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Law and Order: Alabama man charged with grand larceny after two complaints about construction work paid for but allegedly not completed

By Billie Owens

Dana Ryan, 39, of Galloway Road, Alabama, is charged with two counts of fourth-degree grand larceny. An investigation by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office was initiated after two complaints reported to the Sheriff's Office, one in the Town of Pembroke, the other in the Town of Batavia. The complaints concerned payments which were allegedly made to Ryan by two different customers pursuant to construction contracts for work agreed upon but not completed. It is alleged that the payments to Ryan for home-improvement contracts were not allocated into a proper account and that these funds were used by the defendant for purposes other than the agreed upon work. The time frame of the allegations in the complaints, according to the Sheriff's Office news release, is February 2016 through May (2017). Ryan is due in Town of Pembroke Court on July 11 and in Town of Batavia Court on July 13. The case was investigated by Sheriff's Office Investigator J.M. Graff, assisted by Deputy K.M. McCarthy.

Danny D. Williams Sr., 28, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, second-degree menacing, and endangering the welfare of a child -- a child less than 17 years old. The charges stem from an incident which occurred at 8:01 p.m. on June 9 on Central Avenue, Batavia. It is alleged that Williams pulled a knife on an individual during an altercation and that there was a child in close proximity at the time. He was jailed in lieu of $15,000 cash bail or $30,000 bond and was due in Batavia City Court on July 7. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Dustin L. Landin, 38, of Sierk Road, Attica, is charged with grand larceny -- value greater than $1,000. Landin was arrested for allegedly stealing money/property from a local business at 8:20 p.m. on June 28 on East Main Street in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court on July 11. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Christopher Harris Pompa, 45, of Byron Road, Byron, is charged with DWI, refusal to take breath test, and speeding. At 6:16 p.m. on July 8 on South Lake Road in Bergen,  the defendant was stopped in the Village of Bergen following the observation of an alleged traffic violation. The defendant was arraigned on the charges and then released on his own recognizance. He is due in Bergen Town Court on July 19. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Joseph K. Schlossel, 58, of Linwood Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: moving from lane unsafely; backing unsafely; drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle; and DWI -- first offense. The charges stem from a one-car accident that occurred at 11:45 a.m. on March 11 on Clifton Avenue in Batavia. He was issued tickets and released and is due in City Court July 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer James DeFreze, assisted by Officer Nicole McGinnis.

Salvatore M. Schwable, 19, no permanent address, is charged with failure to appear. He was arrested on a bench warrant out of City Court for failure to appear for a scheduled court appearance and jailed on July 6 in lieu of $2,500 cash bail or bond. He was due back in court on July 7. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards.

Salvatore M. Schwable, 19, no permanent address, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny and two counts of petit larceny. The charges stem from an incident at McDonald's on East Main Street in Batavia at 6:33 p.m. on May 12. It is alleged that Schwable took property from three different individuals without their permission. The defendant was jailed without bail and was due back in court on July 7. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards.

Felicia Dianne Swartenberg, 20, of Willowbrook Road, Brockport, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and speeding. At 9:51 p.m. July 8, the defendant was stopped on Waterman Road in the Town of Stafford for an alleged vehicle and traffic violation. The defendant allegedly possessed a quantity of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Swartzenberg is due in Stafford Town Court on Aug. 1 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Lindsay Rae Crist, 20, of Redman Road, Brockport, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. At 9:51 p.m. July 8, the defendant was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped on Waterman Road in the Town of Stafford for an alleged vehicle and traffic violation. The defendant allegedly possessed a quantity of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Crist is due in Stafford Town Court on Aug. 1 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Male beagle found on Wortendyke Road, now at the animal shelter

By Billie Owens

This intact (unneutered) male beagle was found July 8 on Wortendyke Road in the vicinity of Bontrager's Auction, Town of Batavia. He was taken to the Genesee County Animal Shelter and a worker confirmed this afternoon that he's still there, waiting for his owner(s) to claim him.

If you can help reunite this friendly boy with his family, please contact the shelter at 343-6410 or email the volunteers who help out there at:  info@vol4animals.org

The shelter is located at 3841 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.

(Photo provided by Russ Marchese, owner of Beds N Bones Pet Lodge.)

