Skip to main content

Alabama

Law and Order: Batavia man accused of assaulting police officer during traffic stop

By Howard B. Owens
aaron fix
Aaron Fix

Aaron J. Fix, 50, of Batavia, is charged with assault 2nd, resisting arrest, criminal mischief 4th, and obstructing governmental administration 2nd. Fix is accused of interfering with the arrest of another person during a traffic stop on East Main Street, Batavia. When a deputy and Batavia patrol officer attempted to take Fix into custody, Fix allegedly resisted arrest and in the process, the officer was injured and a piece of the officer's equipment was damaged. Fix was arraigned and released.

Robert P. Tomaszewski, 56, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. A Batavia patrol officer stopped Tomaszewski on March 4 on River Street. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Alicia M. Lyons, 44, of Batavia, is charged with trespass. Lyons is accused of being at Kwik Fill on Mach 1 after being banned from the property. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Jeanna M. Hattaway, 44, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant. She is also charged with obstructing government administration 2nd, resisting arrest, and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Hattaway was located on March 4 walking on Tracy Avenue, When Batavia police officers attempted to take her into custody on the warrant. Hattaway allegedly ran from police but was caught a short distance away. Hattaway was also allegedly found in possession of methamphetamine at the time of her arrest. Hattaway was arraigned in City Court and ordered held on $3,000 bail, $6,000 bond, or $12,000 partially secured bond.

Charles A. Reichert, 41, of Batavia, is charged with riding a bicycle on a sidewalk. Reichert was issued a ticket on Feb. 25 following a personal injury accident. Reichert is accused of riding on the sidewalk before riding into the path of a vehicle. 

Naquan J. Shepherd, 24, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant issued by City Court. Shepherd was initially charged with harassment 2nd in January 2024. He was issued an appearance ticket. He is accused of failure to appear. Shepherd was arraigned and released.

Shane M. Ramos, 32, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Ramos is accused of shoving another person during a fight on Summit Street, Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Monique E. Hampson, 31, of Batavia, was arrested on March 4 on a warrant. Hampson was initially charged on Dec. 29 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 2nd following a traffic stop on West Main Street. She is accused of failure to appear in court as ordered. Hampson was arraigned and released.

Jennifer N. Wilson, 36, of Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass 2nd, obstructing governmental administration 2nd, and resisting arrest. Wilson is accused of being inside a residence on Otis Street and then resisting arrest. She was arraigned and released.

Jonathan M. Falk, 25, of Batavia, was arrested on Feb. 26 on a warrant. He and another person allegedly stole merchandise from Seven-Eleven. Falk was initially charged with petit larceny and conspiracy 6th. He is accused of failure to appear in court as ordered. He was arraigned and released. 

Bryce D. Klehn, 18, of Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. Klehn is accused of throwing a lit firework on March 2 onto the porch of a residence on Montclair Avenue. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Erica M. Esten, 36, of Oakfield, is charged with harassment 2nd. Esten is accused of hitting another person in the face in a parking lot on East Main Street, Batavia, on March 2. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Starzha Monae Hilliard, 25, of Webster Manor Avenue, Rochester, is charged with falsifying business records 1st. Hilliard is accused of providing false personal information to deputies and corrections officers after being arrested on unrelated offenses and then signing official fingerprint documents under the false identity. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Tabatha Ann Torcello, 58, of Broadway Road, Alexander, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs and moving from lane unsafely. Torcello was charged after an investigation into an incident reported at 7:17 a.m. on Nov. 30.  At that time, deputies responded to a report of a car in a ditch off Route 98 in Alexander. She was arrested recently and issued an appearance ticket.

George Samuel Luce, 54, of Gildden Road, Holly, is charged with strangulation 2nd and assault 3rd. Luce is accused of chocking and punching a woman during an incident at a hotel on Park Road, Batavia, at 10:42 a.m. on March 6.

Joseph Thomas Jablonski, 59, of Clifton Avenue, Batavia, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, aggravated unlicensed operation 1st, unregistered motor vehicle, and vehicle with improper license plates. Jablonski was stopped at 3:29 a.m. on March 7 on Clinton Street by Sgt. Mathew Clor. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Arnold Bryan Colopy, 66, of Knowlesville Road, Alabama, is charged with torturing or injuring animals/failure to provide substance. Colopy is accused of keeping two dogs in "deplorable" conditions. Following a report at 4:11 p.m. on March 7, Deputy Alexander Hardsall allegedly found two dogs without any food or water. Colopy was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

Michael Andrew Hahn, 44, of Lewiston Road, Alabama, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, aggravated unlicensed operator, unregistered motor vehicle, and uninspected motor vehicle. Hahn was stopped by Deputy Carlos Ortiz Speed at 3:43 a.m. on March 4 on Buffalo Road, Bergen. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Jacqueline Raj Garrett, 44, of Park Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Garret is accused of stealing merchandise from Walmart at 2:50 p.m. on March 8. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Chamber Award: Alabama Hotel recognized for history of community service and success

By Howard B. Owens
alabama hotel chamber award business of the year
Bonnie Woodward, owner of the Alabama Hotel, and Joe Bradt, general manager.
Photo by Howard Owens.

NOTE: This week, The Batavian is highlighting the annual Chamber of Commerce Award winners with a story daily through Friday. The awards dinner is Saturday evening at Batavia Downs. This is the final story in the series.

Bonnie Woodward has owned the Alabama Hotel for a relatively short time, but big news events have twice already taken center stage in the restaurant's business operations.

She bought the restaurant and bar from another Woodward, Danny, in 2019, and a few months later, COVID-19 forced her to close the tavern in the town of Alabama.

Then Winter Storm Elliott on Christmas Eve 2022 brought unexpected challenges that she and manager Joe Bradt met with such cheerful charity they made national news.

"(The attention) definitely shocked me," Bradt said. "In the days afterward, all the media attention and the phone calls and the messages from people shocked me."

The attention, Woodward said, warmed her heart.

"It really does," she said. "So many people were thankful for such a simple thing that anybody should have done, you know, just open up your home to people and take care of them while they're in trouble."

What Bradt did, with Woodward's blessing and support, was let stranded travelers stay in the restaurant, providing shelter, warmth and food while the blizzard made travel conditions potentially deadly. For those 48 hours, he was the sole member of the Alabama Hotel staff on-site to take care of more than 100 stranded travelers.  He prepared meals (with guests and a local resident and neighboring business owner helping) and kept guests comfortable while the storm raged around them.

The Alabama Hotel -- along with hundreds of first responders, other generous residents in Genesee County, and countless other government workers and residents -- are the reason nobody died during the storm.

That dramatic role the restaurant played during the storm, along with its long history of providing charitable support to the community, is why the Alabama Hotel is the 2023 Business of the Year for Genesee County.

Winter Storm Elliott
Events started on Dec. 24 as Elliott rolled into Western New York and the Thruway Authority, with no apparent plan to ensure traveler safety, closed the I-90, forcing travelers unfamiliar with the area onto snow-covered, wind-swept two-lane roads during whiteout conditions.  When travelers realized they wouldn't get far, they looked for shelter, and Google told them about the Alabama Hotel at the crossroads of Route 77 and Route 63.  A hotel would be a good place to go, right?

The restaurant didn't open on Christmas Eve as planned to keep employees at home and safe during the storm. Bradt spent the morning getting things in order since the restaurant wouldn't reopen until Jan. 4. 

When he was done, "I loaded up the Jeep with my Christmas dinner and Bonnie's Christmas dinner, which I was going to drop off at her house, and left here about 12:30. I didn't get a quarter mile up the road, and there was no visibility. The roads were completely covered, and there was already an accident right here," Bradt told The Batavian the day after the storm ended.

"I immediately turned around and said the safest place I can be is here for now. You know, I'll just wait it out here. No sooner did I put the key in the back door and unlock the back door than people were knocking on the front door. That didn't stop for two days."

The weather outside was vicious.  Heavy, lake-effect snow blown around by 35 mph winds with 70 mph gusts. The roads were nowhere for anybody in any vehicle, let alone people unfamiliar with the area in sedans, minivans and luxury SUVs. 

People came looking for a hotel. They found a friendly place with no proper guest rooms, not entirely prepared for this level of hospitality, but willing to provide shelter from the storm.

Once first responders learned the Alabama Hotel provided a warming shelter, they started shuttling stranded motorists there.

As many as 140 people passed through the restaurant over two days, with 120 staying the night on Christmas Eve.

Was it stressful?

