There's nothing in the circumstances surrounding the death of a 54-year-old Cheektowaga resident, whose body was found in a car at a location on Bloomingdale Road, July 4, to suggest foul play, said Chief Deputy Jerome Brewster, Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

Pending the results of a toxicology from the Monroe County Medical Examiner's Office, which will likely take months to complete, investigators suspect the death of Jennifer L. Pinsof was a suicide, Brewster said.

There is evidence to suggest she took a quantity of prescription pills that caused her death. It's possible, said Brewster, her two dogs died from ingesting the same medication.

Pinsof was seen in a surveillance video parking her car at a business on Bloomingdale Road about 1:30 p.m., July 3, and reaching into the back seat and grabbing something, Brewster said. The Sheriff's Office received a call about her being in the car, unresponsive, about 6 p.m., July 4. The car had not moved during that time.

At the time of her death, Brewster said, police in Cheektowaga were looking for her to question her about a fire at her residence July 3.

Because available evidence points to a possible suicide, completing the toxicology will be a lower priority for the crime lab in Rochester, Brewster said, which is one reason it will take so long to get back results.

The investigation remains pending while authorities await those results.

A Rochester-area man who authorities have identified as a member of the Hell's Angels and whose criminal activity gives him ties to Genesee County entered a guilty plea in Federal District Court yesterday to being an accessory after the fact to an assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering.

Timothy M. Stone, 35, of Gates, faces up to 10 years in prison and a $125,000 fine.

Stone first made news locally as part of a five-man operation caught by deputies allegedly stealing scrap metal from Ed Arnold Scrap Processors in Corfu.

He is identified by authorities as an associate of James Henry McAuley Jr. (aka "Mitch"), reputedly a Hell's Angels leader. McAuley was reportedly married to Donna L. Boon (aka Donna L. McAuley). Boon, of Batavia, was originally identified as a suspect in a meth ring headed by Donald G. Vanelli, reportedly a one-time president of the Road Agents Motorcycle Club. Vanelli is currently in federal prison as a result of his arrest in a joint FBI and Local Drug Task Force investigation into the meth trade in and around Batavia in July 2009.

Stone's guilty plea stems from his participation in an assault at Spenders Bar, in Rochester, on May 31, 2006. A patron was assaulted with a baseball bat. Federal authorities say Stone was aware that Spenders had video surveillance equipment and that the assault was recorded and stored on a computer. In the early morning hours of June 2, 20016, Stone forcibly removed the hard drive and took it from the bar. He later destroyed the hard drive and baseball bat in order to hinder the police investigation. 

In all, 10 members of the Hell's Angels were indicted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for WNY. Members and associates were charged with a variety of crimes, including drug trafficking, racketeering and accessory offenses. To date, two other defendants – Richard E. Riedman and Paul Griffin – have been convicted of narcotics conspiracy charges. McAuley, Robert W. Moran Jr., and Gina Tata have charges pending stemming from the alleged assault at Spenders Bar.

Prosecution of the scrap metal heist was handled by federal authorities and the defendants were convicted.

A two-car accident with multiple injuries is reported in Oakfield at Drake Street Road and Fisher Road. Oakfield Fire Department is responding, along with Elba fire and two Mercy medic units. Three people are involved but the extent of their injuries is not yet known. All are conscious. There is entrapment and extrication is needed.

UPDATE 7:17 a.m.: Fire police are asked to shut down traffic at Drake Street Road.

UPDATE 7:24 a.m.: An ambulance from Byron is requested to the scene.

UPDATE 7:43 a.m.: Two patients are being transported to UMMC. One is a 27-year-old male; the other is a 28-year-old male.

UPDATE 7:48 a.m.: One patient is being taken to Strong Memorial Hospital. None of the victims are seriously injured.

UPDATE 8:30 a.m. (by Howard): A deputy on scene it appears the Ford Explorer ran a stop sign and broadsided the other vehicle. No names released yet.

A pea combine accident is reported in the area of 7736 Oak Orchard Road, Batavia. 

The 60,000-pound machine has rolled over in a ditch and is resting against a utility pole. 

No injuries reported. 

Town of Batavia fire responding.