Law and Order: Pair of teens from West Seneca busted for alleged pot possession

By Billie Owens

(name redacted upon request), 19, and (name redacted upon request), 18, both of Pacecrest Court, West Seneca, are charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. At 8:02 p.m. on July 3, the driver, (name redacted upon request), was stopped on Clinton Street Road in the Town of Batavia following the observation of an alleged vehicle and traffic violation. At the time, both (name redacted upon request) and (name redacted upon request) allegedly possessed a quantity of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. The defendants were issued appearance tickets for Town of Batavia Court on July 31. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong and Deputy Michael Lute.

Mandated public forums to be held in Old Courthouse to gather citizens' ideas for shared local government services

By Billie Owens

Press release:

New York State, as part of the Adopted 2017/18 State Budget, included another mandate on all local governments, and possibly school districts. It is the requirement to discuss and develop shared service ideas and plans for eventual submittal to the Genesee County Legislature in August/September. Then, these must be submitted to the NYS Department of State by Oct. 15.

Part of the process for discussing and developing these public-sector shared-service plans is to have public meetings/opportunities for citizen input. These provide forums to take suggestions on opportunities for possible public-sector shared services that have not already been put forth or are not already in place.

In order to satisfy this public-forum mandate, the GC Legislature will hold an open comment period at the beginning of each of its next three legislative body meetings. These will take place at approximately 5 p.m. on July 12, July 17, and Aug. 9 in the third-floor chambers of the Old Courthouse, located at 7 Main St. in the City of Batavia.

Car vs. pedestrian accident on Main Street in the city

By Billie Owens

A car vs. pedestrian accident with injuries is reported in front of the Movies in Motion shop at 511 E. Main St. between McKinley Avenue and Harvester Avenue. City fire is responding along with an ambulance from Alexander.

UPDATE 5:07 p.m.: Law enforcement arrived on scene and the patient was GOA -- "Gone on Arrival." The scene is clear.

Grand Jury indicts man on five counts related to alleged DWI on Route 19 in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

Evan M. Wilson is indicted for the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class A felony. It is alleged that on May 6 in the Town of Le Roy that Wilson drove a 2006 Toyota on Route 19 while knowing, or having reason to know, that he driver's license was suspended, revoked or otherwise withdrawn by authorities. He allegedly had three separate suspensions imposed on at least three separate dates for failure to answer, appear or pay a fine. In addition, Wilson is accused of driving on May 6 while under the influence of alcohol or a drug. In count two, the defendant is accused of the crime of DWI, as a misdemeanor. In count three, he is accused of the offense of unlawful possession of marijuana on the same date. In count four, Wilson is accused of speeding, a traffic offense, for driving in excess of 55 mph. In count five, Wilson is accused of the offense of refusing to submit to a breath test on that date.

GO ART! extends 'enormous thank you to all who attended' Picnic in the Park

By Billie Owens

Press release:

GO ART! would like to extend an enormous thank you to all who attended our 39th Annual Picnic in the Park presented by the Red Osier. Mother Nature blessed us with amazing weather allowing us the liberties to gather and enjoy the festivities from morning until early evening.

We cannot emphasize enough how much we enjoy having the kids participate in the parade nor how much we enjoy seeing family and friends visiting and laughing as they relaxed in their lawn chairs.

Michelle Cryer and team worked tirelessly to schedule and commit the artisans, vendors, non-profits, stage delivery, trash cans and everything your eyes and ears took in on Tuesday. A big job well done by all.

And how about those bands?! The feedback on the bands has been fantastic. We didn’t expect the headliner Britishmania to take as long as they did to set up, but the wait was worth it. Everyone loved them and they played longer than scheduled to make up for the extra time they took getting into their Beatles mindset.  It was the biggest crowd after 4 pm in over a decade.

Once again… thank you everyone for spending your morning, afternoon and evening with us.

And a big thank you to all our sponsors: The Original Red Osier Landmark Restaurant, Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union, City of Batavia, Rotary Club of Batavia, Pinnacle Manufacturing Company, Inc., Quality Inn, Stephen M. Hawley & Assoc. LLC, Turnbull Heating & Air Conditioning, Julia Garver & Joseph Ruh, Freed Maxick, Batavia Kiwanis Club, Arc of Genesee Orleans, Bob & Linda Knipe, Carrotman Productions, City of Batavia DPW, CY Farms / Batavia Turf, Diane & Hirman Kasten, DRH Construction, Max Pies Furniture, The Porter Family, Valle Jewelers, WBTA, Bouchard Financial Services LLC, McGinnis Excavating & Plumbing Inc.

