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Law and Order: Alleged child sex predator charged with crimes against fourth victim

By Howard B. Owens
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Melvin Huntley

Melvin A. Huntley, 40, of Wilkinson Road, Batavia, is charged with rape 1st, sex abuse 1st, and predatory sexual assault with two or more victims. Huntley, accused previously of being a child sex predator and later charged with additional felonies, has been charged again as the result of further investigation by detectives Howard Carlson and Kevin Forsyth. An additional alleged victim was identified.  There are no known additional victims.  There are allegedly four victims total. Huntley is accused of multiple incidents of sexual assault over a seven-year period.  He remains in the Genesee County Jail being held without bail.

Brian Michael Raphael, 33, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and conspiracy 6th. Raphael was allegedly found in possession of cocaine following a traffic stop in the Town of Bergen at 11:15 p.m., June 7, by Deputy David Moore.  He was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to return to court Oct. 13.

Law and Order: Rochester man accused of evading checkpoint, popped for alleged DWI

By Howard B. Owens

Daniel Joseph Davis, 55, of Hollymount Road, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, reckless endangerment, improper passing, failure to obey traffic control devices, failure to obey police officer, speed not reasonable and prudent for conditions, and moving from lane unsafely. It's alleged that Davis tried to avoid a traffic safety checkpoint by leaving his lane of travel and proceeding into the oncoming traffic lane nearly striking law enforcement officers and then fleeing the checkpoint before being stopped by a patrol vehicle a short distance from the checkpoint on  Clinton Street Road, Stafford. Davis was arraigned in Town of Stafford Court and released on his own recognizance.

Katie Lee Winnie, 27, of Martin Road, Akron, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Winnie was located at 3:06 a.m., July 8, on South Lake Road, Bergen, by Deputy David Moore, after the Sheriff's Office received a complaint of a woman slumped over the wheel of a vehicle parked at a convenience store.  Winnie was arrested this week after the office received the results of a lab test.  She was released on an appearance ticket.

 

Law and Order: Cattaraugus man accused of damaging vehicle, stealing plates at Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens

Brock Orion Doberstein, 28, of Cattaraugus, is charged with criminal mischief 2nd and petit larceny. Doberstein allegedly damaged a vehicle and stole its license plates on Aug. 14 while at Darien Lake. He was arraigned in Darien Town Court and released on his own recognizance.

Kyle Allen Hawley, 31, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. At approximately 3:38 a.m., Aug. 26, while at a residence on Spring Street in Bergen, Hawley allegedly overdosed on a narcotic analgesic while in the presence of a child less than 17  years old.  Hawley was reportedly revived by medics with the use of Narcan and transported to a local hospital. He was released on an appearance ticket.

GCEDC approves incentives for three projects, including Liberty Pumps

By Press Release

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors approved a final resolution for incentives supporting Liberty Pumps for a $13.7 million expansion at the company’s operations in the Town of Bergen the board’s September 9, 2021 board meeting.

Liberty Pumps will invest approximately $13.7 million to build a 107,138 sq. ft. materials facility in the Apple Tree Acres business park. The proposed facility is anticipated to contribute to the continuing growth of the company and will create 30 new full-time jobs with an average salary of $52,000 annually plus benefits. It is estimated that the project will generate $29 of investment into the local economy for every $1 of approved incentives. The project will receive sales and property tax exemptions of approximately $1.5 million.    

The GCEDC Board of Directors also accepted an initial application for a $4.5 million project proposed by Valiant Real Estate USA, Inc. (New York Bus Company). The company plans to build a new 20,000 square-foot facility at the corner of Saile Drive and Call Parkway in the Town of Batavia.

The project would create 24 full-time employee positions with an average salary range of $30,000 - $75,000 annually plus benefits. The project is requesting approximately $430,000 in sales, mortgage, and property tax exemptions. The project is estimated to generate $50 into the Genesee County economy for every $1 of requested incentives.

Finally, the Board accepted an initial application for incentives from J&R Fancher Property Holdings LLC.  The company is proposing a $1.7 million capital investment for a 14,000 square foot building located at Buffalo East Technology Park in Pembroke, NY.

J&R Fancher Property Holdings LLC plans to build six market-rate one-and two-bedroom apartments along with a 7,000 square foot commercial space.. The project is requesting approximately $254,000 in sales, mortgage and property tax exemptions.

As both projects are requesting incentives of over $100,000, public hearings will be scheduled prior to final consideration of incentives.

