crime

Much to my surprise today, local author, William F. Brown, Jr. came into the Holland Land Office Museum with a box of his classic book, The Linden Murders: Unsolved!

The book, originally published in 1984 and in its eighth printing, tells the story of a series of murders that rocked the countryside around the hamlet of Linden in the early 1920s.

The price of the book is $12.95 and will not be available for long. Get your copy immediately at the Holland Land Office Museum; they will certainly sell out before Christmas.

The Holland Land Office Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. For more information, call us at 343-4727 or check out our website at www.hollandlandoffice.com

Glenn R. Manes, 43, of Oakfield, was charged with a felony count of first-degree criminal contempt and third-degree stalking yesterday afternoon, city police said. Manes was picked up following an investigation into a potential violation of an order of protection. He is accused of repeatedly telephoning another person on Wednesday. Manes was sent to Genesee County Jail without bail.

Philip S. Hall, 21, of 313 Bank St., Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated and third-degree unathorized use of a motor vehicle Wednesday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Those charges stem from an incident in September when Hall allegedly drove a vehicle without the permission of the owner and crashed it while he was intoxicated.

Martin Pacer, 28, of Elba, was charged with endangering the welfare of a child Thursday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Pacer is accused of leaving two young children at home while he was out using drugs all night. When he arrived home that night, he allegedly caused a domestic disturbance after seeking more money for drugs. Pacer was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $800 bail, and an order of protection was issued for the children.

Terri Doctor, 29, of Basom, was charged with driving while intoxicated Thursday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies. Doctor was picked up on a warrant related to a drunk driving charge from December, 2007. She was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $500.

Melissa A. Judd, 26, of 2 Shady Lane, Batavia, was charged with a felony count of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and a misdemeanor charge of third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Judd was stopped yesterday afternoon at the intersection of Lincoln and Washington avenues. She was allegedly driving with a suspended license and in possession of crack cocaine. Judd was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,000.

Rachael A. Baehr, 21, of Elba, was charged with second-degree harassment, fourth-degree criminal mischief and second-degree reckless endangerment yesterday for an incident that occurred on October 27, deputies said. Baehr is accused of breaking the window at a residence on Perry Road in Pavilion, entering inside the home and punching the homeowner in the face. While there, Baehr allegedly struck her friend with her vehicle while trying to leave. Baehr was also charged with first-degree unlawfully dealing with a child. On that charge, she is accused of giving alcohol to her friend who is underage.

Carey L. Bristol, 35, of Rochester, was charged with second-degree harassment Thursday in Bergen, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Bristol is accused of taking a phone by force from her niece.

Cody T. Corke, 22, of 311 Washington Ave., Apt. 2, Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated early Saturday morning, sheriff's deputies said. Corke was stopped on Colby Road in the town of Darien for a traffic violation. He was also ticketed with no front plate.

Evan P. Barone, 18, of Stafford, was charged with driving while intoxicated, unlawful possession of marijuana and possession of alcohol in a motor vehicle early Sunday morning, sheriff's deputies said. Barone was stopped on Park Road in the town of Batavia for a traffic violation. He was also ticketed with no front plate and failure to keep right.

Richard P. Lazik, 25, of 8905 Creek Road, Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated late Saturday night, sheriff's deputies said. Lazik was stopped on Route 33 in the town of Pembroke for a traffic violation. He was also ticketed with no front plate and failure to keep right.

Joseph A. Julvan, 44, of Oakfield, was charged with driving while intoxicated and aggravated DWI Saturday evening, sheriff's deputies said. Julvan was stopped by deputies on East Shelby Road in Oakfield after he had allegedly drove into another vehicle head on. He was also ticketed with moving from lane unsafely.

Lonnie Ford, 37, of 113 Jackson St., Apt. 3, Batavia, was charged with second-degree harassment and second-degree criminal trespass Saturday, city police said. Ford is accused of entering the apartment of a female acquaintance on Bank Street and refusing to leave. While he was there, Ford allegedly pushed the female to the ground. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bail.

