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Fire heavily damages barn on Brown Road, Corfu

By Howard B. Owens

The initial call came in as a chimney fire, but when East Pembroke Fire Chief Don Newton first got on scene he could see it was more than just the chimney on fire. Nearly the entire back wall of the barn at 2689 Brown Road, Corfu, was on fire.

He immediately called for a second alarm.

Firefighters were initially hampered by a lack of water, so Newton called on more tankers from neighboring departments.

But even facing these difficulties, the volunteer firefighters were able to save much of the structure and most of the contents, including a 40-foot yacht.

Besides East Pembroke, the departments responding were Corfu, Pembroke, Indian Falls, Town of Batavia, Alexander and Darien.

Mercy EMS also responded.

There were no injuries reported as a result of the fire.

(Initial Report)

Smoke reported coming from barn on Brown Road

By Howard B. Owens

There is reported smoke coming from the barn at 2689 Brown Road, Corfu.

East Pembroke fire and one engine from Corfu dispatched.

Mercy EMS also dispatched.

UPDATE 12:49 a.m.: A responding chief warns of slick roads in route to the scene. More manpower requested to East Pembroke's hall.

UPDATE 12:51 a.m.: Working chimney fire in the barn. Heavy smoke showing. East Pembroke chief requests a second alarm.

UPDATE 12:58 a.m.: Pembroke dispatched to the scene. Town of Batavia to stand by in East Pembroke's hall.

UPDATE 1:04 a.m.: Town of Batavia tanker requested to the scene.

UPDATE 1:08 a.m.: Indian Falls is responding.

UPDATE 1:15 a.m.: Firefighters are having water supply issues. More tankers requested to the scene. Another pumper requested from Pembroke to set up a hydrant draw site. Fire now breaking through one of the walls.

UPDATE(S) by Billie 1:24 a.m.: The fire has broken through another side of the barn.

UPDATES 1:43 a.m.: Heavy smoke and flames are coming out of the east side of the barn. Alabama is requested to have an engine fill in at East Pembroke's hall.

UPDATE 1:52 a.m.: Initially, the property owner did try to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher, but realized the effort was futile and he got out of the barn safely.

UPDATE 2:12 a.m.: A lot of white smoke is still coming from the back of the barn, but no flames are showing at this point.

UPDATE 3:02 a.m.: National Grid is called to the scene to cut power to the barn and to find out why there's no power at the house. It's unclear if power is out at other properties in the immediate vicinity.

UPDATE 3:10 a.m. (by Howard): Fire is out.

Incumbents get unexpected challenger in Corfu; Taylor and Kettle win in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

The only election in Genesee County tonight that was supposed to be contested was in Le Roy, but a last-minute write-in campaign in Corfu made that vote suddenly interesting.

Nick Skeet -- son of former mayor Todd Skeet -- decided just a week ago or so that he wanted to try and win a seat on the village board.

He got 17 write-in votes tonight, which wasn't enough to close the gap on incumbents Art Ianni (31 votes) and Ken Laurer (53 votes).

"I don't like some of the things going on at meetings," Skeet said after the votes were tallied. "I still don't like the way the village is being run. I think we can do a better job. I just think everything can done for the better interest of Corfu. There are details I don't like that I'd rather not get into."

Asked if he was targeting a specific incumbent with his write-in campaign, he said he wasn't. Asked to explain what was bothering him at meetings, he wouldn't go into details.

The village government has been a bit of a soap opera for about two years, ever since an investigation was opened into missing court funds. A year ago, Ralph Peterson was elected mayor and immediately became a controversial figure in local politics. Facing pressure to resign, Peterson took medical leave and has been on leave for about six months.

Meanwhile, in Le Roy, one incumbent won reelection and another lost.

The winners were Robert Taylor, a longtime village trustee, and Bill Kettle, a local businessman. Trustee Jennifer Keys lost as did challenger John Mangefrida.

Taylor had 279 votes, Kettle, 267, Mangefrida, 228 and Keys, 191.

Corfu student earns degree at Morrisville State College

By Billie Owens

Bobbie Jo Norton, a resident of Corfu, graduated from Morrisville State College in December.

Morrisville State sets the world in motion for students. Curricula are enriched with applied learning and pave the way for opportunity at both the Morrisville and Norwich campuses. An action-oriented, interactive learning lab, the college is a national leader in technology. Lauded for its exemplary, innovative and effective community service programs, the college was named to the 2012 President's Higher Community Education Service Honor Roll.

Visit www.morrisville.edu to experience, Morrisville in motion.