Farmers Market Coupon booklets available for income-eligible adults 60 and older

By Billie Owens

Farmers Market Coupons will be distributed at the Genesee County Office for the Aging, 2 Bank St. in Batavia, on:

Wednesday, July 12th – 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Friday, July 14th – 1-4 p.m.

Tuesday, July 25th — 10 a.m - 12 p.m.

Thursday, July 27th – 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Genesee County Office for the Aging also plans to distribute coupons at the Le Roy Farmer’s Market* on Saturday July 8th from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Booklets are available to adults age 60 years and older who are income-eligible. Proof of age identification must be provided.

Income guidelines are as follows: household of one $1,860 per month; household of two $2,504 per month; and, household of three $3,149 per month.

Maureen Estabrooks, Office for the Aging’s coordinator for the program, noted that, “It still remains, that anyone 60 or older in a household may receive a coupon booklet as long as they are income eligible. This means that in a qualifying household, multiple individuals may receive booklets. This program is a wonderful way to help older adults with limited income to purchase healthy fresh produce from our local farmers.”

Questions may be directed to the Genesee County Office for the Aging at 585-343-1611.

*A distribution date for the the coupons at the Downtown Batavia Public Market has not yet been determined.

Motorcycle accident reported at Bloomingdale and Griffen roads

By Billie Owens

A motorcyclist is down in the roadway after an accident at Bloomingdalew and Griffen roads on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation. Alabama Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding, and told to come in non-emergency mode. Minor injuries. Traffic control will be needed.

Law and Order: Oak Street man charged with possessing heroin and cocaine, and using a stolen credit card

By Billie Owens

Jason M. Guiliani, 38, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and criminally using drug paraphernalia, 2nd. Guiliani was charged following a traffic stop at 1:46 p.m. on July 1 on West Main Street in Batavia. Allegedly, a quantity of heroin, cocaine and drug paraphernalia was found in the vehicle and on the defendant. He was issued an appearance ticket for July 3 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Sgt. Dan Coffey, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Jason M. Guiliani, 38, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with: unlawful possession of personal ID -- used in the commission of a crime; second-degree identity theft -- assuming another person's identity and then committing a felony; and criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree -- credit card. Guiliani was located on July 1 after an unrelated traffic stop on West Main Street in Batavia and then arrested after an investigation allegedly revealed he possessed and used a stolen credit card on Dec. 24 on West Main Street. He was jailed in lieu of $10,000 bail -- cash or bond. Guiliani is due in court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Christopher Scott E. Knox, 23, of Old Pike Road, Fitzpatrick, Ala., is charged with: DWI -- common law; DWI -- with a BAC of .08 percent or more; speeding; and refusal to take a prescreening breath test. At about 12:27 a.m. on June 29, Batavia police conducted a traffic stop on Oak Street of a Subaru for an alleged speed violation. Investigation resulted in Knox being arrested for DWI. He was due in City Court on July 5. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Michael L. Williams, 37, of 332 W. Main St., Room #3, Batavia, is charged with first-degree aggravated criminal contempt. At 3:15 p.m. on June 27, Williams allegedly violated an order of protection by having contact with the protected party on Highland Park, Batavia. Since Willams has a prior conviction within the previous five years for first-degree criminal contempt, he was arrested and charged with the June 27 crime cited. He was jailed without bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Frank Klimjack.

Eddie L. Miles Jr., 45, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt, fourth-degree grand larceny, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in the second degree. The defendant was arrested on a warrant out of City Court. The charges stem from an incident at 2:46 a.m. on May 18 wherein he allegedly took a car belonging to another individual without that person's permission. He was jailed in lieu of $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 bond and was due back in court today (July 6). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Christopher Camp.

Christopher J. Draper, 46, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with trespass. Draper was arrested at 5:55 p.m. on July 1 on West Main Street Road after he allegedly entered a business from which he had previously been banned. He is due in City Court on July 11 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen. 

Christopher J. Draper, 46, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with third-degree burglary and second-degree criminal contempt following a trespass complaint on July 1. Draper was allegedly in violation of a court order after being told to stay away from the Rite Aid on West Main Street in Batavia on several occasions. At 1 p.m. on July 5, he was jailed on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond. He is due in court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Andrew Hale, assisted by Officer Kevin McCarthy.

A 17-year-old in the city was arrested on Garfield Avenue at 8:28 p.m. on June 27. Patrols were dispatched to Jackson Street for a disturbance. After an investigation, the defendant was located on Garfield Avenue and arrested. The teen is charged with criminal mischief -- intentional damage of property, and is due in City Court on July 11. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole McGinnis, assisted by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Kim L. Minuto, 56, of Clinton Street Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Minuto was arrested at 10:30 a.m. on July 5 at Tops Market in Batavia and issued an appearance ticket for July 18 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Bolles.

Teens wanted to serve on Youth Court -- be trained to judge your peers for minor offenses

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee County is in the developmental stages of a Youth Court to serve youth in the county. Youth Court is the process of being judged by your peers for minor offenses.

Genesee will have a dispositional court with a panel of judges. Youth will serve in all roles – judge, prosecutor, defense, bailiff and court clerk. Referrals will come to the court from law enforcement and schools. The sentencing is individualized to the respondent and the behavior that brought them to court and based on of restorative justice.

The Genesee County Youth Bureau is currently seeking youth to sit on the court in the positions mentioned above. Interested youth, entering grades eight through 11 in Genesee County may apply.

Selected youth must complete 20 hours of training, which will be held in two-hour segments over a 10-week period. Training will begin in October, and the court is expected to begin hearing cases in January.

An application can be downloaded from the Genesee County website www.co.genesee.ny.us, where you will find a link on the Youth Bureau page. If you would like further information or to have an application mailed to you, please contact the Genesee County Youth Bureau at 344-3960. Applications will be accepted on or before Sept. 28.

'No sign of Garfield' by the animal shelter

By Billie Owens

A few minutes ago, a deputy was dispatched to check on the welfare of a "big yellow cat in the area of the animal shelter" -- to make sure the feline was "by the side of road" -- (as opposed to being in the road, we're guessing). Once on scene, the officer reported "no sign of Garfield east or west of the road" and then went back in service.

Grand Jury Report: Man accused of possessing Suboxone with intent to sell it

By Billie Owens

Isaac C. King is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Jan. 9 in the City of Batavia that King knowingly and unlawfully possessed a controlled substance, Suboxone, with intent to sell it. In count two, King is accused of the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. It is alleged in count two that on the same day, the defendant knowingly and unlawfully possessed a controlled substance, Suboxone. In count three, King is accused of unlicensed operation in the third degree, a misdemeanor. It is alleged in count three, that on the same day, King drove a 2017 Nissan on Swan Street while knowing, or having reason to know, that his driver's license was suspended or revoked by authorities.

Darrel T. Wilder is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, per se, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on April 29 in the Town of Stafford that Wilder drove a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee on Route 33 while he had a BAC of .08 percent or more as shown by a chemical analysis of his breath. In count two, he is accused of DWI as a Class E felony for allegedly driving on the same day on the same road while intoxicated. In count three, Wilder is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged in count three that the defendant drove on that day on that road while knowing, or having reason to know, that his driver's license was suspended revoked or otherwise withdrawn by authorities and that he did so while under the influence of alcohol or a drug. In count four, Wilder is accused of the crime of circumvention of an ignition interlock device, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count four that the defendant, while subject to a court-ordered ignition interlock device, operated a vehicle that was not equipped with this device.

George J. Budzinack is indicted for the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on March 14 in the Town of Stafford that Budzinack operated a 2001 Chevrolet Venture van on Route 33 while knowing, or having reason to know, that his driver's license was suspended, revoked or otherwise withdrawn by authorities. It is also alleged that the defendant was operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a drug. In count two, Budzinack is accused of driving while intoxicated, as a misdemeanor. In Special Information filed by District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, the defendant is accused of having been convicted of DWI on March 3, 2004, in Genesee County Court. The document states the defendant knew, or had reason to know, that his driving privilege was suspended or revoked as a result of the conviction and that the revocation or suspension was still in effect at the time of the crimes alleged in the indictment.