John P. Wittkopp, 25, of 107 Bank St., Ap. 1, Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated and aggravated DWI Sunday morning, city police said. Wittkopp allegedly drove into the rear of a vehicle stopped at a red light on East Main Street in Batavia.

Demetrius J. Spinks, 37, of Albion, was charged with second-degree criminal contempt Friday night, city police said. Spinks is accused of telephoning a female acquaintance whom he was barred from contacting by a court order of protection. That incident occurred on July 13. Spinks was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $2,000 bail.

State police issued a release on this Sunday's DWI saturation patrol following the Buffalo Bills home game. Four individuals were charged with driving while intoxicated. Another was picked up for unlawful possession of marijuana. Fifty-one other traffic citations were issued.

WBTA's Dan Fischer reports a big drug bust in Orleans County. Jeffrey Costanza, 51, of Murray, is accused of possessing more than 70 marijuana plants, a loaded shotgun and $25,000 cash. He has been sent to Orleans County Jail. There was no mention of the charges.

Scott Richardson, 19, of Rochester, was charged with criminal possession of a weapon with intent to use and unlawful possession of marijuana Wedensday following a traffic stop on Route 262 in Elba, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said.

Ericka M. Sprague, 23, of 307 Washington Ave., Batavia, was charged with petit larceny, and Christopher Say, 17, of no permanent address, was charged with criminal possession of stolen property Wedensday, city police said. Sprague is accused of stealing DVDs from a family member that Say then allegedly took to a local store in an attempt to sell them.

Dustin Say, 17, of Alexander, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana Thursday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said.

This is a little bit outside of our area, but spreading the word near and far never hurts when looking for a missing person, especially this early in the search.

From the state police:

The New York State Police is currently investigating the disappearance of Corrie L. Anderson of Ashville, NY.  Ms. Anderson was last seen yesterday, October 28th at 1:10 p.m. leaving Lake County Dodge in the City of Jamestown, NY.  She failed to pick up her child from school which is very unusual.  She was last seen driving a blue, 2005 Dodge Caravan, NY registration number CX404.  The vehicle has not been located at this time.  Corrie Anderson is 36 years old, 5’11”, 170 lbs, with green eyes and blonde hair.  She was last seen wearing black corduroy pants, a black leather jacket and small wire rimmed glasses.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the State Police in Jamestown at (716) 665-3113.  To view a photo of Ms. Anderson and the vehicle she was driving view our website at www.troopers.state.ny.us.

(UPDATE Friday at 12:12pm): The following information was released by the state police Thursday afternoon:

Earlier this afternoon State Police recovered the 2005 Dodge Caravan belonging to Corrie L. Anderson. The vehicle was located in a field south of the City of Jamestown.  The State Police have secured the vehicle and continue to search for Ms. Anderson.  Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact SP Jamestown at 716-665-3113.

Recently convicted killer Robert Kirkup has got the attention of Dateline NBC, which plans to devote segment of its news magazine show this spring or summer retracing the path Kirkup took leading up the murder of his wife at a Genesee County campground, according to the Daily News.

Scott DeSmit spoke with County District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, who is being interviewed for the show. Friedman had this to say about the interest in the case:

"I think it's the elements of a cold case. ... You have a 16-year-old murder, an infirm, older defendant, a body that was never found and the fact that he was interviewed (by police) in the same motor home that he killed her in 16 years ago."

DeSmit was unable to connect with the show's producer. No one yet knows if the crews will be filming in Genesee County.

In other news, a mix-up Monday afternoon led to a 7-year-old Batavia city school student getting on the wrong bus and dropped off a few miles from her home. The girl, Emily DiSanto, did eventually make it back home safely. School Superintendent Margaret Puzio said that the schools will now require each child to carry a bus pass "with his/her name, address, drop-off point and bus number on it" so that this mishap is not repeated.

We encourage you to pick up a copy of the Daily News at your local newsstand. Or, better yet, subscribe at BataviaNews.com.

