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Task force announces a series of drug-related arrests

By Howard B. Owens

The Local Drug Enforcement Task Force announced the arrest of 11 people on various drug-related charges stemming from three different enforcment actions by task force members.

Curtis M. Gallagher, 27, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Gallagher was arrested following the execution of a search warrant March 30 on his vehicle and residence. Gallagher was allegedly found in possession of a quantity of marijuana and a quantity of hydrocodone along with some drug paraphernalia. Gallagher was issued an appearance ticket.

On Saturday, the task force arrested five people who were allegedly using a hotel room "for the purpose of abusing crack cocaine," according to the press release. Upon raiding the room, investigators allegedly found a quantity of crack cocaine and buprenorphine hydrochloride. Taken into custody and jailed on $1,000 bail each were Pamela A. Adamski, 28, of Walnut Street, Batavia; Jodi L. Reed, 40, of South Pearl Street Road, Oakfield; Heather J. Nadolny, 28, of East Main Street, Batavia; Nicholas J. Volpe, 40, of Edwards Street, Batavia; and, Timothy J. Walsh, 44, of Redfield Parkway, Batavia.

Over a two-day period, March 21 and March 22, members of the task force along with uniformed deputies and police officers from Batavia and Le Roy, conducted a number of traffic stops. Along with citations issued, the following people were charged with drug-related offenses:

  • Nick Hawkins, 28, of Market Street, Brockport, and Seth Fisher, 24, of Asbury Road, Le Roy, were charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.
  • Alex Cordero, 24, of Avenue D, Rochester, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.
  • Phillip Ayala, 27, of Melville Street, Rochester, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.
  • Douglas Brown, 29, of East Main Street, Corfu, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.
  • Pamela A. Adamski, 28, of Walnut Street, Batavia, and Dajuandrick Gardner, 35, of East Avenue, Batavia, are both charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th.  Adamski and Gardner were allegedly found in possession of cocaine. Gardner was also charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.

Law and Order: Byron man accused of stealing, using debit card

By Howard B. Owens

Matthew Joseph O'Connor, 19, of Byron Holley Road, Byron, is charged with grand larceny, 4th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. O'Connor is accused of stealing a debit card from a friend and using it in Genesee and Monroe counties to make purchases and ATM withdrawals. At the time of his arrest, O'Connor was allegedly found in possession of a small baggie of marijuana.

Lacey M. Muntz, 28, of Maltby Road, Oakfield, is charged with petit larceny. Muntz is accused of stealing license plates from a vehicle she did not own.

Paul Uzarowski, 41, of Genesee Road, Pembroke, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC 0f .08 or greater, failure to dim headlights and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Uzarowski was stopped at 8:57 p.m. Tuesday on Route 77 in Pembroke by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Man accused of sex acts with a toddler

By Howard B. Owens

A 40-year-old Batavia man is accused of committing sexual acts on a 2-year-old over a three-month period.

James Little Jr. is being charged with three counts of criminal sexual act in the first degree.

Batavia PD released no further information on the case.

Little is scheduled to reappear in Batavia City Court on April 18.

Batavia PD releases annual report for 2011

By Howard B. Owens

In 2011, the Batavia Police Department responded to 16,991 calls for service and logged more than 154,000 patrol miles, according to a report released by the department.

Overall, the crime rate was up slightly in 2011 over 2010, but still down from the 2009 rate.

The rate in 2011 was 35.12 (an index computed by city population). In 2010, it was 34.93, and in 2009 it was 37.20.

There were 376 criminal arrests in 2011, compared to 575 in 2010.

Calls for service in the city peaked in 2007 at 17,707 and dropped off dramatically in 2008. The number has increased each year since and was 16,581 in 2010.

The detective bureau field 479 cases and pursued 396 criminal investigations.

There were 399 larcenies reported in 2011; 95 burglaries; 12 motor vehicle thefts; 32 assaults; zero murders; and 10 rapes.

The rape total was the highest of any of the past six years.

Besides rape, there were 20 total sex crimes reported in the city, down from 25 in 2010.

DWI arrests were up from 36 in 2010 to 47 in 2011.

There were 499 motor vehicle accidents reported in the city in 2011. That's down from a recent high of 528 in 2009.

In all, police officers inititated 3,517 traffic stops in 2011 and issued tickets for 1,054 moving violations.

A total 1,413 parking tickets were written.

The full report is available as a PDF. Click here to download.

Law and Order: Pembroke man accused of driving under influence of drugs

By Howard B. Owens

Francis Scott Smith, 18, of 2435 Angling Road, Pembroke, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, aggravated unlicensed operation, failure to dim headlights and unlicensed operator. Smith was stopped at 1:45 a.m., Sunday, on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

A 16-year-old resident of Angling Road, Pembroke, is charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd. The youth is accused of making several threats by phone to harm another person.

