree by extortion, according to Putnam Police Chief Christopher D. Ferace.
The investigation was the result of a criminal complaint initiated by the victim dating back to September of 2024. The investigation revealed the accused, and victim knew each other through a professional association and the accused allegedly attempted to extort a payment from the victim to prevent exposure of a news story. No further details are being provided at this time.
Riemann posted bond and was issued a court appearance date of Jan. 8, 2025, at GA 11, Danielson Superior Court.
All accused are innocent until proven guilty.
Police Logs: No logs, early deadline.
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Javelle Epps, left, and Nico Pena. Photos by Rebecca Townes.
Putnam Science Academy boys looking strong
#6 Link Year (MO) 71; #3 PSA 88
BRADENTON, Fla. — #3 ranked Putnam Science traveled down to Florida to play in the Sunshine Prep Classic at IMG to take on #6 ranked Link Year. The Mustangs led from start to finish and won the game 88-71. Miami commit Ben Ahmed led PSA with 19 points and 7 rebounds and Tony Williams had 14 points and 2 assists. Jamell Hatchett added 11 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals and Nico Pena had 10 points and 3 rebounds for PSA. Brayson Green chipped in 5 points and a game-high 15 rebounds as the Mustangs improved to 15-2 on the season.
#15 MASSANUTTEN (VA) 43
#3 PUTNAM SCIENCE 74
BRADENTON — #3 Putnam Science won big over #15 Massanutten at the Sunshine Prep Classic 74-43. Ben Ahmed had a game-high 17 points and Tony Williams added 13 points and 4 assists in the win to move to 16-2 on the season. Jamell Hatchett (3 assists), Nico Pena (2 steals) and Brayson Green (3 blocks) all scored 7 points apiece for PSA.
NBA ACADEMY (AFRICA) 72; #3 PSA 82
BRADENTON — #3 ranked Putnam Science completed the 3 game sweep at the Sunshine Prep Classic in Bradenton. The Mustangs beat powerhouse NBA Academy (Africa) 82-72 to improve to 17-2 on the season. Ben Ahmed once again led PSA with 15 points, 6 rebounds and 3 blocks. Nico Pena added 14 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals and Jamell Hatchett chipped in with 12 points and 5 steals. Sam Osayi had a great game scoring 10 points and grabbing 7 rebounds.
#3 PSA 85; #8 DARROW SCHOOL 74
HARTFORD — The #3 ranked Mustangs head into Christmas break with an overall record of 18-2 with a nice win over #8 Darrow School. Tony Williams led PSA with 17 points, 3 assists and 3 steals and Jamell Hatchett had 14 points and 3 steals. Ben Ahmed added 12 points, 10 rebounds, 4 blocks and 2 steals and Sam Osayi chipped in with 7 points and 20 rebounds for the Mustangs. Junior Jaeden Roberts added 9 points and 2 steals.
PSA ELITE 80; ANNA MARIA COLLEGE 79
PAXTON, Mass. — The Putnam Science Elite Boys’ team completed the season sweep vs Anna Maria College 80-79. Javelle Epps led the Mustangs with 15 points and 4 rebounds. Dominick LaDuca added 11 points and 3 assists and Lazarus Mason had 11 points and 2 rebounds as they improved to 12-1 on the season.
PSA ELITE 77; DARROW SCHOOL 66
DARROW, N.Y. — Lazarus Mason had 20 points and 5 rebounds to lead the Elite Boys to a big road win over the Darrow School 77-66. Javelle Epps added 12 points and 11 rebounds and Octavius Wheeler chipped in 16 points and 4 assists. Putnam Science Elite Boys improve to 13-1 on the season.
PSA VARSITY 40; MACDUFFIE 66
GRANBY, Mass. — Putnam Science Varsity Boys went into the locker at halftime down 3, but in the second half MacDuffie put the pressure up and won 66-40. CJ Stycr led the Mustangs with 15 points 3 assists and 2 steals and Drake Alvarez added 7 points in the loss. Giulio Carofiglio chipped in with 5 points and 5 rebounds as the Mustangs fall to 7-4 at the break.