Three-car collision reported in Village of Le Roy, unknown injuries

By Billie Owens

An accident involving three vehicle is reported at 59 Main St. in Le Roy. Unknown injuries. Le Roy fire and ambulance responding.

UPDATE 4:17 p.m.: A first responder requests one bag of absorbent material for spilled fluids and says to can be brought in non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 4:24 p.m.: Make that two bags of Speedy Dry.

UPDATE 4:28 p.m.: The Le Roy assignment is back in service. No injuries reported.

Accident reported on Broadway Road, Darien

By Billie Owens

An accident involving three vehicles is reported in the area of 776 Broadway Road in Darien. There are injuries. Darien fire and ambulance dispatched along with Mercy medics. The location is east of Harlow Road.

UPDATE 11:47 a.m.: Law enforcement on scene reports only two vehicles involved. Everyone is out of the vehicles. One person has a head injury, another has a hand injury.

UPDATE 12:30 p.m.: Darien ambulance just arrived at UMMC with one patient.

Tree limb falls on power line and garage on Woodrow Road, Batavia

By Billie Owens

treefalljuly22017.jpg

A large tree limb fell onto a power line, breaking it, and landed on a garage at 45 Woodrow Road in Batavia; no arcing or sparking. City Fire Department is responding and National Grid is notified.

UPDATE 7:35 p.m.: City fire cleared the scene and National Grid was in route.

treefalljuly22017-2.jpg

License plate left behind after accident on Slusser Road

By Billie Owens

Somebody is missing a license plate from their vehicle after driving on Slusser Road in Batavia.

A dispatcher says the residents at 8299 Slusser Road "heard a loud bang about 4:30 this morning. They have the license plate and there is damage to their property." The responding deputy says "I would consider that a clue."

He just arrived there and reports that a couple of road hazard signs are down, too.

Hawley on closing Albany's 'extraordinary session': 'Albany's dysfunction was on full display'

By Billie Owens

Statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

“Albany’s dysfunction was on full display (Wednesday) as legislators were called back to session for a 12-hour fiasco with many of us in the dark until very late as to what bills we were to vote on. As usual, the three-men-in-a-room backdoor deal circus was on full display, costing taxpayers tens of thousands in per diems and travel expenses.

“Although many issues like ethics reform, small-business relief, property and income-tax reform were unfortunately not addressed this year, we did manage to pass sales tax extenders for Orleans and Genesee counties that will help mitigate rising property taxes and fund various county initiatives.

“We also made important changes that will allow us to streamline the grant process for homeowners and owners of secondary properties affected by flooding to obtain aid and relief. I am hopeful that the governor will sign this bill into law soon and help residents who are still struggling with Lake Ontario’s devastating flooding.

“While this session was far from perfect and rife with dysfunction and secrecy, we did provide a record amount of aid for our schools, provided funding to combat the growing heroin epidemic, passed the ‘New York Buy American Act’ to bolster manufacturing and construction jobs and brought ride-sharing services Upstate.

“I look forward to a productive summer and fall visiting with constituents in our area and hearing feedback, questions and concerns as we look forward to the 2018 Session. Please remember that I am always available to discuss state issues and I will always be your voice and represent you fairly in Albany.”

Bergen's Liberty Pumps introduces 'NightEye' wireless enabled products

By Billie Owens

 

Submitted image and press release:

Bergen-based Liberty Pumps introduces NightEye® wireless enabled products.

The app and cloud-based system designed by Liberty Pumps allows Internet connection of a pump via the home’s wireless router and provides alarm and other performance information to your mobile device.

The NightEye® system sends information via text, email and push notifications, to up to four different address/phone numbers i- anywhere in the world.

NightEye® connected products include the ALM-EYE series indoor pump alarm, 442 battery backup pump systems and the SumpJet® water powered backup pump.

The system is easy to use and setup -- all through your portable device. No need to log into a computer. Simply download the app, register the device and connect to the equipment using BlinkUpTM technology. The NightEye® app is a free download and is compatible with Apple® iOS and Android® devices.

There are no subscription or service fees for use of the NightEye® system. For more information visit www.libertypumps.com/nighteye or look for Liberty products with the NightEye® logo.

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