Law and Order: Vine Street resident allegedly threatens EMS personnel after requesting help

By Howard B. Owens
Tonia Doell

Tonia M. Doell, 44, of 14 Vine St., Batavia, is charged with three counts of menacing, 2nd, one count of criminal possession of a weapon, and one count of attempted assault, 2nd. Doell is accused of requesting medical assistance at 2:21 p.m. and when Mercy EMS personnel arrived at her residence and attempted to enter, Doell allegedly threatened them with a kitchen knife. Doell was arraigned and jailed without bail.

Jason D. Lang, 27, and Ashley R. Keene, 26, both of 244 Liberty St., Batavia, are charged with grand larceny, 4th. Lang and Keene are accused of stealing 10 pairs of eyeglass frames valued at more than $1,600 from the Lencrafters location in Hamburg. Hamburg detectives received several calls identifying Lang and Keene as the suspects after police posted pictures of the shoplifting suspects on Facebook and Buffalo media outlets picked up the story. Upon further investigation, Lang and Keene were asked to appear at Hamburg PD and did so voluntarily. Hamburg detectives report that Lang and Keene confessed to the theft. They were issued appearance tickets.

Pamela Kristene Goerss, 43, of Oak Hill Road, Silver Springs, is charged with DWI, speed not reasonable and prudent, unlicensed operator, leaving the scene of an accident and parked in roadway. Goerss was reportedly operating a 2011 Volkswagan Jetta southbound on Perry Road at 3:16 a.m. Sunday when she was involved in an accident. The other vehicle left the scene. Goerss also allegedly tried to drive away from the scene, but her vehicle became disabled. The Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's assistance in identifying the other vehicle and driver. Anybody with information can contact Deputy Frank Bordonaro at (585) 343-5000. Goerss was jailed on $500 bail.

Brian Lee Smith, 52, of Colonial Boulevard, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd, and aggravated family offense, a felony. Smith is accused of yelling a vulgar word at the victim, who has an active order of protection in place, Smith allegedly yelled at the victim while she was in her own driveway. Smith was jailed on $20,000 cash bail or $40,000 bond.

Bryan R. Bartholomew, 27, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Bartholomew allegedly violated an order of protection by being at the residence of the protected party. Bartholomew was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Matthew D. Derrick, 29, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Derrick is accused of being involved in a domestic incident March 6.

Dariel A. Giffith, 21, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Griffith is accused of striking another person in the hand during a dispute on South Swan Street at 4:56 p.m. March 6.

Jon David Vega, 48, of 78th Street, Howard Beach, was arrested on two bench warrants for alleged failure to appear. Vega was arrested upon his release from the Monroe County Jail on unrelated charges. He was arraigned in City Court and jailed on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond.

Christina M. Colantonio, 27, of Snipery Road, Corfu, is accused of failure to appear after appearance ticket served. Colantonio was located walking westbound on West Main Street near Union Street by Officer James DeFreze and she was arrested on an active warrant. Colantonio posted $500 bail and was released.

Heather Daffney Stone, 19, of Elwood Drive, Rochester, was arrested on a bench warrant related to a third-degree burglary charge. Stone was released from Monroe County Jail on an unrelated matter and taken into custody on the burglary charge. Stone was held without bail.

Johnny Uylesse Troche, 28, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with menacing, 2nd. Troche allegedly threatened another person with a knife at 9:26 p.m. Saturday.

Francisco Rodriguez, 37, of Portland Avenue, Rochester, is charged with possession of untaxed cigarettes. Rodriguez was stopped at 8:43 p.m. Saturday on Lewiston Road, Batavia, for alleged failure to dim high beams by Deputy Joseph Corona. Rodriguez was allegedly found in possession of more untaxed cigarettes than legally allowed.

Christina Sandra Baudanza, 37, no address given, was arrested on a Family Court warrant. Baudanza was arrested upon her release from the Wyoming County Hospital. She was arraigned in Family Court and released to a social service worker who took her to temporary housing.

Katie Lee Winnie, 20, of Exchange Street, Attica, was arrested on bench warrants related to charges of petit larceny and possession of marijuana. Winnie allegedly failed to appear for a court date in the Town of Batavia. She turned herself in and was jailed on $500 bail.

Eric X. Williams, 22, of Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Williams was arrested by State Police for an alleged incident reported at 10:46 p.m. on Feb. 24. No further details released.

Joshua J. Clark, 37, of Le Roy, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Clark was stopped at 1:50 a.m. Friday at the junction of routes 5 and 63 by State Police.