Georgia man arrested on multiple charges in Batavia given eight years in prison

By Howard B. Owens

A Georgia convict who fled parole in his home state, fled from police when they tried to arrest him in Batavia, attempted to strangle a fellow inmate in the Genesee County Jail and was accused of conspiracy to commit murder will serve a maximum eight-year prison term, Judge Robert C. Noonan ruled today.

Derick Barker, 26, previously pled guilty to possession of a controlled substance and strangulation, and both convictions carried a maximum sentence of four years in prison.

Noonan ruled the sentences would be served consecutively.

Barker came to Batavia in May 2011 with his brother Justin, a Batavia resident.

The two men were found in a hotel room in June where drugs were present. When Derick learned he was about to be arrested, he fled across the Thruway, which led to a State Police helicopter search of the area.

While in jail on the charges, Derick was accused of plotting a murder-for-hire scheme with his brother.

Justin eventually entered a guilty plea on that charge, but as part of a plea bargain, the conspiracy charge against Derick was dropped.

Assistant District Attorney Will Zickl, in asking for a lengthy prison term for Derick, noted Barker's previous criminal record and his propensity for violence.

Attorney Thomas Burns said his client acknowledged his mistakes and that while a probation report noted some anger issues, he said Barker never displayed anger during their meetings, although the news Burns had to deliver was rarely good.

"I never encountered anything but complete kindness," Burns said. "He's been as polite as a client can be. Derick has many fine attributes and a nice personality when he wants to put it to work."

Burns said Barker -- who has spent a decade in and out of the legal system -- didn't have a stable childhood and missed out on educational opportunities.

When asked to speak, Barker said, "Mr. Burns said it better than I could say it. I apologize for taking up so much of the court's time for my mistakes. There's nothing I could say but I apologize."

Noonan said given Barker's record and the seriousness of the charges, he thought the maximum sentence was appropriate.

"The deal you negotiated is the best deal you're going to get," Noonan said.

Police looking for leads on recent vandalism in the city

By Howard B. Owens

Police are looking for information on a person who allegedly spray painted graffiti on a mailbox near the M&T Bank branch off Court Street, Batavia.

The suspect may be involved in several incidents of graffiti in the city.

The latest incident occurred at 6:45 p.m., Friday.

The suspect vehicle is described as a green, four-door, Honda Civic with New York license plates.

The alleged tagger is a white male.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Todd Crossett at 345-6353.

Law and Order: Woman accused of filing tax returns in ex-boyfriend's name and claiming refund

By Howard B. Owens

Amy Lynne Koch, 37, of Route 98, Alexander, is charged with grand larceny, 3rd, and petit larceny. Koch is accused of using information of her estranged boyfriend, who is incarcerated in state prison, to file both state and federal income tax forms. Koch allegedly created a bank account in both of their names so any tax refund money could be deposited in the account. Once the money was deposited, Koch allegedly withdrew the funds.

Timothy S. DiSalvo, 51, of 106 North St., Batavia, is charged with strangulation, 2nd, and two counts of harassment, 2nd. DiSalvo was allegedly involved in a fight with a family member at their business location on Harvester Avenue, Batavia. DiSalvo is accused of choking another person and shoving a female employee who tried to intervene to stop the fight.

Cheryl Lynn Vanelli, 52, of 2101 Main Road, Pembroke, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 and failure to keep right. Vanelli was stopped at 2:42 a.m, Jan. 21, on Boyce Road, by Deputy Kevin McCarthy. Vanelli will be arraigned in Pembroke Town Court on April 17.

Veshaun D. Thomas Sr., 34, of 110 Bank St., Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and suspended registration. Thomas was stopped at 2:40 a.m. Sunday by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Kyle David McNutt, 21, of Route 238, Warsaw, is charged with petit larceny. McNutt is accused of shoplifting $24.99 in merchandise from Kmart.

Gina Marie Glor, 18, of Route 238, Warsaw, is charged with petit larceny. Glor is accused of shoplifting $24.99 in merchandise from Kmart.

Sandra Lynn Cassford, 29, of South Main Street, Castile, is charged with petit larceny and unlawful possession of marijuana. Cassford was arrested on a warrant stemming from alleged events on Dec. 22. She was jailed on $200 bail.

Peter Joseph Gravante, 23, of Townline Road, Byron, was arrested on a warrant for driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Gravante was taken into custody on a warrant out of Town of Batavia Court by NYSP in Monroe County and turned over to the Sheriff's Office.