Crime totals for Genesee County have been slowly increasing over the past four years according to reports from the New York Division of Criminal Justice Services.

The total number of property crimes in the county have increased from 1,358 cases in 2013 to 1,397 cases in 2014. Many of the property crimes committed in the county are driven by drugs according to officials.

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman has seen a large percentage of larceny and burglary cases related to drug use.

"The one that is becoming most problematic in recent times is heroin," Friedman said. "We are certainly seeing a resurgence in the use of it. To a large extent, heroin disappeared from our view for years but now it's back." 

Sgt. Greg Walker of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office said heroin is popular in the county because it is easy to obtain and inexpensive. Walker leads the drug task force and works with the community to get tips on illegal drug activity. The drug hotline receives tips from residents every day. The Batavia Police Department, Village of Le Roy Police Department and Genesee County District Attorney's office are involved with the drug task force as well.

Walker said tackling drug abuse involves the combination of law enforcement, the courts and drug rehabilitation centers. He said law enforcement needs to crack down on selling, the courts have to issue appropriate penalties, and people suffering with addiction have to want to seek treatment.

In addition to the drug problem, another factor contributing to property crimes specifically larceny is people failing to lock their vehicles.

"In our case what we're seeing are larcenies from unlocked vehicles," Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch said. "That has been a big increase in the last year or so. Whether it's change or GPS devices or other personal property, it should not be left in an unlocked vehicle."

The total amount of violent crime in the county has remained steady for most local law enforcement agencies. 

The Batavia Police Department has seen a small increase in the number of reported violent crimes. The number of aggravated assault crimes increased from 37 cases in 2013 to 42 cases in 2014.

According to Heubusch, the increase in the number of aggravated assault crimes is due to additional effort to prosecute the perpetrators. The police department works closely with victim advocate agencies so the abuse can be reported.

The YWCA is one of the organizations that works with law enforcement to advocate for victims. The organization refers victims to police and assists with filing orders of protection. They also help victims by providing housing, personal care products and referrals for other services they may need. 

According to Jeanne Walton, executive director of the YWCA, the organization's domestic violence hotline has received 415 calls since Jan. 1. Walton said the number of calls has increased from previous years.

For crime in surrounding counties, the number of violent and property crimes in Orleans County and Wyoming County have steadily decreased over the past four years. 

To view annual crime reports by the New York Division of Criminal Justice Services, click here.

Area youngsters who enjoy basketball are encouraged to sign up for the Batavia Junior Blue Devils Basketball camp, which starts Aug. 10.

The five-afternoon camp at Batavia Middle School is open to boys and girls grades 3-8.

The cost is $60 per player, which includes a camp T-shirt.

Participants are asked to bring their own basketball every day.

Coach Jim Fazio, Junior Blue Devil's youth director, will lead the camp and coaches will include current and former Blue Devils players.

The camp focuses on offensive fundamentals such as shooting, passing and dribbling, as well as sportsmanship, fair play and safety. There will be daily contests and full court games.

For more information and to sign up, download the registration form (pdf).

Press release:

The Batavia Bulldawgs Youth Football & Cheer program will hold its 5th Annual Extreme Youth Football and Cheer Camp. This year’s camp cosponsored by Extreme Streetwear will be held at GCC Fields this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, July 9-11.

Walk-up registration still available. Cost for the camp is only $30.

Campers will receive quality instruction from USA Football certified coaches, a camp T-shirt, and lunch at the end of camp on Saturday July 12th.

Camp on Thursday and Friday will run from 4 to 6:30 p.m. with check-in at 3:30 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon with check-in at 8:30.

The camp is open to ALL athletes no matter what league affiliation between the ages of 5 to 13 years old by Dec. 1st. Birth certificate is required.

Camp training is stationed-based -- campers are divided by age and experience level so each athlete receives the right level of instruction and support. The Bulldawgs staff and volunteers will teach techniques, skills, and appreciation for all football positions and cheerleading in a fun positive way!

For more information, please contact League Commissioner Barry Warner-585-217-1213; Cheer Director Kinu Fortes 585-813-3219; or by e-mail at bataviabulldawgsfootball@gmail.com

Among the charges 27-year-old Eric J. Flowers is facing is resisting arrest. Once he was subdued by troopers, medics were called to the scene, and his head was bandaged, but he insisted he wasn't injured and refused all further medical treatment, according to Troop A spokesman James O'Callaghan.

