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Law and Order: Hutchins Place woman suspected of illegal dumping on State Street

By Billie Owens

Christine M. Jones, 31, of Hutchins Place, Batavia, is charged with illegally disposing of items (unspecified) at 9:45 a.m. on Sept. 26 on State Street. She was arrested and given an appearance ticket for illegal dumping. She is due in City Court on Oct. 4. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kyle Krtanik, assisted by Officer Frank Klimjack.

Jeremy J. Alwardt, 29, of Church Street, Le Roy, is charged with second-degree criminal trespass and second-degree harassment. He was arrested at 7:50 p.m. on Sept. 26 after a disturbance during which he allegedly forced entrance into an individual's porch and struck the person. He  was arraigned and jailed in lieu of unspecified bail and was due in Batavia City Court on Thursday. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.

Adam A. Alwardt, 30, of Willow Street, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. He was arrested at 7:06 p.m. on Sept. 24 on Willow Street in Batavia after a domestic incident wherein he allegedly damaged property belonging to another person. He was arraigned and jailed on $1,500 cash or bond and was due to return to City Court on Tuesday. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.

A male who lives on Chick Road in Darien, no other information provided, was arrested at 8:20 p.m. on Sept. 26 on Chick Road following a domestic incident. The household member is charged with third-degree menacing and second-degree harassment. He is scheduled to appear in Darien Town Court on Oct. 23 to answer the charges. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.

Megan Elizabeth King, 24, of Fisher Road, Alabama, is charged with driving with a BAC of .08 percent or more and DWI -- first offense. She was arrrested at 9:39 p.m. on Sept. 26 on Main Road in Pembroke following an investigation into a motor-vehicle accident that occured on Route 5 in the Town of Pembroke on July 26. It is alleged that King was operating the vehicle with a BAC greater than .08 percent. She was issued an appearance ticket for Pembroke Town Court and is due there on Oct. 4. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth, assisted by Deputy Chad Minuto.

Kevin J. Fickel, 37, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 7:15 p.m. on Sept. 23 at Tops market after he allegedly exited the store without paying for several items. He is due in City Court on Oct. 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.

14 guns stolen from Firing Pin in Bergen Thursday night after break-in

By Billie Owens

A total of 14 firearms were taken from the Firing Pin shooting range in Bergen shortly before 11 o'clock last night, according to an incident report issued this morning by Deputy Ryan DeLong of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

The building at 8240 Buffalo Road was forcibly entered. All the stolen weapons -- including firearms, rifles and shotguns -- have been entered into the state and national databases, and local, state and federal law enforcement agenices have been notified.

The offenses commited at the Firing Pin include: third-degree burglary -- illegal entry with intent to commit a crime; grand larceny in the fourth degree; and grand larceny in the third degree -- property value exceeding $3,000.

There are no similar crimes reported in Genesee County.

Sheriff's Investigator James Diehl is designated to lead the case and anyone with information is asked to call him at (585) 345-3000, ext. 3571.

Law and Order: Jackson Avenue man charged with possessing crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia

By Billie Owens

Anthony A. Leone, 50, of Jackson Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, a Class C felony, and criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. On Monday evening, Sept. 24, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies Kyle Krzemien and Howard Wilson responded to the area of BJ's Wholesale Club on Lewiston Road in Batavia following a report of a suspicious male in the area of the store. Following an investigation, Leone was allegedly found to possess a quantity of crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia. He was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and jailed without bail. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending. The deputies were assisted by members of the GC Local Drug Task Force.

Falicia Noel Tuczai, 27, of East Bethany -- Le Roy Road, Stafford, is charged with second-degree harassment -- physical contact. She was arrested at 9:24 a.m. on Sept. 24 on Ellicott Street Road in Bethany. It is alleged that following a verbal argument, Tuczai bit a male victim, causing physical injury. She was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Bethany Town Court on Oct. 23. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jeremy McClellan, assisted by Deputy Christopher Erion.

Assault reported at Tim Hortons downtown

By Billie Owens

An assault is reported at Tim Hortons at 20 Main St. in the city. Police are on scene. Mercy medics are called to respond in non-emergency mode.

Rochester parolee suspect in carjacking in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens
murrell_constantinemug2018.jpg
  Constantine Murrell

A 35-year-old parolee from Rochester was charged robbery in the second degree after allegedly carjacking a sedan this morning and leading police on a chase through city streets that reached 65 mph.

The suspect, identified as Constantine D. Murrell, reportedly threatened a 76-year-old woman at the Kwik Fill at Jackson and Ellicott streets and took her car from her. 

