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LeRoy man found dead inside his home following police standoff

By Philip Anselmo

A 38- or 39-year-old man who has not yet been identified was found dead inside his home of a gunshot wound following a police standoff outside the Lake Street residence, according to LeRoy Chief of Police Christopher Hayward. Police will not yet comment if the wound was self-inflicted, though Hawyard said that it does not seem to be otherwise.

Hayward explained that village officers went to the home at 128 Lake Street at 10:30 a.m. to execute a search warrant. When the officers approached, they heard a gunshot and immediately backed off to "establish a perimeter." Assistance was requested from the state police, county sheriff personnel and the city of Batavia's Emergency Response Team. A robot was also brought to the scene to enter the residence and establish contact with the individual believed to be inside.

Police attempted to enter the residence with the robot, but it was unable to negotiate the "layout" of the home. Entry was made by the SWAT team into the home some time before 1 o'clock and officers found the individual inside dead from a gunshot wound.

Residents in the homes adjacent to the property were all evacuated, but they have since been allowed to return to their homes, said Hayward.

"What brought us here, the investigation itself, was less than 24 hours old," said Hayward, adding that the individual in question was "not known" to himself prior to this incident, indicating no prior criminal history. "It would not be appropriate to comment at this point."

Hayward also declined to comment on the nature of the search warrant.

"I don't want to leave it open to speculation as to why we were there."

We are expecting more information on the incident later today. We will report it as it becomes available.

Chief Hayward:

Standoff in downtown LeRoy

By Philip Anselmo

LeRoy village police are expected to hold a press conference at 1 o'clock today at the Village Hall on the "police incident" that has been ongoing since this morning. At last report, police were prepared to enter a home on Lake Street where an individual is believed to be holed up inside with a weapon. A robot was going to be used to enter the premises, but reports on the scanner indicated the robot was not functioning.

We will have more on this as it becomes available. Video of the press conference will be available later this afternoon.

Lake Street (Route 19) between Main Street and West Bergen Road is still closed at this hour.

Route 19 shut down in LeRoy for unknown "police incident": Updated

By Philip Anselmo

We're trying to get information on a "police incident" in the village of LeRoy that's got county-wide attention at this hour. The "incident" has closed down Lake Street (Route 19) in the village between Main Street (Route 5) and West Bergen Road. LeRoy police are handling the situation, we've been told. However, we were unable to get any more details. A LeRoy dispatcher informed us that she was too busy to talk about what was happening. We will keep on this throughout the afternoon.


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Update (11:48 a.m.): Dan Fischer reports on the WBTA Web site that the incident is near the 100 block of Lake Street (Route 19), and that homes adjacent to the property inquestion have been evacuated.

UPDATE (12:07 p.m. by Howard): Dan Fischer just said there were reports of shots fired this morning, but whether shots were fired are unconfirmed.  Philip is headed to the media staging area and will report from the scene.

UPDATE (12:32 p.m. by Howard): Dan Fischer reports that one person with a weapon is believed holed up in a home on Lake Road.

On the Beat: Batavia man accused of having sexual relationship with minor

By Philip Anselmo

Kevin C. Johnson, 24, of 112 Jackson St., Batavia, was charged with two felony counts of second-degree rape, three felony counts of second-degree criminal sexual act and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor charge, city police said. Johnson was arrested Tuesday and sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail. He is accused of maintaining a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl from September, 2008 through to February of this year. Johnson would allegedly have the girl stay over at his house where they engaged in sexual relations.


Juan Roman, 32, of 28 Porter Ave., Batavia, was charged with first-degree unlawful imprisonment, third-degree assault and petit larceny, city police said. Roman was arrested Tuesday and sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail. No details were given on the crimes which are alleged to have occurred in September, last year.


William Hirsch, 21, of Pavilion, was charged with second-degree criminal contempt Sunday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Hirsch is accused of violating an order of protection.

On the Beat: Man accused of cursing, refusing to leave Sugar Creek

By Philip Anselmo

Ryan Park, 25, of unknown domicile, was charged yesterday with disorderly conduct and petit larceny, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Park was located in a Sugar Creek store in Bergen, which he was allegedly refusing to leave. Deputies had received reports that Park was intoxicated, and when they attempted to remove him from the store, Park allegedly used "obscene language."


