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Le Roy

Law and Order: Inmate accused of burglary in Le Roy in August

By Howard B. Owens

Jamie S. Schlonski, 40, an inmate in the correctional facility in Collins, is charged with burglary, 2nd, and criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd, and petit larceny. Schlonski was charged following an investigation by Le Roy PD into burglaries in August in the village. The victim reported numerous checks stolen and cashed in the village. Schlonski was living in Le Roy at the time and was later identified as a suspect.

Rebeca Lynn Rose, 26, of North Street, Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny. Rose is accused of shoplifting clothing from Target on Thursday. Also charged with petit larceny was Megan Lynn Furr, 26, of North Street, Le Roy.

Alicia M. Stankwick, 21, of 2955 Angling Road, Corfu, is charged with harassment, 2nd.  Stankwick is accused of sending unwanted text messages to a male whom she was advised by a Batavia PD officer the day before not to contact.

Ryan C. Cook, 34, of 7 Mill St., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Cook is accused of having unwanted physical contact with a woman.

Kristen L. Brightenfield, 19, of Stafford, is charged with criminal mischief 4th/prevention of emergency call. Brightenfield was arrested by State Police for an alleged incident reported at 2:17 p.m. on Wednesday. No further details were released.

Car on its roof, driver trapped inside on West Main Street Road, Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A one-vehicle rollover with entrapment is reported at 6833 W. Main St. Road in Le Roy. There is also a telephone pole down. The driver is alert and talking but is upside down and held in place by her seat belt. The car is on its roof. Le Roy fire and ambulance are responding. The location is west of the two car dealerships on that stretch of roadway.

UPDATE 6:50 a.m.: Fire police are shutting down the road in the vicinity of the accident scene.

UPDATE 6:55 a.m.: Route 5 at Bater Road is shut down. The address of the accident is determined to be 6919 W. Main St. Road.

UPDATE 7:04 a.m.: Fire police are told to open up the road.

UPDATE 7:05 : The Le Roy assignment is back in service. A tow truck is expected there in about 10 minutes. Law enforcement is on scene.

UPDATE 7:16 a.m.: The driver is being transported to UMMC.

UPDATE 7:27 a.m.: The patient is a 36-year-old woman complaining of neck pain.

Law and Order: Batavia resident accused of assault in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

Jakob Kosiorek, 20, of 24 Tracey Ave., Batavia, is charged with assault, 2nd. Kosiorek was arrested by Le Roy PD and accused of punching another person several times, causing a broken nose, cheek bones and several lacerations. Kosiorek was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Danielle M. Sundown, 30, of 4846 Livingston Street, Warsaw, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, moving from lane unsafely, uninspected motor vehicle and aggravated unlicensed operation. Sundown is accused of being involved in a motor-vehicle accident on East Main Street at 10:33 p.m., Friday. Sundown allegedly fled the scene and was located a short time later at a local business. Additional charges are pending.

Thomas Edward McFadden, 19, of North Main Street, Warsaw, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd. McFadden was allegedly observed possessing and smoking marijuana by Deputy Patrick Reeves at 4:36 p.m., Monday, in the area of 127 North St., Batavia. Also charged with unlawful possession of marijuana were Brandon Michael Aquino, 17, of Linwood Road, Warsaw, and Chelsea Lynn Laley, 23, of North Main Street, Warsaw.

Charlee Nicole Tanner, 21, of West Avenue, Lyndonville, is charged with petit larceny. Tanner is accused of shoplifting $168.29 in merchandise from Kmart. Also charged with Tamera Antonia Dowdall, 26, of Beach Drive, Medina.

Robert Michael Freeman, 21, of East Avenue, Batavia, is charged with two counts of petit larceny. Freeman is accused of stealing from Target on Dec. 16 and Dec. 19.

Two Le Roy residents accused of selling fake NFL merchandise at Ralph Wilson Stadium

By Howard B. Owens

A pair of Le Roy residents were reportedly arrested in Erie County on Sunday for allegedly selling counterfeit NFL merchandise at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Charged with trademark counterfeiting were Kenneth Smith, 49, and Joshua Wyskiel, 31. Both men were taken into custody as part of a sweep of arrests of suspected fake NFL merchandise sellers.