The woman was not hurt but did call emergency dispatch immediately.

Officers Frank Klimjack and Kyle Krtanik spotted a vehicle matching the description of the stolen car on Liberty Street and used their patrol cars' emergency lights to signal for it to stop. The driver is accused of not stopping and instead fleeing at a high rate of speed.

The chase came to an end when the stolen vehicle struck another car at Redfield Parkway and Richmond Avenue, which cause it to careen into a tree and the recently installed sign at the entrance of VA Medical Center.

The car then caught on fire.

Batavia Fire Department responded to extinguish the fire and Murrell was taken into custody without further incident. 

He is also charged with unlawful fleeing a police officer, 3rd, and several traffic violations.

Police report that besides the damage to the car, the sign at the VA Center was significantly damaged.

No injuries were reported.

Murrell was ordered held without bail.

Assisting Batavia PD were State Police, the Sheriff's Office, the District Attorney's Office, City fire, and Public Works.

(Initial Report)

Corfu man pleads guilty to crime after receiving nearly $2K in benefits he was not entitled to get

By Billie Owens

Press release from the GC Department of Social Services:

Edwin Stancliff, 39, of Corfu, was sentenced to a five-month intermittent jail term in Batavia Town Court on Monday, Sept. 24, after pleading guilty to one count of petit larceny.

Stancliff was originally charged with grand larceny in the fourth degree and offering a false instrument in the first degree in June 2017 after an investigation by the Genesee County Department of Social Services revealed he had failed to report his receipt of NYS Disability.

He subsequently received $1,933.21 in assistance benefits to which he was not entitled.

Stancliff accepted the plea deal to the reduced charge of petit larceny and was sentenced to the five-month intermittent jail term, was disqualified from receiving cash assistance and Food Stamp (SNAP) benefits and has made full restitution to the Genesee County Department of Social Services.

Anyone wishing to report suspected cases of Welfare Fraud in Genesee County can contact the Genesee County Department of Social Services Investigation Unit at (585) 344-2580, ext. 6417 or 6416.

Central Avenue murderer sentenced to at least 20 years in prison

By Billie Owens

From our news partner, WBTA:

Nathaniel D. Wilson Jr. of Batavia appeared in Genesee County Court this morning for sentencing on a second-degree murder conviction.

Wilson, 31, was caught on police surveillance footage stabbing Terry Toote to death on Central Avenue in the city on May 17th.

Wilson previously accepted a plea deal in August on an Alford basis (meaning he didn't admit guilt but concedes a jury would likely find him guilty), thereby avoiding a potentially harsher sentence than he could have received if his case went to trial. 

The sentencing proceedings started with several denied requests to have reports and recommendations from Wilson’s past stricken from the record by defense attorney Frederick Rarick.

There were a number of Toote’s family members in the courtroom where District Attorney Lawrence Friedman invited several relatives to make presentence statements.

Toote’s cousins Michelle and Oliver Little said Terry “was all about family” and that he leaves behind an 18-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter.

Toote’s cousin Dwayne addressed Nathaniel directly saying “Nate come waltzing in here like you don’t care. You got to wake up.” Adding that “You took away from our family and you took away from your family. You’re not going to be there for your kids.”

The victim’s sister Tinisha was less reserved in her presentencing statement, loudly proclaiming to Wilson “Nate Wilson I hate you. You took my m***** f****** little brother.” Toote said “I want to jump over there and whup your ass.” Adding “Come in here smiling, s*** pisses me off.”

Wilson said before being sentenced that he never meant to kill that man and that he was sorry for what he had done.

Judge Charles Zambito detailed the incident caught on the police pole-cam and said Wilson made the choice to stab Terry Toote in the heart after he had already fallen to the ground during the altercation.

Zambito deemed Wilson a danger to the community and sentenced him to a minimum of 20 years in prison and a maximum of life.

Law and Order: Vine Street woman charged with DWI, criminal possession of a controlled substance

By Billie Owens

Angela M. McIntyre, 46, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged with: uninspected motor vehicle; driving while intoxicated -- impaired by drugs -- first offense; and criminal possession of a controlled substance (unspecified). McIntyre was arrested at 10:52 a.m. on Sept. 14 on East Main Street in Batavia following an investigation at Eastown Plaza. She was released to Genesee Justice and is due in City Court Sept. 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice, assisted by Kyle Krtanik.

Aaron L. Klein, 47, of Montclair Avenue, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested at 1:12 p.m. on Sept. 19 for violating a stay-away order of protection. Klein was allegedly caught hiding in the protected party's house within hours of being served with the stay-away order. He was jailed on $5,000 bail or $10,000 bond. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison, assisted by Officer Frank Klimjack.