An alcohol sales compliance check in the city over the weekend yielded charges for one sales clerk. From the city police department:

The Police in conjunction with Drug Free Communities conducted an Alcohol Compliance check. The compliance check is designed to ensure alcohol retail establishments are properly determining alcohol is not being served to underage individuals. The results of Saturday’s check were positive; several establishments diligently checked the underage “agents” ID confirming he was not of age to buy alcohol. Only one store did not check ID and sold alcohol to our underage agent. The Clerk who sold the alcohol was ticketed for the charge of providing alcohol to a minor. The clerk is a youthful offender and will have a court appearance in the City of Batavia Court. As part of the program the clerk will be offered the chance to partake in server training, a program sponsored by GCASA (Genesee County Alcohol and Substance Abuse). Successful completion will result in the dismissal of charges.


Mark A. Antinore, 30, of 5100 Clinton Street Road, Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated and aggravated DWI Monday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Antinore was stopped on Route 33 in Stafford following reports of an erratic driver in the area. Antinore was also ticketed with speeding.

On the Beat: Three accused for hosting underage drinking party

By Philip Anselmo

Akilah N. Foster, 18, and Michelle D. Clarke, 20, both of 5157 Clinton Street Road, along with Michael K. Mottshaw, 23, of Brockport were both charged with first-degree unlawfully dealing with a child early Saturday morning, deputies said. The three individuals are accused of hosting a party at the Clinton Street residence where they allegedly served alcohol to minors.


Hugh L. Irby Jr., 59, of Corfu, was charged with driving while intoxicated Sunday evening, Genesee County sheriff's deputies. Irby was stopped following reports that a potentially intoxicated driver drove off the road and into a snow embankment in the village of Corfu. Irby was also ticketed with moving from the lane unsafely.


Yeong Lee, 64, of 5422 Horseshoe Lake Road, Batavia, was charged with second-degree harassment Saturday, deputies said. Lee is accused of pushing someone to the ground and pinning the person to the ground.


John W. Speidel, 73, of 10006 Francis Road, Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated Saturday evening, deputies said. Speidel was stopped following reports of a vehicle off the road on Fargo Road in Stafford. Speidel was also ticketed with failure to keep right and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle.


Duane M. Bush, 59, of Bethany, was charged with second-degree harassment Friday, deputies said. Bush is accused of shoving and slapping someone during an argument. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $500 bail.


Charges are pending following a one-car crash in Alabama Sunday morning, deputies said. Joseph P. Stratton, 21, of Akron, was driving along Bloomingdale Road when his car veered off the road, over the shoulder, into a snow embankment, then into a utility pole.

On the Beat: Waitress accused of altering tips on credit card slips

By Philip Anselmo

NOTE: All charges against Kristen Kocent were dismissed.

A waitress from a local Batavia restaurant faces more than two dozen felony charges on accusations that she forged credit card receipts of customers to increase the amount of her tip, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Kristen Lynn Kocent, 20, of 26 Meadowcrest Dr., Batavia, was charged with 13 counts of second-degree forgery, 13 counts of first-degree falsifying business records and one count of first-degree scheme to defraud, all of which are felonies.

Kocent was arrested Thursday and released under the supervision of the court pending a future court appearance. She is accused of altering the tip amounts on the credit card receipts of 13 different customers at the "Batavia area restaurant" where she worked as a waitress. These charges stem from from allegations that span one month between July 16 and August 17, last year.


Macy Paradise, 24, of 5155 E. Main St., Batavia, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana Wednesday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. An investigation into an unoccupied vehicle parked by the side of the road on Route 5 led to the charges.


Scott Snyder, 39, of Oakfield, was charged with a felony count of second-degree unauthorized use of a motor vehicle Thursday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Snyder was also charged with four counts of petit larceny, four counts of fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, one count of fourth-degree criminal mischief and one count of third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Snyder allegedly stole "numerous items" from four cars in the village of Oakfield last Friday, then stole another vehicle and drove to Rochester. He returned that vehicle to a driveway in the village later that night. There is no mention of incarceration. He will return to the Oakfield Town Court to answer his charges in February.


Elizabeth A. Chelus, 26, of Orchard Park, was charged with driving while intoxicated Thursday evening, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Chelus was stopped with a flat tire near the intersection of Route 5 and Loverslane Road in the town of Pembroke.


Charges are pending in an investigation of a car that drove off the road and onto a snow embankment Thursday afternoon, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Todd J. Quinlan, 55, of Rochester, was driving along Route 5 in LeRoy when he allegedly crossed to the other side of the road and off the shoulder. His car then climbed a five-foot-tall snow embankment and travelled another 30 feet on top of it. Quinlan complained of back pain and was taken to United Memorial Medical Center for treatment.