From the Buffalo News:

Once the garments were identified as fake, Payne said he and fellow officers began making arrests throughout the Bills’ football season, with a “final sweep” of arrests Sunday.

“We started to see a lot of these unlicensed vendors walking around the stadium parking lots selling trademark counterfeit T-shirts and jerseys out of their backpacks,” Payne said. “The T-shirts were selling for $5 and the jerseys for $30. When somebody is purchasing a jersey, which normally sells for $100, that should be a clue it’s counterfeit.”

Fire reported at Village Square apartment complex, Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A lower portion of the building has a working fire at the Village Square apartments, 57 W. Main St., Le Roy.

Le Roy Fire Department dispatched.

 ... and (before we finish the post) the fire is out ...

Chief requests thermal camera to check things out.

UPDATE 6:21 p.m.: Le Roy fire back in service.

Photos on a snowy, sunny Sunday in December

By Howard B. Owens

It was the kind of day I wish I had more time to drive around and make photos. There were moments of sun and blue sky.

I did a bit of that this morning when leaving Bergen, with a drive through Le Roy.

Heading back to Batavia, I noticed the snow-covered pines above in Stafford off Route 5 and thought they would make a nice picture -- if only there was blue sky behind them.

This afternoon, I noticed some blue sky to the northeast, so I headed out to Stafford for this shot.

The other photos below were taken this morning.

Street lights in the Village of Bergen.

First Presbyterian Church, Bergen.

These two trees between North Road and the 490 on ramp in Le Roy always fascinate me. 

I think the first barn photo I ever took for The Batavian (but not my first barn photo) was of this structure on North Road, Le Roy. It was probably March 2009 or so and all I had for a camera at the time was a Casio point-and-shoot. The photo got so many comments; it was an encouragement to take more barn photos.

Law and Order: Batavia man jailed on criminal charges, alleged drug court violation

By Howard B. Owens

Timothy L. Taylor, 38, of 219 N. Spruce St., #124, Batavia, is charged with assault, 3rd, criminal obstruction of breathing and reckless endangerment, 2nd. Taylor was picked up by the State Police at a location on West Main Street Road on an unrelated matter Saturday and turned over to the Batavia PD on a warrant for the listed charges. Taylor is also accused of violating the terms of Drug Treatment Court. Taylor was jailed on $5,000 bail for the alleged criminal offenses and $100,000 for the alleged violation of drug court terms. He is schedule to reappear in city court on Dec. 26.

Scott N. Cameron, 30, of 25 Vine St., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd and endangering the welfare of a child. Cameron is accused of hitting a family member who is under age 17.

Benjamin L. Brade, 30, of 12 Denio St., Batavia, is  charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Brade is accused of violating an order of protection by being under the influence of alcohol while with the protected party.

Carl I. Sherman, 33, of 68 Dix St., Rochester, is charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd. Sherman was picked up by Rochester PD and turned over to Batavia PD on a warrant related to the listed charges. Sherman posted $500 bail.

Emily V. Salvatore, 30, of Bergen, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Salvatore was stopped by State Police at 11:27 p.m., Friday, on Route 31, Albion.

John Lee Smith, 38, of Rose Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, avoiding intersection, failure to keep right, moving from lane unsafely. Smith was stopped at 9:49 p.m., Saturday, on West Main Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Frank Bordonaro. Smith was allegedly observed avoiding the intersection at River Street and Main Street and not maintaining his lane.

Jeffrey J. Cervone, 44, of Skye Road, Basom, is charged with petit larceny. Cervone was taken into custody by the State Police out of Clarence and turned over to the Sheriff's Office on a bench warrant.

Gary Howard Waters, 35, of East Avenue, Gasport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18, speed not reasonable and prudent, leaving the scene of a property damage accident and failure to keep right. Waters was arrested following an investigation by Deputy Jason Saile and Deputy Eric Seppala into a motor vehicle accident at 3:03 a.m., Saturday, on Lewiston Road, Oakfield.

Robert A. Barnhart Jr., of Le Roy, was arrested on a warrant by the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office. Barnhart is accused of owing several thousands of dollars in restitution from a prior case.

Photos: Christmas lights in Le Roy and Pavilion

By Howard B. Owens

Every year I promise myself (and there's always a couple of requests) that this year I'm going outside of Batavia to shoot Christmas light pictures.  Tonight, I made it to Le Roy and then swung down to Pavilion.

If your house is in the gallery and you would like to purchase a print, click the "visit gallery" link in the slide show (I hear the metallic prints look really great).

UMMC's urgent care in Le Roy closed for tonight due to plumbing issue

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Due to an unexpected plumbing issue, Urgent Care at 8745 Lake St., Le Roy will be closed tonight, Dec. 19. They will reopen tomorrow, Dec. 20 at their regular time, 11 a.m. Patients who require urgent care services are encouraged to use the Batavia location at 16 Bank St.

Two local men promoted in the NY Army National Guard

By Billie Owens

The Adjutant General for the State of New York -- Major General Patrick A. Murphy -- announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capabilities for additional responsibility and leadership.

Kenneth Butler, of Le Roy, serving with the 105th Military Police Company is promoted to the rank of Specialist.

Pablo Perez, of Batavia, serving with the Company D (Forward Support Company Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition), 427th Brigade Support Battalion is promoted to the rank of Private.

Army National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability, and development potential. These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified soldiers and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com.

RIT announces Dean's List honorees for Fall 2012

By Billie Owens

The following local residents made the Dean's List for Fall 2012 quarter at Rochester Institute of Technology:

ALEXANDER

Brittani Scharlau, a second-year student in the College of Health Sciences and Technology.

BASOM

Daniel Mancuso, a fourth-year student in the E. Philip Saunders College of Business.

Dean Kubik, a second-year student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Daniel Crossen, a fifth-year student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Erin Crossen, a fourth-year student in the College of Science.

BATAVIA

David Renzo, a fifth-year student in the College of Applied Science and Technology.

Matthew Zaso, a fourth-year student in the B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.

Joy Snyder, a fourth-year student in the College of Science.

Amanda Krol, a third-year student in the College of Applied Science and Technology.

Matthew Jackson, a fifth-year student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Maura Chmielowiec, a second-year student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Sophia Del Plato, a second-year student in the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

BERGEN

Matthew Starowitz, a fifth-year student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering

Trevor Thunell, a fifth-year student in the College of Applied Science and Technology.

Nicholas Quilliam, a fourth-year student in the B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.

Charles Slack, a fourth-year student in the B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.

Michael Slack, a second-year student in the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

Eric Hunt, a first-year student in the B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.

Matthew Haywood, a fifth-year student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Robert Ellsworth, a fifth-year student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Philip Berggren, a fourth-year student in the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

Joshua Barnard, a third-year student in the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

CORFU

Michael Zaikis, a fifth-year student in the College of Applied Science and Technology.

Karl Pajak, a second-year student in the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

Nicholas Flumerfeldt, a third-year student in the College of Applied Science and Technology.

DARIEN CENTER

Robert Osborn, a first-year student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Christopher Snyder, a first-year student in the College of Science.

Jason Inman, a fifth-year student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

LE ROY

Russell Schultz, a fourth-year student in the College of Health Sciences and Technology.

Kristen Stacy, a third-year student in the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

Benjamin Nicodemus, a first-year student in the College of Applied Science and Technology.

Jonathon Locke, a fifth-year student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Ryan Hochreiter, a first-year student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Kari Branton, a third-year student in the College of Applied Science and Technology.

Alex Graham, a fourth-year student in the B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.

OAKFIELD

Hannah Belliveau, a second-year student in the Center for Multidisciplinary Studies.

John Koenig, a third-year student in the College of Applied Science and Technology.

PAVILION

Evyn Morgan, a fourth-year student in the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

Rochester Institute of Technology is internationally recognized for academic leadership in computing, engineering, imaging science, sustainability, and fine and applied arts, in addition to unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. RIT enrolls 17,500 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.

Vigil planned in Le Roy for victims of Sandy Hook school shooting

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

A “Candlelight Gathering” on Thursday, Dec. 20, will honor the victims of last week’s elementary school shooting in Newtown, Conn., while helping the local community come to terms with the tragedy.

The event will begin at 7:15 p.m. in Trigon Park.

Le Roy school officials and representatives, and local clergy have been invited to speak during Thursday’s gathering, which is aimed at supporting peace, reaffirming that safety is of the utmost importance and honoring the victims of the shooting.

Among the organizers is Christine Gephart, a social worker with the Honeoye Falls-Lima School District who has a private practice in Le Roy.

Twenty-six people — 20 of them first-graders — were killed on Dec. 14 at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., by a gunman who then committed suicide. The tragedy received widespread media attention.

Gephart said children are affected more than we might assume by minor and major losses.

“Tragic events, such as what happened in Sandy Hook, can leave a profound impact on young children,” Gephart said. “As a community it is important to come together to support each other, allow our children and ourselves to grieve, to support our district’s initiative to promote peace and to help our children feel reassured of their safety and well-being.”

The event is supported by Girl Scout Troop 42027 — which Gephart leads — and the Le Roy Parent Teacher Service Organization.

For more information, contact organizer Holly Eschberger, Le Roy PTSO secretary at hollyesch@yahoo.com; or visit the Facebook event page at www.facebook.com/events/574633139228867/

Woman hurt in Dec. 8 accident that claimed life of Batavia teen still in hospital

By Howard B. Owens

Carmen Vega, the 40-year-old Le Roy resident who was seriously injured Dec. 8 when her car was hit head-on on Route 33 in Stafford remains in Strong Memorial Hospital, but is listed in satisfactory condition.

The accident claimed the life of Collin Crane, 17, a senior at Batavia High School.

The accident remains under investigation by the State Police and no cause has been released.

Batavia man who admitted to meth distribution given two years probation

By Howard B. Owens

Another member of an alleged meth distribution ring in Genesee County that was broken up in 2009 has been sentenced in federal court, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced today.

Andrew Chapman, 42, of Batavia, will serve two years on probation for his part in the distribution of methamphetamine.

In June, Chapman admitted in federal court to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, methamphetamine.

Chapman received the meth he sold from Donald G. Vanelli II, 49, of Le Roy, who is serving more than 17 years for his role in the sale and distribution of meth locally.

Three other people were arrested in the raids in 2009.

All of the cases have been resolved, except that of Donna L. Boon (aka Donna McAuley), who lives at 3658 Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road. Her original charges were dropped but she remains under federal indictment for other alleged offenses.

Law and Order: Oakfield woman accused of trying to harm neighbor's dog

By Howard B. Owens

Roxanne G. Rowe, 25, of Maple Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with animal cruelty and unlawful possession of marijuana. Rowe is accused of trying to harm a neighbor's dog by placing pieces of metal in a meat product and making it available for the dog to eat. At the time of her arrest -- 10:15 a.m., Saturday, by Deputy Brian Thompson -- Rowe also allegedly possessed marijuana.

Lakiesha A. Gibson, 26, of 13 Williams St., Lockport, is charged with disorderly conduct and endangering the welfare of a child. Gibson is accused of shouting obscenities while outside on Thorpe Street at 10:20 p.m., Saturday. Gibson also allegedly refused to remove two children out of the roadway and away from a dispute.

Timothy J. Wenzel, 19, of 13 Harvester Ave., Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Wenzel was allegedly seen with a person who is protected by a "stay away" order of protection.

Makeen K. Ithna-Asheri, 52, of 111 State St., Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass, 2nd. Ithna-Asheri allegedly entered a residence he had previously been advised not to enter.

Danielle M. Stevens, 36, of Ford Road, Elba, is charged with three counts of petit larceny. Stevens is accused of stealing $140 and a gold pendant from a relative's house within a six-week period. Stevens was jailed on $500 bail.

Brenden Kirstipher Steck, 23, of Broadway Road, Darien, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Steck was allegedly found to be the operator of a disabled motor vehicle on Route 20 in Darien at 1:15 a.m., Saturday, by Deputy James Diehl.

