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Sex in the City: Suzanne Corona accused of promoting prostitution at her home

By Howard B. Owens
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Suzanne Corona
2010 mugshot

A Batavia woman whose previous antics have led to multiple criminal charges over the past decade, including a charge of adultery that made international headlines, has been accused of allowing prostitution at her home on Osterhout Avenue.

Suzanne M. Corona, 51, is charged with promoting prostitution, 4th (advance or profits from prostitution), and permitting prostitution on a premises.

It's alleged that on Aug. 19, Corona allowed prostitution to occur at her residence and agreed, in advance, to accept a fee for another person to engage in sexual activity while at the residence. 

Corona was released on an appearance ticket. 

There were two other people arrested as part of the incident, according to a police source, but those arrest reports have not yet been released.

Corona's name became familiar locally after her arrest in early June 2010 on an adultery charge for engaging in a sexual act with a man on a picnic table at Farrall Park. The adultery statute has rarely been used in New York and her arrest made headlines in the United Kingdom, Europe and Australia. The police department was surprised by the interest in the case. The adultery charge was eventually dropped by prosecutor Lawrence Friedman. She admitted to public lewdness.

Shortly after that case was closed, Corona was accused of trashing the buffet at the now-defunct South Beach Restaurant. Initially, owner Ken Mistler was going to have her carry a sign on Main Street that read "I Stole from South Beach." After a "sincere apology" and restitution, Mistler dropped his demand for the "walk of shame."

She was arrested on a shoplifting charge in 2011, as well as being accused of shoplifting at Target while a K-9 and deputy were in the store for a public demo. In 2015, Corona admitted to a drug-dealing felony. That conviction lead to a year-and-a-half in prison, followed by probation, and until this most recent arrest, she had managed to avoid trouble with the law.

The prostitution case was investigated by Officer Arick Perkins along with officers Wesley Rissinger and Adam Tucker.

Bergen man accused of driving drunk, causing fiery crash with a train

By Howard B. Owens

Deputies and firefighters responded at 11:23 p.m., Friday, to a report of a car colliding with a train to find the vehicle engulfed in flames and the driver missing.

Timothy Michael Brady, of Jerico Road, Bergen, is accused of fleeing the scene on foot.  

He is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, driving while intoxicated, refusal to take a breath test, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, and driving through, around or under a railroad barrier.

Brady was released on an appearance ticket with an order to appear in Bergen Town Court Oct. 8.

Rochester man sentenced to 20 years in prison for three bank robberies, including one in Elba in 2016

By Press Release

Press release:

ROCHESTER -- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy Jr. announced today that Terrance Rainey, 35, of Rochester, who was convicted of bank robbery by use of a dangerous weapon, was sentenced to serve 240 months -- or 20 years -- in prison by U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer.

The defendant was also ordered to pay $30,208 in restitution.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who handled the case, stated that on May 25, 2016, Rainey and codefendant Latrell Parson robbed the First Niagara Bank on Winton Road in Henrietta.

The two men entered the bank, and Parson approached the teller, pointed an air pistol that appeared to be a semiautomatic handgun at her, handed her a bag and ordered her to fill it with money.

At the same time, Rainey held the other bank employees at gunpoint with an air pistol that appeared to be a semiautomatic handgun. The teller complied with Parson’s demand, and Parson and the defendant then exited the bank and drove away in a vehicle.

They then set fire to that car in the back parking lot of a bowling alley on Jefferson Road in Rochester.

On July 14, Rainey and Parson robbed the Chase Bank on State Route 31 in Macedon. The defendant and Parson entered the bank wearing hooded sweatshirts, masks, and gloves, each brandishing a semiautomatic pistol, and ordered bank employees to get on the floor.

Parson handed a bag to a teller and demanded that money be placed in the bag. The teller complied and Parson and the defendant then fled the bank in a SUV. Parson and Rainey then abandoned that vehicle behind a plaza adjacent to the bank.

