crime

As temperatures have gone up the past couple of days tempers have flared, it seems, in some parts of the city.

Over the past 24 hours, there have been multiple calls for disturbances on State Street, as well as calls to Hutchins Place, Jackson Street, Watson, and Thorpe.

On State Street, Police Chief Shawn Heubusch said it appears there are multiple neighbors who can't get along and he suggested they never have and they never will. 

"Nothing has risen to the level that we can arrest anybody," Heubusch said, though it would be helpful if witnesses to incidents were willing to put their statements in writing.

After a call on State Street this afternoon, which brought a response from Batavia PD and the Sheriff's Office, including a K-9, one deputy on State Street, when asked what was going on said, "A whole lot of 'I saw nothing.' "

"Neighbors have been calling, and that's good, but our hands are tied by changes to criminal justice this year," Heubusch said. "Without a statement, the most we can do is write an appearance ticket."

The local landlords are also more restricted in how they can respond to troublesome tenants, Heubusch noted, because of the moratorium ordered by Gov. Andrew Cuomo on most evictions, especially evictions related to missed rent payments.

Speaking of the COVID-19 pandemic response, Heubusch said, he doesn't think the recent spate of disturbances is the result of eight weeks of being on lockdown. 

"These calls mostly involve people we've dealt with before," Heubusch said. "I don't think the lockdown is coming into play."

Batavia PD does have cameras installed to help monitor the situation on State Street and at Watson and Thorpe.

He said he understands the public might want more done but that takes cooperating witnesses.

One of the objectives of a police response to a crowd of people involved in a ruckus is to get the people to disperse, Heubusch said. If police can do that, it will help defuse the situation and hopefully help avoid an escalation of violence.

It might be a long summer, the chief said.

"(The disturbances are) definitely a concern," Heubusch said. "That's for sure."

Joshua Lee Baltz, 44, of Sparks Road, Pavilion, is charged with: aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, a felony; driving while under the influence of drugs; and speeding -- going 76 in a 55-mph zone. Baltz was stopped for speeding on Alexander Road in Alexander at 11:51 p.m. on May 23 and allegedly found to be impaired by drugs. He was issued appearance tickets for Town of Alexander Court on July 21. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello, assisted by Deputy Ryan Young.

Warren David Post, 52, of Genesee Street, Corfu, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; DWI -- operating while having a BAC of .08 percent or higher; aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree; and failure to keep right. On May 24, Post was arrested at 4:44 p.m. on Pearl Street Road in Batavia following a traffic stop. He was released on traffic tickets returnable to Batavia Town Court on July 16. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Mathew Clor, assisted by Deputy David Moore.

Brianna S. Green, 23, of Batavia (no address provided), was arrested and charged with petit larceny following a shoplifting complaint at Walmart in the Town of Warsaw (Wyoming County). On March 29, it is alleged that she stole $65.82 in merchandise. Green was arrested on May 23 on the charge. She is due in Town of Warsaw Court on July 13. The case was handled by Wyoming County Sheriff's Sgt. Colin Reagan.

      Anthony Welch

Anthony J. "Science" Welch, 39, of Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, after allegedly being found in possession of crack cocaine following a traffic stop by the Local Drug Task Force.

The charge is premised on the allegation that the amount of the narcotic in Welch's possession indicates he intended to sell it.

Welch was a passenger in a car driven by Steven R. Colombo, 33, of Batavia, who was allegedly driving while his privilege was suspended.

Another passenger, Amy L. Coulson, 33, of Batavia, was also arrested and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and criminally using drug paraphernalia, 2nd.

Following the traffic stop, Welch and Coulson were taken to the Genesee County Jail and based on a search warrant they were searched. Welch was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine that he tried to hide during the traffic stop. 

Welch was also charged with tampering with physical evidence, promoting prison contraband, and criminally using drug paraphernalia.  

Colombo was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd.