Drug busts in the city of Batavia lead to five arrests

By Philip Anselmo

A pair of Rochester residents were arrested in Batavia last Thursday following an investigation into the sale of crack cocaine, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Michael R. Ransear, 24, of Rochester, was charged with a felony count of third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance. Michael's aunt, April D. Ransear, 42, of Rochester, was charged with a felony count of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and a felony count of tampering with physical evidence.

The two were located and arrested by the local drug task force in a parking lot near the intersection of Route 33 and Seven Springs Road in  the town of Batavia. The task force is comprised of sheriff's deputies, officers from the city of Batavia police department and the LeRoy police department. Genesee County's District Attorney office also asssisted in the investigation.

Both Michael and April Ransear were sent to Genesee County Jail; Micheal in lieu of $15,000 bail, April in lieu of $10,000 bail.


Also last Thursday, the local drug task force executed a search warrant at the lower apartment of 26 South Pearl Street n Oakfield, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. As a result, William G. Mosholder, 47, of Oakfield, was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of marijuana and endangering the welfare of a child. Mosholder's two step-children, both under the age of 17, were at the residence when deputies allegedly located marijuana. Mosholder will answer the charges in court in February.


Another search warrant was executed at a Batavia apartment last night, where members of the local drug task force allegedly discovered crack cocaine with a street value of $1,500 and $2,371 in cash, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Both of the apartments residents were arrested and charged. Terrence D. Butler, 26, of 120 Jackson St., Apt: 3, Batavia, was charged with a felony count of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Anthony Sanders, 27, of the same address, was charged with a felony count of third-degree crimial possession of a controlled substance and a felony count of fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Both Butler and Sanders were sent to Genesee County Jail without bail.

This photo (below), sent to us by the city police department, depicts the officers of the emergency response team as they left the scene of the raid at 120 Jackson Street last night.

Former O-A Little League treasurer sentenced to five years in prison

By Philip Anselmo

Richard Dunlap, former treasurer for the Oakfield-Alabama Little League, was sentenced to five years in prison today, the Buffalo News reports. Dunlap was accused of stealing as much as $30,000 from the organization during his time as treasurer. He was then alleged to have used the money to purchase, among other things, child pornography.

From the Buffalo News:

A tearful Richard L. Dunlap, 40, of Batavia, apologized for his crimes but was immediately remanded to the custody of prison officials by the judge.

Federal agents said Dunlap stole thousands of dollars from the Oakfield-Alabama Little League Association and used the money to buy child porn, adult pornography, a family vacation to Florida and other items.

Dunlap, 40, of 9 Irving Parkway, Batavia, plead guilty last September to the possession of child pornography, according to a Daily News article from October. Dunlap had also been granted a plea bargain for the theft charges and was ordered to pay $5,559 in restitution, funds that Little League officials found arbitrary.

On the Beat: Le Roy man accused of selling pills to undercover deputy

By Philip Anselmo

Jeffrey W. Scott, 25, of Le Roy, was charged with two felony counts of fifth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance and two felony counts of fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance Monday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Scott allegedly sold "quantities of pills" to an undercover agent of the county's local drug task force. He was sent to Genesee County Jail without bail pending a court appearance later today.


Kaitlyn M. Schicker, 20, of Hamlin, was charged with driving while intoxicated Monday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Schicker allegedly crashed her car into a snow bank on Oak Orchard Road in the town of Elba. She was also ticketed with failure to keep right and operating the motor vehicle on a mobile phone.


Martin Pacer, 28, of 16 Jackson St., Apt: Upper, Batavia, was charged with second-degree criminal contempt and fifth-degree criminal possession of marijuana Monday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Pacer is accused of violating a court order of protection by getting too near a family member.

On the Beat: Batavia man accused of forging signature on payroll checks

By Philip Anselmo

Andrew Sargent, 32, of 9 Pearl St., Apt: Upper, Batavia, was charged with three felony counts of second-degree possession of a forged instrument Friday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Sargent is accused of forging the name of his boss on three payroll checks and redeeming them for cash during the months of November and December, of last year. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $5,000 bail.


Robert L. Miller, 56, of Williamsville, was charged with driving while intoxicated Thursday, Corfu village police said. Miller was stopped for an alleged traffic violation on Route 77 in the village. He was also ticketed with failure to keep right.