On Oct. 18, 2016, Rainey and Parson robbed the M&T Bank located on Oak Orchard Road in Elba. The two men entered the bank wearing hooded sweatshirts with face coverings and gloves, and pointed handguns at the employees.

Parson threw a bag to one of the bank employees, ordering her to fill it with cash. The teller complied, and Parson and the defendant took the money and fled the bank, got into a car, and drove away. They then pulled into a vacant lot, switched vehicles, and left the area.

Latrell Parson was previously convicted and sentenced to serve 141 months in prison, or 11 years and nine months.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the New York State police, under the direction of Acting Major Barry Chase; the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter; the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr.; the Macedon Police Department, under the direction of Chief John P. Colella; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia.

Batavia woman arrested on drug charges after search of Hutchins Place residence

By Billie Owens

From the Genesee County Sheriff's Office:

Angela Bateman, 46, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, (inset photo, right) is charged with: two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, a Class C felony; criminal use of drug paraphernalia in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor; and unlawful use of marijuana, a violation.

Additionally, she was subsequently charged with promoting prison contraband in the first degree, a Class D felony, and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a Class A misdemeanor.

She was arrested Aug. 24 by Batavia police following the execution of a search warrant on Aug. 12 at a residence on Hutchins Place in the City of Batavia by members of the Batavia Emergency Respond Team. The warrant was issued after a narcotics investigation by the Genesee County Local Drug Task Force.

Bateman was transported to the Genesee County Jail and while inside, suspected fentanyl was found on her person. That's when the subsequent charges as noted above were added.

The City of Batavia Police Department, the Genesee County Sheriff's Office and the Genesee County District Attorney's Office also assisted with this investigation.

Law and Order: Two GC residents accused of driving without a valid NYS license

By Billie Owens

Elijah J. Richardson, 23, of Batavia (address not provided), is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the second degree, unlicensed operator and failure to keep right. At 4:10 a.m. Aug. 23 in the Town of Middlebury, Wyoming County Sheriff's Deputy Bliss conducted a traffic stop on Bank Road. Richardson allegedly advised Bliss that he did not have a valid NYS driver's license. A DMC check revealed that Richardson possessed a non-driver ID only and that he had eight suspensions. Richardson was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Middlebury Court at a later date.

Alyssa Nowakowski, 22, of East Bethany (address not provided), is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree. At 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 14, Wyoming County Sheriff's deputies were checking the area of Ryan Road in the Town of Warsaw for a report of two suspicious vehicles parked on the side of the roadway for a couple of days. A Wyoming County Sheriff's Officer Investigator, driving an unmarked vehicle, checked the area but the vehicles appeared to be gone upon arrival. After leaving the scene, the investigator observed a vehicle nearby that matched the description of one of the vehicles from the complaint. Deputy Austin Harding, driving a marked patrol vehicle, initiated a traffic stop on Dale Road at Pflaum Road in the Town of Middlebury and identified Nowakowski as the driver. She had a suspended license for failure to pay child support and was arrested. Nowakowski was processed roadside and issued an appearance ticket. She is due in Town of Middlebury Court at a later date.

Law and Order: Woman accused of stealing Stafford resident's identity, incurring more than $1,500 in medical expenses

By Billie Owens

Donna Lyn Hartman, 57, of Marlowe Road, Blasdell, is charged with second-degree identity theft. It is alleged that Hartman used a person's identity during a traffic stop in Livingston County. She was transported to Noyes Hospital in Dansville where she allegedly continued to use that identity. As a result, the Genesee County resident whose identity Hartman allegedly stole incurred more than $1,500 in medical expenses. Hartman was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. An order of protection was issued for the victim, who lives in Stafford. Hartman is due to appear in Town of Stafford Court on Oct. 6. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Chad Minuto, assisted by Kevin Forsyth.

Willie Lee Williams, 34, of Laser Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, with a previous conviction. Williams was arrested July 17 following an investigation into an incident that occurred on June 29 on Hutchins Street in Batavia. He is accused of pointing a handgun, or what appeared to be a handgun, at another person's head and threatening to shoot him. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in Genesee County Jail (bail status not provided). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison.