Following arraignment, Welch was released under supervision of Genesee Justice and Coulson and Colombo were released on appearance tickets. 

The Task Force was assisted by Batavia PD, Corrections Officers, and the District Attorney's Office.

D'Andre J. Cramer, 21, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with third-degree coercion and third-degree assault. Cramer was arrested at 10:46 p.m. on May 7 after a domestic incident on Dellinger Avenue. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and is due in Batavia City Court on June 5th. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Michael R. Ostrander, 55, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment and third-degree menacing. Ostrander was arrested following an incident in the 400 block of East Main Street, Batavia, at 10 p.m. on May 18. It is alleged that he touched a person and threatened another. He is due in Batavia City Court on June 16. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Jamar T. Shipp, 31, of Niagara Street, Niagara Falls, is charged with aggravated harassment. Shipp was arrested on May 19 after an investigation and arraigned at 4:07 p.m. in Batavia City Court. It is alleged that at 5:21 p.m. on May 9 during a phone call that Shipp threatened to physically harm a female. He was released on his own recognizance and is due to return to city court on July 1. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Alex Roberts.

Matthew W. Barber, 52, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with unauthorized use of a computer. Barber was arrested at 9:26 a.m. on May 21 after an investigation into an incident that occurred at 12:15 a.m. on May 19 in the 700 block of Ellicott Street, Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on June 9. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Joshua Girvin.

Christopher Parker, 31, of Morse Place, Batavia, and Joshua Williams, 30, of Portland Avenue, Rochester, are charged with: unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree, a violation; criminal possession of marijuana in the second degree, also a violation; and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a misdemeanor. The duo was arrested by City of Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissinger and the Genesee County Local Drug Task Force after a traffic stop (location and time not provided) on May 21. They were issued appearance tickets and are due in City of Batavia Court on June 16.

Press release:

U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Guillermo Torres-Acevedo, 23, of Batavia, who was convicted of enticing a minor to travel to engage in criminal sexual activity, was sentenced to serve 84 months in prison (7 years) and 10 years supervised release by Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci Jr.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan A. Tokash, who handled the case, stated that on Nov. 25, 2018, the defendant, then a 22-year-old man, had sexual relations with the victim, a 14-year-old girl. Torres-Acevedo was arrested the following day for, among other charges, rape in violation of New York Penal Law.

Following his arrest, the defendant persuaded the victim to travel with him out of state to continue their relationship. On Nov. 29, 2018, Torres-Acevedo picked up the victim from school in Genesee County and drove her to Pennsylvania, where they had sexual intercourse. Under Pennsylvania law, that constituted the crime of statutory sexual assault.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr.; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eric Laughton; the Pennsylvania State Police, under the direction of Commissioner Lieutenant Colonel Robert Evanchick; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert. 

Previously: Batavia man pleads guilty to rape in Amber Alert case

Shawn Philip Stevens, 42, of Hundredmark Road, Elba, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. On May 20, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies J. Dimmig and D. Moore arrested Stevens in relation to a domestic incident that occurred on South Main Street in the Village of Elba at 9:45 p.m. on May 16. Stevens was arrrested and charged with the crime for allegedly violating an order of protection.

Shannon Maria Armstead, 27, of Bloomingdale Road, Alabama, is charged with second-degree menacing and second-degree harassment. At 7:36 p.m. on May 19, Armstead was arrested after a complaint about a physical altercation in the Town Alabama. Armstead was issued appearance tickets and is due in Town of Alabama Court on June 10. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon, assisted by Deputy David Moore.

   Alejandro Arteaga

Alejandro Andreseaga Arteaga, 22, of Harvester Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third-degree -- methamphetamine, with intent to sell, a Class B felony; criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a Class D felony; driving while ability impaired by drugs -- with a previous conviction, a Class E felony; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh-degree (marijuana), a Class A misdemeanor; using a vehicle without a required interlock device, a violation. On May 18, following a traffic stop on Lake Street in the Village of Le Roy during which a firearm and narcotics were allegedly found, Arteaga was arrested. It is also alleged that he had an open container of alcohol in the vehicle at the time. He was arraigned in Genesee County Court and released to Genesee Justice. He is due back in court at 2 p.m. on July 1. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl, assisted by Le Roy Police Sgt. Greg Kellogg.