"I don't know if stressful is the word for it," Bradt said. "I think, at times, it was overwhelming. You know, I spent some time at the bottom of the basement stairs, whether on the phone with Bonnie or with my wife or chef Swimline, getting advice from him and just crying it out, you know. I'm gonna take a few minutes for myself to figure it out. Where are we at? what's our next step? What are we doing now? You know? It wasn't just a blizzard, right? It was a blizzard in the middle of Christmas."

History
The Alabama Hotel was once a key stagecoach stop between Buffalo and Rochester.  It was built in 1844, and at one time, the second floor was an actual hotel.  It was always a place that served meals and libations, but Woodward doesn't know when the hotel ceased being a hotel.

It has always been a community hub in the town of Alabama.  At one time, it was the main meeting hall and the courthouse, as well as a venue for weddings. It's still a place where locals gather for drinks and camaraderie, even while the restaurant attracts patrons from throughout WNY.

"It's like Cheers," Woodward said. "They're really friendly, and when strangers come, they'll bring them into their fold, and they'll talk to them, and they feel comfortable. People like that."

Earl Woodward purchased the Alabama Hotel in 1956.  His wife was Agness, known to friends and family as Bunny.  

Earl had cancer and wanted to make sure he left behind something that could provide for and shelter his family.  After he passed, Bunny, her children, and her mother, Nannie, lived upstairs in the former hotel and Bunny and Nannie ran the business.

Earl and Bunny's son Mike -- Bonnie's husband, who passed away in July -- ran the business next.  Patrick Woodward ran the business from 1990 until he passed away in 2000.  Danny, his son and Bonnie's nephew, ran the hotel for the next 29 years.  

Bonnie bought the restaurant in 2019 to keep it in the Woodward family, though her experience didn't extend much past washing dishes in the kitchen as a youngster.

"Most of the employees are employees I inherited with the restaurant," Woodward said. "They took me under their wing and taught me the business."

Shortly after she took over, Josh Swimline approached her about a job. He already had a successful food truck but was looking for a chef's job as well.

"He's done a marvelous job in the kitchen," Woodward said.

The other thing that happened shortly after she took over the business, besides the storm, was COVID-19.  Without the community's support and people buying take-out meals, the restaurant might not have survived the shutdown.

Then she hired Bradt as her general manager, just months before Winter Storm Elliott.  They had known each other for years because both have been frequent volunteers in the community -- youth sports, the Lion's Club, and just about any volunteer effort in the community, they would both be there helping out.

"We both had the same goal all the time," Bradt said. "Who can we help? How can we help? So deciding to come here and work with Bonnie was easy."

To the uninitiated, the location of the Alabama Hotel might seem rather isolated for a restaurant to be as popular and as successful as it has been for all these years. Bradt said it comes down to the food.

"I'm surprised by the amount of people, with the amount of good food in Buffalo, who come this way," Bradt said. "I'm surprised at the number of people that come this way versus going that way."

Woodward said the restaurant's fame has mostly spread by word of mouth. 

"People say, 'We've always heard about this place, and I wanted to just stop and see what it was like,'" Woodward said. "During the summer, a lot of people would walk the refuge (the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge) and birdwatch and all that other stuff, and then they would stop here for lunch or dinner."

Good Food and Friendly Ambiance
The restaurant is also a popular destination for bikers in the summer and snowmobilers (when there is snow) in the winter.

The Alabama Hotel has always been known for its fish fries, chicken and biscuits, and it's also taken on a reputation far and wide for its salad bar, Wednesday night pizza night, prime rib on Thursdays, and the swamp burger, which is a hamburger with cajun seasoning, mushrooms, onions, and American cheese.

The fish fry, Bradt said, remains something special and also illustrates the care they put into meal preparation.

"We've have half a dozen suppliers, Bradt said. "We will stop at no end to find the best quality fish and the rest of the ingredients. We've tried different things, and we go with quality. Quality might cost us a little bit more, but quality is our number one goal."

The publicity from Winter Storm Elliott has helped business, too.  Woodward said business is up more than 60 percent since the storm. Bradt said he gets stopped by customers in the restaurant regularly to let him know they heard about what he and the restaurant did to help out travelers.

And on Saturday comes one of the county's most prestigious honors, Business of the Year from the Chamber of Commerce, and Woodward and Bradt are both a little surprised by it.  They're also honored because, to them, it doesn't just represent that single 48-hour event.  It represents what the Alabama Hotel has meant to the community for so many decades and that through turmoil and change, it's still a popular place for food and friendship.

Because of the awards ceremony at Batavia Downs, the restaurant will be closed on Saturday. Bonnie Woodward booked six tables so 48 people could attend, including nearly all of the employees and "diehard" customers, as well as members of the Woodward family.

"It's really important to us to make sure that the employees feel included in this," Bradt said. "It's more than just the blizzard, you know. Without our employees and our staff and the people who continue to come through those doors every day, whether it's to grab a quick burger or have a drink, the doors wouldn't be open."

Previously: Alabama has its own Christmas story to tell, and stranded travelers aren't 'home alone'

alabama hotel chamber award business of the year
Photo by Howard Owens.
alabama hotel chamber award business of the year
Photo by Howard Owens.
alabama hotel chamber award business of the year
Photo by Howard Owens.
alabama hotel winterstorm elliott
Christmas Eve at the Alabama Hotel during Winter Storm Elliott in 2022.
Submitted photo.
alabama hotel winterstorm elliott
Weary travelers at the Alabama Hotel during Winter Storm Elliott.
Submitted photo.
alabama hotel winterstorm elliott
Travelers who were stranded at the Alabama Hotel during Winter Storm Elliott help prepare a meal in the restaurant's kitchen.
Submitted photo.
alabama hotel winterstorm elliott
Christmas Eve dinner during Winter Storm Eillott at the Alabama Hotel.
Submitted photo.

Town of Alabama Republican Committee is seeking interested candidates

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Town of Alabama Republican Committee is seeking interested candidates to fill an open position for Town of Alabama Justice. The Town of Alabama Republican Committee will recommend to the Town of Alabama Board for the open position.

Please send a letter of intent to Town of Alabama Republican Chairman, Earl LaGrou. 7420 Macomber Rd. Oakfield or via email, earl@lwemail.com. If you have any questions please call Earl LaGrou at 716-912-8195. All letters need to be in no later than January 31.

Law and Order: Driver accused of nearly striking deputy's vehicle at more than 100 mph

By Howard B. Owens

Alan James Warren, 31, of Fillmore, is charged with reckless endangerment 1st, aggravated unlicensed operation, felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation 2nd. Warren is accused of nearly striking a deputy's vehicle while driving in excess of 100 mph at 1:11 a.m. on Dec. 30 on I-490 in Le Roy. Warren was stopped by Deputy Zachary Hoy. He was held pending arraignment.

Rhonda J. Schirmer, 57, of Walnut Street, Batavia, Alyssa M. Rondon, 33, of East Main Street, Clifton Springs, and David R. Fallon, 41, of East Main Street, Clifton Springs, are charged with petit larceny, conspiracy 6th, and endangering the welfare of a child. Schirmer and Rondon are also charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Schirmer, Rondon, and Fallon are accused of stealing merchandise from Walmart in the presence of a child. Schimer and Rondon were also allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance. All three suspects were processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on appearance tickets.

Timothy Delshawn Cobb, no age provided, of Butler Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with reckless endangerment 1st, unlawful fleeing from a police officer in a motor vehicle 3rd, reckless driving, aggravated unlicensed operation 2nd, and suspended registration. Cobb is accused of leading sheriff's deputies and Batavia police officers on a high-speed chase on the Thruway at 4:31 p.m. on Jan. 3. He was stopped by a successful deployment of spike strips by Corfu police. Cobb was held pending arraignment.

Maranda Lena Button, undisclosed age, of Park Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd. Button was stopped at 10:38 p.m. on Dec. 31 on Park Road, Batavia, by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun for an alleged inoperable headlamp. She was allegedly found in possession of cocaine and driving on a suspended license.

Ronda Marie Kern, 42, of Alleghany Road, Basom, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, speed not reasonable, and moving from lane unsafely. Kern was reportedly involved in a crash on South Lake Road, Pembroke, at 7:15 p.m. on Dec. 29 and found hiding in the woods near the crash scene. She was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

John David Bissell, 60, of North Academy Street, Wyoming, is charged with driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, ATV violation of driving while intoxicated, moving from lane unsafely, and an ATV violation of uninsured operation.  Bissell was reportedly involved in an ATV accident at 1:05 a.m. on Dec. 31 on Telephone Road, Pavilion. Biseell was transported to the Genesee County Jail for processing and released on tickets.

Garrett A. Breister, 51, of Capen Road, Brockport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving while ability impaired by drugs and alcohol, moving from lane unsafely, and speed not reasonable. Breister was reported involved in a motor vehicle accident at 10:39 p.m. on Oct. 31 on North Lake Road, Bergen. Breister was arrested on Dec. 29 following an investigation by Deputy Jonathan Dimming. He was issued tickets and released.

Angel Manuel Canales, 34, of Long Pond Road, Greece, is charged with assault 3rd and harassment 2nd. Canales allegedly punched another patron in the head, knocking him out, while at Batavia Downs, on Dec. 17 at 12:20 a.m.  No release status listed.

Ebony Lauren Jenkins, 24, of Child Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd.  Jenkins is accused of violating a court order at 8:19 p.m. on Dec. 27 at a location in Bergen. Jenkins was held pending arraignment.

Skarlette P. Tellier-Wilcox, 19, of Wood Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Tellier is accused of stealing merchandise from Walmart at 4:43 p.m. on Dec. 29. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Theodle Hill, Jr., 54, of Church Street, Batavia, is charged with disobeying a court mandate. Hill is accused of violating an order of protection by speaking to the protected person while at a local store at 5:28 p.m. on Dec. 27. Hill was held pending arraignment.

Zackary Charles Putney, 27, of Route 98, of Alexander, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, stopping on a highway, failure to use four way flashers. Putney was charged after deputies Jacob Kipler and Austin Heberlein located a vehicle parked on Route 33 in the Town of Pembroke at 1:29 p.m. on Jan. 1. He was transported to the Genesee County Jail for processing and released.

Jonathan Will Dodson, Jr., of Chugg Road, Clarendon, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd. Dodson is accused of cutting the wires of an electrical harness of another person's vehicle at 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 29 at a location on Byron Road, Byron. He was arraigned and ordered held on $5,000 bail or $10,000 bond. 

Mary Jenieve Almanzar, 32, of Ada Place, Buffalo, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, aggravated unlicensed operation, uninspected motor vehicle, and inoperable brake lamp. Almanzar was stopped at 12:01 p.m. on Route 77 in Alabama, on Jan. 6 by Deputy James Stack. During the traffic stop, she was allegedly found in possession of buprenorphine-naloxone that was not prescribed to her. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Joseph Stewart, 69, of Route 19, Le Roy, is charged with harassment 2nd. Stewart is accused of striking another person across the face with a belt at a location on East Main Street, Batavia, at 8:55 a.m. on Jan. 3. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Ricky J. Smith, 33, of Lockport, is charged with two counts of sexual abuse 1st and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Smith was arrested by State Police in relation to an incident reported at noon on Oct. 26 in the Town of Darien. He was released on an appearance ticket. Troopers did not release more information.

Michael J. McCarthy, 35, of Corfu, is charged with menacing 3rd and acting in a manner injurious to a child. He was arrested by State Police in relation to an incident reported at 12:43 p.m. on Jan. 4 in the Town of Pembroke. McCarthy's bail status was not available. Troopers did not release more information.

Harold Jemison-Pointer, 30, of Buffalo, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Jemison-Pointer was stopped at 10:20 a.m. ON Jan. 1 in the Town of Le Roy by State Police. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Prosecutor and defense attorney's views of Isaac Abrams diverge at sentencing

By Howard B. Owens
isaac abrams smokeshop
Isaac Abrams outside his new smoke shop on Martin Road on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation in September 2022.
Photo by Howard Owens.

The two views of Isaac D. Abrams, 23, expressed by attorneys in Genesee County Court on Thursday, couldn't be more different.

For Assistant District Attorney Robert Zickl, Abrams is a young man given many breaks in his run of criminal activity since he was a teen who has gone from making threats to actual violence. He belongs in prison.

To Michael Dwan, a Buffalo-based attorney hired by the Abrams family, the young Tonawanda Indian Reservation resident is an entrepreneur, a leader with a promise of potential to make a positive impact on his community who has made unfortunate decisions in his desire to help the people he cares about. Another prison could destroy any hope of a productive future for Abrams.

On Thursday, Judge Thomas Williams (filling for Judge Melissa Lightcap Cianfrini, who recused herself because of a possible conflict of interest, though that conflict was not disclosed) gave no verbal explanation for his sentence other than to say it was a "very difficult" decision. 

He sent Abrams to prison.  On a conviction, via guilty plea for burglary, he sent Abrams to prison for two years. On his robbery conviction, also via a guilty plea, he sent Abrams to prison for one to three years. The sentences are to be served concurrently.

Criminal Past
The chain of events, at least as documented in arrest reports that led to the new prison terms, began in August 2017 when Abrams threatened to shoot State troopers and county deputies on the reservation and then, the next month threatened to seriously injure or kill another person while driving a vehicle in the area of Tim Hortons in Batavia.

Abrams entered guilty pleas to making a terrorist threat and reckless endangerment in the first degree.

Judge Charles Zambito sent him to prison.

"I went through horrible experiences," Abrams told The Batavian in September 2022 about his time in prison. "I have scars on my eyebrows now that are permanent. I have stab wounds on my back and my shoulders. I went from prison to prison. It was a horrible, horrible experience."

In July 2019, Abrams was arrested again, accused of threatening a person with a baseball bat. The Batavian doesn't have a record of the disposition of that case.

In Sept. 2022, Abrams was in front of Cianfrini to be sentenced on a burglary charge. After much consideration, Cianfrini spared Abrams a prison term and gave him a chance to get help through the Mental Health Court.

That break allowed Abrams to return to his entrepreneurial dreams and his new smoke shop.

Abrams was grateful for the break.

"She honestly changed my life around," Abrams told The Batavian at the time. "I thank her for helping me. She did a lot.  Honestly, I wouldn't be here in these shoes.  I wouldn't be free today," he said. "I wouldn't be thinking clearly. I would have done none of that. I would have nothing.  I'd probably still be that broken little shit."

Second Chances, New Challenges
In that interview, Abrams talked about how there were people around him who wanted him to fail and who didn't want to see him lead a straight life.  

"This would  be the bad crowd," he said, "like the alcoholics, the drunks, the ones who like to stay out all night."

The night after the interview, two people tried to set his small shop on fire. About two weeks later, Brandi L. Reuben and Garrett S. Porter were arrested and charged with arson. Reuben's case is pending in County Court. Porter's case status is not available.

But that arson, Abrams said, was an example of a lesson learned. Rather than try to take matters into his own hands, he called the police and let them handle the investigation and eventual arrest.

According to Dwan's description of the two latest arrests, Abrams didn't call authorities. He did try to take matters into his own hands. 

Dwan describes the burglary charge as Abrams trying to protect his mother, entering the residence of her boyfriend, catching him in the act of hitting his brother, and then attacking the boyfriend. That description is very similar to the case Abrams was sentenced on by Cianfrini in 2022.

In the robbery case, Abrams was asked to go along with some friends to visit a smokeshop where a person there owed one of them some money.  Abrams said he thought he could help smooth things out by being the voice of reason.  Another, who has never been identified by police and never arrested, is the one who actually carried out all of the acts that led to robbery charges, according to Dwan.

"We're uncertain who was involved, and everyone involved is unwilling to name him," Dwan said. "My client is the only one facing any consequences over what happened in that store, and I believe he was minimally involved."

But Abrams was there as a participant, and although Abrams denies doing exactly what the arresting officer says he did, his mere participation, Dwan indicated, would lead to a jury convicting Abrams of a robbery, hence the guilty plea.

Dwan said Abrams could be a young man with a promising future. He has a stable relationship with a girlfriend, and they have a newborn child together. His mother was in court to support him. 

"There's a very good chance he's going to do very well in this world," Dwan said. "There is a good chance that by the time he's 40, we'll all look at him with respect.  If he's sent to prison, his future may be damaged in ways that will make it harder for him to succeed.  He's going to state prison as a Native American. As we all know, prison is segmented by race, and as a Native American, he will be alone.  He's a big guy, so he may be alright, but nobody will hang with him.  He was stabbed the last time he was there."

Remorse
Abrams sobbed while addressing Williams, expressing remorse for his poor decisions. 

He said it was not his intent to commit crimes.

"I tried to help people and I should really have just said, 'no," Abrams said. "I feel bad. I feel really bad about the robbery. If I could take it all back I would."

He said he would take his punishment, whatever was coming, that he should never have been at the dispensary, that he should have called the cops, and he was scared about going back to prison.

"I apologize to everyone for being here and making myself look like a fool," Abrams said. 

Zickl argued for prison because, to him, it seemed like the young man's criminal activity was escalating, and that Abrams has a history of minimizing his own culpability.  He argued that Abrams took an active role in the dispensary robbery.