Law and Order: Man accused of trying to bring marijuana into City Court

By Howard B. Owens

Joshua Lee Baltz, 37, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Baltz allegedly was found to be carrying marijuana while entering the City Court facility.

John Robert Gerhardt, 64, of Centerline Road, Varysburg, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and moving from lane unsafely. Gerhardt was stopped at 6:32 p.m. Friday on River Street, Batavia, by Deputy James Diehl.

Lisa M. Durham, 42, of Thorpe Street, Batavia, is charged with misapplication of property and falsifying business records, 1st. Durham allegedly rented merchandise from Rent-A-Center and pawned it at Pawn King.

Steven Michael Meyers, 34, of East Bethany - Le Roy Road, Bethany, is charged with menacing, 2nd. Meyers allegedly displayed a firearm during a dispute with another person.

Jenae M. Macleod, 29, of Genesee Street, Corfu, was arrested on a bench warrant out of City Court. Macleod was located by deputies from the Erie County Sheriff's Office during an investigation of an incident and discovered to have an active warrant. She was turned over to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, arraigned, and jailed on $500 bail.

Tracy A. Hilton Sr., 33, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Hilton was allegedly involved in a domestic incident at 12:07 a.m. Saturday.

Tyler D. Macey, 18, of Grandview Terrace, Batavia, is charged with strangulation, 2nd, acting in a manor likely to be injurious to a child and assault, 3rd. Macey is accused of being involved in a domestic incident.

Joshua A. Laraby, 23, of Byron, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and a traffic violation. Laraby was stopped at 5:56 p.m. Friday by State Police.

Daniel J. Laudico, 20, of Elba, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to keep right and speeding. Laudico was stopped at 1:02 a.m. Sunday on North Byron Road, Elba, by State Police.

Rollover accident with injuries on Genesee Street, Corfu

By Billie Owens

A one-vehicle rollover accident with injuries is reported at 922 Genesee St., Corfu. Corfu Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 10:59 p.m.: A responder on scene says the driver is out of the vehicle, alert and walking around. "He appears to be fine."

UPDATE 11:07 a.m.: Fire command cancelled the medics. A State Trooper is handling the scene.

Leaking fuel tank is reported on Bank Street Road, Elba

By Billie Owens

A leaking propane tank at 7556 Bank Street Road has prompted the response of Elba fire, which is in command, along with mutual aid from Corfu and Byron. The location is just north of Batavia Elba Town Line Road.

The homeowners have contacted the fuel company and a rep is responding to the scene.

UPDATE 6:32 p.m.: Elba has requested a tanker from Barre to stand by in Elba's fire hall.

UPDATE 7:01 p.m.: The fuel company rep is on scene. Barre is now in Elba's fire hall.

UPDATE 7:18 p.m.: Byron is leaving the scene, returning to service.

UPDATE 7:20 p.m.: The roadway, which had been closed by Fire Police, is being reopened. The assignment is back in service or will be shortly. Barre is released from standby.

More than 30 local students make the dean's list for Fall 2013 at RIT

By Billie Owens

The following local residents made the dean's list for Fall 2013 semester at Rochester Institute of Technology:

Michael Anauo, Elba, is a fourth-year student in the molecular bioscience and biotechnology program in RIT's College of Science.
Joshua Barnard, of Bergen, is a fourth-year student in the industrial design program in RIT's College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.
Hannah Belliveau, of Oakfield, is a third-year student in the biology program in RIT's College of Science.
Benjamin Bliss, of Pavilion, is a second-year student in the illustration program in RIT's College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.
Dustin Bordonaro, of Batavia, is a fifth-year student in the mechanical engineering program in RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.
Kari Branton, of Le Roy, is a fourth-year student in the hospitality and service management program in RIT's College of Applied Science and Technology.
Maura Chmielowiec, of Batavia, is a fifth-year student in the mechanical engineering program in RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.
Jennifer Crossen, of Basom, is a second-year student in the chemical engineering program in RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.
Erin Crossen, of Basom, is a fourth-year student in the computational mathematics program in RIT's College of Science.
Sophia Del Plato, of Batavia, is a fourth-year student in the graphic design program in RIT's College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.
Anna Dorman, of Batavia, is a first-year student in the industrial engineering program in RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.
Benjamin Ezard, of Byron, is a second-year student in the chemical engineering program in RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.
Nicholas Flumerfeldt, of Corfu, is a fifth-year student in the mechanical engineering technology program in RIT's College of Applied Science and Technology.
Rachel Henrici, of Batavia, is a first-year student in the chemical engineering program in RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.
Erica Hickey, of Byron, is a first-year student in the journalism program in RIT's College of Liberal Arts.
Ryan Hochreiter, of Le Roy, is a third-year student in the mechanical engineering program in RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.
Joshua Horning, of Le Roy, is a fourth-year student in the computer science program in RIT's B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.
Rachel Kobel, of Bergen, is a first-year student in the environmental sustainability, health and safety program in RIT's College of Applied Science and Technology.
Peter Madau, of Le Roy, is a second-year student in the chemical engineering program in RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.
Samantha Mitchell, of Batavia, is a first-year student in the electrical engineering program in RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.
Evyn Morgan, of Pavilion, is a fourth-year student in the professional photographic illustration program in RIT's College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.
Robert Osborn, of Darien Center, is a fourth-year student in the mechanical engineering program in RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.
Karl Pajak, of Corfu, is a fourth-year student in the film and animation program in RIT's College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.
Clayton Pitcher, of Batavia, is a first-year student in the information technology program in RIT's B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.
Alycia Sabatino, of Batavia, is a first-year student in the diagnostic medical sonography program in RIT's College of Health Sciences and Technology.
Brittani Scharlau, of Alexander, is a fourth-year student in the diagnostic medical sonography program in RIT's College of Health Sciences and Technology.
Michael Slack, of Bergen, is a fourth-year student in the film and animation program in RIT's College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.
Christopher Snyder, of Darien Center, is a third-year student in the bioinformatics program in RIT's College of Science.
Joanna Stacy, of Bergen, is a third-year student in the graphic design program in RIT's College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.
Kristen Stacy, of Le Roy, is a fourth-year student in the professional photographic illustration program in RIT's College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.
Eric Stella, of Le Roy, is a fourth-year student in the packaging science program in RIT's College of Applied Science and Technology.
Travis Swede, of Pavilion, is a fourth-year student in the packaging science program in RIT's College of Applied Science and Technology.
Traci Turner, of Bergen, is a second-year student in the journalism program in RIT's College of Liberal Arts.
Ryan Warner, of Batavia, is a first-year student in the physics program in RIT's College of Science.

Degree-seeking undergraduate students are eligible for dean's list if their quarterly GPA is greater than or equal to 3.400; they do not have any grades of "Incomplete", "D" or "F"; and they have registered for, and completed, at least 12 credit hours.

Rochester Institute of Technology is internationally recognized for academic leadership in business, computing, engineering, imaging science, liberal arts, sustainability, and fine and applied arts. In addition, the university offers unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. RIT enrolls 18,000 full- and part-time students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, and its cooperative education program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation.
 

Crash with minor injury reported at routes 33 and 77 in Corfu

By Billie Owens

A tractor-trailer versus car accident is reported at the intersection of routes 33 and 77. A female is complaining of lower back pain. Law enforcement is on scene and Mercy medics and Corfu fire are responding.

UPDATE 3:38 a.m.: The patient is being transported to Erie County Medical Center.

UPDATE 3:43 a.m.: Corfu is back in service.

Car wreck on Sumner Road, Darien

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with minor injuries is reported at 192 Sumner Road in Darien. Alabama Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 11:35 a.m.: The accident is in Crittenden. Erie County and Alden are handling. The patient is a sign-off. Darien and Mercy medics are back in service.

Law and Order: Woman accused of mistreating pit bull

By Howard B. Owens

Nina M.E. Kelso, 29, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with torturing or injuring an animal/failure to provide sustenance and owning/haboring an unlicensed dog. Batavia PD responded to Kelso's residence at 6:08 p.m., Feb. 4, to investigate a report of a maltreated/malnourished dog. Officers allegedly found a pit bull identified as Kelso's dog that was malnourished and weak. The dog was reportedly unable to stand or move on its own. The dog was also unlicensed. The dog was taken to Batavia State Street Animal Hospital and continues to receive treatment and care.

Johnnie Waston

Johnnie M. Waston, 30, unknown address, Rochester, is charged with criminal impersonation, 2nd, and criminal trespass, 2nd. Waston allegedly entered the apartment on State Street of somebody he did not know at 1:54 p.m., Sunday, and remained in the residence unlawfully. Waston allegedly provided a fake name to police and was later recognized and identified by jail personnel. Waston was found to have an active bench warrant for his arrest out of the city court in Rochester.

Scott R. Merrill, 45, of Darien Center, is charged with DWI. A state trooper reportedly observed a vehicle stop at the Colby Road railroad crossing, which at the time had flashing lights and the gate arms down, indicating an approaching train. The vehicle allegedly proceeded around the gates and narrowly avoided being hit by an Amtrak train. The vehicle was stopped and Merrill was taken into custody following further investigation.