Tyshon L. Taylor, 23, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with: aggravated family offense; third-degree criminal mischief; endangering the welfare of a child; and third-degree menacing. Taylor was arrested May 15 on the charges that stem from a domestic incident at 4 p.m. on May 14 on Walnut Street. It is alleged that Taylor cracked the windshield of his girlfriend's vehicle during an argument while her child was in the vehicle. While being taken into custody, he reportedly stated that he had been quarantined and "began intentionally coughing at officers." He was processed at Batavia Police Headquarters, arraigned in Batavia City Court via Skype and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. He was held at Genesee County Jail on a Parole Detainer Warrant. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Joshua Girvin, assisted by Officer Wesley Rissinger, Officer Peter Post and Officer Alec Roberts.

Jason A. McFollins, 42, of North Spruce Street, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief and second-degree harassment. McFollins was arrested at 5 a.m. on May 17 on Ellsworth Avenue, Batavia, following a domestic incident. It is alleged that he damaged property and struck another person during the incident. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released on his own recognizance. He is due back in city court on June 25. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Kaitlyn M. Rector, 22, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Rector was arrested following an investigation into a domestic incident that occurred at 10:41 p.m. on May 16 on Liberty Street. It is alleged that she struck another person during the incident. She was arraigned in Batavia City Court and is due to return there on July 1. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Kelli E. Wallace, 57, of Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. The defendant was arrested following the investigation into a physical altercation between two people under age 17 that occurred at 1:06 p.m. on May 8 on South Jackson Street in the City of Batavia. It is alleged that Wallace was present at the altercation and encouraged the physical altercation to occur. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on June 23. The case was handled by Batavia Police Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Stephen Vance Recco, 29, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief -- intentionally damaging property. It is alleged that Recco intentionally smashed a laptop belonging to his roommate after a dispute at 10:45 a.m. on March 28 on Vine Street. He was processed at Batavia Police Headquarters, then issued an appearance ticket returnable to Batavia City Court on June 9. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissinger, assisted by Officer Nicole McGinnis.

Matthew Jacob Reid, 26, of Buck Road, Warsaw, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, and moving from lane unsafely. Reid was arrested at 11:30 p.m. on May 16 on Telephone Road in Pavilion after a single motor-vehicle accident. It is alleged that he possessed a controlled substance at the time. Reid is due in Pavilion Town Court on June 9 to answer the charges. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore, assisted by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun.

William George Silpoch, 46, of Ridge Road, Holley, is charged with driving while intoxicated and resisting arrest. He was arrested at 7 p.m. on May 14 on Sautell Road in Bergen after he allegedly drove a motor vehicle and then passed out in the vehicle in the driveway of a residence. He allegedly resisted arrest while being taken into custody by Sheriff's deputies. Silpoch was issued an appearance ticket returnable to Town of Bergen Court on July 8. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jacob Gauthier, assistef by Deputy Erik Andre.

Tina M. Caracci, 49, of Hilltop Road, Rochester, is charged with driving while intoxicated and aggravated DWI -- with a BAC of .18 or higher. Caracci was arrested at Richmond Memorial Library, 220 Richmond Ave., Batavia, after a complaint. She was processed at Batavia Police Headquarters and released. She is due in Batavia City Court on June 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Kahel S.D. Suttles, 23, of Dodge Street, Buffalo, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree and possession of burglar's tools. Suttles was arrested for allegedly taking items during a larceny at a store on Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia at 5 p.m. on Feb. 23. The defendant was arrested at mile marker 397.6 on the Thruway and is scheduled to be arraigned in Town of Pembroke Court on June 23. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Investigator Christopher Parker, assisted by Deputy David Moore and Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Matthew C. Olcott, 41, Clinton Street Road, Batavia, was arrested on three bench warrants out of Batavia City Court following a traffic stop (location not disclosed) by the New York State Police and Genesee County Sheriff's deputies on May 13. He was arraigned in Alabama Town Court at 12:15 a.m. May 14 and released on his own recognizance. He is due to return to Batavia City Court on June 23. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson.