Law and Order: Duo accused of trespassing on property in Bethany

By Howard B. Owens

Hannah Rose Roberts, 18, of Ontario Street, Fulton, and Talana Jay Savery, 22, of Emery Street, Fulton, are charged with trespass. Roberts and Savery are accused of being on property on Bethany Center Road, Bethany, at 4:49 a.m., Aug. 29, without permission.  Both were issued an appearance ticket.

Breeda Marry Kobler, 57, of Hutchins Raod, Rochester, is charged with DWI and refusal to take breath test.  Breeda was stopped at 5:56 p.m., Wednesday, on North Lake Road, Bergen, by Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush.

 

Law and Order: Batavia man arrested on six warrants for failure to appear, released

By Howard B. Owens

Thomas Tacito, 61, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with six counts of failure to appear. Tacito was arrested on six bench warrants for allegedly failing to appear for court dates when previously arrested on appearance tickets.  He was arraigned and released on his own recognizance.

Cassandra Smith, 35, of Main Street, Piffard, is charged with cemetery desecration.  At 10:25 a.m., Aug. 17 police officers were dispatched for a report of a suspicious female in the St. Joseph Cemetery.  It appeared that she was taking items from gravesites. Police located Smith and her vehicle in the cemetery. She allegedly stole numerous items including statues, planters, and flags from gravesites in the cemetery. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Jeremiah Williams, 30, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with sex offender/failure to verify address. Batavia police officers responded to the Super 8 Motel in an attempt to locate Williams on multiple warrants, including a harassment 2nd warrant. Williams was located and taken into custody. Williams was arraigned in City Court.  His custody status was not reported.

Rosemary Waters, 35, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear. Waters was arrested on a warrant following a police investigation into a suspicious condition at a business on Oak Street.  Waters was arraigned in City Court. Her custody status was not reported.

Germayne Session, 27, of Gardiener Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal mischief 4th and three counts endangering the welfare of a child. On July 27, Gardiener allegedly punched the windshield of a van belonging to another person causing it to shatter.  There were three children in the van. Gardiener was issued an appearance ticket.

Tyler Gorski, 19, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing, unlawful imprisonment, and harassment.  Gorski was allegedly involved in a disturbance on Bank Street at 8:18 p.m., Aug. 13.  He was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance.

Drew Fortes-Crimes, 23, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd and harassment 2nd. During an incident on Harvester Avenue on Aug. 14, Fortes-Crimes allegedly damaged property and subjected the victim to unwanted physical contact. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Jordin Schultz, 23, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing, criminal mischief 4th, and harassment 2nd. Schultz allegedly slapped another person, grabbed that person by the neck, and took that person's phone in an attempt to prevent the person from calling 9-1-1 during an incident reported at 10 p.m., Aug. 13.  Schultz was arraigned in City Court and released.

Tarah Mruczek, 34, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Mruczek allegedly struck another person during an argument on Aug. 15.  She was arraigned in City Court and released.

Mark Farley, 53, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt. Farley is accused of violating an order of protection. He was jailed on $2,500 cash bail, $5,000 bond, or $10,000 partially secured bond.

Michael Quinn Keaney, 38, of Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Keaney was stopped at 12:03 a.m., Aug. 21, on Alexander Road, Alexander, by Deputy Trevor Sherwood.

Kyle Allen Hawley, 31, of Spring Street, Bergen, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Hawley allegedly overdosed on a narcotic analgesic while in a presence of a child less than 17 years old. Hawley was administered narcan by emergency responders and transported to an area hospital.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

Law and Order: Luke Bryan concert goer allegedly found with baggies of drugs hanging from his socks

By Howard B. Owens

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Bryan Fitts

Bryan Lewis Fitts, 32, of Chestnut Ridge, Gasport, is charged with criminal possession of narcotics with intent to sell and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell. Fitts was allegedly found in possession of a sufficient amount of narcotics and controlled substances to suggest he intended to sell the illicit drugs after being ejected from the Luke Bryan concert at Darien Lake at 9:23 p.m., Saturday.  Deputy Jeremy McClellan reportedly spotted baggies of drugs hanging out of his socks.  He was arraigned in Town of Pembroke Court and released.

Aaron J. McFollins, 42, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with assault 3rd. At 1:18 a.m., June 4, McFollins is accused of throwing a chair at a woman causing an injury.  He was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance.