Rodney Lowell McKenzie, 49, of Weaver Street, Buffalo, is charged with inhalation of toxic vapors. McKenzie was reported found at 11:51 a.m., Feb. 5, sitting in his vehicle allegedly huffing keyboard cleaner. He was also charged with petit larceny for allegedly shoplifting from Walmart.

Danny Jay Torok Jr., 26, of Dodgeson Road, Alexander, is charged with assault, 2nd. Torok allegedly started a fight with another inmate while incarcerated at the Genesee County Jail.

Mark Andrew Kempie Jr., 45, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Kempie allegedly stole merchandise valued at $13.67 from Kmart.

Gary Edwin Gerevics, 55, of Indian Falls Road, Corfu, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd, and criminal contempt, 2nd. Gerevics was allegedly found in possession of firearms in violation of a court order of protection. He was jailed on $3,000 bail.

Jason A. Klinkbeil, 25, of 50 South St., Le Roy, was arrested on a bench warrant. Klinkbeil turned himself in on a warrant for alleged failure to comply with drug court. He was jailed on $100,000 bail.

Nathan Paul Crawford,18, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with public lewdness. Crawford allegedly exposed his genitals to another person while on East Main Street, Batavia, at 5:46 p.m., Feb. 5.

Suzanne M. Corona, 44, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Corona is accused of stealing from a location Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, at 8:38 p.m., Saturday. She was arrested by State Police. No further details released.

Jacob J. Lentz, 24, of Aurora, Iowa, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Lentz was stopped at 10:50 p.m., Saturday, on Albion Road in Oakfield by State Police.

Deborah L. Smith, 55, of Spencerport, is charged with DWI, refusal to take breath test and drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle while on highway. Smith was stopped by State Police at 11:25 p.m., Friday, on Route 63, Town of Batavia.

Law and Order: Corfu woman accused of shoplifting at two locations on two days

By Howard B. Owens

Jenea M. MacLeod, 29, of Genesee Street, Corfu, is charged with petit larceny. MacLeod is accused of shoplifting from the Dollar General Store at 412 E. Main St., Batavia. She allegedly placed items in her purse and walked out of the store without paying for the items on Friday. Two days earlier, MacLeod also allegedly stole merchandise from Walmart. She was charged with petit larceny and trespass.

Kevin Leroy John Halbert, 27, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with peit larceny. Halbert is accused of shoplifting from Kmart.

Woodrow C. Horseman, 37, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and trespass. Horseman was allegedly banned from Tops. He allegedly went into Tops at 4:08 p.m. Sunday and stole several cases of beer.

Jason H. Freeman, 32, of South Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Freeman is accused of stealing ice cream from Tops.

Terry Ann Espinosa, 43, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with falsely reporting an incident, 3rd. Espinosa is accused of falsely reporting a larceny to Batavia PD.

Gregory Seppe, 55, of Hyde Park, Batavia, is charged with disobeying a court order of protection and endangering the welfare of a child. Seppe is accused of entering a residence on Columbia Avenue at 10:17 a.m. Saturday and coming into contact with a person he is barred by court order from contacting. While in the residence Seppe allegedly acted inappropriately and endangered the safety and well being of several children in the residence.

Stephen W. Quigley, 59, no permanent address, is charged with petit larceny and trespass. Quigley allegedly slept overnight in a vehicle on the car lot of Time Buyer and stole change from an unsecured vehicle. Quigley was jailed on $5,000 bail.

David C. Truesdale, 24, of 18 Parsells Ave., Rochester, was arrested on a bench warrant. Truesdale was located reportedly hiding in a bathroom at 20 Tracy Ave., #1, Batavia, by Sgt. Chris Camp while Camp was attempting to serve a warrant on Truesdale. Truesdale is charged in the warrant with assault, 3rd, and strangulation, 2nd. He was also arrested on a City Court warrant for alleged failure to complete community service on an unreasonable noise complaint. At the time of his arrest, Truesdale was allegedly found in possession of marijuana. Truesdale was jailed without bail.

Duffy L. Starks Jr., 21, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Starks was allegedly found in possession of marijuana while Batavia PD was at 20 Tracy Ave., Batavia, to arrest another subject on a warrant. Starks was also arrested on a parole warrant. He is being held in the Genesee County Jail on the parole warrant.

Joshua T. Fullmer, 21, of 3124 W. Main Street Road, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant. Fullmer turned himself in to Batavia PD.

Amy R. Martin, 29, of Dewey Avenue, Batavia, turned herself in on a parking ticket warrant for allegedly parking on a city street between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. Martin posted bail and was released.

Danny D. Williams Sr., 25, of 310 E. Main St., Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant. Williams was located in Rochester and arrested on two bench warrants and one arrest warrant out of Batavia City Court. Williams was jailed without bail.

Leslie C. Jackson, 51, of Piffard, is charged with grand larceny, 4th, and and a Class E felony (the State Police blotter is unclear as to what it is). Jackson was arrested by state troopers in connection with an alleged incident reported at 3 p.m. Dec. 3 in the City of Batavia. No further details released.

Pembroke grandmother accused of being linchpin in large drug dealing operation

By Howard B. Owens

Geraldine Horsefall
(photo from NYSP)

A Pembroke grandmother is the focal point of a multi-agency investigation into drug dealing in WNY, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced in Buffalo today.

Geraldine Horsefall is accused of obtaining hydrocodone pills from various individuals -- many of whom were arrested as part of the drug sweep -- and selling them to residents on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation and in Erie and Niagara counties.

She's also accused of buying and selling cocaine as part of an organization that moved a large quantity of the narcotic.

The arrests were announced as part of the conclusion of an 18-month investigation called Operation Lockport, which led to 160 combined criminal counts against 25 people. The exact list of charges were not released.

At the press conference today, Schneiderman described Horsefall as a linchpin in the operation who allegedly enlisted the aid of her children and brought her grandchildren along while allegedly selling drugs.

“You know when someone brings small children along with them to make themselves a more effective drug dealer, that’s about as low as you can get," Schneiderman said.

The arrest of Horsefall, 59, and her alleged accomplices were announced along with several other arrests in a second cocaine dealing investigation in Erie and Niagara counties

The other investigation also led to the discovery of bi-monthly cockfights on an Indian reservation in Niagara County.

“Drug trafficking rings like these infect our neighborhoods and tear apart our communities,” Schneiderman said. “Today’s arrests strike a significant blow to the drug trade across Western New York. My office, with our strong collaboration with law enforcement partners, will fight to make our communities safer by rooting out large-scale narcotics trafficking networks.”

Local law enforcement agents from Erie, Niagara and Genesee counties -- along with members of the Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force, State Police and DEA -- all participated in the investigation, which included undercover operations, GPS tracking devices and hundreds of hours of covert surveillance.

“It is through the combined efforts of federal, state and local law enforcement that these dangerous individuals are now off our streets and out of our communities,” NYSP Superintendent Joseph D’Amico said. “We worked together identifying these dealers, pinpointing their drug activity and shutting down their enterprises.

Other Genesee County residents charged with crimes as a result of the investigation are: Rylyn Horsefall, 33, of Pembroke; Lori Schwab, 33, of Corfu; and Eric Parker, 38, of Pembroke.

Also arrested was 42-year-old Michelle King, of Akron, reportedly a nurse in a doctor's office who allegedly helped supply controlled substances to Horsefall.

Operation Lockport led to the seizure of approximately two kilograms of cocaine and more than $60,000 in cash, officials said.

Members of the alleged narcotics ring would transport cocaine from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to WNY, authorities said.

Investigators believe that the suspects would pack cocaine into the soles and heels of doctored pairs of shoes and then cut up the shoes once in Buffalo. The shoes, along with box cutters, razor blades and utility knives, were allegedly found in a vehicle belonging to Vincent Mundy, of Fort Lauderdale, who was arrested this morning.

DEA Special Agent in Charge James Hunt said Operation Lockport totally dismantled a complete drug-dealing operation.

"Today's arrests have put an end to their drug network, arresting crew members at all levels -- those who sold crack cocaine and cocaine on the streets, to the resellers, to the suppliers who transported the drugs from Florida to Buffalo concealed in soles of shoes," Hunt said. "I commend the dedication and teamwork of our federal, state and local law enforcement partners throughout this investigation."

Photos: Corfu's 2014 Winterfest

By Howard B. Owens

In Corfu today, the big event was the annual Winterfest, which includes vendors selling and demonstrating various wares, live music, outdoor hockey and snow play, and a K-9 demonstration featuring Deputy Chris Erion and his dog "Destro."

Above, Krystal Chavez and her 6-year-old son Kristian check out items created by members of the Pembroke Woodturners Guild while Mark Williams watches.

Players had to keep clearing snow away from the ice hockey rink in order to keep playing.