David P. Grossman Sr., 37, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt. He was arrested after a domestic incident at 7:73 p.m. on Aug. 6 on West Main Street, Batavia, during which he allegedly contacted a person with a stay away order of protection against him. Grossman was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on Nov. 10. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jordan McGinnis.

Jordan R. Rose, 19, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with: second-degree criminal contempt -- disobeying a mandate of the court; and aggravated family offense -- more than one offense within five years. He was arrested at 9:05 a.m. on July 31 after he allegedly violated a court order by calling the protected party numerous times over the phone. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released on an appearance ticket. He is due to return to court Aug. 25. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole McGinnis, assisted by Officer Peter Post.

Rae Charlene Cook, 31, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. At 6:01 p.m. on Aug. 9, police allegedly observed Cook in the presence of an individual against whom she has an order of protection. Following her arrest, she was released with an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on Nov. 17. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker, assisted by Officer Wesley Rissinger.

Daniel Robert Smythe, 32, of Main Street, Caledonia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. At 5:44 p.m. on Aug. 22 on South Street Road in Pavilion, Smythe was arrested following a complaint of a domestic incident. Smythe was arrested, issued an appearance ticket and is due in Pavilion Town Court on Oct. 10. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon, assisted by Sgt. Michael Lute.

Herbert B. Gennis, 26, of Raymond Avenue, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear in Batavia City Court July 23 on a charge of endangering the welfare of a child. He was arrested on Aug. 17 and arraigned in city court via Skype. Gennis was released and is due back in court on Sept. 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer John Gombos, assisted by Felicia DeGroot.

Mark Theodore Helm, 39, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with: possession of a hypodermic instrument; operating a motor vehicle without insurance; operating an unregistered motor vehicle; operating a motor vehicle with improper plates; failure to use turn signal. Helm was arrested at 6:03 p.m. on Aug. 15 following a traffic stop on West Main Street in Batavia. He was processed, issued an appearance ticket and released. He is due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 17. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissinger, assisted by Officer Sean Wilson.

Jamar Andrew Malana, 23, of Culver Road, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. At 1:25 a.m. on Aug. 22, Malana was arrested on Clinton Street Road in Stafford after Genesee County Sheriff's deputies investigated a vehicle parked on Route 33 in Stafford. The defendant and a male passenger were allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance. Malana was also allegedly operating the vehicle without a valid NYS driver's license. Malana was released with an appearance ticket to be in Town of Stafford Court on Oct. 6. The case was handled by Deputy Jordan Alejandro, assisted by Deputy James Stack.

Mark Davonne Edwards, 23, of Ontario Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. At 1:25 a.m. on Aug. 22, Edwards was arrested after Genesee County Sheriff's deputies investigated a vehicle parked on Route 33 in Stafford. He was released on appearance tickets and is due in Town of Stafford Court on Oct. 6. The case was handled by Deputy Jordan Alejandro, assisted by Deputy James Stack.

Justin M. Ferrin, 43, of Albro Road, Bliss, is charged with issuing a bad check. Ferrin was arrested on a Batavia City Court warrant after turning himself in on Aug. 18. He was arraigned in city court and released on his own recognizance. He is due to return to city court on Aug. 10. The  case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Phillip D. Byford, 29, of Brockport Spencerport Road, Brockport, was arrested Aug. 16 on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court (charge(s) against him unspecified). He was arraigned in city court at 9:35 p.m. and released on his own recognizance. He is due to return to court on Oct. 1. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker.