Aaron J. McFollins, 42, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with grand larceny 4th, identity left 3rd, and petit larceny. McFollins is accused of taking and using another person's credit card.  McFollins was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance. 

Larry Kennedy, 43, of Eastbrooke Lane, Greece, is charged with felony DWI, unlicensed operation, driving outside restrictions, driving without an ignition interlock device, and aggravated unlicensed operation. Kennedy was arrested by Batavia PD following an investigation into a suspicious condition at an undisclosed location on Aug. 8. He was released on his own recognizance.

Matthew Oppel, 34, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs, driving while using a portable electronic device, running a red light, and failure to keep right. Oppel on July 31 for an alleged incident at 7:37 p.m., March 20. Oppel was reportedly involved in a property damage accident on Main Street, Batavia. Following an investigation, Oppel was accused of driving while under the influence of drugs at the time of the accident.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

Laura R. Mroz, 32, of Chandler Avenue, Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Mroz is accused of pushing another person on Aug. 7 at an undisclosed location.  Morz was issued an appearance ticket.

John K. Hobbs, 33, of Clinton Street Road, Batavia, is charged with menacing 3rd.  Hobbs allegedly threatened a woman and put her in fear of physical injury during an incident reported at 6 a.m., Aug. 13.  Hobbs was released on his own recognizance.

William G. Horner, 70, of Batavia, is charged with assault with intent to cause physical injury with a weapon, and Wendy L. Henry, 36, of Batavia, is charged with assault 2nd/injuring victim 65 or older.  Horner and Henry were arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 8:39 a.m., Aug. 11, in the Town of Batavia. No further information was released. Horner was ordered held in jail and Henry was released on her own recognizance.

Jessica R. Parker-Sharkey, 28, of Rochester, is charged with criminal impersonation, criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, and driving with a suspended registration. Parker-Sharkey was arrested by a trooper in connection with an incident at 3:20 p.m., Aug. 12.  No further information was released.  She was released on an appearance ticket.

Tyler J. Gasiorek, 27, of Cheektowaga, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Gasiorek was stopped at 3:47 p.m., Saturday, in Bergen by a state trooper. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Patrick J. Reiner, 49, of Corfu, is charged with felony DWI and felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Reiner was stopped by a trooper at 12:01, Sunday, in the Town of Pembroke. He was released on an appearance ticket.

David B. Kenjockety, 44, of Lockport, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Kenjockety was stopped by a trooper at 8:50 p.m., Aug. 13, in the Town of Darien. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Deborah M. Kreienberg, 62, of Pittsford, is charged with felony DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Kreienberg was stopped by a trooper at 2:19 p.m., Aug. 13, in the Town of Bergen. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Byron-Bergen Home Alone Safety Program for Children

By Howard B. Owens

Children ages 7 and up can learn essential life skills for staying home alone at the Byron-Bergen Public Library’s upcoming class. Safety topics covered in the class, held Aug. 17 from 4-6 p.m. include telephone tips, internet safety, first aid, what to do in a power outage, and how to handle other challenges. 

The course fee is $20 cash only.  Participants must register and pay before Aug. 13 at the library or by calling 585-494-1120.  Class size is limited.

Event Date and Time
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Caller reports man driving his car fled accident scene

By Howard B. Owens

A car reportedly involved in a motor vehicle accident on Clinton Street Road at Jericho road has reportedly fled the scene.

A passenger called dispatch to report that the driver of the car he was in, a blue Chevy Impala, fled the scene and then stopped on Dublin Road and the driver got out and ran into the woods.

The driver is described as a white male, about 6' 2" wearing sneakers, jeans, and no shirt.

A license plate for the car was recovered at the accident scene.  The caller is the registered owner of the car.

The people in the other car are reportedly not injured.

UPDATE 5:27 p.m.: Correction on injuries: One person complaining of neck pain, requesting ambulance transport to a hospital.