Jeremiah T. Jones, 45, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested at 1:40 p.m. on Sept. 17 on West Main Street, Batavia, after he violated a stay-away order of protection. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in city court on Oct. 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

A 17-year-old who lives on Liberty Street in Batavia was arrested at 8:05 p.m. on Sept. 17 following a disturbance on Ross Street in the city wherein the youth is accused of punching another person in the face. The defendant was due in city court this afternoon to answer the charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Jeremy C. Goodell, 44, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, was arrested Sept. 21 on a bench warrant for failure to appear in city court. He had been charged with third-degree criminal mischief stemming from an incident that occurred at 444 W. Main St., Batavia. Following his arraignment, he was jailed in lieu of $2,500 cash or $5,000 bond. He is due in coty court on Thursday (Sept. 27). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kyle Krtanik, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

David L. Newton, 59, of Lewiston Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was apprehended by Tops market employees after allegedly being observed concealing several items on his person and exiting the store. He was arrested at 10:55 p.m. on Sept. 20 and released on an appearance ticket and is due in City Court on Oct. 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Ronnie Joe Flinchum, 59, of Mill Street, Le Roy, was arrested on Sept. 21 on a Batavia City Court bench warrant for failure to appear. Flinchum was arraigned and jailed on $1,000 cash or bond. The defendant was due in city court this morning. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Julia L. Tombari, 24, of Roanoke Road, Pavilion, is charged with violation of probation. She was arrested on Sept. 24 on a bench warrant out of city court for violating probation. She was arraigned and jailed on $5,000 cash or bond and is due in city court on Thursday (Spet. 27). The case was handled by Batavia Police Sgt. Dan Coffey, assisted by Officer Jason Ivison.

Isaiah J.A. Munroe, 28, of Buell Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. On Sept. 22 at 6:19 p.m. while on a traffic stop on Bank Street in Batavia, Munroe was arrested for allegedly possessing marijuana. He was issued a computer-generated appearance ticket and is due in city court on Oct. 2 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Catherine Mucha, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.

Driver of white sedan in custody after wild chase through city streets

By Billie Owens

(Photo of vehicle that was carjacked this morning in the city, courtesy of Alex Feig of WBTA.)

A white Chrysler Sebring with a black top occupied by just its driver crashed at the VA Medical Center after a wild chase through city streets. The driver is in custody. He may have a firearm. What prompted the chase is not clear.

A medic is responding. At least three Batavia PD patrols were pursuing the vehicle. VA police are being notified; property at the facility is damaged.

UPDATE 8:55 a.m.: City fire just arrived in non-emergency mode with speedy dry absorbent and a pad to cover a storm drain from leaking fluids; the vehicle is on fire. Asked if the suspect has any facial or hand tattoos, an officer's response is no, but there are on the arm(s).

Shortly after this incident began, there was a call of a possibly armed suspect driving the vehicle southbound on Liberty Street. A patrol was a Ellicott and Jackson, and Liberty and Main. Then the suspect vehicle headed northbound on Summit Street toward the hospital going 65 mph, then went westbound toward State Street, got on Oak and the Thruway Authority was notified as it was believed to be headed to I-90. Then it crashed at the VA.

UPDATE 9:06 a.m.: This was a carjacking. More T/K.

UPDATE 10:22 a.m.: Shortly after the incident ended, Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch held a press conference outside the VA Medical Center. Alex Feig, of WBTA, provided the audio from which the following details were taken:

Officers initially responded to the Kwik Fill at 99 Jackson St. in the city after a report of a vehicle theft. The use of a weapon -- a gun -- was threatened, but one was not displayed, nor recovered after the suspect was taken into custody. Police caught up with the vehicle, which sped off when they pursued it. Speeds reached around 65 mph on city streets and then the driver failed to navigate near the VA Medical Center and crashed. The vehicle caught fire and the fire department responded, but the car did not "burn up." The driver/suspect was able to get out of the vehicle on his own and did not appear to be injured. The victim, who remained behind at the Kwik Fill, was not physically injured. Authorities at the VA were assessing damage to property, which includes a sign knocked askew and off its foundation, a tree, and possibly some fencing. Asked if the incident was related to some other crime commited, the chief said no. The suspect was taken into custody by the VA without incident.

Driver accused in fatal hit-and-run reportedly tried to talk deputy into letting her go during earlier DWI stop

By Howard B. Owens

Jennifer Serrano told a deputy she was looking for a girlfriend's house in Darien and was lost after nearly hitting the deputy's car on Route 77 in the early morning of Aug. 11.

The 48-year-old Serrano has been accused of hitting and killing Connor Lynskey, 18, of Hinckley, on Sumner Road about 25 minutes before her encounter with Deputy Robert C. Henning. The encounter led to her arrest on a drunken driving charge but she never revealed to Henning or any of the court or jail officials she met that morning that she may have been involved in a hit-and-run accident.

Lynskey had been reported missing by the time of her arrest but his body wouldn't be found until 11:30 in the morning. A day after his death was reported, Sheriff's Officers investigators developed leads and identified Serrano as the suspected driver of the hit-and-run vehicle. She was located at her sister's house in Amherst. Deputies also seized the vehicle they believe she was driving at the time of the accident about 12:30 a.m. and her subsequent arrest for DWI at 12:55 a.m.

After the near collision on Route 77, Henning flipped on the emergency lights of his patrol vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. In his report of the incident, he said he could detect a strong odor of alcohol and that Serrano's eyes were glassy, according to a report he wrote and attached to the arresting document on file with the Genesee County Court.

The Batavian requested the document after District Attorney Lawrence Friedman discussed it during Serrano's last court appearance Sept.12. Judge Charles Zambito granted the request at a hearing, where neither Serrano nor her attorneys appeared to object to the document's release, this past Thursday.

According to Henning's report, Serrano failed multiple parts of a field sobriety test but her demeanor even before the test began indicated she may have been intoxicated, according to the report.

"Jennifer was swaying back and forth and leaned into the tire on the back of the vehicle multiple times to keep her balance while I was talking to her," Henning wrote. "Jennifer was also fidgeting while speaking with me. She was constantly moving her hands and rubbing them together."

Henning attempted a roadside Alco-sensor test but after Serrano blew once and it didn't register a reading, she wouldn't blow again. She also refused a Datamaster test at the Batavia Police Station and she refused three separate requests to submit to the test at Darien Town Court.

During the field sobriety tests, Henning reported Serrano swayed back and forth and had a hard time keeping her head still.

At one time during the test, Serrano reportedly said, "Am I moving my head? I can't even tell."

She wasn't able to complete a balance test without hold her hands out and she couldn't successfully walk heel-to-toe, according to Henning's report.

After the walk and turn, she reportedly told Henning, "I failed."

The report also reveals there was a passenger in Serrano's vehicle, though the person isn't named and if police obtained a witness statement from the passenger, it's not included in the court file.

Serrano said she drove from Silver Lake to Darien Lake to pick up her passenger after the Jason Aldean concert, according to statements Serrano reportedly made to Henning.

When Henning asked Serrano about consuming alcohol that night, Serrano reportedly said, "I had some earlier."

"What's some?" Henning asked.

The report says Serrano then said, "Umm, I didn't have any."

After informing Serrano he would conduct some tests, Serrano reportedly told Henning, "Well, listen, can you just let me hang here? You just let me hang here. You just all did your thing. You walked around. Could you just call my cousin, like talk to my cousin and just let me know."

Later she reportedly said, "My girlfriend's house is on this street. I pulled into the wrong driveway. I pulled out in front of you. Could you just do a solid, you know, like I promise you. Can we call my, you call my cousin and we follow you, and you follow me."

While trying to convince Serrano to submitted to a breath test, he told her, "It's another ticket if you refuse," and Serrano reportedly told Henning, "It's not another ticket if I refuse. "It's, it's, I'm doomed."

When Henning informed her she was under arrest, Serrano reportedly said, "Really? I've been kind to you. Oh, my God."

Later, after Serrano said she really didn't understand what was going on, Henning said he told her, " I believe that you are intoxicated to the point where you should not be driving a motor vehicle, OK? So I arrested you for that. Now you admitted to drinking. I don't know what. I don't know how much but that's basically what the field tests and the Datamaster can prove it."

Serrano said, "I don't understand how this is going to work out for me, like, you keep saying, 'it's going to be OK.' "

"It will," said Henning, who at the time didn't know about Lynskey. "It's not the end of the world. Look, the end of the world could have been that you got in a head-on collision tonight and either hurt yourself, hurt the passenger, or hurt someone else." 

All Serrano reportedly had to say at that point was, "I just pulled out of a driveway in front of you. I was looking for my girlfriend's house."

Lynskey, a promising medical student, according to his family, had attended the Jason Aldean concert with friends and family. They were all camping at Darien Lakes State Park. Lynskey was walking with members of his group when he decided to run ahead on Sumner Road and catch up with a friend. That was the last time anybody saw him alive.

Law and Order: Watson Street, Batavia, woman charged with felony driving while ability impaired by drugs, has two prior convictions

By Billie Owens

Brenda Yvette Colon-Cruz, 45, of Watson Street, Batavia, is charged with: driving while ability impaired by drugs, as a felony, with two prior convictions within the last 10 years; holding more than one driver's license; and operating an unregistered motor vehicle on a highway. On Sept. 13 at 4:06 a.m., she was arrested following a complaint in the area of Lake Street Road in the Town of Le Roy. She was arraigned then released under supervision of Genesee Justice. She was due back in Le Roy Town Court on Sept. 20. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Austin Heberlein.

Charles Kibicho Kairu, 37, of South Valley Lane, Springfield, Mo., was arrested at 6:25 p.m. on Sept. 22 on Main Road in Pembroke following a traffic stop. He allegedly operated a commercial vehicle while intoxicated. He is charged with: unregistered motor vehicle; aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree; DWI -- first offense; aggravated DWI -- having a BAC of .18 percent or more; drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle; and operating with brakes out of service. Kairu was arraigned in Town of Pembroke Court and jailed in lieu of $10,000 cash or $20,000 bond. He is due back in Town of Pembroke Court on Oct. 4. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Mathew Clor.

Nicholas F. Kerwin, 18, of Route 77, North Java, is charged with third-degree criminal mischief and fifth-degree conspiracy. Following a property damage complaint of damage to a motor vehicle on Molasses Hill Road in Alexander at 1:30 a.m. on June 10, Kerwin was arrested and released on an appearance ticket. He is due back in Town of Alexander Court on Oct. 9. He allegedly caused damage to the vehicle in excess of $250. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jeremy McClellan, assisted by Deputy Christopher Parker.

Three youths were arrested by the Le Roy Police Department in connection with a nighttime residential burglary in the village on Sept. 10. It was reported by the homeowner that unknown an unknown or persons entered the residence during the late night or early morning hours and stole multiple packs of cigarettes while the resident was sleeping. A follow-up investigation allegedly determined three youths ages 16, 13 and 12 were involved and some of the cigarettes were recovered as evidence. The 16-year-old, who was already on a court-ordered, 24-hour curfew due to unrelated prior criminal conduct, was charged in Le Roy Town Court with one count each of second-degree burglary, a Class C felony, and petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor. The 16-year-old was jailed and an undisclosed amount of bail was set. The two younger suspects were "petitioned to the Genesee County Youth Court."

Kevin M. Fossum, 52, of Batavia, was arrested by State Police from the Warsaw barracks on Sept. 15 and charged with driving while ability impaired and unlawful possession of marijuana. During a traffic stop on Route 246 in the Village of Perry, troopers detected an odor of marijuana coming from Fossum while being interviwed. Field sobriety tests were issued and he was taken to Warsaw for processing, then issued an appearance ticket for Village of Perry Court at a later date. He was released to a sober third party.

Police dealing with multiple disturbances on State Street

By Howard B. Owens

disturbancestatesept202018.jpg

Earlier tonight a caller on State Street reported a disturbance involving a large group of people at State and Lewis with the suggestion "you better send anybody."

Multiple units from Batavia PD, the Sheriff's Office, and State Police responded.

There was no physical altercation though some officers have remained on scene as area residents have continued to mill about in their yards with several people gathered at 131 State St.

At 9:30 p.m., even with officers there, a caller reported to dispatch that there was another disturbance though officers could not confirm any other disturbances in the area.

Witnesses said the disturbance started with a group of youths and then the adults got involved.

That has been the pattern most of the week they said.

The first disturbance was after Friday night's football game.

Police have made no arrests and no injuries have been reported.

Larceny of cigarettes reported at the Totem Pole

By Howard B. Owens

A woman with a large bag has reportedly just left the Totem Pole on Ledge Road in Basom with a stash of stolen cigarettes.

The thief jumped into a maroon four-door sedan with a white male driver behind the wheel and headed east on Ledge Road.

Law enforcement is responding to the area to look for the vehicle.

UPDATE 8:43 p.m.: A BOLO (be on the lookout) for the vehicle has been issued to local law enforcement. It is a 2015 Nissan Sentra, color red.

Law and Order: Woman accused of resisting arrest in Alabama

By Howard B. Owens

Rachel B. Solomon, no age provided, no residence provided, is charged with two counts of criminal contempt, 2nd, obstructing governmental administration, resisting arrest, and three counts of harassment, 2nd. Solomon was arrested following an investigation in an alleged violation of an order of protection. She was jailed on $2,500 bail or $5,000 bond.

Frank Bergholtz, 41, of Franklin Street, Batavia, is charged with possession of a dangerous weapon. Bergholtz allegedly possessed a knife while at the Probation Department office.

Paul J. Doctor, 40, no permanent address, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. Doctor was jailed on $500 bail or $2,000 bond.

Zackary Seeley, 21, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Seeley is accused of violating an order of protection.

Danny D. Williams, 29, no permanent address, is charged with two counts of criminal contempt, 2nd. Williams allegedly violated two orders of protection during a disturbance on Thorpe Street at 9:41 p.m., Sept. 13.

Joshua D. Beardsley, 29, of Groveland, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. Beardsley allegedly failed to appear in City Court on an appearance ticket stemming from a traffic ticket. He posted $250 police bail and was released.

Douglas Scott Sprague, 51, of Judge Road, Alabama, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Sprague is accused of breaking items in a residence on Judge Road at 6 p.m. Monday during an argument. He was jailed without bail.

Law and Order: West Main Street, Batavia, teen arrested on year-old City Centre mall burglary

By Billie Owens

D'andre J. Cramer, 19, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with: third-degree burglary; fourth-degree criminal mischief; and petit larceny. Cramer was arrested and arraigned on Sept. 11 following an investigation into a burglary which occurred a year ago this month at a shop in the City Centre mall. He was jailed and bail was set at $5,000. The defendant is due in Batavia City Court on Sept. 20. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Det. Thad Mart.

Rachel M. Penepinto, 27, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Penepinto was arrested on Vine Street at 4:20 p.m. on Sept. 15 after being accused of threatening to fight a neighbor and kill their dog. She was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Sept. 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison.

Ryan Matthew Norton, 44, of Bloomingdale Road, Alabama, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief and second-degree harassment. Following an investigation into a domestic incident which occurred 8:15 p.m. on Sept. 11 on Bloomingdale Road. Norton was arrested, arraigned and put in jail on $2,500 bail. He is due in Alabama Town Court on Oct. 4. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Danny D. Williams, 29, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt and second-degree harassment. Williams was located on Thorpe Street in Batavia and arrested following an investigation into an incident which occurred at 3:39 a.m. on Sept. 8 on Wood Street in Batavia. He was jailed on $20,000 cash or bond bail. He is due in City Court on Sept. 20. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Marissa B. Royse, 28, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with: driving while ability impaired by drugs -- combined influence of drugs; following to closely; speed not reasonable and prudent; moving from lane unsafely; and failure to keep right on a two-lane road. She was arrested on Sept. 10 at 11:12 a.m. at 27 Walnut St. in Batavia following an investigation into an accident with injuries. She was issued multiple tickets and released; she was due in City Court this morning (Sept. 17). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence, assisted by Officer Stephen Quider. Forty minutes later, at 17 Walnut St., she was allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana following the investigation into the personal injury motor-vehicle accident earlier that hour at 27 Walnut St. She is due in City Court on Tuesday, Sept. 18 to answer that charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Aaron M. Hatt, 22, no permanent address, Batavia, is charged with: unlawful possession of marijuana, criminal obstruction of breathing; criminal mischief in the fourth degree; and second-degree harassment. Hatt was arrested following an investigation into a domestic incident which occurred at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at an apartment on Thomas Avenue, Batavia. He was arraigned and jailed on $2,000 cash bail or $4,000 bond. He was due in Cioty Court this morning (Sept. 17). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Latiqua Shonnel Jackson, 25, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with introducing dangerous contraband into prison in the first degree and criminal use of drug paraphernalia in the second degree. On Sept. 10 at about 2:20 p.m., Jackson was being processed into GC Jail. It is alleged that she knowingly entered the jail while in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. She was arrested on the charges Sept. 13 and jailed on $10,000 cash bail. She is due back in City Court on Sept. 20. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jeremy McClellan, assisted by Deputy Susan Mattice.

Joseph Buckley, 57, is charged with having an open container of alcohol in a city park. At 10:23 a.m. on Sept. 12, Buckley was arrested in Austin Park on Jefferson Avenue. He was jailed on $250 bail and was due in City Court on Sept. 13. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kyle Krtanik, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Scott D. Larnder, 42, Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear. He was arrested on Sept. 13 for failing to appear on previous charges. After arraignment, he was released on his own recognizance. He was due back in City Court on Sept. 14. The  case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Catherine Mucha, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Video: Theft of produce stand cash box in Darien

By Howard B. Owens

On two occasions, a cash box from a produce stand, The Cornercopia, at Route 77 and Route 20 in Darien has been stolen. 

After the first burglary, a more secure lock was installed and the thieves took the entire red plate steel cash box.

A cash reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of the suspects.

The two people in this video (who brought their dogs with them, and one of the men can be seen apparently hitting one of the dogs at about the 1:50 mark) are possible suspects and the owners of the fruit stand are asking anybody with information to come forward and contact local law enforcement. 

The State Police are handling the investigation. To report any information that may assist in the investigation, call (585) 343-5000.

Law and Order: Mechanic Street, Elba, man accused of grand larceny using Batavia employer's credit card

By Billie Owens

Andrew Michael Pridmore, 34, of Mechanic Street, Elba, is charged with grand larceny with a credit card, petit larceny and criminal possession of stolen property -- a credit card. Pridmore was arrested at 11:48 a.m. on July 26 on Cedar Street in Batavia. He allegedly stole a credit card belonging to his employer and withdrew money from numerous ATMs throughout Genesee County on two different days. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court on Sept. 12 and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. He is due in City Court again on Sept. 26. Additional charges are pending in the towns of Le Roy and Pavilion. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Investigator Joseph Loftus.

Patrick O. Spikes, 37, of South Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with third-degree assault -- with intent to cause physical harm, and criminal obstruction of breathing. He was arrested, arraigned and jailed on Sept. 9 following a domestic incident which occurred at 3 p.m. on Sept. 2 at an apartment on Hutchins Street in Batavia. He is due in City Court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence, assisted by Officer Stephen Quider.

Erica Bomberry, 38, of 18 Crittenden Way in the City of Rochester, is charged with one count of petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor. She was arrested Sept. 10 by Le Roy Police Department following a four-month investigation. She is allegedly a member of a Rochester-based larceny ring. The investigation started on May 14 when a business on West Main Street in the Village reported a larceny in progress. The suspect vehicle was located by patrols; the alleged thieves fled, creating a short-lived police chase which was called off because of the dangers it posed. A follow-up investigation tracked the alleged thieves showing numerous similar cases both in the City of Rochester and in different towns in Monroe County. Eventually there was allegedly enough evidence to charge one member of the ring and an arrest warrant was issued. The investigation is ongoing. Bomberry was transported to the Le Roy Court from the Monroe County Correctional Facility for arraignment and put in Genesee County Jail. Bail was set at $1,000.

Christopher J. Parker, 29, of Morse Place, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief. On Sept. 10, Parker was arrested for allegedly damaging property at another person's residence. The incident took place shortly after midnight on Sept. 8 on Thorpe Street in Batavia. He was jailed in lieu of $1,000 bail and is due in City Court on Sept. 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Catherine Mucha, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Paulette M. Conley, 42, of Mill Street, Le Roy, is charged with DWI -- common law, no headlights, and DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or greater. She was arrested at 2:27 a.m. on Sept. 9 on Main Street in Batavia following a traffic stop. She was arrested, processed and is due in Batavia City Court on Sept. 26. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Matthew Lutey.

Sasha M. McDuffie, 26, of 14th Street, Buffalo, was arrested at 7:14 p.m. on Sept. 11 on East Main Street in Batavia for speeding and driving with a suspended driver's license. Following a traffic stop, an investigation found McDuffie's license was suspended. She was arrested, processed, then posted bail and was released. She is due in City Court on Sept. 26. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole McGinnis.

Tyrone L. Richardson, 43, of Brooklyn Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on Sept. 10 on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court. He posted bail and was due in City Court on Sept. 11. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Nicole McGinnis.

James E. Murray Jr., 29, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, was arrested on Sept. 8 on an arrest warrant out of Batavia City Court. He allegedly failed to appear in court after being issued an appearance ticket to be there on Aug. 28. He was due back in City Court on Sept. 10. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Justin T. Gladney, 29, or North Spruce Street, Batavia, was located and arrested on East Main Street in Batavia after police were called to the area for an unrelated matter. He was found to have an active bench warrant out of Batavia City Court and was arrested on Aug. 10. He was due back in City Court on Sept. 11. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole McGinnis, assisted by Officer Matthew Lutey.

Zambito reaffirms high bail for woman charged in fatal hit-and-run, cites significant flight risk

By Howard B. Owens

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A woman accused of driving drunk, fatally hitting an 18-year-old on Sumner Road in Darien, fleeing the scene, and not telling police about it later when she was arrested after nearly striking a Sheriff's patrol vehicle, was in court today with a pair of new, sharply dressed attorneys from Buffalo.

Frank LoTempio tried to convince Judge Charles Zambito, that his client, Jennifer L. Serrano, 48, of Charles Street, Irving, should get her bail reduced.

She was indicted by a grand jury this week on second-degree vehicular manslaughter, leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in death, DWI, and aggravated unlicensed operation. She faces a prison term of up to 14 years.

She came into court shackled and in a tan Niagara County Jail jumpsuit, still in custody on $100,000 cash bail or $200,000 bond.

LoTempio argued that Serrano has strong local ties. He said she owns a home in Irving that is worth $115,000 and she has $30,000 equity in the property, that she owns her own business -- Jenny Marketing Group -- and has four significant clients, and that she has joint custody of her three children -- ages 12 through 21.

"She's very involved in their lives and she's a very good mother," LoTempio said.

While she has suffered from depression, LoTempio said he and co-attorney Jack Sanchez had met with her and felt she had no current mental health issues. He said her depression stemmed from her divorce a year and a half ago.

She also has no prior criminal record.

"I feel cash bail of $25,000 to $40,000 is reasonable," LoTempio said.

Zambito heard these same arguments the last time Serrano appeared in court but District Attorney Lawrence Friedman said he felt it necessary to address the counter-argument to LoTempio's assertions.

While Serrano claims to own a house in Irving, there's no proof of its value or her equity in it, and she says if she's out of jail, she's going to live with her sister in Amherst. Also, she claims to own a business but Friedman has seen no documentation to prove that she does. 

As for her children, "According to our investigation, we're told they are estranged from her," Friedman said.

He also said he doesn't believe her attorneys are qualified to assess her mental health. 

As for the crime itself, Friedman said, she's accused of killing Connor Lynskey, of Hinckley, on Sumner Road, on Aug. 11, and fleeing the scene. Lynskey's body landed in a ditch and he wasn't found until the following day. About 30 minutes later, Serrano's vehicle was stopped after she nearly struck a patrol vehicle on Route 77 and she was charged with DWI. Friedman said Serrano went through the arrest process, through court, through booking at the jail, and she never said a word to anybody that she might have struck a pedestrian. 

At that time, police didn't know Lynskey had been struck by a car but he had been reported missing.

As Friedman completed this narration of events, Lynskey's mother, sitting in the first row of the gallery with a box of tissues her hands, began to sob.

Friedman also pointed out that Serrano went back to her car after being released from custody and drove to Amherst. He said his office has reason to believe she was still intoxicated at that time and she certainly knew her driver's license had just been revoked but she drove anyway.

"I don't understand how defense counsel can say she is not a flight risk," Friedman said. "She's already fled. Now she's been indicted and has even more reason to flee."

Zambito, in denying her bail reduction, cited many of the reasons Friedman just shared -- she left the scene and she didn't notify law enforcement even while in custody, and that her flight risk was a "significant concern."

Serrano is due in court again at 1:30 p.m., Nov. 15, when attorneys will address any motions filed in the case.

Grand Jury: Woman indicted for vehicular manslaughter, man was killed on Sumner Road Aug. 11

By Billie Owens

Jennifer L. Serrano is indicted for second-degree vehicular manslaughter, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Aug. 11 on Sumner Road in the Town of Darien that she caused the death of a male, and she drove a 2014 Jeep in violation of the law, and as a result of intoxication or impairment by use of a drug or the combined influence of drugs or alcohol, drove the Jeep in a manner that cause the death of a person. In count two, she is accused of leaving the scene of an accident with reporting it, a Class D felony, and the personal injury involved resulted in death. In count three, she is accused of driving while intoxicated, as a misdemeanor, for driving on Sumner Road and on state Route 77 on Aug. 11 in Darien while intoxicated. In count four, she is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the second degree, a misdemeanor. It is alleged in count four that she drove that day while knowing, or having reason to know, that her driver's license in New York was suspended, revoked or otherwise withdrawn by authorities; and the revocation was based on a refusal to submit to a chemical test, in violation of vehicle and traffic law.

Ralph E. Stevenson is indicted for the crime of failure to verify as a sex offender, a Class E felony. It is alleged that this convicted Level 3 sex offender, in the Town of Bergen, on Jan. 26 failed to provide a current photograph of himself in the manner and within the time periods provided by law.

Jessie P. Polito AKA Jesse P. Polito is indicted for the crime of fourth-degree grand larceny, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 8 in the Town of Le Roy that the defendant stole property -- a Capital One Mastercard. In counts two and three, he is accused of the same crime for allegedly stealing a second Mastercard and a Le Roy Federal Credit Union card, respectively. In count four, he is accused of petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor, for stealing property.

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