Law and Order: Byron man accused of burglary, Oakfield woman accused of stalking

By Billie Owens

Paul William Tuttle, 49, of Route 237, Byron, is charged with: second-degree burglary; fourth-degree criminal mischief; and petit larceny. At 4 a.m. on Aug. 17 Tuttle was arrested following an investigation. It is alleged that Tuttle damaged and stole property after entering a residence unlawfully on Sautell Road in Bergen at 7:30 a.m. on Aug. 16. He was virtually arraigned at Genesee County Jail on behalf of Bergen Town Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. He is due in Bergen Town Court on Oct. 5. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas Chamoun, assisted by Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Melissa Dawn Woods, 39, of South Main Street, Oakfield, is charged with fourth-degree stalking. On Aug. 16, Woods was arrested after a harassment complaint alleging that she stalked someone at 6:30 a.m. on Aug. 14 on Alleghany Road in Alabama. She was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released on her own recognizance. Woods is due in Alabama Town Court on Sept. 28. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon.

Brice Addison Lehtonen, 23, of Fargo Road, Corfu, is charged with: aggravated driving while intoxicated; DWI; failure to keep right; moving from lane unsafely; and refusal to take a roadside breath test. Lehtonen was arrested at 2:13 a.m. Aug. 15 on South Lake Road in Pembroke following an accident investigation. He allegedly drove while intoxicated and went off the roadway on South Lake Road. He was issued an appearance ticket for Pembroke Town Court and is due there Sept. 30. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jacob Gauthier, assisted by Deputy Ryan Young.

Gage Scott Oliver, 28, of Griswold Road, Bergen, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; DWI -- with a BAC of .08 percent or more; and having an inadequate headlight. Oliver was arrested following a traffic stop on Route 19 in the Town of Le Roy at 9:52 p.m. Aug. 16. He was issued traffic tickets returnable to Town of Le Roy Court on Oct. 6. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Matthew Clor, assisted by Deputy David Moore.

Law and Order: State Street woman accused of stealing envelope from person at a local business with more than $1K in it

By Billie Owens

Diana Lynn Bloom, 62, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts fourth-degree grand larceny, which is a Class E felony: for allegedly taking property with a value greater than $1,000 and for allegedly taking it from a person. She was arrested on Aug. 3. It is alleged that at 1:49 p.m. on July 3 she stole an envelope full of money from the victim's pocket, while inside a business in the 100 block of West Main Street in the City of Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 10. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Jason Ivison.

Marshawn J. Singletary, 38, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with: first-degree criminal contempt; third-degree menacing; and second-degree harassment. At 6:33 p.m. on Aug. 6 on Oak Street, Singletary allegedly shoved a person who has a stay away order of protection against him and threatened that person with a vacuum cleaner. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in jail on $3,000 cash bail, $6,000 bond, or $12,000 partially secured bond. Singletary was due to return to court on Aug. 10. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissinger, assisted by Miah Stevens.

Nateeka M. Gibson, 31, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear. Gibson was located and arrested on three separate warrants for failure to appear in Batavia City Court. Gibson faces charges of second-degree harassment, third-degree robbery, and two counts of petit larceny. Gibson was transported to Batavia Police Headquarters, processed and released. He was due in city court Aug. 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer John Gombos, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Jimpce Jay Etienne, 44, of Warren Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Etienne was arrested at 8:36 p.m. on Aug. 8 on Warren Street after allegedly swinging a fist at the victim. The defendant was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 17. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker, assisted by Officer Sean Wilson.

Edward R. Freida, 49, of Pringle Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Freida was arrested after an investigation into a shoplifting incident at 10:22 p.m. July 28 at the Kwik Fill gas station and convenience store at Jackson and Ellicott streets in the city. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Oct. 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer John Gombos, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

BPD reminds citizens to register their camera systems with police to help fight crime

By Press Release

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department would like to remind citizens of its Batavia SafeCam Registration Program. The program allows citizens / businesses to register their camera systems with the police department to aid in crime prevention strategies and investigations which may occur in the proximity of their cameras.

The registration process is very easy and free. Simply go to http://www.batavianewyork.com/police-department/webforms/batavia-safecam-program and fill out the form. 

Surveillance cameras have been an integral part of fighting crime in Batavia. Privately owned camera footage has helped solve a variety of serious offenses in Batavia over the years, including various burglaries, a fatal hit-and-run accident, and even a homicide. Working together, we can keep Batavia a safe place to live and work.