Law and Order: Oakfield man accused of menacing and attempted assault after fighting with three victims

By Billie Owens

Michael Thomas Martinez, 37, of Church Street, Oakfield, is charged with: second-degree menacing; two counts of first-degree attempted assault; two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree; two counts of second-degree harassment; and trespass. He was arrested at 1:55 a.m. July 21. After an altercation between Martinez and two victims, it is alleged that Martinez hit both victims with a closed first. He then allegedly pulled out a knife and attempted to slash at the two victims with a knife, stating he was going to stab and kill them both. Martinez did allegedly cut the arm of one of the victims. He then left the scene and returned to his residence. A relative of a victim watched Martinez's house to make sure he did not leave before deputies arrived. Martinez allegedly came out of his house with a black metal pipe, which started a separate altercation. He then threatened to hit the third victim, the family member, with the pipe. Martinez then allegedly told the third victim he was going to get a gun from his house and shoot the third victim unless he left. Martinez returned to his house for a short time, then came outside. He was taken into custody by Genesee County Sheriff's deputies and NYS troopers. Martinez was arraigned in Oakfield Town Court and put in GC Jail on $10,000 cash bail. The incident was handled by GC Deputy Jacob Gauthier and Deputy Austin Heberlein with assistance from state police.

Ida Marie Vanorden, 35, of Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree attempteed assault and third-degree assault. She was arrested July 22 after an investigation for allegedly assaulting two people at 3 a.m. on July 14 on North Lake Road in Bergen. She was arraigned in Bergen Town Court and is due back there on Aug. 11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jenna Ferrando.

Pamela A. Morrow is charged with driving while intoxicated with a BAC of .08 percent or greater -- second offense within 10 years, and DWI -- second offense within 10 years. At 6:20 p.m. July 21, Morrow was arrested on Linwood Road in Le Roy. She was processed at Genesee County Jail then released on appearance tickets. She is due in Le Roy Town Court on Aug. 3. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas Chamoun, assisted by Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Elizabeth Michelle Thompson, 31, of Monclair Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested at 12:50 p.m. July 21. It is alleged that she stole $113.28 worth of merchandise from Walmart. She is accused of walking past all points of sale without paying for the items. She was processed at Genesee County Jail, then released on an appearance ticket for Batavia Town Court Aug. 19. The case was handled by GC Sheriff's Deputy Chad Cummings.

Fourteen GC students earned degrees in May from RIT

By Billie Owens

 Rochester Institute of Technology conferred more than 4,000 degrees at all of its campuses in the 2020-2021 academic year. Due to New York state COVID-19 occupancy restrictions, commencement was celebrated May 14-15 in smaller ceremonies by college and were livestreamed for graduates' family and friends.

  • Thomas Berggren, of Bergen, received a BS in physics.
  • Tiffani Bragg, of Pavilion, received an ACT in engineering psychology.
  • Jordan D'Alba, of Oakfield, received a BS in mechanical engineering.
  • Mikayla Johnson, of Le Roy, received a BS in biology.
  • Patricia Lane, of Batavia, received an MS in health systems management.
  • David Lapierre, of Oakfield, received a BS in mechanical engineering technology.
  • Melissa Mountain, of Batavia, received a BFA in interior design.
  • Celia Mercovich, of Bergen, received a BS in physics.
  • Don Pangrazio, of Le Roy, received an MS in product development.
  • Alex Rosse, of Byron, received a BS in computing security.
  • Chase Roth, of Alexander, received an AAS in mobile app development.
  • Bailey Russo, of Batavia, received a BS in game design and development.
  • Charlie Stevens, of Le Roy, received a BS in mechanical engineering technology.
  • Cassidy Territo, of Corfu, received an MS in secondary education of students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Rochester Institute of Technology is home to leading creators, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers. Founded in 1829, RIT enrolls about 18,600 students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, making it among the largest private universities in the U.S.

The university is internationally recognized and ranked for academic leadership in business, computing, engineering, imaging science, liberal arts, sustainability, and fine and applied arts. RIT also offers unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The cooperative education program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation. Global partnerships include campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai and Kosovo.

For news, photos and videos, go to www.rit.edu/news.

Law and Order: Wilkinson Road man accused of being a child sex predator, first-degree rapist and sex abuser

By Billie Owens
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        Melvin Huntley

Melvin A. Huntley, 40, of Wilkinson Road, Batavia, is charged with: predatory sexual assault against a child; course of conduct against a child in the first degree; first-degree rape; first-degree sex abuse. Huntley was arrested after an investigation into him sexually assaulting a child/children over an extended period of time. He was arraigned July 8 in Town of Batavia Court and put in Genesee County Jail without bail. The investigation is ongoing and further charges are expected. No additional information will be released at this time. The case was investigated by Sheriff's Investigator Howard Carlson, assisted by Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Donald Ray Read Jr., 49, of Mill Pond Road, Byron, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree -- with a previous conviction; and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree -- an explosive. At 10:09 a.m. on July 6, following the investigation into the alleged possession of a pipe bomb, Read was arrested on the charges. It is alleged that he possessed a knife with metal knuckles on the handle and a separate set of metal knuckles. He was arraigned in Stafford Town Court for Byron Town Court and put in Genesee County Jail. Read is due in Byron Town Court this afternoon at 4 o'clock. Assisting with the investigation was the GC Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division, the GC Drug Enforcement Task Force, the ATF, FBI, Erie County Sheriff's Office Bomb Squad, and the GC Probation Department.

