Skip to main content

Batavia High student accused of making harassing phone calls to several women

By Howard B. Owens

A 16-year-old Batavia High School student is facing seven counts of aggravated harassment for allegedly placing calls to various local women that were either of a sexual nature, or were, in the words of Det. Todd Crossett, "disturbing and alarming."

In all, during the months-long investigation, Crossett said at least 45 women came forward with complaints about unwanted calls from the youth.

The name of the suspect has not been released by police because he's eligible for youthful offender status.

While many of the calls were made to women associated with BHS, Crossett said the alleged victims were spread throughout the community.

"I'm not 100 percent certain why he chose who he chose," Crossett said.

The first complaint came in last July, Crossett said, and at that time, he suggested to the alleged victim that she block her private numbers, but then in the coming months, more and more women came forward, especially as women started talking with each other about getting the calls.

In was in December that Crossett said he decided, "OK, we've got something here," and he started to compile evidence for a criminal case.

The seven charges are related to alleged calls going back to October.

Most of the women chose not to press charged, Crossett said, because they know the boy's family and felt the family could handle the issue.  

However, the seven women who are pressing charges wanted to ensure that an order of protection is put in place, which can only happen if criminal charges are filed.

"Also, the general consensus was that they want him to get help," Crossett said. "That really was the consensus of the women."

The youth was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and released under the supervision of Genesee Justice.

George Richardson

So, uh, Chris Charvella? How's your harassment phone call State Police All Points Bulletin Emergency Supreme Court Persecution advancing? Just take ten years in prison and be good, they'll let you out in seven.

Apr 12, 2011, 3:37pm Permalink
Chris Charvella

What's the food like in prison? I've had to cook my own dinners for the better part of a year now and I'm not getting any better at it. :)

Apr 12, 2011, 9:52pm Permalink
Kyle Couchman

Come on down to Michelle's Baker N Cafe Chris, I'll cook you something to go and all you'll have to do is heat it up in a microwave. LOL

Apr 13, 2011, 7:44am Permalink
Greg Siedlecki

45 women were harrassed and only 10 are pressing charges.
You have to be kidding. Why are people so afraid to hurt "feelings", or feel bad for the family. Who cares if you know the family, this kid has some serious issues and needs to be punished.
Although it seems like a joke to some of the people commenting here, I would bet that one or more of you know at least one of the women who were involved, and would be shocked by some of the things said by this kid.

Apr 13, 2011, 8:13am Permalink
Doug Yeomans

Greg, maybe 38 of the women found it stimulating. (Just kidding, of course.) Maybe the women that knew him and his family should confront the lad face to face. "So, twerp, would you mind repeating what you said to me on the phone, to my face this time?"

A bit of belittlement might go a long way towards changing his attitude.

Apr 13, 2011, 11:58am Permalink
George Richardson

My son once sent a harassing and profanity laced e-mail to his high school principal about a whole class not receiving their Driver's Ed. cards due to a printing backlog. He signed it with another kid's name and they nailed him immediately. He couldn't figure out how they knew it was him and I had to tell him, because your e-mail address is: RyanRich@dumbass.con
Kids these days. I shouldn't laugh except they are no different from 40 or 50 years ago.

Apr 13, 2011, 3:07pm Permalink

Authentically Local