Ryan Douglas Woodward, 22, of Vallance Road, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to reduce speed for a curve, moving from lane unsafely and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Woodward was allegedly involved in a motor vehicle accident while intoxicated on Route 19, Bergen, at 2:45 a.m. on Feb. 26.

Batavia PD looking for vehicle involved in hit-and-run property damage accident

By Howard B. Owens

A vehicle -- likely a 2008 or newer Chevy Silverado -- struck a fence in front of 239 East Ave., Batavia, knocking down more than 100 feet of the fence, according to Batavia PD.

The car came to a stop in a hedgerow and then left the scene.

The Silverado is believed to be an extended cab model with front-end and rear-end damage.

The collision occurred some time between Friday evening and Saturday morning.

Anybody with information that may assist in the investigation is being asked to contact Officer Marc Lawrence at <mlawrence@batavianewyork.com>.

Police looking for alleged shoplifter from Tops

By Howard B. Owens

A white male, who is suspected of shoplifting, has reportedly just run from Tops Market toward Kmart.

He's described as wearing a white shirt and white ball cap.

Batavia PD is responding.

UPDATE 4:52 p.m.: The suspect reportedly jumped into a white, compact car with a partial license plate of "FCE."

UPDATE 5:46 p.m.: Sounds like the vehicle has been located after police received a tip regarding its location.

Batavia man accused of using tire iron during fight in Caledonia

By Howard B. Owens

A Batavia man already facing up to seven years in prison for a crime in Rochester is being accused of assaulting another man with a tire iron during a fight behind a restaurant in Caledonia.

Matthew Norstrand is being charged with assault, 3rd, and criminal mischief, 4th.

A year ago, Norstrand was involved in a fatal hit-and-run accident in Rochester and was out of jail pending sentencing.

Last week, Norstrand was allegedly involved in an altercation with Austin Costrino, 26, of Holley, behind Q's Restaurant in Caledonia.

Costrino allegedly pulled out a knife before getting into his car. He allegedly drove back to Norstrand's location and the two men continued to argue. Norstrand allegedly pulled out a tire hire and beat Costrino.

The investigation began after Costrino's father contacted police, reporting that his son was hospitalized with head injuries.

Costrino is charged with menacing, 2nd.

(Source: WHAM13)

Law and Order: DWI charge filed against woman seriously hurt in accident

By Howard B. Owens

Michelle Tarin Crawford, 26, of Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, and failure to keep right. Crawford was charged following an investigation into a motor-vehicle accident at 12:55 a.m., March 8, on Townline Road, Byron, in which Crawford was seriously injured. Crawford remains jailed on a violation of probation charge. (Previous stories, one, two and three).

Michael Octavio Tardy, 46, of Woodside Drive, Bergen, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to stop at stop sign and moving from lane unsafely. Tardy was allegedly driving at 1:41 a.m. on Lewiston Raod, Oakfield, when his vehicle struck a curb.

Byron resident accused of sexual contact with a child

By Howard B. Owens

John Chrisley, 46, of Mechanic Street, South Byron, was arraigned in Town of Byron Court today on charges of first-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child.

Chrisley is accused of sexual contact with a child under age 11.

The incident allegedly occurred Oct. 5 in Byron.

Chrisley was released under supervision of Genesee Justice, pending his next court appearance April 2.

The case was investigated by John Dehm.

Former Le Roy resident accused of stealing SUV and credit cards

By Howard B. Owens

Nearly two years after the alleged events, a Brockport man is being accused of stealing an SUV and some credit cards.

Frank Edward Finnin, 45, of Vindale Drive, Brockport, was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court on Thursday on charges of grand larceny, 3rd, and grand larceny, 4th.

Finnin is accused of stealing a 2004 Ford Escape from a location on Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Stafford, on June 20.

He is also accused of taking a purse containing credit cards from a vehicle that was parked in a residential driveway on East Main Road, Batavia, on the same date.

The Escape was recovered in Le Roy, not far from Finnin's residence at the time.

Following arraignment, Finnin was jailed on $10,000 bail.

The case was conducted by investigators William Ferrando and John Dehm.

Weekender accused of carrying cocaine into jail

By Howard B. Owens

An inmate of the Genesee County Jail who was serving an intermittent sentence is being accused of trying to smuggle cocaine into the facility.

Charged with promoting prison contraband in the third degree is Jahmal Coletrane Kirkwood, 34, of Shelbourne Drive, Rochester.

Kirkwood is also charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th.

According to investigators, Kirkwood arrived for his two-day stint at the jail at 9 a.m., Jan. 3 and possessed a baggie of cocaine hidden inside a compartment of his backpack he carried into the jail.

Kirkwood was arraigned on he charge today in Batavia City Court and jailed in lieu of $5,000 bail.

