The owner of the Scott Avenue address has a long criminal record
By Andrew Harris, pictured is Simon Gogolack in 2018
The Federal Bureau of Investigations doesn’t drop into Wellsville very often; especially in SWAT gear, with HAZMAT teams, and in large numbers. Tuesday morning was one of only a handful of federal law enforcement “raids” in the village in the last 40 years. The entire village is asking, ‘What is the story?’
In most of those cases, the public found out pretty quickly why the FBI was in town. In this case, it appears to be a very serious and ongoing investigation. No information is being provided by federal, state, or local authorities.
Hours after the raid, John Anderson’s reporting revealed everything but the identity of the homeowner, who may or may not be the suspect that the FBI was searching for. Anderson was able to get many details confirmed, but did not speculate on the names. A property tax search revealed that Simon P. Gogolack is listed as the owner of 296 Scott Avenue in the village of Wellsville. Agents descended on the property early Tuesday morning, threw “flash grenades” into the house, and based on our best information, the house was empty.
A quick search of the internet brings up a list of arrests over the last 5-6 years for Gogolack:
Drugs, child endangerment, assault, and other charges have been levied against Gogolack. Back in 2018 Wellsville Regional News detailed charges:
“On Tuesday Amity-based troopers arrested Simon P. Gogolack, 34, of Wellsville for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana.
Troopers said during a traffic stop on State Route 19 in the town of Scio stemming from an earlier complaint at Crosby’s Mini Mart in the town of Amity, they allegedly observed Gogolack to be in possession of small quantities of crack cocaine and marijuana, along with items of drug paraphernalia.
Gogolack was arrested and released with appearance tickets returnable to Scio Court in December.”
No confirmation that Gogolack is the target of the FBI raid has been provided but considering the extent of the law enforcement action this morning at Gogolack’s property, he is a person of interest.
Wellsville Village Police Chief Timothy O’Grady has reported that there is no risk to the public.
ICYMI: read John Anderson’s breaking news from August 8:
