batavia

Use a gun, go to prison.

Judge Robert C. Noonan applied that principle to 23-year-old Akeem Simmons today, handing down a 20-year prison term to the thrice convicted burglar.

"I can't think of any reason why you would bring a gun into a home invasion burglary other than kill somebody if you were caught," Noonan said. "I just can't think of any other reason."

Simmons was convicted Aug. 15 following a jury trial of first-degree burglary, criminal use of a firearm 1st, and conspiracy, 4th.

Noonan dismissed the firearm charge today because the burglary, 1st, conviction covers the use of a weapon in the crime, but Noonan still made it clear it was an important element of the crime.

Simmons and 18-year-old Nathaniel Davis were arrested Jan. 14 shortly after Batavia PD received a report of a burglary in progress at 28 Park Ave.

Davis was found with the handgun, but testimony at trial, Noonan noted, established that it was Simmons who brought the gun to the burglary and influenced Davis into joining him in break-in.

"It's very clear to me you were the moving force of a home-invasion burglary," Noonan said.

Simmons made no statement in court today.

As an adult, he has a prior burglary conviction in Monroe County, which counted as a predicate violent felony for the purpose of today's sentencing. He also has a prior burglary conviction that was given youthful offender status.

Before Noonan pronounced sentence, defense attorney Thomas Burns made a motion for a delay in sentencing because he suspects an undisclosed deal between the District Attorney and Davis for the testimony Davis provided at trial.

"I think it would be completely unfair to my client that any kind of wink-wink agreement between the prosecution and his attorney would be done in such a fashion," Burns said.

Noonan asked if he had any evidence of an agreement and Burns said the point of holding a hearing on his motion prior to sentencing would be aimed at uncovering any evidence.

The fact that Davis entered a guilty plea after the trial to a lesser burglary charge, Burns said, and after Noonan's plea cut off date, certainly suggests a backroom deal.

"I don't know how this is meted out without having princple players describe under oath what took place," Burns said. "I don't think that's unreasonable."

Noonan said his plea cutoff dates are not anything in statute, but used exclusively to help the court manage its calendar, and given the fact that Davis "implicated himself 100 percent" during the Simmons trial, it warranted giving him another shot at a plea deal.

Without evidence of a rights violation, Noonan wouldn't delay sentencing today and said Burns is always free to make a motion later if he uncovers any evidence of an undisclosed, inappropriate deal for the testimony of Davis.

Joseph Allen Hogan, 46, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with four counts of petit larceny and five counts of falsifying business records. Hogan is accused of altering weight slips at Ed Arnold Scrap in order to receive overpayment on scrap. Hogan was jailed without bail.

Christopher M. Colantonio, 35, of South Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and forgery, 2nd. Colantonio was arrested on a warrant for allegedly stealing checks from a woman he knew, forging them and cashing them at a local bank. Colantonio was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Thomas E. Hensel, 31, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with possession of burglar tools. Hensel was allegedly found in possession of a full set of lock picks at a location on Pearl Street at 10:25 p.m. Saturday.

Anya R. Rambuski, 44, of Birchwood Drive, Batavia, is charged with driving while ability impaired. Rambuski was stopped at 11:58 p.m. Saturday on West Main Street, Batavia, by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Linda L. Fagan, 65, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Fagan allegedly got rid of several instruments and other property owned by her brother.

Robert J. Propst, 34, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Propst was allegedly involved in a domestic incident in which he grabbed the shirt of the victim, threw her phone and was yelling at her in the presence of children. Propst was jailed on $2,000 bail.

A 16-year-old resident of East Avenue, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and criminal contempt, 2nd. The youth allegedly threatened another person, violating an order of protection.

Paul M. Gelardo, 29, of Fargo Road, Stafford, is charged with petit larceny. Gelardo allegedly stole a bicycle from T.F. Brown's.