James F. Perry Sr., 35, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with five counts of second-degree criminal contempt, a Class A misdemeanor. Perry was arrested at 9:20 p.m. May 9 on State Street in Batavia following an investigation of a child crying in a residence. Perry was released with an appearance ticket returnable to Batavia City Court at 1 p.m. on June 30. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Jordan McGinnis.

William J. Galliford, 59, of Batavia (no address provided), is charged with trespass and second-degree harassment. Galliford was arrested at 10:45 p.m. at the Budget Inn on Oak Street in Batavia. It is alleged that he refused to leave after being told he was no longer allowed on the premises. It is also alleged that Galliford threatened a police officer. He was issued a computerized appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court at 1 p.m. on June 16. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Nicole McGinnis.

Amanda S. McDonald, 37, of Ellsworth Avenue, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. She was arrested after an investigation into a complaint alleging that she allowed a minor to use an illegal drug. McDonald was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court June 16. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Alec Roberts.

Justin Paul Pawlowski, 41, is charged with: Aggravated driving while intoxicated -- with a child passenger; DWI; DWI -- drugs; and failure to keep right. At 9:23 a.m. on Feb. 14, the Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center received a report of driver on Route 33 in the Village of Corfu who was possibly intoxicated. The vehicle was stopped for an alleged failure to keep right and an investigation allegedly revealed the driver was impaired by drugs. Pawlowski was issued tickets returnable to Town of Batavia Court on June 29. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Christopher J. Diers, 37, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and second-degree harassment. Diers was arrested after an investigation of a domestic incident that occurred at 10:50 p.m. May 9 at an apartment on State Street. He was released with an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on June 30. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Jordan McGinnis.

Jacob J. Camerera, 29, of South Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. Camerera was arrested after an investigation of a violation of an order of protection complaint at 8:42 p.m. April 29 on Hutchins Street in Batavia. He was released on an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court on June 23. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Jordan McGinnis.

Adam Michael Jellison, 42, of Sierk Road, Bennington, is charged with second-degree harassment. Jellison was arrested on May 10 in connection with a domestic incident that occurred at 8:44 p.m. on April 2 on Columbia Avenue in Batavia. He is also charged with third-degree criminal mischief stemming from an incident at 4 p.m. April 30, also on Columbia Avenue. He was arraigned on both charges May 11 in Batavia City Court and released on his own recognizance. He is to return to city court June 18. The cases were handled by Batavia Police Officer Connor Borchert.

Rae C. Cook, 31, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Cook was arrested at 3 p.m. May 11 following a larceny investigation. It is alleged that at 12:30 p.m. April 23 Cook committed petit larceny at Sav-A-Lot on Ellicott Street in Batavia. Cook was issued an appearance ticket, returnable to Batavia City Court on June 2, then released from custody. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Joshua Girvin, assisted by Officer Austin Hedges.

Margaret M. Pillo, 47, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Pillo was arrested following an investigation into a shoplifting incident that occurred at the Dollar General store on East Main Street in Batavia at 4:50 p.m. May 8. She was issued an appearance ticket then released and is due in Batavia City Court on June 30. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice, assisted by Officer Peter Post.

Batavia Police Department is investigating a series of car break-ins and petit thefts in Batavia and police say the crimes are happening throughout the city during the overnight hours.

This video was submitted by a reader from a home surveillance camera. The photo below was provided by Batavia PD.