Robert J. Fackelman, 48, of Rochester, was charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs Friday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Fackelman was stopped for an alleged traffic violation on Route 33 in the town of Stafford. He was also ticketed with speeding.


Justin Bird, 20, of 7963 State Street Road, Batavia, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and unlawful dealing with fireworks Friday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Bird was stopped for an alleged traffic violation in Batavia. He was also ticketed with operating a motor vehicle with obstructed vision and moving from the lane unsafely.


Cody L. Osborn, 21, of Caledonia, was charged with driving while intoxicated Saturday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Osborn was picked up after he crashed his vehicle on Route 19 near Bissell Road in Bergen. He was also ticketed with moving from the lane unsafely.


Joshua A. Harris, 19, of 24 Columbia Ave., Batavia, was charged with second-degree criminal contempt Sunday, city police said. Harris allegedly violated an order of protection during a domestic dispute with a female acquaintance. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $500 bail.


James E. Ellott, 19, of 6 Forrest Edge, Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated Sunday, city police said. Elliott was picked up after he crashed his vehicle into a snow embankment on East Avenue near Trumbull Parkway. He was also ticketed with unlicensed driver and unsafe lane change.


James M. Stepp, 57, of Le Roy, was charged with a felony count of driving while intoxicated and a felony count of aggravated DWI Saturday, city police said. Stepp was picked up after he crashed his vehicle into a snow bank at the corner of Ross Street and Washington Avenue. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $5,000 bail.

On the Beat: Pavilion teenager accused of selling pot in school

By Philip Anselmo

Sixteen-year-old Richard T. Brairton, of Pavilion, was charged Thursday with a felony count of second-degree criminal sale of marijuana and one count of endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Brairton is accused of selling marijuana to a 15-year-old boy at the Pavilion Central School. An investigation into the alleged activity included assistance by the school, the sheriff's deputies and the local drug task force. Brairton has been released under the supervision of Genesee Justice.

Akron man in emergency room after being hit by car while shoveling

By Philip Anselmo

Louis J. Scafetta Jr., 31, of Akron, is currently being treated for facial lacerations and an internal leg injury in the emergency room of United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Scafetta was taken in earlier today, after he was hit by a car while he was shoveling out another car that was stuck in the snow in the driveway at 5778 Walkers Corners Road in Byron.

Johnna H. L. Mancuso, 23, of Le Roy, was allegedly driving too fast on Walkers Corner Road when she lost control of her car on an icy stretch of road. Her car then crossed the road, spun halfway around and crashed into the car parked in the driveway near where Scafetta was shoveling. The parked car was then thrown into Scafetta, who was knocked to the ground and injured. Mancuso was not injured in the crash.

No charges have been filed against the driver.

On the Beat: Pavilion woman accused of forging drug prescription

By Philip Anselmo

Michelle L. Smoth, 37, of Pavilion, was charged with a felony count of second-degree forgery Wednesday, city police said. Smith is accused of forging a legitimately issued prescription by altering the drug and refill portions of the script. When she allegedly presented the prescription to be filled at a Batavia drug store, the pharmacist contacted the doctor who confirmed that it was forged. Smith was released under the supervision of the Genesee County Probation Department pending an appearance in City Court on January 27.


Stephanie Andrews, 18, of Akron, was charged with fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property and petit larceny Wednesday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies. Andrews allegedly possessed her mother's ATM card and is accused of making an unauthorized withdrawal at a business located on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation on December 29.


Ronald M. Kowalczewski, 23, of 8976 Wilkinson Road, Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated early this morning, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Kowalczewski was stopped by deputies after allegedly running a red light on Route 77 in the town of Pembroke. He was also ticketed with passing through a red light and parking in the roadway.

No charges filed in Route 33 crash

By Philip Anselmo

The driver of a vehicle that crashed into a utility pole along Route 33 near West Bergen Road yesterday afternoon will not face charges for leaving the scene of the accident, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble reported today that the driver, whose crash was the result of his falling asleep at the wheel, was located without any difficulty following the accident. He had not been drinking and was advised not to leave such a scene in the future.

Dibble explained in an e-mail: "Having someone leave the scene out of ignorance, to get help, for convenience, especially in car/deer accidents, happens often."