A trooper attempted to initiate a traffic stop on Flowers on Seven Springs Road on Tuesday for alleged vehicle and traffic violations, including non-transparent side windows, an unsafe turn and no turn signal.

According to State Police, Flowers, a resident of Batavia, did not stop his vehicle for more than a mile, then he pulled into a driveway and fled into a wooded area. 

Troopers chased Flowers on foot and deployed a Taser to help with his apprehension.  

No members of law enforcement -- deputies assisted at the scene -- were injured in the incident.

Besides the suspicion that Flowers was driving drunk (he refused all BAC tests), he was also allegedly found in possession of items with marijuana and heroin residue in his vehicle.

Flowers is charged with DWI, aggravated unlicensed operator, resisting arrest, unlawful possession of marijuana, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, assault 2nd, with intent to cause injury to a police officer, side windows non-transparent and unsafe turn.

He was jailed without bail.

From Tim Hens, county highway superintendent:

Routine oil and stone work to begin tomorrow on Bank Street Road north of Five Corners (Townline Road) and Transit Road (Bank Street to Route 262) in the towns of Batavia, Elba and Byron.

Additional roads getting oil and stone within the next two weeks include:

• Bennett and Simonds roads, Town of Darien
• South Lake Road  (Cochocton to Route 5), Town of Pembroke
• Akron Road, Town of Pembroke
• Knowlesville and Ham Road, Town of Alabama
• Barrville Road, Town of Elba
• North Byron Road (Barrville Road to Route 98), Town of Elba
• Creek Road (City of Batavia to Putnam Road), Town of Batavia
• Attica and Darien-Alexander Townline roads, Town of Alexander
• Covell and Hartwell roads, Town of Pavilion

Motorists are urged to travel at 35 mph or lower while oil cures and until loose stone can be swept from the roadway.

A two-car accident is reported at 3058 Dodgeson Road. Alexander Fire Department and an ambulance are responding, One person is complaining of a leg injury.

A student at Genesee Community College says she's lost in some woods near the Batavia campus. Sheriff's deputies are en route to try and locate her. She walked to the 48 Express Deli (8204 Park Road) and ambled into some woods on her way back to campus and became disoriented. Her phone is said to be plotting in the area around Scalia's Landscape (8106 State Street Road).

UPDATE 1:59 p.m.: The student was located.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) recently announced his eighth annual Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C., will take place Sept. 17–20. More than 100 veterans and family members participated in the 2014 trip, which included stories of valiant service members and valuable time spent together reflecting on the courage and dedication exhibited by our nation’s veterans.

Hawley is a longtime supporter of veterans and currently serves as the Ranking Minority Member of the Assembly Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

“I look forward to this trip each year as a way to give back to those who have served our country and remember those who have perished in combat,” Hawley said. “I came up with this idea following a similar trip I took with my father, a World War II veteran.

"Through experiences of my father and my own service in the Ohio Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves, I have gained a tremendous understanding and respect for the sacrifices endured by our veterans. It is for this reason that I continue the Patriot Trip each year and encourage as many of my constituents who are veterans to sign up as soon as possible.”

Attractions Hawley plans to visit this year on the trip include:

• World War II Memorial
• Korean War Memorial
• Vietnam War Memorial
• Iwo Jima -- The Marine Corps Memorial
• American Veterans Disabled For Life Memorial
• Air Force Memorial
• 9/11 Memorial at the Pentagon
• Arlington National Cemetery, including the Changing of the Guard
• Wreath Laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns -- Vietnam Veterans
• Gettysburg Battlefields
• Mt. Vernon

Space is limited and sign-ups are first come, first serve with priority given to the oldest veterans and first-time attendees. Immediate family members may accompany a veteran.

If you or a veteran want more information about this year's Patriot Trip VIII, please call 585-589-5780 or 585-813-1608; e-mail: carneyj@assembly.state.ny.us

To view photos from previous years use the following link: http://vetsdctrip2008.shutterfly.com/.