Please note that the police department will not have the ability to freely or remotely access your cameras, claim ownership, or dictate the camera systems functions. This program is simply a database that will allow the Batavia Police Department to see who might have captured footage related to a particular crime.

Thank you for signing up and joining us in the fight to keep our city safe!

BPD warns immigrants of scams involving people claiming to be government agents, and other fraud schemes

By Press Release

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department has been made aware of a scam in which suspects will contact immigrants claiming to be government agents.

The suspects will inform the individuals that their accounts have been flagged for sending money to terrorist organizations and demand that the individuals send them gift cards to correct the issue. The suspects will threaten to have the individuals deported if they do not comply.

The United States Government will never require the purchasing of gift cards to clear any issues. Citizens who receive these calls should never comply and not provide any personal information to the suspects.

Follows these tips from the Federal Trade Commission to help avoid fraud:

  1. Spot imposters. Scammers often pretend to be someone you trust, like a government official, a family member, a charity, or a company you do business with. Don’t send money or give out personal information in response to an unexpected request — whether it comes as a text, a phone call, or an email.
  2. Do online searches. Type a company or product name into your favorite search engine with words like “review,” “complaint” or “scam.” Or search for a phrase that describes your situation, like “IRS call.” You can even search for phone numbers to see if other people have reported them as scams.
  3. Don’t believe your caller ID. Technology makes it easy for scammers to fake caller ID information, so the name and number you see aren’t always real. If someone calls asking for money or personal information, hang up. If you think the caller might be telling the truth, call back to a number you know is genuine.

Don’t pay upfront for a promise. Someone might ask you to pay in advance for things like debt relief, credit and loan offers, mortgage assistance, or a job.

  1. They might even say you’ve won a prize, but first you have to pay taxes or fees. If you do, they will probably take the money and disappear.
  2. Consider how you pay. Credit cards have significant fraud protection built in, but some payment methods don’t. Wiring money through services like Western Union or MoneyGram is risky because it’s nearly impossible to get your money back. That’s also true for reloadable cards (like MoneyPak or Reloadit) and gift cards (like iTunes or Google Play). Government offices and honest companies won’t require you to use these payment methods.
  3. Talk to someone. Before you give up your money or personal information, talk to someone you trust. Con artists want you to make decisions in a hurry. They might even threaten you. Slow down, check out the story, do an online search, consult an expert — or just tell a friend.
  4. Hang up on robocalls. If you answer the phone and hear a recorded sales pitch, hang up and report it to the FTC. These calls are illegal, and often the products are bogus. Don’t press 1 to speak to a person or to be taken off the list. That could lead to more calls.
  5. Be skeptical about free trial offers. Some companies use free trials to sign you up for products and bill you every month until you cancel. Before you agree to a free trial, research the company and read the cancellation policy. And always review your monthly statements for charges you don’t recognize.
  6. Don’t deposit a check and wire money back. By law, banks must make funds from deposited checks available within days, but uncovering a fake check can take weeks. If a check you deposit turns out to be a fake, you’re responsible for repaying the bank.
  7. Sign up for free scam alerts from the FTC at ftc.gov/scams. Get the latest tips and advice about scams sent right to your inbox.

If you spot a scam, report it at ftc.gov/complaint. Your reports help the FTC and other law enforcement investigate scams and bring crooks to justice.

Two men accused of selling drugs following raid on Hutchins Place

By Howard B. Owens

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      Donald Brown      Ronnie Johnson

A man from Rochester and another from Batavia are facing narcotics dealing charges following a raid by the Local Drug Task Force on Wednesday morning of residence at 22 Hutchins Place, Batavia.

Donald Brown, 46, of Liberty Pole Way, Rochester, is charged with: two counts of criminal possession of controlled substance, 3rd; criminal possession of a controlled substance, 4th; criminal using drug paraphernalia, 2nd; criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th; criminal mischief, 4th; and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Ronnie K. Johnson, 50, of Hutchins Place, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of controlled substance, 3rd.