Joseph E. Marr, 34, of Attica, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Marr was reportedly involved in a motor vehicle accident at 10:13 p.m. Friday on Keeney Road, Le Roy. He was arrested by State Police.

Jury convicts Le Roy man of forcing drunk girl into unwanted sexual act

By Howard B. Owens

A jury convicted a 26-year-old Le Roy man Thursday of a Class B felony that could send him to prison for five to 25 years for getting a teen girl drunk and forcing her into sexual relations.

Alexander J. Kessler, of Myrtle Street, was convicted by unanimous verdict of criminal sexual act, 1st, criminal sexual act, 3rd, sexual abuse, 1st, endangering the welfare of a child and unlawful dealing with a child.

The top count carries a mandatory prison sentence of at least five years.

Sentencing is set for March 5.

Kessler was arrested by Le Roy PD in March and accused of supplying alcohol and marijuana to a girl under age 17 and then subjecting her to sexual contact without her consent and while she was unable to consent.

Assistant District Attorney Kevin Finnell, who tried the case, said the jury found the testimony of the victim both compelling and credible, which was key to winning a conviction.

The trial started Monday and the jury reached a verdict following two and a quarter hours of deliberations.

Law and Order: 72-year-old man accused of using foul language following traffic stop

By Howard B. Owens

Philip Clarke McMahon, 72, of Creamery Road, Bergen, is charged with disorderly conduct. McMahon was stopped at 7:59 a.m. in the area of 8097 Clinton St. Road, Bergen, for an alleged traffic violation by Deputy Jason Saile. McMahon is accused of using obscene language in a public place.

Brian Feurimond, 21, of Saint Raymond Avenue, Bronx, is charged with trespass. Feurimond was allegedly found on College Village property after previously being banned from the housing complex.

David Lavelle Andrews, 25, Wood Street, Batavia, is charged with trespass. Andrews is accused of being at College Village after previously being banned from the property.

Russell Ray Miles, 44, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with a violation of probation. Miles was released from jail on an unrelated matter and taken into custody on a warrant out of Town of Le Roy Court for an alleged violation of probation. He was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Lemar Jerimain Leach, 27, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation. Leach was wanted on a bench warrant related to the listed charge. Leach was jailed on $200 bail.

Suspect in break-ins in Le Roy Village now charged with multiple felonies

By Billie Owens

Tyler F. Longhini, 21, was arrested by the Le Roy Police Department on Tuesday and charged with multiple felonies in connection with crimes reported on Lake, Bacon and Pleasant streets in the Village of Le Roy.

His arrest was the result of an ongoing investigation that started in mid-July. The crimes he is suspected of committing include: entering unlocked vehicles; damaging the interior of a vehicle; attempted forced entry burglary to a shed; and an actual burglary of a residential apartment while the tenant was sleeping.

The charges are: one count of burglary, 2nd, a Class C felony; one count of attempted burglary, 3rd, a Class E felony; one count of grand larceny, 4th, a Class E felony; and two counts of criminal mischief, 3rd, a Class E felony.

Longhini, who lives at 82 Gilbert St. in Le Roy, was arraigned in the Le Roy Town Court and released under the supervision of Genesee Justice.

CLARIFICATION 4:34 p.m.: Longhini was originally arrested on July 15 after being caught in the act of rifling through vehicles. But he was only charged with misdemeanors at that time, pending continuing investigation of the break-ins and forensic lab results. Then on Tuesday, Le Roy police were able to bring mulitple felony charges against Longhini, according to Det. John Condidorio.

Four local members of NY Army National Guard earn promotions

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Major General Patrick A. Murphy, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announced the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capabilities for additional responsibility and leadership.

Kelly Goodheart, of Batavia, serving with the 105th Military Police Company is promoted to the rank of Private 1st Class.

Mathew Clor, of Batavia, serving with the Company A, 2-108th Infantry is promoted to the rank of Private 1st Class.

Latashia Sanchez, of Le Roy, serving with the 222d Military Police Company is promoted to the rank of Private 1st Class.

Todd Toland, of Le Roy, serving with the Company D, Detachment 5, 1-169 General Support Aviation Battalion is promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Army National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability, and development potential. These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified soldiers and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com.

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