Jacob J. Camerera is indicted for the crime of first-degree criminal contempt, a Class E felony, for allegedly violating an order of protection on Feb. 15 in the City of Batavia. It is alleged that Camerera struck, shoved, kicked or otherwise subjected the victim to physical contact or attempted or threatened to do so. In count two, he is accused of first-degree criminal contempt by violating an order of protection by physically menacing, intentionally placing or attempting to place a legally protected person in reasonable fear of death, imminent serious physical injury or physical injury by rapidly drving a motor vehicle in close proximity to that person. In count three, Camerera is accused of the crime of second-degree reckless endangerment, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly engaging in conduct which created a substantial risk of serious physical injury to the protected person by drving a motor vehicle in close proximity to that person.

Jerry T. Saddler Jr. is indicted for the crime of criminal contempt in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 16, 2014, in the City of Batavia, Saddler violated an order of protection. He is accused of striking, shoving, kicking or otherwise subjecting the victim to physical contact or threatening to do so.

Michael F. O'Neill is indicted for the crime of criving while intoxicated as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on April 19 in the City of Batavia he drove a 2003 Volkswagen on Oak Street while in an intoxicated condition. In count two, he is accused of driving while intoxicated, per se, as a Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .08 or more at the time of the incident. In count three, he is accused of first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation for allegedly operating a motor vehicle that day when he knew or had reason to know his driver's license was suspended, revoked or otherwise lawfully withdrawn. In count four, he is accused of the crime of unlawful possession of marijuana, a Class A misdemeanor.

Shane P. Buyck is indicted for the crime of third-degree burglary, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on May 25 he knowingly entered or remained unlawfully in a building on North Bergen Road, Town of Bergen, with the intent to commit a crime therein.

Robert P. Nowak, 58 of Pembroke, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, and harassment, 2nd. Nowak's wife reportedly called 9-1-1 during a domestic dispute Saturday. State Police responded and Nowak allegedly locked the doors and refused to come out. Troopers set up a perimeter with the assistance  of the Sheriff's deputies and Corfu PD. Nowak was taken into custody without any injuries. State Police said alcohol was a factor in the incident.

Kenneth M. Gray, 23, no permanent address, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property. Gray was allegedly in possession of a vehicle reported stolen in the City of Batavia on June 29. Le Roy PD observed the vehicle being operated in the village and initiated a traffic stop. 

Bradley W. Achman, 19, of Elma, is charged with trespassing. Achman allegedly entered private property to gain access to a concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center.

Lonnie Ford III, 44, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with loitering. Officers Kevin DeFelice and Marc Lawrence were on Hutchins Street investigating an incident when Ford was observed walking down the middle of the street toward the officers. According to Police, Ford's actions (the actions are not specified in the press release) prevented the officers from exercising their duties. Ford was issued an appearance ticket.

Steven F. Marra, 22, of Gabbey Road, Corfu, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and inadequate headlamps. Marra was stopped at 2:52 a.m. on State Street, Batavia, by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Doug Fancher, of Basom, and his 3-year-old grandson Callum, of Batavia, play shadow baseball under the giant flag at GO ART!'s annual Picnic in the Park in Centennial Park on Saturday.

Fancher said Callum is obsessed with baseball. At the Muckdogs' game the other night, he peppered his grandpa with questions about the game. He loves the Yankees and also thinks the Pirates are pretty cool.

Here are more pictures from Saturday...

A woman and her two dogs were found dead yesterday afternoon in a car on Bloomingdale Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation.

The Sheriff's Office is investigating, but did not release information indicating any possible cause of death.

The victim is Jennifer L. Pinsof, 54, of Cheektowaga.

There's no information available on how long she might have been dead before her body was found.

The investigation is being conducted by deputies Kevin McCarthy and Chad Minuto, and Investigator Tim Weis with the asstance of Trooper James Baines and Coroner Karen Lang.

A rollover accident is reported at 138 Pearl St. The driver and a passenger are both out of the vehicle. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE: There was no passenger. The driver is apparently not injured. The accident is under investigation.

UPDATE 6:58 a.m.: City fire back in service.

Nick Guarino won this morning's Kiwanis Club 5K with a time of 16:20. The first-place woman runner was Kimberly Mills with a time of 19:56.