Both men were arraigned in Batavia City Court and ordered held without bail.

The press release from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office doesn't state what drugs the two men were suspected of selling.  

Also arrested was Madalyn R. Muntz, 34, of Hutchins Place. She is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Assisting in the investigation and raid were Batavia PD, the Sheriff's Office, State Police, City fire, Batavia Code Enforcement, and the District Attorney's Office.

Top photo: Reader-submitted photo.

Law and Order: Liberty Street man accused of stealing two vehicles, Pavilion man accused of growing pot

By Billie Owens

Edward George Ruckdeschel, 58, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with third-degree grand larceny, a Class D felony. The defendant was arrested after an investigation into the theft of a vehicle at 8:54 p.m. on Jan. 13 on Genesee Street in Pembroke. He was arraigned in Pembroke Town Court at 11 a.m. Aug. 11 and ordered held on cash bail (unspecified) and put in jail "where he is currently residing." He is due in Genesee County Court at a later date. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Investigator Howard Carlson.

Edward George Ruckdeschel, 58, of Liberty Street, Batavia is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny, and third-degree criminal trespass. On Aug. 10, the defendant was arrested after an investigation into the theft of a vehicle at 1:05 a.m. on Dec. 10 from West Main Street Road in Batavia. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Batavia Court on Sept. 24. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Brian L. Dutton, 62, of Pavilion, is charged with unlawfully growing cannabis (marijuana) and unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree. He was arrested Aug. 12 following a joint investigation by the U.S. Border Patrol and the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office. A U.S. Border Patrol helicopter allegedly located cannabis growing inside a metal enclosure behind Dutton's residence on Aug. 7, and the pilot led deputies to the location. The plants, allegedly grown by Dutton, were seized and destroyed. Dutton was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Covington Court on Aug. 31. The case was handled by Wyoming County Sheriff's Sgt. Colin Reagan, Deputy John Button, and Investigator Aaron Anderson.

Information on suspect sought in fire at apartment complex on Hutchins Street

By Howard B. Owens

An investigation has concluded that a residential fire at 13 Hutchins St. on July 4, 2019, was intentionally set but police do not yet have a suspect and are looking for information from the public that might help them solve the crime.

The fire was reported at 2:45 a.m.

At the time of the fire, all four apartments in the building were occupied. Residents on the second floor became trapped and needed to be rescued. One person sustained a serious injury.

The Batavia Police Department can be reached at (585) 345-6350; the confidential tip line at (585) 345-6370.

Previously: City PD assisting in investigation into Hutchins Street fire

Police execute search warrant on Hutchins Place this morning

By Howard B. Owens

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With the assistance of the Emergency Response Team and City fire, Batavia PD executed a search warrant this morning at a residence on Hutchins Place.

Chief Shawn Heubusch said Batavia PD will issue a press release this afternoon with more information about the situation.

Reader-submitted photo.

Two Rochester residents arrested on felony charges in Stafford

By Howard B. Owens
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     Shonje Jefferson Chaniah Wellington-Martino

Two people who were located with a disabled vehicle on Clinton Street Road, Stafford, at 6 p.m., Friday, are facing multiple charges including drug dealing and assault.

During an interaction with the subjects, deputies determined that Shonje Kaliq Jefferson, 22, of Norton Street, Rochester, might be in possession of drugs. A subsequent search revealed he allegedly had a quantity of crack cocaine on his person.

Due to the amount of crack cocaine deputies believe they located, Jefferson was arrested on a count of criminal possession of a narcotic drug with an intent to sell.

Deputy Erik Andre and Investigator Chris Parker arrested Jefferson on charges of criminal use of drug paraphernalia, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, unlicensed operator, and pedestrian failed to walk facing traffic.

A passenger in the vehicle, Chaniah Lache Wellington-Martino, 19, of Danforth Street, Rochester, was interviewed by Parker and Sgt. Andrew Hale. She allegedly threw her purse over a guardrail and an attempt to destroy evidence in the purse while fighting with the officers. She is also accused of attempting several times to bite the officers.

