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Stafford

Grand Jury Report: Man accused of damaging truck, choking person in Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

Kevin H. Ayers is indicted on counts of criminal mischief in the third degree, criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, menacing in the second degree, and harassment in the second degree. Ayers is accused of damaging a Ford F350 pickup belonging to another person on Oct. 8 in the town of Pembroke.  He is accused of damaging the rear driver-side tire, door, and fender. He is accused of choking the same victim on the same date at the same location. He is accused of displaying a knife in order to threaten that person. And with the intent to harass, annoy, or alarm, he is accused of having physical contact with that person.

Joshua L. Webster is indicted on two counts of criminal contempt in the first degree, one count of menacing in the second degree, one count of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, three counts of endangering the welfare of a child, and one count of criminal contempt in the second degree. Webster is accused of violating an order of protection on Dec. 31 at a location on West Main Street, Le Roy, by intentionally placing a protected person in reasonable fear of injury or death by displaying a deadly weapon. He is accused of displaying a knife with the intent of using it against another person while children were present. He is accused of violating a stay-away order of protection on March 28 at the same location, and again on May 1. 

Zachary P. Hursh is indicted on counts of criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree, obstructing governmental administration, unlawful fleeing a police officer, and reckless driving. Hursh is accused of knowingly driving a stolen 2017 Honda Civic on Dec. 1 in the Town of Stafford. He is accused of using physical force to prevent a public servant from performing his official duties. He is accused of fleeing from a police officer in a vehicle at speeds in excess of 25 mph above the posted speed limit. He is accused of driving in a manner that jeopardized public safety.

Law and Order: Batavia man accused selling cocaine

By Howard B. Owens

Jonathan P. “Bless”  Little, 32, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, criminal possession of a controlled substance 4th, resisting arrest, and criminal impersonation 2nd. During a traffic stop in the City of Batavia on May 12, officers determined that the passenger of the vehicle was proving a false name. Batavia patrol officers identified the passenger as Little and that Little had several Genesee County warrants.  During a search, Little was allegedly found in personal possession of several bags of cocaine. Little was booked into the Genesee County Jail pending arraignment. Batavia PD was assisted by the Local Drug Task Force.

Carl T. Amesbury, 29, of School Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance 3rd and criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd. Amesbury was arrested by Batavia PD while dealing with an unrelated matter on a warrant stemming from a sealed indictment. It's alleged that Amesbury sold crack cocaine to an agent of the Local Drug Task Force. Amesbury was arraigned and released under supervision.

Richard Alan Steen, 53, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon 2nd, criminal mischief 2nd, and menacing 2nd. Steen was arrested by deputies Morgan Ewert and Ryan Young after they responded to a call of a disturbance at 8:54 p.m., May 27, at a residence on Cole Road, Le Roy. Steen allegedly displayed a long gun in a threatening manner and allegedly shot a camper causing damage to it. He was arraigned in Town of Le Roy Court and released.

Tammy O'Shea, 50, of Stafford, is charged with grand larceny 3rd and filing a false instrument 1st. O'Shea is accused of marrying in 2019 and failing to report her husband or his income to Social Services. She allegedly received $5,265 in SNAP benefits she was not qualified to receive. O'Shea was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and released on her own recognizance.

Angela Mueller, 49, of Corfu, is charged with grand larceny 3rd, grand larceny 4th and filing a false instrument 1st. Muller allegedly failed to report income and as a result, received $1,454 in SNAP benefits she should not have received.  She was issued an appearance ticket.

Chandah Sundown, 30, of Batavia, is charged with 11 counts of filing a false instrument 1st and one count of grand larceny 3rd. Sundown is accused of failing to report that the father of her children was residing in her residence and earning income. As a result, Sundown allegedly received $8,353 in SNAP benefits she should not have received. She was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and released on her own recognizance. 

Megan Courtney, 26, of Batavia is charged with grand larceny and three counts of filing a false instrument. Courtney is accused of failing to report that the father of her children was residing in her home and earning income. As a result, Courtney allegedly received $6,830 in SNAP benefits she was not eligible to receive.

Matthew Edward Schultz, 32, of Park Avenue, Lockport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, speeding, and uninspected motor vehicle. Schultz was stopped at 12:23 a.m., May 29, on Lewiston Road,  Batavia, by Sgt. Mathew Clor.

Jacquelyn Mary Siverling, 41, of South Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding, improper signal, and moving from lane unsafely. Siverling was stopped at 7:47 p.m., May 20, on South Main Road, Pembroke, by Deputy Trevor Sherwood. 

Riann Ledford, 27, of West Main Street, Le Roy, is charged with harassment 2nd and criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation. Ledford was arrested by Officer Zachary Klafehn following the report of a dispute at 6 p.m., May 24, at a location on West Main Street, Le Roy.  Ledford was arraigned in Town of Le Roy Court for the purpose of issuing an order of protection and released on her own recognizance.

Thomas J. Wolcott, 38 of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 1st. Wolcott is accused of violating an order of protection. He was arraigned in City Court and ordered held on $10,000 bail.

John L. Smith, 47 of Batavia, is charged with Felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, and speeding. Smith was stopped by a Batavia patrol officer at 1:14 a.m., May 13, in the City of Batavia. He was released on appearance tickets.

Katrina M. Mana, 37, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Mana was arrested by State Police on a complaint reported at 3:30 p.m., May 28, on the Town of Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket. No further information released.

Photos: Flag on Silo on Clinton Street Road, Stafford

By Howard B. Owens

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At the start of Memorial Day Weekend, Ryan Macdonald, a resident of Clinton Street Road, Stafford, installed a giant 20x30 foot flag on the silo of the barn on the farm. 

Photos submitted by Marty Macdonald.

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Law and Order: Bank Street residents accused of abandoning an animal in a cage

By Howard B. Owens

Andrew A. Searight, 35, of Batavia, and Jerrtonia A. Scarbrough, 24, of Batavia, are charged with aggravated cruelty to animals. Searight and Scarbrough are accused of abandoning an animal in a cage for an extended period of time at a residence on Bank Street.  The incident was reported at 9:18 a.m., May 10. They were both issued an appearance ticket.

Angela N. Bennett, 24, of Strathmore Circle, Rochester, and Shamya I. Brown, 22, of Verona Street, Rochester, are charged with grand larceny 4th.  Bennett and Brown are accused of stealing $1,726.28 in merchandise from Dick's Sporting Goods in Batavia at 1:10 p.m., May 23.  Deputies responded to a report of a larceny in progress and later located the suspect vehicle on River Street in the City of Batavia. Both were issued appearance tickets.  The case was handled by Investigator Erik Andre and Deputy Trevor Sherwood.

Brandon Charles Dodd, 35, of Montclair Avenue, Batavia, and Trace Garrett Brewer, 21, of Montclair Avenue, Batavia, are charged with petit larceny. Dodd and Brewer are accused of stealing air conditioner units from Walmart at 3:38 p.m., May 22. Dodd was also arrested by Batavia PD on petit larceny and conspiracy charges. He is accused of stealing several cans of Red Bull from a business on West Main Street at 10:52 p.m., May 5. Brewer is charged with conspiracy related to the same incident.

Jamian J. "Jay" Edwards, 38, of Lake Avenue, Rochester, is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance 3rd and criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd.  Edwards is accused of selling crack cocaine to an agent of the Drug Task Force in the City of Batavia. He was taken into custody on an arrest warrant while checking in with Monroe County Probation and turned over the Sheriff's Office.

Timothy Robert Nurmi, 30, of West Main Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation and harassment 2nd.  The alleged incident was reported at 11:15 a.m., May 24, at a location on West Main Street, Le Roy. The charges are a misdemeanor and a violation. Nurmi was arraigned in Town of Le Roy Court for the purpose of issuing an order of protection and released on his own recognizance.

Alexis Rae Kenyon, 28, of Church Street, Le Roy, is charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd. The alleged incident was reported at 12:59 p.m., May 26, at a location on Church Street, Le Roy. Kenyon was released on her own recognizance.