Driver allegedly flees the scene of a car crash on Route 33 in Bergen

By Philip Anselmo

Crews out at the scene of a one-car crash on Route 33, just east of West Bergen Road, tell us that the driver who smashed into a pole there allegedly fled the scene. We're still waiting on the exact details, but we were told that the vehicle's driver, after crashing the car, allegedly called for a ride and left before emergency crews or sheriff's deputies arrived on scene. This was the look of the car at the scene as the emergency personnel were packing up and leaving shortly after 3 o'clock this afternoon.

On the Beat: Unlawful possession...

By Philip Anselmo

Brooke Humel, 17, of Corfu, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana Monday, Genesee County sheriff's said. Brooke was found to be in possession following a traffic stop in Pembroke.


Timothy Beszcynski, 21, of Darien, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana Saturday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Beszynski was found to be in possession following a traffic stop in Pembroke.


Dustin Benham, 19, of Darien, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana Saturday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Benham was found to be in possession following a traffic stop in Pembroke.


Rebecca Athoe, 20, of 15 Kibbe Ave., Batavia, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana Friday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Benham was found to be in possession following a traffic stop in the town of Batavia.

On the Beat: Batavia siblings accused of conspiracy in assault, larceny

By Philip Anselmo

A pair of siblings from Batavia are accused of conspiring to "have an individual beat up" and driving the victim to "a remote location" in order to do so, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Adam M. Ganzhorn, 24, of 1 Cone St., Batavia, was charged with third-degree assault, sixth-degree conspiracy and petit larceny, all misdemeanors. Ganzhorn allegedly assaulted the victim on December 28, shortly after midnight. He is also accused of stealing the victim's cell phone. His sister, Teresa M. Ganzhorn, 19, of 4346 Batavia Elba Townline Road, Batavia, was charged with third-degree assault and sixth-degree conspiracy. She is accused of conspiring with her brother to have the victim "beat up" and transporting him to the scene of the assault.

Adam M. Ganzhorn was sent to Genesee County Jail Saturday morning in lieu of $500 cash or $1,000 bail bond. That same day, Teresa M. Ganzhorn was sent to jail in lieu of $250 cash or $500 bail bond.


Lori. A Wittkopp, 46, of Washington Ave, Batavia, was charged with a felony count of driving while intoxicated Sunday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Wittkopp was stopped by deputies after she allegedly nearly caused an accident while turning into the KFC restaurant on West Main Street in Batavia. She was also ticketed with failure to yield the right of way and uninsured motor vehicle.


Thomas Lukasik, 37, of Bennington, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and driving while intoxicated Friday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Lukasik was picked up by deputies following a car crash in Alexander that afternoon. He was also ticketed with a speeding violation.


Scott C. Stine, of York, Penn., was charged with a felony count of driving while intoxicated Tuesday, Corfu village police said. Stine was stopped for alleged traffic violations on Route 77 in Corfu. He was also ticketed with broken windshield, no seatbelt and inadequate plate lamp.

On the Beat: DWI charges in Alabama and Le Roy

By Philip Anselmo

Lucas M. Roggen, 28, of Akron, was charged with driving while intoxicated Thursday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Roggen was stopped for an alleged traffic violation at the intersection of Klossen and Meanville roads in Alabama. Rogged failed to stop at the intersection and slid into a snow bank. He was also ticketed with failure to reduce speed, unsafe passing, moving from the lane unsafely and unlawful possession of marijuana.


Anthony J. Reisdorf, 61, of Alexander, was charged with driving while intoxicated Thursday, deputies said. Reisdorf was driving on East Bethany-Le Roy Road in the town of Le Roy when his vehicle crashed, overturned and landed in a creek. He was uninjured. He was also ticketed with failure to reduce speed and moving from the lane unsafely.

City police urge caution on slick roads

By Philip Anselmo

Scenes similar to this clean up yesterday at the site of a head-on collision on Clinton Street Road in the city have been common over the past few days. Below zero temperatures have kept the road salt from doing its work and frequent snowfalls have kept the plows more than busy.

In response, the city of Batavia police have issued a statement urging motorists to drive cautiously and maybe drive a little more slowly than they normally would.

In the past 24 hours the Batavia Police Department has investigated about 15 motor vehicle accidents. Only a few resulted in minor injuries. With the extreme cold weather conditions and the snow we have received, the city streets remain slippery and icy especially at intersections. Even after being treated, the intersections and streets become icy quickly with the near zero temperatures we are experiencing.
 
We are asking all drivers in the city to use extreme caution and to slow down, especially when approaching intersections.

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