"Mr. Abrams has demonstrated he neither appreciates nor can he take advantage of the positive considerations and benefits he's been given along the way," Zickl said. "His behavior becomes more aggressive and worrying and violent."

For The Batavian's previous coverage of Abrams, click here.

Shelby seeks to join Orleans lawsuit against STAMP sewer discharge into Oak Orchard

By Tom Rivers
stamp sewer
A sewer main is shown along Route 63 in the Town of Alabama in the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge on Sunday. The Town of Shelby wants to join an Orleans County lawsuit against the sewer construction in Orleans County and the discharge of treated wastewater into Oak Orchard Creek.  
Photo by Tom Rivers

The Town Board, in a 4-1 vote this evening, decided it wants to join an Orleans County lawsuit that seeks to stop construction of a sewer main along Route 63 from the STAMP manufacturing site in Alabama to the Oak Orchard Creek in Shelby.

Orleans County on Sept. 11, filed suit in State Supreme Court to stop a sewer line from coming into the Town of Shelby and depositing up to 6 million gallons of what Orleans says is “contaminated” water into the Oak Orchard Creek.

The county alleges that the Genesee County Economic Development Center formed a “sham corporation” in STAMP Sewer Works to make the 9.5-mile-long sewer main happen.

Orleans officials worry the sewer discharge could impair the water quality of the creek, cause flooding and hurt economic development opportunities at the Medina Business Park.

Scott Wengewicz, Shelby town supervisor, said he agrees with the concerns voiced by the county in opposing STAMP.

Shelby will spell out its reasons for objecting to the project when it files a notice to intervene with State Supreme Court Justice Sanford Church. The judge has set a court date for Oct. 23 at the County Courthouse in Albion for the initial hearing in the Orleans lawsuit. He also has issued the preliminary injunction to not allow any sewer main construction in Orleans County until the arguments are presented in court.

Kathy Bennett, the Shelby attorney, said the town has “a right to have at seat at the table” in court and any other discussions about the project.

“We are clearly an interested party,” she said after this evening’s Town Board meeting.

Ed Zelazny, a town councilman, cast the lone vote against seeking to join the lawsuit. Zelazny said the Town Board previously voted in support of the STAMP Sewer Works. That was in a 5-0 vote on Oct. 13, 2020, when Shelby provided its consent to the forming of STAMP Sewer Works.

Zelazny said the Town Board should have demanded money to ease town taxes as part of the vote, and the board members then should have stated their concerns about the impact on the Oak Orchard.

Zelazny said he doesn’t want to see the town commit to spending taxpayer dollars on another lawsuit.

Bennett, the town attorney, said the vote from the Town Board about three years ago was only for the formation of STAMP Sewer Works and didn’t give Shelby’s blessing to discharge wastewater from STAMP into the Oak Orchard.

STAMP would send up to 6 million gallons a day at full capacity. The first two tenants at STAMP – Plug Power and Edwards Vacuum – would have a daily discharge of 50,000 gallons of treated wastewater, GCEDC said.

Story courtesy Orleans Hub

Smoke reported coming from vacant house near Macomber Road, Oakfield

By Howard B. Owens

Alabama Fire is responding to 2557 Towne Place, near Macomber Road, in Oakfield, for the report of smoke coming from a vacant house.

UPDATE 11:15 a.m.: A chief on scene reports nothing showing.

UPDATE 11:17 a.m.: Responders, which now includes an engine from Oakfield, can respond non-emergency.

Law and Order: Woman arrested for striking another person at Batavia gas station

By Howard B. Owens

Toni M. Drake, 42, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Drake is accused of striking another person in the face on Aug. 28 during an argument in the parking lot of the Mobile gas station on East Main Street, Batavia. Drake was issued an appearance ticket.

Rodrigo G. Vasquez, 26, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Vasquez was stopped by a Batavia patrol officer on Sept. 2 at an undisclosed location following several citizen complaints of an erratic driver. Vasquez was issued traffic citations and released.

Danvor E. Hodgson-Aguilar, 34, of Silver Springs, Maryland, is charged with petit larceny. Hodgson-Aguilar was arrested after an investigation into a theft at Tops on Sept. 2. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Robbie C. Scheib, 21, of Rochester, was arrested on a warrant containing a charge of harassment 2nd. Scheib is accused of being involved in a disturbance on Aug. 30 in which he allegedly subjected another person to unwanted physical contact. Scheib was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance. 

Jon H. Bush, Jr., 40, of Batavia, was arrested on Sept. 1 on two arrest warrants. The first warrant is the result of a traffic stop on Washington Avenue on June 5, where Bush was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 2nd. The warrant was issued after he allegedly failed to appear in court. The second warrant stems from an incident on Aug. 3, where police attempted to stop Bush for a traffic violation while he was riding a bicycle. Bush allegedly refused to stop and fled on the bike. Bush was arraigned in City Court and released. 

Bradley Robert Jordan, 30, of Silver Road, Bethany, is charged with petit larceny. Jordan is accused of a left from a store on Lewiston Road, Batavia (the Sheriff's Office withheld this public information). Jordan was issued an appearance ticket.

Yovani Hernandez, 28, of Melvin Hill Road, Geneva, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, obstructed view, and dirty or covered plate.  A passerby reportedly found Hernandez asleep and slumped over the wheel at a location on South Lake Road in Pavilion at 6:12 p.m. on Sept. 3. Hernandez was arrested by Deputy Jacob Kipler, issued traffic tickets, and released.

Alexis Joy Dugan, 22, of Miller Road, Albion, is charged with DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, inadequate headlamps, and moving from lane unsafely. Dugan was stopped on Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia at 8:20 p.m. on Sept. 9 by Deputy James Stack. Dugan was issued appearance tickets are leased.

Stephen Hunter Heil, 21, of Million Dollar Highway, Medina, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to keep right, and moving from lane unsafely. Heil was stopped at 6:55 p.m. on Aug. 29, on Bloomingdale Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, by Deputy Alexander Hadsall.

Kevin Allan Knickerbocker, 52, of Mill Pond Road, Byron, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Knickerbocker is accused of violating a stay away order of protection at 6:50 p.m. on Sept. 12 at a location on West Main Street, Byron.

Jeremiah William Krupp, 45, of Hutchins Place, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal contempt 1st. Krupp is accused of placing phone calls to a protected person in violation of an order of protection on Aug. 29. He was held pending arraignment.

George J. Budzinack, 43, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Budzinack is accused of a theft at 10:02 a.m. on Sept. 16 at an undisclosed location in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket. The NYSP did not release more information.

Robert G. Reiner, 37, of Akron, is charged with criminal mischief 4th, criminal tampering 3rd, and resisting arrest. Reiner was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 3 p.m. on Sept. 16. His release status is unknown. The NYSP did not release more information.

Eight-week road closure in Alabama to begin Monday

By Press Release

UPDATE: The county has clarified that the road closure will be between Lewiston Road from Route 77 and Route 63 junction to Knowlesville Road in Alabama.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Highway Department would like to inform the public about an upcoming road closure on Lewiston Road between Route 63 and Knowlesville Road in Alabama.

Beginning Monday, Aug. 28, the road will be closed to all traffic for approximately eight weeks to facilitate a culvert replacement project.

The culvert replacement project is an essential infrastructure improvement aimed at enhancing the safety and functionality of Lewiston Road.

The existing culvert will be replaced with a new culvert pipe to improve water flow under Lewiston Road and ensure the long-term sustainability of the roadway.

Law and Order: Batavia man accused of hitting person, fleeing police, and then causing another disturbance

By Howard B. Owens

Joel D. Prouty, 37, of Batavia, is charged with strangulation 2nd and assault 3rd. It’s alleged that Prouty struck the victim in the face and strangled her during a disturbance on an undisclosed date at an undisclosed location in the City of Batavia. When Police arrived on scene, Prouty allegedly jumped out of a second-story window and fled on foot. Officers were unable to locate Prouty that day. On Aug. 4, patrols were called back to the same address for another disturbance between Prouty and the same victim. When officers attempted to take him into custody, Prouty reportedly fought with them. He was additionally charged with resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration 2nd. He was arraigned in City Court and held without bail.

Owen Charles Scouten, 22, of Batavia (no street address disclosed), is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speed not reasonable and prudent, moving from lane unsafely, and drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle. Scouten was reportedly involved in an accident at 1:16 a.m. on Aug. 20, on Lewiston Road, Batavia. Two people were injured in the accident and required transport to a hospital for treatment. Following an investigation, Scouten was arrested by Deputy Carlos Ortiz Speed.  Additional charges are pending. Scouten was released on an appearance ticket.

Owen Charles Scouten, 22, of Church Street, Elba, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding and moving from lane unsafely. Scouten was stopped at 7:38 p.m. on Aug. 14 on Route 20 in Alexander by Deputy Alexander Hadsall. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Richard A Demmer, 30, of Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant issued by City Court. Demmer was initially arrested on May 29, after he allegedly attempted to rob the 7-Eleven, on East Main Street A warrant was issued on July 12 after Demmer allegedly failed to appear for a court appearance. He was arrested on that warrant on July 13. Another warrant was issued on July 27 after he again allegedly failed to appear in court. Demmer was located by Batavia Police on Aug. 3 and arrested. He was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail on $10,000 cash bail, $20,000 bond, or $40,000 partially secured bond.

Crystal A. Mounts, 46, of Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant issued by City Court. Mounts was initially arrested on April 9, 2022 after allegedly stealing property from a local church. A warrant was issued on April 29, 2022 after she allegedly failed to appear in court. She was arrested on that warrant on May 14, 2022. Another warrant was issued on Sept. 19 after she again failed to appear in court. She was arrested on that warrant on July 29. She was arraigned and released.

Lance D. Beals, 53, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th and criminal tampering 3rd. Beals was arrested after an investigation into an incident on East Main Street where he allegedly damaged to an apartment building. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Kavyia A. Spencer, 24, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Spencer was arrested after an investigation into an employee theft from Kwik Fill on Jackson Street, Batavia. It’s alleged that she stole merchandise from the store on two separate occasions. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Patricia M. Anderson, 38, of Batavia, was arrested on on Aug. 9 on an arrest warrant issued by City Court. Anderson was initially arrested on April 9 after allegedly stealing merchandise from 7-Eleven on East Main Street in Batavia. A warrant was issued after Anderson allegedly failed to appear in court. Anderson was arraigned in City Court and released on her own recognizance. 

Edmund J. Sobresky, 54, of Batavia, is charged with DWAI Drugs. Sobresky’s arrest is the result of a traffic stop on April 11.  He was charged on Aug. 8 following an investigation. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Patricia A. McCarthy, 29, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd and public lewdness. McCarthy was arrested after patrols responded to Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, on Aug. 6 for a report of two people fighting. It’s alleged that McCarthy engaged in a fight with another person. During the fight, McCarthy became disrobed. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Jason Howard Heerdt, 27, of Hilltop Drive Elma, Ryan Thomas Budziszewski, 32, of Northseine Drive, Cheektowaga, and Carlie Marie Budziszewski, 25, of Northseine Drive, Cheektowaga, are charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle. Heerdt is accused of taking a golf cart at Darien Lake Theme Park without permission on Aug. 6 at 9:25 p.m.. They were issued appearance tickets.

Joseph David Johnson, 53, of State Street, Mumford, is charged with robbery 3rd and harassment 2nd. Johnson is accused of using force to steal property from an elderly victim while inside Batavia Downs Casino at 1:26 on Aug. 10. He was held pending arraignment.

Christopher James Parker, 34, of Batavia Elba Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Parker is accused of violating an order of protection at 10:37 a.m. on Aug. 11. He was held pending arraignment.

Steven Albert Barraco, 53, of Edgewood Drive, Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Barraco is accused of shoving another person by the throat during an altercation on Aug. 10 at 5:31 p.m. at a location on Edgewood Drive. He was held pending arraignment.

Brian Michael Tracy, 35, of Horseshoe Lake Road, Stafford, is charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, criminal contempt 2nd, criminal mischief 4th, and harassment 2nd.  Tracy is accused of getting out of a car and striking another person in front of two children on Aug. 11 at 4:10 p.m. at a location on Horseshoe Lake Road. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and held pending arraignment. 

Jason Michael Babbitt, 49, of Perry Road, Pavilion, is charged with 46 counts of aggravated harassment 2nd. Babbitt is accused of calling the Emergency Dispatch Center 46 times, including calls after he was instructed to stop.  According to the Sheriff's Office, his calls were not placed to request the services of police, fire, or EMS.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

Jose Efrain Velz-Torres, 42, of Sobieski Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, speeding, aggravated unlicensed operation, operating a vehicle with improper plates, and driving without insurance. Velz-Torres was stopped at 1:19 a.m. on Aug. 14 on Clinton Street Road, Bergen, by Deputy Ryan Mullen. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Mark Louis Frongetta, 53, of Park Road, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. At 6:14 p.m. on Aug. 14, Deputies responded to the Best Western Inn Suites on Park Road after receiving a report of a disturbance. Frongetta is accused of standing in the lobby yelling obscenities and of throwing the hotel's phone. Frongetta was held pending arraignment.

Dennis Edward Biggins, 48, of Franklin Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, and driving too slow (impeding traffic). Biggins was stopped at 4:15 p.m. on Aug. 14 on Route 237 in Stafford by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Lorriance Marie Nelson, 61, of Hillcrest Street, Newfane, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs, speed not reasonable and prudent, and moving from lane unsafely. Nelson was reportedly involved in an accident at 12:51 a.m. on May 25 on Ellicott Street. She was arrested on Aug. 18 following an investigation by Deputy Mason Schultz.  She was issued an appearance ticket.

Joseph Albert Boisclair, 58, of Knowlesville Road, Oakfield, is charged with DWI, speeding, driving left of pavement markings, and failure to keep right. Boisclair was stopped at 1:35 a.m. on Aug. 19 on Lewiston Road, Batavia by Sgt. Mathew Clor. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Angel Eliseo Colon, 41, of Grant Street, North Tonawanda, is charged with harassment 2nd. Colon is accused of spitting on another person while at the Genesee County Jail at 7:02 p.m. on Aug. 16. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Akeem Rashaad Gibson, 33, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with reckless endangerment and unlawful fleeing a police officer 3rd. Gibson is accused of fleeing from a deputy in the Town of Byron at 3:31 p.m. on July 30. He was arrested on the charge on Aug. 15. He was held pending arraignment. 

Joseph Jerome Kostanciak, 33, of Genesee Street, Pembroke, and Shannon Leah Smith, 46, of Genesee Street, Pembroke, are charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Kostanciak and Smith are accused of possession of drug paraphernalia at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 18 at a location on Genesee Street, Pembroke, including an uncapped needle that was accessible to children who are under the age of 17.  Both were held pending arraignment.

John Joseph Wojtkowiak, 56, of Attica Road, Attica, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and drinking in a motor vehicle. Wojtkowiak was reportedly involved in an accident at 6:44 a.m. on Aug. 1 at the Totempole Gas and Smoke Shop on Ledge Road, Basom. He was arrested following an investigation by Deputy Kevin McCarthy. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Alleghany Farm Services celebrates 40 years of hard work, family, and good customers

By Howard B. Owens
Allegheny ribbon cutting 40th anniversary
Thursday's Ribbon Cutting at Alleghany Farm Services. From left, Brian Cousins, president of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Chad Klotzbach, Dianne Klotzbach, Drew Klotzbach, Harriett Klotzbach, Morgan Wagner, and Craig Wagner.
Photo by Howard Owens.

"Hard work and a good wife" is the answer that quickly came to mind to Drew Klotzbach when asked why a company he founded 40 years ago with a backhoe and a bulldozer is still going into its second generation of ownership.

Now Alleghany Farm Services uses the most advanced equipment in the business to precisely install farm field drainage systems, laying more than five million feet of pipe a year, and now employing more than 30 people in the Town of Alabama and in Delaware.

Located at 7342 Alleghany Road in Basom, Alleghany Farm Services celebrated its four decades in business with a party, equipment and history displays, a back-hoe "certification" practice for kids, and an adult backhoe competition, along with a catered lunch and ice cream.

The company remains a family venture.

"We bring my 94-year-old grandmother out," said Chad Kotzbach, Drew's son and now the managing partner. "She does a lot of our mailers, and that keeps us busy."

The other big secret to success, Drew said, is the customers.

"The customer base too, and especially agricultural customers, are great people to work with," Drew said. "Yep, that's really what's made us grow is a great customer base," Chad added, "It's about relationships. This is a relationships business."

Previously:

 

Allegheny ribbon cutting 40th anniversary
Chad Klotzbach with some of the historical artifacts related to Alleghany Farm Service and drainage tiles.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Allegheny ribbon cutting 40th anniversary
Chad Klotzbach shows off an old drainage tile.  Drainage tiles were introduced to the U.S. from Scotland at a farm in Seneca County in 1838.  They were once made from fired clay, with the pipes shaped around a worker's calf (which Klotzbach is explaining).  Installing clay, and later concrete, drainage tiles, was labor intensive. Nearly 60 years ago, plastic, corrugated pipe was introduced, which can be laid in long layers, and now are placed precisely in farm fields with GPS technology.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Allegheny ribbon cutting 40th anniversary
Children who visited Alleghany Farm Services on Thursday could operate a backhoe with the assistance of an experienced adult.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Allegheny ribbon cutting 40th anniversary
Photo by Howard Owens.
Allegheny ribbon cutting 40th anniversary
The adult backhoe competition involved removing basketballs from the top of traffic cones, dumping them in a bucket, and then trying to place the balls back on top of the cones. 
Photo by Howard Owens.
Allegheny ribbon cutting 40th anniversary
Photo by Howard Owens.
Allegheny ribbon cutting 40th anniversary
Photo by Howard Owens.

GCEDC and National Grid announce growth at STAMP site

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center and National Grid today announced that a 1.9-mile portion of a 115-kilovolt electric transmission line in Genesee County has been relocated to open more than 300 acres of land for future development at the Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park site.

The transmission line, which had previously cut across a portion of the 1,250-acre site, now runs adjacent to it. Future tenants will join Plug Power and Edwards at STAMP and have clean hydropower delivered to them from the Niagara Power Project in Lewiston, N.Y. Delivering hydropower to STAMP aligns with New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal to obtain 70 percent of electricity statewide from renewable sources by 2030 on the path to a zero-emission grid.

More than $1 billion will be invested at STAMP by Plug Power and Edwards for projects that will create up to 680 new, family-sustaining jobs in the emerging green hydrogen and semiconductor sectors. Plug Power is constructing North America’s largest green hydrogen manufacturing facility with a $677 million investment that will produce 74 tons of green hydrogen a day. Edwards is investing approximately $319 million to build a semiconductor dry pump manufacturing facility that the company has dubbed as its factory of the future.

“Between Edwards and Plug Power, and recent infrastructure upgrades thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul and New York State, STAMP has generated $1 billion of capital investment and National Grid has played a vital role in helping us attract projects that will benefit Genesee County and surrounding communities, including the Buffalo and Rochester regions, for generations to come,” said GCEDC President and CEO Steve Hyde. 

“The hydropower provided by the New York Power Authority and the infrastructure built by National Grid are energizing companies of the future right here at STAMP, giving us a competitive advantage as we compete globally for companies in these emerging business sectors.”

“The electric infrastructure and equipment needed to serve STAMP customers are state-of-the-art and will provide the necessary capacity to deliver renewable hydropower to Plug Power and Edwards, as well as future STAMP tenants,” said National Grid Regional Director Ken Kujawa. He added that the transmission circuit at STAMP is paired with an additional 115 KV transmission line that will be connected to a 600-megawatt substation that is currently under construction. 

“We have a responsibility to provide affordable, reliable power to our customers and the GCEDC and Genesee County community are building something special at STAMP.” In addition to working with GCEDC on the transmission line relocation, National Grid’s commitment to STAMP has included funding from its robust suite of economic development programs, which have been used to support the site’s marketing efforts.

Since 2003, National Grid’s 18 economic development programs have provided more than $145 million in assistance, helping to create or retain more than 65,000 jobs and supporting almost $10.5 billion in private and public investment across upstate New York. More information about National Grid’s economic development programs is available at www.shovelready.com.

Law and Order: warrant suspect accused of resisting arrest

By Howard B. Owens

Jacob William Patterson, 27, of Killian Road, Pembroke, is charged with destroying physical evidence, criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, resisting arrest, and obstructing governmental administration. Deputy Jeremiah Gechell and Deputy Alexander Hadsall conducted a traffic stop on Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, at 1:41 a.m. on June 21. During the traffic stop, deputies identified Patterson as a backseat passenger. The deputies were aware of warrants for the arrest of Patterson. While attempting to take Patterson into custody, Patterson allegedly resisted arrest and fought with the deputies. Once he was taken into custody, a further investigation with the assistance of Deputy James Stack and K-9 Razor, a controlled substance was allegedly recovered from the vehicle. Patterson had allegedly tried to destroy the controlled substance just prior to his arrest. Patterson was held pending arraignment.

Jacob W. Patterson, 27, of Killian Road, Pembroke, was arrested on a warrant out of City Court. The warrant stems from an incident on April 24 where Patterson was charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, obstructing governmental administration 2nd and four counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. During that incident, Patterson allegedly ran from and fought with officers as they attempted to take him into custody. He was issued an appearance ticket. On May 10, a warrant was issued after Patterson failed to appear in court. Patterson was located on a traffic stop and arrested on the warrant on June 21. He was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail. The arrest was handled by Officer Richard Messmer.

Gerald Lawrence Smith, 37, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance (degree not specified), moving from lane unsafely, speed not reasonable and prudent, and criminal use of drug paraphernalia.  Smith was reportedly involved in a motor vehicle accident at 10:18 p.m. on June 25 on Byron Road, Stafford. According to an investigation by Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush and Deputy Nicholas Charmoun, Smith's vehicle went off the roadway and into a wooded area. Following the accident, Smith was allegedly found in possession of cocaine, scales, and baggies for packaging. Smith was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on an appearance ticket.

Nekia Drio Newton, 47, of Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, signal less than 100 feet, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 3rd. Newton was stopped by Deputy Jeremiah Gechell at 11:49 p.m. on June 28 on West Main Street in the City of Batavia. During the stop, Newton allegedly admitted to possession of a controlled substance.  Newton was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on an appearance ticket.

Nicholas C. Kingdollar, 27, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant stemming from charges of criminal mischief 4th and harassment 2nd. Kingdollar is accused of being involved in a disturbance on April 15 at an undisclosed location in Batavia, where he allegedly damaged property and pushed another person. Officers were unable to locate him, and a warrant was issued. On June 22, Kingdollar was located and arrested. He was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance pending his next court appearance.

Jaqulyn A. Dueppengiesser, 39, of Perry, was arrested on June 22 on a pair of warrants out of City Court. The first warrant stems from an investigation on April 20 where Dueppengiesser was initially arrested for petit larceny, after allegedly stealing merchandise from a local business. She was issued an appearance ticket and was to appear in Batavia City Court at a later date. Dueppengiesser allegedly failed to appear, and an arrest warrant was issued. She was arrested on the warrant on May 24 and arraigned in City Court, where she was released on her own recognizance. She allegedly failed to appear again, and a bench warrant was issued on June 15. On June 22, Dueppengiesser was arrested on that warrant and arraigned in City Court. The second warrant initially stems from a traffic stop on Feb. 19, where Dueppengiesser was allegedly found to be in possession of a narcotic. She was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 5th. She was arraigned and released under the supervision of Genesee Justice. On May 1, a bench warrant was issued after Dueppengiesser allegedly failed to comply with a court-ordered program. She was arrested on that warrant on May 24 and released on her own recognizance. Another bench warrant was issued on June 15 after she allegedly failed to appear in court. She was arrested on that warrant on June 22. Dueppengiesser was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail. The arrests were handled by Officer Andrew Mruczek.

Andrew D. Beedham, 37, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. The arrest is the result of an investigation into a disturbance where Beedham allegedly hit another person. During his arrest, Beedham was allegedly found to be in possession of a narcotic. He was charged with an additional count of criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Beedham was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance. 

Jennifer J. Hogan, 32, of Rochester, is charged with two counts of bail jumping 3rd and one count of bail jumping 2nd. Hogan was arrested on June 27. She was already in custody at the Genesee County Jail after a previous arrest on June 15 on three bench warrants. The bail-jumping charges stem from those three cases. She was arraigned in City Court and remanded to jail.

Breanna E. Brummond, 32, was arrested on two bench warrants. Brummond was arrested on June 27 on warrants out of City Court. The warrants stem from two separate incidents on Feb. 3 where Brummond was charged with petit larceny and criminal trespass 3rd. Brummond was issued appearance tickets in both cases and released. She allegedly failed to appear, and two warrants were issued on Feb. 14. Brummond was arrested on both warrants on April 5. She was arraigned and released. April 20, warrants were issued again after she allegedly failed to appear. Brummond was arrested on those warrants on June 27 and arraigned. She was remanded to the custody of the Genesee County Jail and is due back in court at a later date. The arrest was handled by Officer Kevin Defelice. Brummond was also arrested by the Sheriff's Office and charged with bail jumping 2nd. She is accused of failure to appear in City Court.

Shameek T. Taylor, 36, of Bergen, is charged with criminal obstruction of Breathing. Taylor was arrested on June 27, after an investigation into a disturbance on West Main Street. Taylor allegedly placed his hand around the neck of another person and applied pressure, causing their breathing to be obstructed. Taylor was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear back in court at a later date. 

Bill A. Thomas, 63, of Batavia, is charged with open container. Thomas was allegedly found to be in possession of an open alcoholic beverage container on June 21 in a local park. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. 

Billy Joe Budziszewski, 31, of Varysburg, was taken into custody on an arrest warrant issued in City Court. The warrant is the result of an incident on Jan. 1 where Budziszewski allegedly refused to leave a local business. He was charged with trespassing and allegedly fought with officers when they attempted to take him into custody. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. Budziszewski allegedly failed to appear, and a warrant was issued on Jan. 24. He was arrested on the warrant on June 24. 

Dustin T. Forkell, 32, of Ogden, was arrested on two bench warrants. Forkell was taken into custody on June 24. The warrants stem from an incident that led to a charge of criminal possession of stolen property 4th after he was allegedly found in possession of a stolen vehicle. He was additionally charged with false impersonation and petit larceny after he allegedly stole merchandise from a local business and lied to officers about his identity. Forkell was arraigned and ordered to return to court at a later date. 

Brittanee J. Hooten, 34, of Batavia, was taken into custody on an arrest warrant issued by City Court.  Hooten was arrested on June 22. Hooten was originally charged with petit larceny on Sept. 17 after allegedly stealing merchandise from a local business. Hooten was released on an appearance ticket. A warrant was issued on Oct. 20 after Hooten allegedly failed to appear in court. Following her June 22 arrest, Hooten was arraigned and remanded to the Genesee County Jail on $100 cash bail and $200 surety bond. 

Kenyetta D. Culver, 47, of Batavia, was taken into custody on an arrest warrant on June 23. Culver turned herself into Batavia PD on a warrant issued by City Court. The warrant is the result of a traffic stop on Feb. 12 where Culver was issued a misdemeanor traffic ticket for operating a vehicle with a suspended registration. The warrant was issued on June 14 after Culver allegedly failed to appear in court. She was arraigned in City Court, where she pled guilty and was assessed a fine. 

William Avant Lewis, 37, of Riley Street, Buffalo, is charged with bail jumping (degree not specified). Lewis is accused of failure to appear in Batavia Town Court. He was held pending arraignment. 

Dontaya Nell Kyles, 31, of Jessamine Street, Macon, Ga., is charged with bail jumping 2nd. Kyles is accused of failure to appear in Town of Batavia Court on a grand larceny 3rd charge and then failing to appear on her reappearance date. She was arrested and ordered held on $10,000 bail.

Amber Lynne Westenberger, 32, of Loomis Road, Farmington, is charged with bail jumping 2nd. Westenberger was held pending arraignment.

Cain Alexander Catino, 51, of South Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with grand larceny 4th. Cantino is accused of stealing a wallet while at Batavia Downs on June 25 at 10:30 p.m. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on an appearance ticket.

Lester Shakayla Ebony Deas, 25, of Affinity Lane, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny. Deas is accused of stealing from an undisclosed location (the Sheriff's Office withheld the information) on Veterans Memorial Drive in the Town of Batavia at 6:27 p.m. on June 27. Deas was issued an appearance ticket. UPDATE: The Batavian submitted a FOIL request for the name of the store. It is Old Navy.

Pablo Viera, 44, no known address, is charged with criminal mischief 4th and criminal possession of a weapon 4th. Viera is accused of using a wooden tire knocker to strike the side of a Kenworth semi-truck multiple times, causing dents in the side door at 7:35 p.m. on June 25. Viera was released on an appearance ticket.

Joseph Gerard Eyer, 75, of Cowen Road, Piffard, is charged with grand larceny 4th. Eyer is accused of stealing a purse that contained a mobile phone and multiple credit cards at 5:15 p.m. on June 23 while at Target. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Mark Louis Frongetta, 53, of Park Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon 3rd and menacing 2nd. Frongetta is accused of threatening another person with a weapon making the person fear for his life at a location on Park Road at 8:44 p.m., July 1. Frongetta was held pending arraignment. 

Francis Jermey Fuest, 44, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, and speeding. Fuest was stopped at 12:14 a.m. on May 25 on Clinton Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Mason Schultz. Fuest was arraigned on the charges on July 1 and released on an appearance ticket.

Maurice Richard McCoy, 70, of North Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. McCoy was stopped by Deputy Zachary Hoy in the parking lot of Walmart at 8:38 p.m. on July 2. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Andrew Scott Hartman, 40, of Route 78, Java Center, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 greater, and inadequate headlamps. Hartman was stopped at 12:13 a.m. on July 2 on Clinton Street Road, Stafford, by Deputy Ryan Mullen. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Austin F. Buzard, 25, no known address, is charged with assault 2nd and aggravated criminal contempt. Buzard was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 8:30 p.m. on July 3 in the Town of Stafford. He was held in custody. No further details released.

Andrew R. Bastiano, 36, of Batavia, is charged with felony DWI. Bastiano was stopped at 12:39 a.m. on July 3 in the Town of Elba by State police. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Paula A. Kingdollar, 54, of Pavilion, is charged with petit larceny. Kingdollar is accused of stealing in the Town of Batavia at 1:33 p.m. on June 2. She was arrested by State Police and released on an appearance ticket. No further details released. 

A 17-year-old was arrested by State Police and charged with petit larceny in connection with a theft reported at 5:17 p.m. on July 2 in the Town of Darien. The youth was released on an appearance ticket.

Rudy Lebron Cartagena, 33, of Niagara Falls, is charged with felony DWI. Cartagena was stopped at 5:25 a.m. on June 30 in the Town of Alabama by State Police. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Oakfield man killed in ATV accident on Monday

By Howard B. Owens

A 60-year-old Oakfield resident died in an ATV accident reported at 6:28 p.m. on Monday, according to State Police.

According to troopers, Michael D. Borkholder was driving a 2008 Cam-Am Outlander Max XT southbound on Maple Road, Town of Alabama, and failed to stop and struck the rear end of another ATV, a 2021 CF Moto ZForcce 950, that was slowing to make a turn into a driveway. 

Borkholder was ejected from his ATV. 

He was transported by Mercy Flight to Erie County Medical Center with severe injuries. He succumbed later that night.

Lewiston road in Alabama will be closed starting June 5

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Genesee County Highway Department would like to inform the public about an upcoming road closure on Lewiston Road between Route 77 and Knowlesville Road in Alabama. Beginning Monday, June 5, the road will be closed to all traffic for approximately three weeks to facilitate a culvert replacement project.

The culvert replacement project is an essential infrastructure improvement aimed at enhancing the safety and functionality of Lewiston Rd. The existing culvert will be replaced with a new culvert pipe to improve water flow under Lewiston Rd and ensure the long-term sustainability of the roadway.

Law and Order: State Police arrest four people on theft charges in three separate incidents

By Howard B. Owens

Brittany L. Richway, 32, of Syracuse, and Angel M. Scott, 34, of Batavia, are charged with petit larceny. Richway and Scott are accused of stealing from a location in the Town of Batavia at 7:46 p.m. on May 11. They were arrested by the State Police and released on an appearance ticket.  No further information was released.

Michael R. Vickery, 45, of Lackawanna, is charged with petit larceny. Vickery is accused of stealing from a location in the Town of Batavia at 12:52 p.m. on May 10.  He was arrested by State Police and released on an appearance ticket.  No further information was released.

Daniel Stevens, 49, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Stevens is accused of stealing from a location in the Town of Batavia on May 8 at 9:46 a.m. Stevens was released by State Police and released on an appearance ticket. No further information was released.

Cody Middlebrooks, 32, of Akron, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Middlebrooks is accused of damaging property in the Town of Alabama on May 9 at 4:15 a.m.  He was arrested by State Police. His release status is unknown. No further information was released.

Tony Robert Graber, 44, of Main Road, Pembroke, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Graber is accused of violating a complete stay-away order of protection on May 5 in the Town of Batavia. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail, arraigned, and released on bail.

Law and Order: Batavia man accused of fleeing from police, possessing narcotics to sell

By Howard B. Owens

Jason W. Whitehead, 25, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, possession of a narcotic with the intent to sell, harassment 2nd, resisting arrest and use of drug paraphernalia 2nd. Batavia patrol officers located Whitehead, who had an active warrant for his arrest, walking on Bank Street on April 16. Whitehead allegedly fled on foot when officers attempted to arrest him. A private citizen assisted Officer John Gombos and Sgt. Christopher Lindsay in stopping Whitehead. The officer took Whitehead into custody. Whitehead was allegedly found to be in possession of a quantity of drugs and drug paraphernalia. Whitehead was arraigned in  City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail on no bail.