PSA ELITE 76; PREMIER PREP 79
HARTFORD — Putnam Science Elite team (13-2) suffered their second loss of the season Wednesday night in Hartford against Premier Prep (MA) 79-76. Lazarus Mason did his best to keep them in the game by scoring 27 points and grabbing 5 rebounds. Octavius Wheeler added 22 points and Javelle Epps chipped in with 16 points.
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Janaya Prince, Tatiana Bell, and Athena Thompson - Elite photo.
Lady Mustangs are rolling
PUTNAM SCIENCE 61
LINCOLN PREP (CANADA) 46
The PSA Prep Lady Mustangs competed in Washington, DC at the “She Got Game Classic” on Saturday vs Lincoln Prep (Canada). Athena Thompson led the Lady Mustangs (9-3) to a 61-46 win by scoring 26 points and adding 6 rebounds and 5 steals. Helin Yoztyurk added 13 points and 6 assists and Kate Lipatova chipped in 8 points, 11 rebounds and 3 steals in the win.
PUTNAM SCIENCE 45
ORANGEVILLE PREP 27
Athena Thompson once again led the Putnam Science Lady Mustangs to a 45-27 win over Orangeville Prep (Canada) on Sunday afternoon. Thompson had 18 points, 8 rebounds, 6 steals and 3 assists in the win. Helin Yoztyurk added 12 points, 5 assists and 4 steals and Kate Lipatova had 10 points, 14 rebounds and 2 blocks to help PSA to improve to 10-3 on the season.
Varsity girls’ defeat Cheshire, 46-30
Putnam Science Academy’s Varsity Girls’ Basketball team opened their weekend at the Rose Classic with a dominant 46-30 victory over Cheshire. The Mustangs showcased tenacious defense and balanced scoring, led by Ayca, who filled the stat sheet with 12 points, 6 rebounds, and an impressive 7 steals. Adut was a force in the paint, finishing with a double-double of 11 points, 15 rebounds, and 6 steals. Nina contributed on both ends of the court, adding 7 points and 7 steals to secure the win.
PSA rolls by Rothesay Netherwood, 49-38
The Mustangs earned their second win of the weekend with a 49-38 victory over Rothesay Netherwood, propelled by a strong performance from Alti, who led all scorers with 19 points and added a block. Adut continued her stellar play, posting another double-double with 12 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 steals. Defne contributed with 6 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists, helping PSA control the tempo and dominate on the boards.
PSA falls to Newman, 51-24
In their final game of the weekend, the Mustangs came up short, falling 51-24 to Newman. Despite the loss, Lahelie led the way for PSA with 7 points and 4 steals, showing her ability to disrupt the opposition’s offense. Adut added 4 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 block, but the Mustangs were unable to overcome Newman’s strong defensive presence.
PSA VARSITY GIRLS 41
SCITUATE HIGH 38
SCITUATE, RI- Lahelie Leyde scored 17 points and added 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals to lead the Varsity Lady Mustangs to a huge road win over Scituate High 41-38 on Wednesday night. Adut Tour added 13 points, 11 rebounds and 5 steals and Antonia De Giorgis chipped in 4 points and 2 blocks.
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Roy Lee Houle
STERLING — Roy Houle, 75, of Church Street, died Dec. 18, 2024, in Hartford Hospital. He was the husband of the late Sandra Houle.
Born in Burlington, Vt.., he was the son of the late Francis Sr. and Charlotte (Charbonneau) Houle.
Mr. Houle worked for Foxwoods as a table dealer for many years. In his free time, he enjoyed playing both 8-ball and 9- ball pool. He played in the APA League since 1993 till current. He also like going to the casino, playing pitch and fishing.
He leaves two daughters, Tiffany Charron of Fort Myers, Fla., and Rolanda Charron (Alfred Sr.) of Putnam; two brothers, Francis Houle Jr. (Joan) of Putnam, Charles Houle Sr. (Judith) of Haines City, Fla.; sister Charlene Cote (Raymond Sr.) of Brooklyn; two grandchildren Tabitha (Charron) Dzurenka (Andrew) of Putnam, Alffy Charron Jr. and fiancé Crystal of Putnam; and one great-grandson Anthony Dzurenka of Putnam. Roy is predeceased by brother, Richard Houle Sr. and son-in-law Steve Charron.
A graveside service for Roy will be held at a later date and a Celebration of Life is being planned for January 2025. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
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