Grand Jury Report: Man accused of trying to injure state trooper with car

By Howard B. Owens

James A. Klotzbach is indicted on charges of attempted assault on a police officer, endangering the welfare of a child and driving while ability impaired by drugs. Following a pursuit by police, with a child in the car, Klotzbach allegedly attempted to drive his car into the patrol car of a state trooper with the intention to cause serious injury to the trooper. Klotzbach was allegedly under the influence of drugs at the time.

Gail P. Rumble, AKA Gail P. Montondo, is indicted on two counts of identity theft in the second degree, three counts of identity theft in the third degree and five counts of criminal impersonation in the second degree. Rumble is accused of using the identity and credit of other people to obtain services from Time Warner, National Fuel and National Grid.

Brent M. Semmler is indicted on a felony charge of DWI. Semmler is accused of driving drunk Dec. 18 in Le Roy.

Rusty E. Vanson is indicted on charges of felony DWI and felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Vanson was arrested Oct. 23 in the Town of Alexander on Bowen Road for allegedly driving drunk.

Law and Order: Woman accused of using landlord's vehicle without permission

By Howard B. Owens

Amanda Marie Putnam, 25, of Selden Road, Le Roy, is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Putnam is accused of using her landlord's vehicle without permission and then being involved in a motor vehicle accident while driving the vehicle.

Jonathan Paul Bouter, 28, of Oak Orchard Road, Elba, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd. Bouter was arrested on a warrant for the charge out of Corfu Village Court. He was jailed on $500 cash or $5,000 bond.

Grand Jury indicts woman accused of punching Walmart employee on two felony counts

By Howard B. Owens

A 26-year-old Batavia woman accused of punching a 70-year-old Walmart employee during a busy Christmas Eve shopping day has been indicted on two felony counts by a Genesee County Grand Jury.

Jacquetta B. Simmons, of 106 Ellsworth Ave., Batavia, is indicted on two charges of assault in the second degree.

Simmons will be arraigned April 12 on the charges in county court by Judge Robert C. Noonan.

The two Class D felony charges carry potential prison terms -- for a person with no criminal history, as is the case with Simmons -- of from two to seven years.

Simmons was arrested Dec. 24 after reportedly being followed out to her car by a number of Walmart shoppers, who prevented her car from leaving the parking lot.

According to witness reports, Simmons hit Grace Suozzi hard enough to knock her 10 feet across the floor. Souzzi suffered fractures in her face.

Suozzi reportedly asked Simmons for a receipt for a bag of merchandise prior to being hit.

Buffalo attorney Earl Key has suggested there may be additional circumstances to the case that haven't come out yet.

One of the assault charges against Simmons stems from a law passed in 2008 making it a felony to assault and cause injury to a person 65 or older. Simmons is the first person in Genesee County charged under the relatively new law.

Besides having no criminal history, Simmons is a college graduate with strong ties to the community.

She remains out of jail on $40,000 bond, reportedly posted by her parents.

The story of the alleged assault gained national media attention after first being reported by The Batavian.

Man involved in Batavia business burglaries serving time in state prison

By Howard B. Owens

A man involved in commercial burglaries in Batavia is already serving four-and-two-thirds to 14 years in state prison based on a similar conviction in Wyoming County, and in Genesee County Court today, he was given an identical sentence by Judge Robert C. Noonan.

The four-and-two-thirds to 14 years imposed by Noonan will be served, according to state sentencing guidelines, concurrent to the Wyoming County sentence, which was imposed a month ago.

Noonan was prepared to tack on a couple more years to the sentence of Michael A. Ames, 19, of 508 Dale Road, Dale, but couldn't do it, so he gave him the maximum term available to be served while Ames serves his Wyoming County sentence.

Ames was arrested in September after a video posted on The Batavian helped lead investigators to Ames and Trevor M. Pilc, 18, of 404 Jackson St., Batavia, as suspects.

The duo was accused of breaking into several area businesses.

For Ames, according to his attorney William Harper, the crime spree represented just four months out of his life and was driven mainly by a recent drug addiction.

Harper argued for the minimum sentence available citing a troubled childhood for Ames, which included being reported as a neglected child five times, foster homes and a serious learning disability.

Warrant issued for admitted burglar who didn't show up for sentencing

By Howard B. Owens

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of an admitted burglar who failed to appear for his sentencing in county court today.

Benjamin W. Muntz, 22, of 6966 Knowlesville Road, Basom, entered guilty pleas Jan. 4 to burglary, 3rd, and grand larceny, 4th.

Attorney Thomas Burns said Muntz hasn't been seen nor heard from since early March and his family doesn't seem to know his whereabouts.

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