She is charged with attempted assault, 2nd, resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration, tampering with physical evidence, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Jefferson was arraigned in Genesee County Court and ordered held on $2,000 cash bail or $5,000 bond. The release status of Wellington-Martino was not included in the press release.

Law and Order: Buffalo man accused of reckless driving, fleeing officer, speeding, drinking booze in car

By Billie Owens

Clyde Devonte Hoskins Jr., 28, of Genesee Street, Buffalo, is charged with: unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle in the third degree; reckless driving; speeding -- in excess of 55 mph; unsafe turn/failure to signal; drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle. Hoskins was arrested at 12:25 a.m. Aug. 8 on Route 33 in Bergen. It is alleged that Hoskins failed to stop for a violation of NYS vehicle and traffic law on Clinton Street Road in the Town of Bergen. After a pursuit, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies were able to take Hoskins into custody in the Town of Stafford. He was released on appearance tickets and is due in Bergen Town Court at 5 p.m. on Sept. 17. The case was investigated by Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush, assisted by Deputy Jordan Alejandro.

Grand Jury: Man accused of nearly striking deputy with his car, speeding off, possessing stolen debit card

By Billie Owens

Elon A. Seeger is indicted for the crime of attempted assault in the second degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Dec. 15 in the Town of Bergen that, with intent to cause physical injury to another person, he engaged in conduct for which he is now indicted. He is accused of attempting to strike a deputy with his motor vehicle. In count two, he is accused of obstructing governmental administration in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count two that on that day Seeger intentionally obstructed, impaired or perverted the administration of law or other government function, or prevented or attempted to prevent a public servant from performing an official duty. This was allegedly done by means of intimidation, physical force or interference or by means of any independently unlawful act: he ignored multiple police commands to turn off his vehicle and, instead, turned it toward the deputy -- almost striking him -- and then he fled the area at a high rate of speed. In count three, Seeger is accused of unlawful fleeing a police officer in the third degree, also a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count three that while knowing he had been directed to stop, he instead attempted to flee at speeds of 25 mph or more. In count four, Seeger is accused of fourth-degree grand larceny, another Class E felony, for allegedly stealing property -- a debit card.

Ronald P. Dixon Jr. is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a misdemeanor. It is alleged that on Dec. 20 in the City of Batavia that Dixon drove a 2008 Kia on East Avenue while he was intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged in count two that Dixon drove the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a drug and while there were three or more suspensions imposed on him on at least three dates: Nov. 21, 2015; July 7 and July 22, 2016; and Aug. 18, 2017. These were for failure to answer, appear or pay a fine. In count three, Dixon is accused of second-degree harassment. It is alleged in count three that on Dec. 20 in the City of Batavia that with the intent to harass, annoy or alarm another person, Dixon subjected a person to physical contact. In count four, he is accused of the same crime involving a second person. In count five, Dixon is accused of first-degree attempted assault. It is alleged in count five that Dixon, with intent to cause serious physical injury to another person, attempted to cause such injury by means of a dangerous instrument -- a motor vehicle.

Stormy M. Watts is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Dec. 22 while at Walmart in the Town of Batavia that she knowingly possessed stolen property consisting of a Capital One Walmart credit card in the name of another person. In count two, Watts is accused of attempted petit larceny, a Class B misdemeanor, for allegedly attempting to steal property from another person valued at $27.72.

Law and Order: Pratt Road man accused of possessing images of sexual performance by a child under age 16

By Billie Owens

Jordan R. Difilippo, 27, of Pratt Road, Pembroke, is charged with possessing sexual performance of a child less than 16 years old. Difilippo was arrested for allegedly possessing three images of a sexual performance of a child under age 16, a Class E felony, at 2 p.m. on Jan. 11, 2017. He was issued an appearance ticket to be in Pembroke Town Court at 1 p.m. on Sept. 9. The case was investigated by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office personnel -- Youth Officer Timothy Wescott, Chief Deputy Joseph Graff. They were assisted by the FBI, the Chesterfield, Va., Police Department, and the Genesee County District Attorney's Office.