Three young parents have been accused of trying to steal "numerous" items from Kmart in Batavia Tuesday morning by stuffing them into their children's diaper bags, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Natalie M. MacArthur, 25, of Rochester; Melissa J. Ricigliano, 28, and Nicholas M. Ricigliano, 24, both of 132 State St. (Lower), Batavia, were charged with petit larceny. Three children were with the parents at the time: a 3-year-old, a 10-month-old and a 4-week-old.

Robert Sanfilippo, 49, of Depew, was charged with aggravated harassment Tuesday for an incident that occurred on October 1, deputies said. Sanfilippo is accused of making threatening phone calls to another individual's cell phone.

Derek G. Thomas, 32, of no permanent address, was charged with aggravated harassment Tuesday, city police said. Thomas is accused of grabbing a female acquaintance by the neck and slamming her into a wall during a dispute at a residence on South Main Street Sunday evening.

Bobby G. Mullen, 32, of Bergen, was picked up on a warrant for a felony charge of third-degree grand larceny Friday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Mullen was found hiding under a pile of clothes in a bedroom closet. He is accused of stealing approximately $4,200 and two cartons of cigarettes from the Wilson Farms store in Oakfield on August 1. Mullen was an employee at the time, though the theft is believed to have occurred following his shift that morning. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bail.

Aaron M. Shaffer, 23, of Byron, was charged with driving while intoxicated early Sunday morning on Route 5 in Stafford, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said.

Matthew P. Stearns, 26, of Albion, was charged with felony driving while intoxicated Thursday night, city police said. Stearns was stopped by a police Stop-DWI patrol for a lighting defect on Ellicott Street. He was also ticketed with violation of a conditional license, refusal to take breath test and insufficient lights.

John J. Smalley, 46, of Oakfield, was charged with second-degree reckless endangerment and third-degree unauthorized use of a motor vehicle Sunday night, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Smalley is accused of taking his girlfriend's vehicle without her permission. When the girlfriend tried to take back her vehicle in the parking lot of the Oakfield Hotel, Smalley allegedly pressed the accelerator from the passenger side of the vehicle while she was driving, causing it to strike a utility pole.

Rita K. Cintron, 18, of New Jersey, was charged with second-degree criminal trespass Sunday night for allegedly getting into an altercation in Maple Hall at Genesee Community College after she had been previously banned from the College Village, sheriff's deputies said.

Damien R. Graham, 36, no permanent address, was charged with second-degree burglary and petit larceny Saturday, city police said. Graham is accused of breaking into the apartment of an acquaintance on Swan Street in Batavia and stealing the resident's dog.

Larry S. Yoho, 36, of 111 Liberty St. (Room G), Batavia, was charged with second-degree menacing and second-degree criminal trespass Thursday morning, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Yoho is accused of entering a home on East Main Street Road while the occupants were sleeping and threatening the property and the individuals. Yoho also allegedly swung a hammer at the individuals in the home. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $2,000 bail. An order of protection was issued for the residents.

James J. Preedom, 24, of 18 East Ave., Batavia, was charged with first-degree criminal contempt and second-degree harassment Thursday for an incident that occurred Wednesday, city police said. Preedom is accused of harassing an individual who held an order of protection against him. He was sent to Genesee County Jail without bail, pending a court appearance this morning.

Batavia City Police have confirmed a burglary downtown at the Elks Lodge on Main Street. No further information is yet available. We will provide the details when we get them.

(UPDATE 6:25pm): Det. Todd Crossett told us that there is not too much information available at this point.

"It's an ongoing investigation," he said. "We can say that it was entered, and property was stolen."

Det. Crossett could not say what was stolen from the lodge. He did not know when the break-in occurred, but he was able to say that the burgler accessed the lodge through a window.

Isaac A. Arias-Perez, 26, was charged with driving while intoxicated Sunday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Deputies were investigating a reported domestic incident on Oak Orchard Road in Elba in which Arias-Perez was allegedly involved. He had left before deputies arrived but returned while they were still on the scene. Arias-Perez was allegedly intoxicated and driving without a license, for which he was ticketed. Arias-Perez was later sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $700 bail. Arias-Perez does not have a permanent address, and deputies report that there is a "federal detainer warrant" for his "alleged illegal entry into the United States."