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        Brandon Dodd

Brandon Dodd, 34, is charged with second-degree burglary and petit larceny stemming from an investigation into a residential burglary at 8:22 a.m. June 28 on Swan Street, City of Batavia. Dodd is accused of entering another person's apartment and stealing property including an air conditioner and television. This burglary occurred about four hours after Dodd's arrest for stealing an air conditioner from another property on Jackson Street. Dodd was put in Genesee County Jail on $5,000 cash bail, $5,000 bond, or $10,000 partially secured bond.

Brandon Dodd, 34, is charged with petit larceny. It is alleged that at 6:39 p.m. June 29 that Dodd entered a business on East Main Street in Batavia and stole about $300 worth of cigarettes. He was issued an appearance ticket while incarcerated in GC Jail on unrelated charges. He is due in Batavia City Court on July 27 to answer this charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Brandon Dodd, 34, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. At 4:42 a.m. June 28, Dodd was arrested on Ganson Avenue after an investigation into an allegation that he took an air conditioning unit out of a window on Jackson Street in the City of Batavia. While being searched by a Batavia Police officer, a crack pipe was allegedly found on Dodd's person.

Ernest J. Parry, 40, is charged with trespass. He is alleged to remained on the premises of a business of Park Road in Batavia at 10:20 a.m. July 2 after being told to leave by security staff several times during out outdoor concert. He was issued a ticket to be in Batavia City Court July 13, no time provided, then released.

Andrew Martin, 43, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He responded to BPD headquarters at 5:04 p.m. July 3 and was issued an appearance ticket after an alleged violation of an order of protection. He is due in city court on July 21.

Tierance Davis Sr., 34, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested on a warrant out of Batavia City Court stemming from an incident June 9 in which he was allegedly located at a residence of a person who had an order of protection against him. He was released under supervision of Genesee Justice and was due in court today (July 12); time not provided.

Michael Jackson Jr., 40, is charged with: second-degree assault; third-degree assault; second-degree strangulation; criminal obstruction of breathing; and unlawful imprisonment in the first degree. He was arrested July 2 in connection to an incident at 1:30 a.m. on June 10 on Hutchins Place. He was located by Greece PD with two warrants for his arrest out of Batavia City Court. He was arraigned in city court, held at GC Jail and is due to return to city court on July 29.

Robert Gerety, 48, is charged with aggravated family offense. He was arrested at 9:48 p.m. Feb. 28 on West Main Street, Batavia. He responded to Batavia PD headquarters on his own accord after allegedly violating a stay away order of protection while involved in a traffic stop. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court July 2 then released on his own recognizance.

Samantha Lawrence, 31, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. She was arrested June 29 after an investigation into an incident at 10 a.m. June 27 in which she is accused of violating an order of protection. It is alleged that she showed up to a protected party's workplace and that she had contact with the protected person. She was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on an unspecified date.

Christopher J. Wiegman, 32, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree -- criminal possession of a hypodermic needled. Wiegman was arrested July 3 at 10:12 a.m. in Bergen stemming from an incident May 10 on Raymond Avenue following the results of a drug report from the Monroe County Crime Laboratory. It is alleged that he possessed nine hypodermic needles and cocaine residue after a Genesee County Probation home search. Wiegman is due back in Batavia City Court on July 20.

Rae Cook, 32, is charged with second-degree harassment. She was arrested at 1:55 p.m. July 6 on North Lyons Street in the City of Batavia following an unspecified incident. Cook is due on July 27 in city court.

Crystal Marsceill, 40, is charged with petit larceny. Marsceill was arrested at 4:22 a.m. June 28 following an incident outside a Batavia residence on Jackson Street. The defendant was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on July 13.