Law and Order: Man accused of injuring hands by slamming door one time, kicking door shut another

By Billie Owens

Robin S. Brooks, 58, of Hutchins Place, Batavia, (inset photo right) is charged with third-degree assault. The defendant was arrested after an investigation of an incident at 7:30 p.m. July 17 on Hutchins Place in which Brooks allegedly broke someone's hand by slamming it in a door. Brooks was arraigned at 12:15 p.m. July 31 in Batavia City Court and was due to return to court on Aug. 5. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Samuel Freeman, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Robin S. Brooks, 58, of Hutchins Place, Batavia, is charged with second-degree assault. The defendant was arrested after an investigation of an incident at 8 p.m. July 27 on Hutchins Place in which Brooks allegedly kicked a door shut on a female's hand, causing serious physical injury. Brooks was arraigned at 9:30 a.m. July 31 in Batavia City Court and jailed on $2,500 cash bail or $10,000 bond. Brooks was due to return to city court on Aug. 5. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Samuel Freeman.

David P. Grossman Sr., 37, of Maple Street, Batavia, (below left inset photo) is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested at 8:32 p.m. Aug. 3 on Maple Street after a harassment complaint that alleges he struck two different males during an altercation. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released with a return date of Aug. 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

David P. Grossman Sr., 37, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with: fourth-degree criminal mischief; third-degree criminal mischief; second-degree burglary -- a dwelling; endangering the welfare of a child; and obstructing governmental administration in the second degree. Grossman was arrested at 2:46 a.m. on Aug. 4 on Highland Park in Batavia after he allegedly broke into a house, threatened the resident inside and damaged property. After his arrest, he allegedly kicked and damaged a patrol car, for which he is also charged. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed without bail. He is due to appear in court again on an unspecified date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jordan McGinnis, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Paul James Feitshans, 22, Siehl Road, Akron, is charged with: endangering the welfare of a child; harassment; and criminal obstruction of breathing. Feitshans was arrested at 5:59 p.m. Aug. 5 following the investigation of a disturbance on Coe Avenue in the Village of Oakfield. He allegedly struck a person and obstructed their breathing while in the presence of a child. He was arraigned in Genesee County Court and released on his own recognizance. He is due in court at a later date (unspecified). The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon, assisted by Mathew Clor.

Isaac J. Floyd Jr., 56, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, menacing in the second degree, and obstruction of governmental administration in the second degree. Floyd was arrested after an investigation into a disturbance that occurred at 7:07 p.m. July 26 on State Street. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in jail (bail status not provided). He is due back in court Aug. 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Wesley Rissinger.

William J. Hixenbaugh, 30, of School Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief in the fourth degree and criminal contempt in the second degree. He was arrested Aug. 1 after an investigation of a domestic incident July 29 on School Street. It is alleged he damaged another person's property. He was released with an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Adam Tucker.

Janice Lynn McGuire, 46, of Galloway Road, Batavia, is charged with: driving while intoxicated, first offense; operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or more, first offense; speed not reasonable under special hazard; moving from lane unsafely; consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle on a highway; and failure to notify the DMV of an address change within 10 days. After a personal injury accident on Cleveland Road in Pembroke at 9:28 p.m. on Aug. 5, McGuire was arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated. She was released with appearance tickets and is due in Pembroke Town Court on Sept. 17. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Matthew Clor.

Batavia man going to federal prison for possession of child pornography

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy Jr. announced today that Daryl Sumeriski, 52, of Batavia, who was convicted of possession of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 60 months -- a total of five years -- in prison by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who handled the case, stated that Sumeriski was residing in a halfway house in Bath, when fellow residents expressed concern about certain images they observed on the defendant’s cell phone and alerted authorities.

As a result, a search warrant was executed and investigators found more than 3,000 images of child pornography on Sumeriski’s phone. Some of the images depicted the violent abuse of infants and toddlers.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.

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