Cassandra F. Smith, 37, of Manhattan Ave.,  Batavia, is charged with two counts of petit larceny. Smith is accused of stealing various items from a yard on Manhattan Avenue on April 8. Smith was released on an appearance ticket.  On April 12, she was charged with criminal trespass 2nd. She is accused of entering and remaining unlawfully in an apartment on Washington Avenue, where she left a note for a resident to find when the person came home. She was arraigned in Centralized Arraignment Court and released. She was charged with criminal mischief 4th on April 12. She is accused of spray-painting an apartment door, doorbell camera, and van in the driveway of a residence on Washington Avenue.  She was arraigned in Centralized Arraignment Court, and her release status is unknown.

Joseph C. Jeffords, 32, of Chestnut Street, Batavia, was arrested on two bench warrants issued by City Court. Jeffords is accused of failure to appear on two prior appearance tickets, one for alleged unauthorized use of a motor vehicle on Jan. 23, and the second for alleged criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th on Feb. 6. He was arraigned in Centralized Arraignment Court, and his release status is unknown. Jeffords was also arrested on April 9 and charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd. Jeffords was allegedly in possession of various narcotic drugs upon being arrested on multiple warrants.  Jeffords was arraigned in  City Court and custody remanded to the Genesee County Jail in lieu of bail.  

Salvatore Dellapenna, 54, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief. Dellapenna is accused of damaging a neighbor's front door by kicking it in on April 8. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Patricia M. Anderson, 38, of Buell Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny, operating a motor vehicle while the registration is suspended, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle third. Anderson is accused of filling a shopping cart with $139 in merchandise and leaving the business on East Main Street, Batavia, without paying. During the investigation, it was allegedly found that Anderson operated a motor vehicle with a suspended registration while her license was suspended. Anderson was released with an appearance ticket.

Modesto O. Cardenas, 29, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment in the second degree.  Cardenas was arrested by Officer John Gombos following an investigation into a disturbance on April 1. He was arraigned in Centralized Arraignment Court, and his release status is unknown.

Linda L. Snyder, 40, of Creek Road, Batavia, was arrested for bench warrants issued by City Court and charged with bail jumping in the third degree. On April 5, Officer Peter Post arrested Snyder on bench warrants issued by  City Court for harassment, criminal mischief, and animal cruelty charges.  Additionally, Snyder was charged with bail jumping 3rd because she failed to appear in court as directed after being released on her own recognizance from a criminal proceeding.  Snyder was arraigned in City Court and custody remanded to the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,000 cash bail. 

Josia G. Culver, 18, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with two counts of burglary 3rd, two counts of criminal mischief 4th and petit larceny. Culver is accused of breaking into a local restaurant on Ellicott Street on April 14. He is accused of breaking into another restaurant in the mall on April 16 and stealing money from the register. His release status is unknown.

Lori A. Wittkopp, 61, of Spencer Court, Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .18% or greater. On April 14, Officer John Gombos stopped Wittkopp following a complaint that Wittkopp was driving while intoxicated. Wittkopp was issued appearance tickets.

Kendra Q. Thomas, 35, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd and endangering the welfare of a child. Thomas is accused of a physical altercation with a juvenile on April 15.  Thomas was issued an appearance ticket.

Luis J. Santiago Arroyo, 34, of Buell Street,  Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd, endangering the welfare of a child, and criminal contempt 1st. Arroyo is accused of being involved in a physical incident during a custody exchange on April 23. Arroyo is accused of striking another person, unprovoked, who was covered by an order of protection while she was holding a child.  Police say a Ring camera captured video of the incident. Arroyo was held in the Genesee County Jail pending arraignment. Release status unknown.

Aaron T. Hendershot, 26, of Ellsworth Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd and aggravated family offense. Hendershot allegedly violated an order of protection on April 20 by calling, messaging, and writing letters to the protected party.  He was additionally charged with aggravated family offense as he has been convicted of a specified offense within the immediately preceding 5 years, Feb. 6, 2023.  Hendershot was arraigned in City Court and custody remanded to the Genesee County Jail without bail. 

Alisha A. Soule, 26, of Route 237, Le Roy, is charged with harassment 2nd and criminal mischief 4th. Police responded to a reported disturbance on April 26. Soule is accused of kicking in a door to gain entry to a house and then striking one person while attempting to get to another person. Soule was arraigned in City Court and released.

Pamela L. Dickinson, 60, of Roosevelt Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI, failure to comply, speeding, and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle. At about 6:30 a.m. on April 24, Officer Joseph Weglarski reported observing a vehicle speeding on Pearl Street. The driver allegedly failed to stop until being blocked by patrols at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Bank Street in Batavia. Dickinson was released on traffic tickets.

Shelby L. Fryer, 27, of Prune Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal impersonation.  Officer John Gombos stopped a vehicle reportedly driven by Fryer on April 22. She allegedly gave a false name to the officer in an attempt to avoid an arrest on a warrant. She was arrest on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. She was arraigned. Her release status is unknown.

Haley M. Larnder, 23, of North Street, Batavia, was arrested on a  City Court arrest warrant. Officer Andrew Mruczek located Larnder on April 21 and took her into custody on a warrant. Larnder was originally arrested on March 19 on a charge of criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and issued an appearance ticket. Larnder was arraigned in City Court and released on her own recognizance.

Jacqulyn A. Dueppengieser, 39, on Page Road, Perry, is charged with petit larceny. Dueppengieser is accused of stealing from a business on East Main Street on April 20. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Natasha J. Durney, 29, of Hutchins Place, Batavia, is charged with nine counts of harboring an unlicensed dog. On April 21, Officer Stephen Quider responded to a report on Hutchins Street of dogs fighting on Hutchins Place. During the fight, a person was reportedly bitten. Durney is accused of owning nine unlicensed dogs.  Durney was issued an appearance ticket.

Jessica Hernandez, 35, of Summit Street, Batavia, was arrested as a fugitive from justice. Police officers executed an arrest warrant on April 22 after being contacted by the Volusia County Sheriff's Office in Florida. The police department was informed that Volusia County had a warrant for Hernandez on the charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Hernandez was processed, arraigned in Centralized Arraignment Part Court and held at the Genesee County Jail to await extradition to Volusia County, Florida. 

David A. Kendall, 50, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Kendall is accused of violating a stay-away order of protection on April 23. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Adam M. Zastrocky, 38, of Myrtle Street, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, failure to stop at stop sign, driving left of pavement markings in no passing zone, and refusal to take breath test. Zastrocky was arrested by Sgt. Jason Saile following an investigation into a motor vehicle accident reported at 10 p.m. on April 20 on Cockram Road, Byron.

Joseph Earnest Marr, 44, of Nesbitt Road, Batavia, is charged with grand larceny 4th.  Marr is accused of stealing a phone while at Batavia Downs. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

Nathan Paul Crawford, 27, of Federal Drive, Batavia, is charged with two counts of petit larceny. Crawford is accused of shoplifting from 48 Deli Express at 5:04 p.m. on April 15. He was issued an appearance ticket. He is also accused of shoplifting from Kohls at 11:05 a.m. on April 19. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Heather Nicole Derooy, 33, of Keith Terrace, Chili, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, and improper plates. Derooy was stopped at 8:26 p.m. on April 8 on Clinton Street Road, Bergen, by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun and Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush. She was allegedly found in possession of methamphetamine. Derooy was released on an appearance ticket.

Robert E. Sacher, 53, of Kibbe Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI. Sacher was stopped at 3:11 p.m. on April 13 on Veterans Memorial Drive by Deputy Jonathan Dimming. Sacher was issued traffic tickets and released.

Jeenathan Rodeny Williams, 63, of Hazelwood Terrace, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, unlicensed driver, side wings/side windows non-transparent, and plates covered by glass or plastic. Williams was stopped at 6:56 p.m. on April 25 on Byron Elba Road, Byron, by Deputy Zachary Hoy and issued an appearance ticket.

Scott Aaron Muntz, 25, of Maltby Road, Oakfield, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and speeding. Muntz was stopped at 12:15 a.m. on April 16 on Knowlesville Road, Alabama, by Deputy Jonathan Dimming.  He was issued traffic tickets.

Madison McKenzie, 18, of Creek Road, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. McKenzie is accused of giving a letter to a child under age 17 that contained sexual content. McKenzie was arraigned and released.

Michelle Dawn Grover, 38, of Olean Road, South Wales, is charged with petit larceny. Grover is accused of shoplifting from Dollar General in Pavilion at 10 a.m. on March 5. Grover was issued an appearance ticket.

Authentically Local