Jose Castro, 36, is charged with unlawful possession of fireworks.He was arrested at 8:30 p.m. on June 29 on Willow Street in the City of Batavia after allegedly setting off fireworks. Castro was issued an appearance ticket  for a later date, unspecified, in city court.

Matthew Zakrewski, no age provided, is charged with obstruction of governmental administration. Zakrewski was arrested on a warrant stemming from an incident at 9:26 p.m. June 28, 2019, on Osterhout Avenue in the City of Batavia. The original charge is based on an incident where the defendant allegedly fled from officers in an attempt to avoid arrest. He was scheduled to appear in Batavia City Court on July 6.

Jon Charles Brooks, 51, of Vroom Road, Spencerport, is charged with: aggravated DWI: per se -- with a BAC of .18 percent or more -- no priors; driving while intoxicated -- first offense; and failure to keep right on a two-lane road. At 3:18 p.m. on July 10 on Clinton Street Road in Bergen, Brooks was arrested after a traffic stop for a vehicle and traffic law violation. He is due in Town of Bergen Court on Aug. 4. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush, assisted by Sgt. Andrew Hale.

Gregory Solomonidis, no age provided, is charged with driving while intoxicated. He is accused of driving while having a BAC of .08 percent or more at 5:02 a.m. July 3 on East Main Street in Batavia. During the investigation, it was allegedly revealed that he was involved in an altercation and that he was intoxicated. Solomonidis was arrested, then issued traffic tickets and released.

John Wesley Harding, 64, of West Bank Street, Albion, is charged with petit larceny. Harding was arrested at 3:40 p.m. July 9 at Walmart in Batavia after deputies responded there for a reported larceny complaint of $27.72 in merchandise. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Batavia Court on July 26. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Erik Andre.

Trio of GC students heading to Clarkson University in Potsdam this fall

By Billie Owens

Read about some of the new students who will attend Clarkson University as members of the Class of 2025.

  • Colby Leggo, of Bergen, will attend Clarkson University in Potsdam as a member of the Class of 2025. Leggo, who will be majoring in Electrical Engineering, will begin studying at Clarkson in the fall.
  • Cooper Mattice, of Batavia, will attend Clarkson University in Potsdam as a member of the Class of 2025. Mattice, who will be majoring in Environmental Engineering, will begin studying at Clarkson in the fall.
  • AJ Schmidt, of Le Roy, will attend Clarkson University in Potsdam as a member of the Class of 2025. Schmidt, who will be majoring in Aeronautical Engineering, will begin studying at Clarkson in the fall.

High school students can schedule a personalized visit to Clarkson, which includes things like a campus tour tailored to their interests and a visit with an admissions counselor. Students can always check out Clarkson's virtual viewbook & interactive campus map. Just contact the Admissions Office at admission@clarkson.edu.

As a private, national research university, Clarkson is a leader in technological education and sustainable economic development through teaching, scholarship, research and innovation. We ignite personal connections across academic fields and industries to create the entrepreneurial mindset, knowledge and intellectual curiosity needed to innovate world-relevant solutions and cultivate the leaders of tomorrow. With its main campus located in Potsdam and additional graduate program and research facilities in the New York Capital Region, Beacon and New York City, Clarkson educates 4,300 students across 95 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, the arts, education, sciences and health professions. Our alumni earn salaries that are among the top 2.5 percent in the nation and realize accelerated career growth. One in five already leads as a CEO, senior executive or owner of a company.

Emergency Communications director reports landline problems for calling 9-1-1 in three service areas are fixed

By Press Release

From Director Steven C. Sharpe of Genesee County Emergency Communications:

The landline 9-1-1 service degradation impacting service areas in Le Roy, Bergen and Pavilion has been resolved.

If anyone experiences issues dialing 9-1-1 from the affected areas, please contact the Director of Emergency Communications Steven C. Sharpe at (585) 345-3000, ext. 3400.

Three Genesee County residents promoted in NY Army National Guard

By Billie Owens

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

They are:

  • Steven Stokoe, from Bergen -- assigned to the Company C, 1st Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment -- received a promotion to the rank of corporal on April 11.
  • Stephen Koladzinski, from Batavia -- assigned to the Headquarters and Support Company, 642nd Aviation Support Battalion -- received a promotion to the rank of private on May 14.
  • Travis Herold, from Pavilion -- assigned to the Company A, 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry -- received a promotion to the rank of corporal on May 24.

Army National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability, and development potential.

These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified Soldiers and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.