Earlier this morning, we reported on a possible burglary on State Street in Batavia that had happened yesterday. Today, city police have found their suspect. Isaiah Munroe, 18, of 34 Buell St., Batavia, was charged with second-degree attempted burglary today. Buell is accused of breaking into the residence at 120 State St. A tenant of that residence awoke to the sound of someone forcing open the door to their apartment Monday morning, according to police. The tenant then observed two individuals on the hallway stairs exiting the home and subsequently contacted the police. Munroe was apprehended today and sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bail.

Batavia city police say that no charges have yet been filed, but they are talking with potential suspects in what was reported as a burglary Monday afternoon. An initial call came in shortly before 11:00am yesterday morning for a "burglary in progress" at 120 State Street in the city. A young male had been seen leaving the residence and was later spotted walking down the street with a young female.

Det. Richard Schauf said later in the afternoon that police were still looking for the male suspect.

"The person has not yet been found who was described at the scene," he said. "We're talking with anyone who has information. It was reported as a burglary to a home on State Street, but we're still determining if it is or not."

Several downtown businesses, at least one church and a school were burglarized over the past few months, including Dan's Tire, Ponderosa and Palace of Sweets in the mall. No information has yet become available that would link those crimes. Investigation continues.

Jeffrey T. Peyman, 19, of 5204 Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, was charged with petit larceny and unlawful possession of a hypodermic needle Friday afternoon, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Peyman was picked up by deputies on an allegation of stealing from the K Mart store in Batavia.

Ritchie L. Kirkum Sr., 47, of Oakfield, was charged with second-degree unlawful imprisonment, fourth-degree criminal mischief and endangering the welfare of a child last night, deputies said. Kirkum allegedly prevented an ex-girlfriend from leaving his residence and pushed her several times while she was holding a child. When she attempted to call 911, he then allegedly took her cell phone and threw it into the yard. Kirkum was also charged with second-degree harassment and sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bail. A stay away Order of Protection was issued.

What a difference a week makes... Last Monday's Daily News featured three front-page articles on the cautious optimism of local retailers, consumers and financiers about the eventual rebounding of the economy and return of "people's desire to shop." Today's top story—a wire story picked up from the Associated Press—proclaims: "High anxiety on economy: Magnitude of financial meltdown starting to hit people hard." Ouch! Nothing cautious or optimistic there.

From today's report:

The share of people who believe the country is moving in the right direction has plunged in just a few weeks, from 28 percent in September to 15 percent in October. ...

At the same time there is a drop in those surveyed who say they are happy about the way things are going in their lives.

One-third of people are "worried about losing their jobs," half don't think they can keep up with bills—mortgages and credit cards, in particular—and two-thirds of those surveyed said that their investments were losing value.

Where are you at? Do you fit into the cautiously optimistic picture sketched in last week's articles? Or are you pulling your hair out in worry?

In other news, a standoff in Le Roy kept police there busy for two hours Friday night and into Saturday morning. A Darien man is accused of setting fires in an apartment, attempting to kill a woman there and slashing at a police officer with a knife. Jonathan J. Connolly, 30, of Darien, was charged with seven felonies. Connolly eventually had to be taken down with a taser gun. Reporter Scott DeSmit has all the details on this incident featured in today's local section.

We encourage you to pick up a copy of the Daily News at your local newsstand. Or, better yet, subscribe at BataviaNews.com.

A Summit Street man has been accused of stabbing one "acquaintance" of his twice and holding another at knife point at his home shortly after midnight this morning, city police said. Michael R. Ostrander, 44, of 122 Summit St., Lower, Batavia, was charged with three felony counts, including second-degree assault, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and first-degree unlawful imprisonment. Ostrander was also charged with second-degree menacing.

Police have not identified the victims, but they say that the male acquaintance who was stabbed twice was taken to Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo and that his injuries are not life threatening.

Ostrander will go before a judge in city court later this morning.

We placed a call into the department this morning to find out more information. We will pass that along as it comes in.