Deputy Chris Erion and Destro during a demonstration of what Destro is able to do.

Destro alerts on a "bad guy." If Erion gives the command, Destro will let a person know he better watch it. The "bad guy" was played by a Corfu police officer.

Peter Lotz with Venus, a goshawk. Venus and the other birds below were brought to Winterfest by Kkyhunter Birds of Prey, a company that provides wildlife educational programs and displays throughout Western New York.

 

Photo: Flag barn in Corfu in the snow

By Howard B. Owens

If you've ever driven down Route 33 heading into Corfu, you've seen this barn.

When I left Le Roy at 2:30, there was no snow falling. As I arrived in Corfu at 3:15, it was coming down pretty good.

Law and Order: Woman accused of leaving dog with no food while on trip to Florida

By Howard B. Owens

Lauren K. Pellegrino, 32, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with abandonment of animal and failure ot provide sustenance for an animal. Officers James Defreze and Chad Richards were dispatched to 129 Jackson St., Batavia, at 6:44 a.m. Jan. 6 to check on the welfare of a reportedly malnourished dog that was found by Pellegrino's landlord. The officers found a boxer/pitbull mix inside the residence. The officers determined the dog was allegedly "extremely malnourished."  Pellegrino allegedly left the dog unattended in the residence while she went on a vacation to Florida. The dog was removed from the residence and is being nursed back to health at the Genesee County Animal Shelter. Pellegrino was issued an appearance ticket on the charges.

Rachel E. Rast, 26, of Barefoot Lane, Caledonia, is charged with harassment, obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest. Officers Darryle Streeter and Stephen Cromiller responded to a report of a disturbance at Batavia Gardens at 1:13 p.m. Rast allegedly resisted arrest and in the process struck an officer in the head.

Kristopher J. Staats, 23, of Montclair Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Staats allegedly stole $64.95 cents worth of steaks from Settler's Restaurant while employed by the restaurant.

Marc David Unger, 31, of East Main Street, Corfu, was arrested on a warrant for alleged violation of probation.

Brooke Lyn Blaszak, 22, of Summit Street, Batavia, is charged with grand larcney, 4th. Blaszak allegedly stole $1,400 worth of property from an acquaintance. Blaszak was jailed on $1,000 bail

Law and Order: Le Roy man accused of stealing co-pays at doctor's office

By Howard B. Owens

James Mitchell, 35, of Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny. Mitchell was arrested following a months-long investigation by the Livingston County Sheriff's Office into reports of stolen co-payments at a doctor's office where Mitchell worked in Avon. The investigation took time, according to LCSO, because of lengthy billing cycles and victims coming forward. Mitchell was allegedly stealing co-pays as patients checked out at their physician's office. The investigation was conducted by Deputy Dan Rittenhouse, Deputy Ross Gerace, Deputy Steph Schroeder and Deputy Mike Yencer.

Kelly M. Zwolinski, 34, of Broadway Road, Darien, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 4th, and resisting arrest. Zwolinski was identified as a suspect in possession of a stolen horse saddle that was taken from a farm in Niagara County and an arrest warrant was issued. When Deputy Kevin McCarthy and Investigator William Ferrando attempted to place Zwolinski under arrest, she allegedly resisted arrest.

Darlene Ann Kingdollar, 51, of South Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with petit larceny. Kingdollar is accused of entering the 7-Eleven store in Oakfield while intoxicated and after she was denied the purchase of alcohol, she allegedly left the store with a can of beer without paying for it.

Bruce J. Brade, 33, of Galloway Road, Batavia, is charged with stalking, 4th, and criminal contempt, 2nd. Brade allegedly violated an order of protection.

Mark J. Price, 37, Township Road, Ashland, Ohio, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear for an alleged traffic violation in Batavia City Court. Price was aprehended during a traffic stop in the Village of Attica. Price was issued an appearance ticket.

Jeffrey A. Pionessa, 32, of Glenwood Drive, Attica, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and speeding in zone. Pionessa was stopped at 2:30 a.m. Sunday on Law Street, Batavia, by Officer Arick Perkins. Pionessa allegedly had a BAC of .11.

A 17-year-old resident of Trumbull Parkway, Batavia is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, and harassment, 2nd. The youth is accused of damaging the mobile phone charger of another person by throwing it against a wall and grabbing the arm of the alleged victim and pushing the person's face.

John K. Rolls, 34, of Mill Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of forcible touching. Rolls is accused of forcibly touching a 17-year-old girl on Jan. 7. Rolls is incarcerated in the Genesee county Jail on an unrelated matter and was issued an appearance ticket.

Brad Strzelecki, 19, of Hunter Street, Bergen, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Strzelecki was reported at a location on Bank Street at 10:01 a.m. Jan. 13 when he was allegedly found in possession of marijuana by Officer Eric Foels.

Rodeny Lowell McKenzie, 49, of Weaver Street, Buffalo, is charged with petit larceny. McKenzie was located by Transit Police in Buffalo during a check-the-welfare interview and identified as a warrant suspect for allegedly stealing items from Kmart on Dec. 12.

Bryant William Hardtner, 28, of State Street Road, Batavia, is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Hardtner is accused of taking a vehicle Sunday without the owner's consent.

Kimberly Diane Ribbeck, 27, of Genesee Street, Corfu, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving a vehicle with obstructed vision and no or inadequate plate light. Ribbeck was stopped at 2:33 a.m. Sunday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Michael Gerald Pernicano, 21, of Lake Road, Holley, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to signal and no plate light. Pernicano was stopped at 2:29 a.m. Saturday on North Byron Road, Byron, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Lena Marie Evans, 26, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny, two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance and possession of a hypodermic instrument. Evans was arrested for allegedly shoplifting at Kmart by Deputy Andrew Hale.

Carey Anthony Bedell III, 18, of Lehigh Avenue, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Bedell was arrested on Clinton Street Road, Byron, at 9:43 p.m. Friday.

Matthew R. Smith, 21, of Basom, is charged with forcible touching. Smith was arrested by State Police for an alleged incident reported at noon Thursday.

Mark A. Allison, 52, of Lockport, is charged with felony DWI and felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Allison was arrested by State Police following the report at 9:29 p.m. Thursday of a two-car accident at 372 Bloomingdale Road, Basom. One person was injured. The driver of the other vehicle was Alexander Shirira, 56, of Buffalo. No other details released.

Driver allegedly dozes off and strikes mailbox on Main Street in Corfu

By Billie Owens

A car struck a mailbox at 1410 Main St. in Corfu, by the Holiday Hollow, and the driver is complaining of head pain. "He states he dozed off..." according to the dispatcher. There was air bag deployment. The car is off the roadway. The location is between Boyce and Alleghany roads. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are responding along with medics.

UPDATE 2:38 p.m.: Pembroke command tells the Pembroke crew they can stand down. The vehicle involved is a white pickup truck.

UPDATE 2:45 p.m.: Law enforcement also responded. The Pembroke assignment is back in service. The driver is being taken to UMMC.

UPDATE 3 p.m.: The driver is a 52-year-old male with complaints of head and neck pain.

Former court clerk in Corfu can avoid prison if she stays out of trouble for 11 months

By Howard B. Owens

In accordance with her plea agreement, Brandi Watts, the former Village of Corfu court clerk who stole more than $10,000 in court funds, was given 11 months to show she can stay out of trouble.

If she does, she will be sentenced Dec. 15 on a lesser included offense and serve a year on probation with the chance to have all charges dismissed.

Watts, who entered a guilty plea in October to one count of tampering with government records, a Class D felony, also paid $10,128.

The only drama, if you want to call it that, in court today was special prosecutor Donald O'Geen addressing a request by the Village of Corfu for additional restitution.

"There is claim for thousand and thousands of dollars more the Village of Corfu seeks," O'Geen said. "In my opinion the correct legal amount that the village can recover if there were a restitution hearing has been recovered. There's a lot of emotion and a lot of built up frustration and there are expenses they feel they shouldn't have to pay. I'm confident in the number, but I completely understand the frustration in the Village of Coruf."

Watts said nothing prior to Judge Robert C. Noonan ordering her back Dec. 15.

"If she violates the terms of probation, the probation department will notify me immediately and we'll be right back in here," Noonan said.

The case against Watts became a public controversy after the state comptroller's office released a report showing numerous financial irregularities in the village court's bookkeeping. For more than a year the village tried to pursue a case against Watts and her father and former boss in the village court, former justice Robert Alexander. 

As the judicial review commissions proceedings dragged on and no, the village tried to recover funds and get a criminal case to move forward.

In the process, the village incurred thousands of dollars in legal expenses and that's the money the village would still like to have Watts pay in restitution.

O'Geen said he doesn't believe that money would be awarded to the village in a restitution hearing.

Alexander, who also served as the Town of Pembroke justice, has resigned from office and is barred from ever seeking a court position again. As part of the plea bargain, criminal charges against Alexander where dropped, which included coercion and official misconduct for allegedly harassing another court clerk.

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