A pair 17-year-olds from Buffalo are charged with petit larceny. The two youths are accused of stealing money from their employer at the time, Darien Lake Theme Park.

Jeffrey John Farrell, 27, of West Avenue, Medina, is charged with petit larceny. Farrell allegedly stole $433.74 in merchandise from Walmart.

Kimberly Ann Pietrzykowski, 26, of Old Telephone Road, Bethany, is charged with petit larceny. Pietrzykowski is accused of stealing $204.90 in groceries from Walmart. The shopping cart of groceries was recovered in the parking lot of Home Depot.

Bradley J. Barnard, 19, of Byron, is charged with petit larceny. Barnard is accused of taking a carbonated beverage and placing it in his backpack while in the cafeteria at GCC. Surveillance video was used to confirm the alleged theft.

Kyle B. Sovocool, 21, of Le Roy, is charged with promoting sexual performance of a child less than 17 years old, possession of sexual performance by a child and criminal possession of a weapon, 4th. Sovocool was arrested as the result of a State Police investigation stemming from a Jan. 22 complaint. Sovocool was jailed on an unspecified bail. No further details released.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing fire hydrants on Wednesday, Sept. 17, Thursday, Sept. 18, and Friday, Sept. 19, from approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, in the general area south of East Main Street and east Jackson Street. Homes and businesses nearby will be affected. These tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area. As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored.

A second man has been arrested in an alleged attempt to cash forged checks at a Le Roy bank last week, and investigators say the scheme is part of a larger forgery ring based in out of state.

Le Roy PD, as part of a joint investigation with Batavia PD, has arrested 40-year-old O'Neil O. Llewellyn, of Hudson Street, Syracuse.

It's alleged that Llewellyn entered the bank knowingly in possession of a forged check with the intent to cash the check.

He is charged with one count of criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd, a Class D felony.

Further charges are pending in Batavia.

Last week, Le Roy PD arrested Thomas A. Webb, 54, of Syracuse, and charged him with criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd.

Webb was arrested after a bank employee called about two people in the bank trying to cash forged checks. Webb was apprehended at the scene while the second person fled.

Le Roy investigators say it appears that an out-of-state forgery ring went to Syracuse and recruited area residents to cash forged checks. The recruits were then driven around New York to various bank locations, where they attempted to cash the forged checks. 

Each recruit received a small percentage of the value of a successfully cashed check.

Llewellyn was ordered held on $10,000 bail.

The Blue Devils squad that took to Woodward Field on Saturday night put on a brand of football that hasn't been seen from the bleachers of Van Detta Stadium in many years.

Dominating on offense, defense and special teams, Batavia crushed Wellsville 57-20, to the point that third-year Head Coach Brennan Briggs was almost apologetic to Lions' leader Wayne Stonemetz.

"I don't love being in this situation because I've never been on the side where we're up so big," Briggs said. "It was great because we got to get everybody in the game, but at the same time you don't want to try and run that score up, because I totally believe in being a first-class guy and I don't want to send the wrong message that we tried doing anything like that."

By the 4th quarter, however, it was almost as if the Blue Devils could do nothing but score, notching TDs after a kickoff miscue by the Lions, then scoring on a kickoff return by Anthony Gallo and finally scoring with seconds left while trying to run out the clock with the second-team offense.

Where did this motivation to dominate come from? Briggs blames Livonia, who last week beat Batavia 16-13, scoring with just seconds left in the game.

"I think it brought us closer," Briggs said. "We showed Livingston County that we can play with the best in Livingston County because they were saying Livonia was the best team. I think our kids saw OK, we lost in the last second, but we hung with them. That loss really cut them deep. They realized, this about the team and we can battle with some of the best."

Briggs called the win a team effort and several players did contribute throughout the night.

Dom Mogavero gained 108 yards and scored three TDs on 10 carries. Ahdeosun added two more TDs, gaining 64 yards on 11 carries. Anthony Gallo's two TDs came on a 55-yard kickoff return and a 45-yard reception.

QB Greg Mruczek tossed the ball for 66 yards and one touchdown.

On defense, Trevor Rittersback had 11 tackles, including one for a safety, and James Cryer had 7.5 tackles and an interception.

"I love this team. I really do," Briggs said. "They're about as strong as they're going to get together as a unit. This is one of the closest-knit teams I've seen in quite some time."

The community saw something from the Blue Devils that should encourage them to pack the stands in 2014, coaches told the players after the game. 

Asked what the community can expect this year, Briggs said, "I want them to know these are tough kids. They work hard every day. They grind it day in and day out. There aren't many of them, but they've bought into this system. They're a disciplined group of kids and they're here to have fun and play football."

Next up, Hornell in Hornell, which leaves little time to savor the victory.

"We've got to turn the page and be ready for Hornell next week, because Hornell is not going to care what we did this week," Briggs said. "It's one game. Yes it's good for the kids and I'm happy for them, but we need to turn the page."

Briggs is chomping at the bit for a little bit of revenge.

Two years ago, the last time the two teams met, Batavia managed to take an eventual championship team into a 14-14 tie at the half, but Hornell pulled away in the second half for a 30-14 win.

"It left a sour taste in my mouth and I just want to go down there and hopefully show them that, hey, we can go out there and we can smashmouth it with ya and we can get the ball out to our athletes," Briggs said.

Top photo: Dominick Mogavero dives into the end zone in the first quarter.

James Cryer snags an interception.

Wellsville punter Josh Cline breaks free of Batavia's Trenton McGraw while still in his own end zone. While pinned deep in their own territory, Wellsville faked a fourth-down punt and Cline gained about 70 yards on his run, setting up a Wellsville touchdown.

Richy Ewell scores for Wellsville.

Noah Dobbertin blocks a pass from Brett Migliore.

Batavia running back Ahdeosun Aiken with positive yardage.

Dominick Mogavero cuts toward the endzone on another score.

Block That Punt: And that's exactly what the Blue Devils defense did for a touchdown.

Ahdeosun Aiken scores.

Anthony Gallo scores on a kickoff return.

To purchase prints and ensure you have copies of these pictures for years to come,click here.

A possible chimney fire is reported on Horseshoe Lake Road. Stafford and Town of Batavia fire departments are responding.

UPDATE 8:14 p.m.: Le Roy Fire Police are requested to shut down Horseshoe Lake Road at Prole Road.

Bidding on Brighter Future Gala & Auction tonight at 5:30 at the Forum at Genesee Community College.

A proposal to build as many as 136 apartment units on West Main Street Road was rejected Thursday by the Genesee County Planning Board on a 5-3 vote.

Planners expressed concern about increased traffic on West Main, school bus access, the use of tax credits for construction, and the potential to draw residents from existing landlords in the City of Batavia.

Andrew Crossed, in the dark suit, a VP with Conifer Realty in Rochester, said the proposed apartments would be marketed to people earning from $24,000 to $45,000 a year and no Section 8 housing would be included.

The state grants sought for the project would be part of a workforce development program, and while the grants might help make rents lower, the project is not dependent on the grants, he said.

Crossed and Civil Engineer Jess Sudol (in blue shirt) both said their own market studies and independent market studies show there is a tremendous unmet demand in Batavia for middle-income apartments.

Crossed said Conifer has built this same project in Canandaigua, other parts of New York, and in other states.

"It's our flagship product," he said.

The development includes such amenities as a weight room, laundry, recreation area and is about 50-percent green space.

The proposed location, on nearly 22 acres, is approximately across the street from Genesee Feeds Pudgies, creating a bit of a horseshoe around Scooter's Restaurant and not far from Kiwanis Park (which is on the opposite side of the street).

The area is zoned commercial, not residential, which was also one of the issues of concern for board members.

The rejection doesn't necessarily kill the project. The Town of Batavia's planning board could still approve it with a majority-plus-one vote, but Crossed said there would be a company meeting before Conifer decides whether to proceed with development.

"I can't say at this time," he said.

County planners took a dim view of a new Dunkin' Donuts location on West Main Street, on a sliver of a lot between First Niagara Bank and Barrett's Batavia Marine.

After raising doubts about traffic flow, parking, parking for neighboring businesses, signage, building color and design, a motion to approve the project failed 3-5.

There was no follow-up motion to disapprove the project, which is a little more favorable to developer Kip Finley (pictured above). A disapproving vote would have required the City of Batavia Planning Board to approve the plans by a majority plus one. With no recommendation from the county, only a simple majority vote is required for approval.

Still, Finley wasn't happy as he left the meeting.

"Unfortunately, county planning talks about reusing property and building where there's development and not forcing development out into green areas, except they don't vote that way," Finally said. "Fairly disappointed."

Finley acknowledged there's a lot of traffic at the proposed location, but "that's where we put stores."

Planners were concerned that traffic would back up onto the street.

The City had already asked for a lot configuration so that as many as 20 cars could queue up in line, but Finley said that if a Dunkin Donuts store ever had as many as seven cars waiting in line, it would mean the store was a poorly run location.

He said store managers strive to keep traffic moving quickly because many customers won't even stop if they see a few cars already in line.

Planning staff expressed concern about signs in front of the building because of the potential visual impact on Redfield Parkway, which is designated "culturally significant" street by the Genesee-Finger Lakes Regional NYS DOT.

The problem for the proposed Dunkin' Donuts location, Finley said is that with the bank and its trees on the east side and Barrett's on the west side, signs on the sides of building won't have much visibility.

He also said the sign needs to be internally lit to have any meaningful impact on drawing in visitors who might be passing through and are unfamiliar with the area.

• John J. "Jackie" Kelley 1954
• Thomas Hoitink 1965
• John Buckley 1972
• Patrick Fricano 1980
• Dr. Allyson (Shirtz) Howe 1990
• Jaime (Callahan) Hulbig 1998
• Maria (Spiotta) Dentino 1999

A 17-year-old student was accused of causing a disturbance at Batavia High School earlier this week and as a result was arrested by police.

The youth was allegedly disruptive, yelling and using abusive and obscene language while in the presense of the student body in the cafeteria at lunch.

He was charged with disorderly conduct.

The incident was reported at noon, Tuesday.

The arrest is the first reported at the school this year.

Last year, working with Batavia PD, school officials decided to take a more law enforcement-oriented approach with disruptive behavior, especially fighting. The approach greatly reduced problem incidents at the school, officials said.

Previously: The potential for arrest has dramatically reduced fighting at BHS, school officials say

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) and Muller Quaker Dairy are the recipients of the 2014 Northeastern Economic Developers Association (NEDA) Project of the Year Award. The award was formally presented to both entities at NEDA’s Annual Conference on Monday, Sept. 8th in Worcester, Mass.

GCEDC was recognized for fostering the development of the 250-acre Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park in Batavia, which has generated more than $230 million of new capital investment as well as the creation of approximately 230 jobs. NEDA also recognized Muller Quaker Dairy, a $206 million state-of-the-art yogurt manufacturing facility, which employs almost 200 people in the Agri-Business Park in the competitive $6.2 billion U.S. yogurt marketplace.

“On behalf of the GCEDC Board of Directors and staff we are honored to be recognized by NEDA,” said Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the GCEDC. “I want to thank Governor Cuomo for his personal commitment in bringing Muller Quaker Dairy to Western New York and his tireless efforts to improve the economic development climate throughout Upstate New York.”

Muller Quaker Dairy is projected to have a regional impact of approximately $150 million annually on the local agriculture, hospitality and business services sectors. Indirect job creation is projected to add another 750 workers to the regional labor force.

“This project is a great example of public and private sector collaboration especially in significantly compressing the timeline for various government approvals,” said Chris Suozzi, vice president for business development at the GCEDC. “Through the collaboration with Empire State Development, the Greater Rochester Enterprise the Buffalo Niagara Enterprise, National Grid, Genesee County, as well as the City and Town of Batavia, we were able to make the case that Batavia and the Agri-Business Park was the perfect location for Muller Quaker Dairy."

Muller Quaker Dairy is a joint venture between one of Europe’s largest dairy processors, Germany-based Theo Muller and New York-based PepsiCo. It is the largest manufacturing plant ever to open in Genesee County.

The NEDA Project of the Year award recognizes a major economic development project based on job creation and other direct economic impacts; capital investment; leveraging of development resources; use of public/private and/or intergovernmental partnerships; benefits to the surrounding community and/or environment; innovation; design excellence; and transportation considerations.

Earlier today, we told you about Schoen LaBombard, the former Batavia resident who bilked several local businesses out of more than $27,000 with a phony story about a chance to drive a bobsled in the Olympics.

This afternoon, we learned that LaBombard still owes more than $15,000 in restitution from the 1994 conviction.

Because of the outstanding restitution, Judge Eric Adams signed a warrant for LaBombard's arrest April 21.

Adams, normally a Family Court judge, is handling the case because Robert C. Noonan was the county prosecutor in 1994.

The warrant may be the one a Florida TV station said is the reason LaBombard is being held by authorities in Daytona Beach after he allegedly pulled a scam to get free food, a free hotel room and $500 by impersonating a Navy Seal.

The ruse was uncovered after LaBombard, who was going by the name Alex Seppi, broke his leg and hotel employees found his correct ID in his hotel room.

No word on when LaBombard might be returned to Genesee County custody. He allegedly hasn't made a restitution payment since 2007.

Sean Vickers, convicted at trial of molesting five children in Batavia, was sentenced today by Judge Robert C. Noonan to 107 years in state prison.

"I agree with the prosecution in this case," Noonan said. "I see no reason to impose anything less than the maximum available terms under the law."

Vickers received 25 years each on his conviction of the first four counts of the indictment against him and a seven-year sentence on count five, plus a couple of decades of post-release supervision (at which point he would be 152 years old if still alive).

On July 31, a jury found Vickers guilty of two counts of sodomy in the first degree, two counts of criminal sexual act in the first degree and sexual abuse in the first degree.

One of the child victims, who was in court today for the sentencing, had Det. Kevin Czora read a statement for him prior to sentencing.

"Sean came to my house and took me to fun places and bought us candy," read the boy's statement. "I called him Uncle Sean. He hurt me. I want him to go to prison for a lifetime."

The mother of a victim also had a statement read by Erin Martin of the Child Advocacy Center.

She said that Vickers hurt her family and her children tremendously.

"Sean did not take into account what he was doing or how it would effect the kids," read the statement. "I don't think you should take into account Sean's feeling in his sentence, because he was only thinking of himself when he hurt my son."

In August, Vickers accepted a plea deal in Niagara County for molesting the same three boys. He entered a guilty plea to three felonies in exchange for a 20-year sentencing cap.

The 20 years, once imposed at a Sept. 26 hearing, and will be served concurrently with the Genesee County sentence. It will also stand even if the Genesee County conviction is overturned on appeal.

Public Defender Jerry Ader indicated in court today that an appeal will be filed and did not make a statement regarding sentencing on his client's behalf.

Vickers also made no statement.

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman noted that the plea offer extended to Vickers in Genesee County before the trial would have offered a 40-year prison term, but Vickers turned it down.

"If the crimes he's convicted of are not horrific enough, we know he sexually assaulted at least five other boys," Friedman said. "We know that's not all. We know that he has a history of pedophilia that goes back decades, literally decades. There are victims of his crimes who have come forward that occurred so far back that they can't be prosecuted under the statute of limitations."

Noonan said the mother of one of his victims from Monroe County was in the courtroom today because she's been tracking Vickers for 24 years.

"She's here to see the justice is finally done," Friedman said.

Noonan opened his brief statement about the 107-year sentence he was about to impose by saying, "This case is the worst one I've ever had. I've been in the criminal justice system for 40 years both as a prosecutor and a judge and I've never had anybody who has been prolific a predator as you have been Mr. Vickers."

The Batavia PTSD Peer Support Volunteers led a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at the VA Center this morning.

Participating were local veterans and the Batavia police and fire departments.

The event honored those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, and those who have died or gone missing in action in American wars.

Michael Robert Sigl, 22, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with five counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd. Sigl allegedly stole some of a neighbor's checks, forged them and cashed them at banks in the City of Batavia. He was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Jamie Renae Wilkins, 37, of Route 31, Holley, is charged with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, 3rd, and driving a vehicle with a suspended registration. Wilkins was stopped for an alleged traffic violation at 5:08 p.m. Monday on Route 77 in Alabama by Deputy Joseph Corona. Wilkins was jailed on $250 cash bail or $500 bond.

The alleged scam enabled Schoen LaBombard to enjoy free meals, a free hotel room and a $500 loan.

It was only after LaBombard broke his leg while frolicking with his new friends that the scam was uncovered by hotel employees.  

The folks in Daytona Beach knew him as Alex Seppi, but while he was in the hospital, employees entered his hotel room to secure personal items on his behalf and found an identification with his real name.

There was apparently another person assisting LaBombard in the alleged scam. At one point, a manager spoke with a person who identified himself as Seppi's Navy Seal commander.

At this point, LaBombard is not facing charges in Daytona Beach, but he is in custody on a warrant out of New York (the jurisdiction is not specified in this WESH story). 

For the 1994-era scam in Batavia, LaBombard was required to pay restitution. According to news reports in 2004, he paid about $7,000, but there was still $20,000 outstanding. It's unclear if he ever completed payments.

In that case, LaBombard represented himself as a promising bobsled driver with Olympic dreams and convinced local business owners to donate money to help him pursue his dream. It turned out, he was not on the Olympic bobsled team, though he was a member of the federation.

His criminal history includes stints in prison for forgery and grand larceny, with convictions in Essex County and Albany County.

In Albany, he was once accused of impersonating a police officer to scam a prostitute out of money. According to another news report on that arrest (no link available), he was also accused of stealing more than $8,000 from business partners in the Albany area. He also accused of burglarizing his grandmother's house and stealing checks.

In 2012, the Albany Times Union ran a laudatory story about LaBombard about how he was turning his life around, getting off drugs, and leading a casting call for a reality TV series called "The Comebacks."

City firefighters rescued three people trapped in an apartment during an early morning fire at 2 Lewis Place.

The fire was put out quickly, but upon arriving at scene at 1:30 a.m., firefighters had to first use a ladder to a second-floor window to rescue two adults and one child.

City police officers got two other adults out of the lower apartment.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The fire was in the second-floor apartment.

The fire went to a second alarm because of the potential for the fire to spread into the attic of the row of apartments on Lewis Place. Town of Batavia fire was put on standby. Alexander's FAST team was requested to the scene. Darien fire was requested for their air bottle refill capabilities. Mercy EMS was on scene on standby.

Before other units arrived, they were told to back down from an emergency response because the fire was knocked down.

Four adults and one child were provided temporary housing by Red Cross.

City fire was back in service at 3:45 a.m.

Photo: Photo submitted by Kameko Barlog.

(Initial Post)

A structure fire is reported at 2 Lewis Place in the city. The third platoon is called to the scene along with Alexander's fast team and Emergency Services Unit #2. Town of Batavia is asked to stand by in its quarters.

UPDATE 1:48 a.m.: Fire is knocked down. Those en route are told they can respond non-emergency.