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

The New York National Guard (New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs) is the state's executive agency responsible to the Governor for managing New York's military forces, which consists of nearly 20,000 members of the New York Army National Guard, the New York Air National Guard, the New York Naval Militia and the New York Guard.

Pembroke teen accused of unlawful imprisonment, criminal contempt, having high capacity ammo device

By Billie Owens

Christopher C. Good, 19, of Cohocton Road, Pembroke, was arrested June 8 and charged with unlawful imprisonment in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor, stemming from an incident that occurred earlier that day. He was arraigned virtually by Bergen Town Court and released on his own recognizance. A subsequent investigation led to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office executing a search warrant on his residence June 15. Good was allegedly found in possession of a firearm, in violation of a previously served order of protection, and in possession of a high capacity ammunition feeding device. Good was arrested and charged with second-degree criminal contempt, a Class A misdemeanor, and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a Class D felony. Good was arraigned virtually in Genesee County Court and remained in custody of the Sheriff's Office, jailed in lieu of $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 bond. The county DA's office assisted in the investigation.

Stephen J. Rucinski, 38, of West Main Street, Le Roy, is charged with three misdemeanors and a violation, respectively: criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th; obstructing governmental administration in the second degree; aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree; and no or inadequate license plate lamps. At 12:59 a.m. on June 9, Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a vehicle in the area of Selden Road and Route 19 in the Town of Le Roy. The operator, Rucinski, allegedly fled from the vehicle into a wooded area north of Selden Road. Deputy Nicholas Chamoun, Deputy Andrew Mullen and K-9 Frankie arrived on scene to assist locating the defendant. Following a successful track by K-9 Frankie, Rucinski was taken into custody without incident. It is alleged that he was in possession of a controlled substance at the time of his arrest and that he was driving with a suspended NYS driver's license. He was released with appearance tickets returnable to Le Roy Town Court July 6. Also assisting in this case were Sheriff's Sgt. Andrew Hale and members of the Le Roy Police Department.

Companion Retriever Hunting Challenge June 26 at Godfrey's Pond

By Press Release

Press release:

Are you up for the Companion Retriever Hunting Challenge? 

There will be one at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 26 at Godfrey’s Pond, located at 7925 Godfrey's Pond Road.

This is a fun event representing an actual duck hunt over water and a field goose hunt and is open to all sporting dog breeds that hunt waterfowl.

It is open to handlers age 12 and up.

All dogs should be familiar with multiple shots from a 12-gauge shotgun.

NO dogs that currently hold a hunt test or field trial title can enter.

NO professional trainers allowed to handle dogs; professionally trained dogs may participate.

Registration fee is $35 per dog. All fees for the event will be donated to the Godfrey’s Pond’s conservation programs.

Scoring will be done by Jim Beverly.

First-, second- and third-highest scores will receive plaques. All handlers (regardless of score) will be entered into a lottery for prizes.

The focus is on enjoying the experience with the dogs and networking with fellow waterfowl hunters. 

There is no pressure and plenty of help available -- Jim Beverly and Andy Merkel will assist each handler with any training or handling tips for those needing it.

Contact Jim Beverly or Andy Merkel via email to request a registration form and specific information on what the event consists of.

Jim:  jbeverly@retrievertrainer.com

Andy:  amerkel@retrievertrainer.com

Here's a video posted on The Batavian on May 25, 2019:

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Five local students named to Spring dean's list at SUNY Morrisville

By Billie Owens

SUNY Morrisville recently announced those students who were named to the dean's list for the Spring 2021 semester. To be named to the dean's list, a student must achieve a 3.0 to 3.99 grade-point average for the semester and complete 12 credit hours.

  • Shelby Brandes, of Stafford 
  • Jack Doemling, of Le Roy
  • Jason Doemling, of Le Roy 
  • Destry Mullen, of Stafford
  • Braeden Zimmerman, of Bergen

SUNY Morrisville's curricula are enriched with applied learning and pave the way for opportunity at both the Morrisville and Norwich campuses. An action-oriented, interactive learning lab, the college is a national leader in technology and has been lauded for its exemplary, innovative and effective community service programs.

The college was ranked among the Best Regional Colleges in the North by U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges 2021 issue and was also recognized in the Top Public Schools, Regional Colleges North in the 2020 Best Colleges rankings. For more information about SUNY Morrisville, visit or connect with us at: www.morrisville.eduFacebookTwitterInstagramYouTube.

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