Anthony Wade Travis, 59, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with bail jumping 2nd. Travis is accused of failing to appear as ordered in County Court on a felony charge. Travis was issued an appearance ticket.

Thomas William McCabe, III, 44, of Scio (no street address provided), is charged with attempt grand larceny 3rd, criminal mischief, aggravated unlicensed operation, and driver's view obstructed.  McCabe is accused of trying to steal Diamond C. equipment trailer in the Town of Darien at 1:15 a.m., May 21. He was arrested by Deputy Austin Heberlein.  He was released on an appearance ticket.

Marie Rachael Brown, 44, of Bethany Center Road, Bethany, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and speeding. Brown was stopped at 2:26 a.m., May 22, on Route 237, Stafford, by Sgt. Mathew Clor. She was released on traffic tickets.

David Carl Stephens, 56, of Prole Road, Stafford, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd, obstructing governmental administration, and harassment 2nd.  Stephens is accused of violating an order of protection and of attempting to fight with deputies when they responded to a complaint at a residence at Prole Road, Stafford, at 3:48 p.m., May 23.

Terrence T. Freeman, 31, of Batavia, is charged with trespass. Freeman is accused of refusing to leave a residence on Liberty Street at 10:16 p.m., May 14. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Anthony D. Underwood, 22, of Buffalo, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd, unlawful imprisonment 2nd and criminal mischief 4th. Underwood was arrested by Batavia PD following an investigation into a disturbance reported at 6 p.m., May 16, on South Main Street, Batavia. He was arraigned in City Court and ordered held on $5,000 bail or $10,000 bond.

Zoro D. Reisman, 18, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Reisman is accused of stealing sausages from a business on Ellicott Street at 1:37 p.m., May 15. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Garrett L. Strickland, 30, of Medina, criminal contempt 2nd. Strickland was arrested on a warrant.

Crystal A. Mounts, 44, of Batavia, is charged with failure to appear. Mounts was wanted on six warrants out of City Court related to a series of crimes she is accused of committing within the calendar year. Mounts is accused of failing to appear on the charges on April 29. Mounts was arraigned in City Court and released.

Motorcyclist seriously injured after colliding with dump truck on Clinton Street Road

By Howard B. Owens

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A 62-year-old motorcyclist with a passenger drove into the side of a dump truck at about 12:45 p.m. today at Clinton Street Road and Seven Springs Road in Stafford.

The male driver sustained life-threatening injuries and was flown to Strong Memorial Hospital by Mercy Flight.

The female passenger was less seriously injured and transported to Strong by Mercy EMS.

Both driver and passenger were wearing helmets.

The dump truck driver was not injured.

Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello, Sheriff's Office, said the dump truck was northbound on Seven Springs Road and the motorcycle was eastbound. It's unclear at this time which vehicle may have had a red light at the intersection.  The accident is under investigation.

The names of those involved have not yet been released.

The intersection was reopened and all units cleared the scene at 2:35 p.m.

UPDATE 6 p.m.: The motorcycle operator has been identified as Dana M. McGill of Batavia.  He was driving a 1998 Kawasaki. His passenger was Carrie L. Hensley, 44, of Batavia. According to investigators, McGill failed to stop for a red light. Charges are pending.  The bike struck a 2022 Mack truck operated by Jonathan Barefoot, 79, of Caledonia. The accident is being investigated by deputies Travis DeMuth, Jenna Ferrando, Jeremiah Gechel, and Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello, investigators Kevin Forsyth, Chad Minuto, Joseph Loftus, and Eric Andre, and Crash Management Team members Sgt. Jason Saile, Deputy Richard Schildwaster.  Batavia PD, State Police commercial vehicle unit, Mercy EMS, Stafford Fire, Town of Batavia Fire, and South Byron Fire, assisted at the scene.

(Initial Post)

Photos by Howard Owens.

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Tiny Piney is a small but chill place to be: expected opening in a week

By Joanne Beck

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It has been a nearly two-month hiatus for Jennifer Gray’s newly named restaurant just over the Batavia border, and she’s not alone in waiting for it to be re-opened.

Gray has been posting updates on social media about The Tiny Piney on Main Road, Stafford, with as many as 2,000 anxious viewers.

“A lot of people follow it,” she said to The Batavian Thursday. “It’s just a weird little bar that people go to, a nice little quiesce place. I’m hoping to open next week, as soon as I get the license in the mail.”

Gray had purchased the bar and grill, formerly known as Pine Grove Inn, in March 2021. A temporary liquor license came along with that until New York State Liquor Authority informed Gray that there were “a couple of pieces of missing paperwork.” She had to shut down the place until the new license was processed and sent to her.

She posted a “temporarily closed” sign on Feb. 3 this year, and has anxiously been waiting for the permanent license. There was a mix-up in the Tiny Piney’s address, which is physically situated in Stafford but has a mailing address of East Main Street, Batavia, she said. She was told that the license was sent out this past Monday, and she is expecting to get it any day now. 

Gray has been making some aesthetic changes, with tropical colors and decor. For those former customers concerned with the decades-old ceiling memorabilia of hand-written messages, that’s not going anywhere, she said. 

She has two people helping to form volleyball leagues and a drop-in King’s Court, which is to get going by May. Two new volleyball courts have been carved out of the backyard and filled with sand. Outdoor lighting will ensure nighttime play.

Part of the bar’s new name hints at its size: “it’s tiny” Gray said, and accommodates 35 people. However, the large back deck accommodates the same amount of patrons and doubles the total capacity. 

The menu has been slightly shifted to include more fresh — versus frozen — foods, and Gray’s certified Angus beef hamburgers are her jam. Well, those and her freshly created margaritas and the Tiny Piney punch — a coconut-flavored concoction with rum and vodka.  

Jennifer is not a new face in town, as she has helped out husband Matt when needed at their restaurant, Alex’s Place, worked for a couple of years at Genesee Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, and has filled in for temporary leadership gaps at GO-ART! and United Way. When COVID-19 hit, she resigned from the orthopedic firm, and her most recent role has been as a busy hockey mom of two children. 

Now she has found her “vibe” at the tiny pub at 5609 Main Road. 

“It’s just a chill place,” she said.

For more information about volleyball leagues, call (585) 201-7283. For re-opening updates, go to https://m.facebook.com/The-Tiny-Piney-126142346292656/?ref=py_c 

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Images of the pub's new logo and a burger creation are from Jennifer Gray.

Senior corrections officer accused of stealing more than $50K from employee association

By Howard B. Owens
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Kevin Wolff

A senior corrections officer at the Genesee County Jail has been arrested and terminated after being accused of stealing more than $50,000 from the Sheriff's Employee Association.

Kevin D. Wolff, 51, of Stafford, is charged with grand larceny 2nd, a Class C felony.

Wolff worked for the Sheriff's Office for more than 20 years.

The association membership consists of corrections officers, emergency dispatchers, dog control officers, and jail cooks.

Wolff was arraigned in City Court today and released on his own recognizance.

The investigation into the alleged theft is being conducted by the Sheriff's criminal investigation division and is ongoing.

Law and Order: Batavia man accused of issuing a bad check in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

Frank Baumgardner, 40, of Laurel Oak Way, Batavia, is charged with issuing a bad check. Baumgardner is accused of issuing a bad check at about noon, Jan. 5, at a location on Myrtle Street, Le Roy. The case was investigated by Le Roy Officer Stephen Cappotelli.

Johnny Gene Jenison, 51, of Clinton Street, Cowlesville, is charged with forcible touching. Jenison was wanted on a warrant issued out of Town of Batavia Court in relation to an incident reported on 10:09 p.m., July 22, at Fairbridge Inn & Suites, 4371 Federal Drive, Batavia. He was also charged with failure to report change of address.  Jenison was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and released under supervision.

Klarissa Carol Price, 43, of Halstead Road, Batavia, is charged with trespass. Price was arrested on a warrant out of Town of Batavia Court in relation to an incident reported at 4 p.m., Sept. 28, at a location on West Main Street, Batavia. Price was released on her own recognizance. 

Chris John Bannister, 57, of Route 98, Attica, is charged with DWI, speeding, and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Bannister was stopped at 1:57 a.m., Feb. 22, on Clinton Street Road, Stafford, by Sgt. Mathew Clor. Release status unknown.

Patricia A. Gibson, 32, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Gibson is accused of shoplifting from Walmart at 2:17 p.m., Feb. 22. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Possible minor injuries in accident on Route 33

By Howard B. Owens

A two-vehicle accident, blocking, with possible minor injuries, at Clinton Street Road and Route 237 in Stafford.

Stafford Fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 8:37 p.m.: Two occupants in one vehicle, a single occupant in the other. Airbag deployment.  One person with a complaint of chest pain.

Car into pole accident reported on Fotch Road, Stafford

By Howard B. Owens

A car into s pole accident is reported in the area of  5380 Fotch Road, Stafford

There is reportedly airbag deployment. 

Stafford Fire and EMS dispatched. 

UPDATE 3:58 a.m.: Law enforcement has cleared the scene.  The vehicle gas been towed.  

Snowmobile accident reported near Horseshoe Lake Road, Stafford

By Howard B. Owens

Mercy Flight has been dispatched to the Stafford Fire Hall for a snowmobile accident that occurred at about 7:10 p.m. in the area of 5660 Horseshoe Lake Road, Stafford.

Stafford Fire and Mercy EMS responded.  Le Roy Fire dispatched with that company's UTV.

The patient is about a half-mile off the roadway and was initially unconscious but breathing and is said to now be somewhat conscious.

UPDATE 7:43 p.m.: Mercy Flight is on the ground.

Law and Order: DWI suspect accused of leaving scene of accident, resisting arrest

By Howard B. Owens

Jameson Arland Crocker, 35, of Godfreys Pond Road, Stafford, is charged with DWI, resisting arrest, obstruction of governmental administration 2nd, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, and unsafe backing of a vehicle.  Crocker is accused of being leaving the scene of a property damage accident at 12:22 a.m., Jan. 23. He was arrested by Deputy Jeremiah Gechell. He was issued an appearance ticket. 

Harold P. Gage, 78 of Le Roy, is charged with DWI, failure to keep right, and drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle. Gage was arrested by a trooper out of SP Warsaw on South Road, Town of Covington at 7:36 p.m., Jan. 25. Gage allegedly failed a field sobriety test and recorded a BAC of .14.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

Stafford resident accused of making terroristic threat in connection with incident that closed Route 5

By Howard B. Owens

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A Stafford man has been charged with multiple felonies in connection with an incident on Saturday that led to Route 5 being closed to traffic in both directions for several hours.

Christopher C. Say is accused of setting a detached garage on fire at a residence on Main Road in Stafford and being uncooperative when crews from the Stafford Fire Department arrived on the scene.

Say allegedly barricaded himself in the garage and claimed explosives would detonate if the garage was approached.

Sheriff's deputies evacuated residents from the immediate area.

Along with Batavia Police Department's emergency response team, negotiators from both Batavia PD and the Genesee County Sheriff's Office were dispatched.

After negotiations stalled, Say allegedly drove a motor vehicle backward through a closed garage door, breaking the garage door and damaging the vehicle. He reportedly continued down the driveway, striking a fence and a marked patrol car.  He was then taken into custody without further incident.

During the incident, Say also allegedly burned another person's face causing a physical injury.

Say is also accused of possessing a metal knuckle knife.

Investigators claim there was evidence found in the garage to support Say's claim that the garage was equipped to explode.

Say was arraigned in Stafford Town Court and charged with:

  • Making a terroristic threat, a Class D felony
  • Criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, a Class D felony
  • Criminal mischief 2nd, a Class D felony
  • Attempted arson 3rd, a Class D felony
  • Criminal mischief 3rd, a Class E felony.

Say was ordered jailed on $20,000 bail, $40,000 bond, or $80,000 partially secured bond.

Also assisting in the incident were New York State Police, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Genesee County Emergency Management, and Mercy EMS.

Photo: File photo from Saturday

Previously: Route 5 closed in Stafford

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