UPDATE (9:15am): Ostrander was sent to Genesee County Jail without bail. He will remain there until his next court appearance tomorrow afternoon. Investigation into the incident has not yet found a "reason for the attack" and will continue. The names of the victims have not been released. Police have now said that the victims were visiting Ostrander when the attack happened. A 33-year-old man was stabbed twice, and a 40-year-old woman was held against her will at knife point.

More than a dozen state police troopers went out on patrol following the Buffalo Bills home game Sunday at Orchard Park in Buffalo. Three men were charged with driving while intoxicated following traffic stops on some of the main roads leading out of Buffalo. Two of the men were charged with felony DWI. Another 98 vehicle and traffic tickets were issued throughout the day, including 52 for speeding and eight for not wearing a seatbelt.

Jeremiah Flagg, 27, of East Amherst, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana on October 7, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Flagg was stopped on Route 5 in Pembroke for a traffic violation when deputies allegedly found him in possession of marijuana.

Larry R. Pfalzer II, 26, of East Bethany, was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated Friday night, city police said. Pfalzer was stopped by police for failing to stay in his lane when he was allegedly found to be intoxicated. He was also ticketed with failure to keep right.

State police are on the lookout for a robbery suspect in Warsaw. A report just came in that on Tuesday night, just shy of 11:00pm, a man entered the Yellow Goose Gas Sation on Telephone Road in Pavilion. This man walked up to the counter with a beverage, then pulled a gun on the cashier and demanded the money in the cash register. Once the cashier gave him the money, he left the store and fled into the woods.

From the police:

The man is described as a black male, 20-24 years old, 5’6”, and 160-165 lbs.  He was clean shaven, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans and white sneakers.

The proceeds taken from the scene was less than $200.00.  The State Police are currently reviewing the stores video tapes and following up on numerous leads.  Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact (the state police in) Warsaw at (585) 786-5152.

Three men were sent to jail following an apprehension by the Genesee County sheriff's deputies yesterday afternoon on charges of petit larceny. Vernon L. Arrington, 47; Willie J. Boler, 42; and Timothy M. Armstead, 45, all of Buffalo, were stopped in their vehicle by deputies on Veterans Memorial Drive following reports of a theft from Rite Aid on West Main Street in Batavia. Deputies found "a very large amount of allegedly stolen items" from Rite Aid and it seemed other stores, as well. Further investigation is pending. The three men were sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,500 bail or $3,000 bond, each.

Jerry L. Saddler Sr., 48, of 112 State St., Batavia, was charged with third-degree menacing, disorderly conduct and unnecessary noise yesterday evening, city police said. Saddler is accused of threatening someone with a knife. He was apprehended by police at his home, where he was found playing music at an excessive volume. Saddler was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,500 bail.

Asley M. Chamberlain, 22, of Oakfield, was charged with a felony county of second-degree assault early Monday morning, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Chamberlain is accused of throwing a cell phone, striking her fiance in the face, and causing an injury that required stitches. She was released and will return to court in November.

Cheryl A. Vagg, 51, of 110 Evans St., Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated Friday, city police said. Vagg allegedly drove into a parked car on Center Street and drove off. She was located at Ellicott and Jackson streets and found to be under the influence. She was also charged with leaving the scene of an accident.

Jason R. Armstrong, 36, of East Pembroke, was charged with second-degree criminal contempt Sunday, city police said. Armstrong is accused of harassing a resident of Chase Park in Batavia who has an order of protection out against Armstrong.

Daniel T. Henning, 28, of 432 E. Main St., Batavia, was charged with second-degree criminal contempt Sunday, city police said. Henning is accused of repeatedly telephoning an individual that holds an order of protection against him.

Jeremy M. Erle, 32, and Nicole D. Erle, 27, both of Buffalo, were charged with trespassing Saturday night when they were located on a property in Darien without the property owner's permission, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said.

Matthew R. Lemmon, 43, of Oakfield, was charged with driving while intoxicated early this morning, deputies said. Lemmon was stopped on South Pearl Street Road in the village of Oakfield. He was also ticketed with moving from the lane unsafely and inadequate exhaust.