Det. Eric Hill said he didn't have at hand the total number of break-ins recently, but that is no more than usual for this time of year.

The cars being hit have been left unsecured.

Hill asked us to remind readers, "to bring valuables inside, lock their vehicles, and report any suspicious activity to us."

He also said if other residents have video of suspected criminal activity to please share them with police to help identify a suspect or suspects.

Anybody with information can contact Officer Peter Post at (585) 345-6350.

Nelson E. Figueroa Jr. (inset photo, left), 31, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with: criminal sex act in the first degree -- actor age 18 years old or older / victim under age 13; first-degree sexual abuse -- victim less than 13 years old / actor 21 years old or older; predatory sexual assault against a child -- specified sexual offense against a child under age 13. At 4:31 p.m. May 1, Batavia police were called to Maple Street in the city for an unknown problem and Figueroa was subsequently arrested. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed without bail. Figueroa is due back in city court at 11 a.m. on June 4. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Samuel Freeman, assisted by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Jeffery M. Johnson (inset photo, right), 32, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with: second-degree strangulation -- obstruction of breathing / causing physical injury; second-degree menacing; second-degree assault during a felony; criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, with a previous conviction; and endangering the welfare of a child. Johnson was arrested after a domestic incident that occurred at 8:37 a.m. on April 29 at an apartment on North Spruce Street. He was arraigned in jail via Skype with Batavia City Court, then jailed on $10,000 cash bail, $20,000 secured bond, or $30,000 unsecured bond. Johnson is due back in city court at 11 a.m. on June 4. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Miah Stevens, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Marshawn J. Singletary, 38, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree reckless endangerment. He was arrested following the investigation into an incident that occurred in March. It is alleged that at 11 p.m. on March 24, Singletary dragged a female with his car while backing out of her driveway on Osterhout Avenue. He was arraigned in jail via virtual conferencing with Batavia City Court, then released on his own recognizance. He is due in city court on June 10 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Alec Roberts, assisted by Officer Miah Stevens.

Rajea Shaiek Thomas Sr., 31, of Averill Avenue, Rochester, is charged with: criminal contempt in the first degree, criminal obstruction of breathing, and fourth-degree criminal mischief. At 2:19 a.m. on April 30, police responded to an apartment on Thomas Avenue in Batavia for a domestic incident. Thomas was arrested and issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on June 16. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Jordan McGinnis.

Amanda S. Dombrowski, of Versailles Road, North Evans, is charged with third-degree manacing and endangering the welfare of a child. She was arrested following the investigation into a domestic incident that occurred at 7:09 p.m. on Kibbe Avenue in Batavia. She was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released on her own recognizance. She is due in city court June 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Officer Adam Tucker.

James J. Sears, 51, of Trumbull Parkway, Batavia, is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- with a previous conviction; refusal to submit to a breath test; failure to keep right; and moving from lane unsafely. He was arrested after a property damage accident that occurred at 10:07 p.m. on Prospect Avenue in Batavia. He allegedly struck a parked car. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and is due back there June 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Amanda S. McDonald, 37, of Ellsworth Avenue, Batavia, is charged with making unnecessary noise. She was arrested at 12:33 a.m. on April 26 after a complaint of an alleged city code violation of the noise ordinance. McDonald was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on June 16. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Jordan McGinnis.

Niasia Shakema Jiggetts, 28, of Thomas Avenue, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal contempt. At 2:45 a.m. on April 30, Jiggetts was arrested following an incident that occurred at a residence on Thomas Avenue. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on June 16. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jordan McGinnis, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Press release:

Today (May 8) Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that the window for survivors of child sexual abuse to file lawsuits under the New York Child Victims Act has been extended an additional five months to Jan. 14.

“We applaud Governor Cuomo’s decision to give survivors of child sexual abuse more time to come forward and file their cases during these unprecedented and difficult times,” said attorney Jeff Anderson, of Jeff Anderson & Associates.

The New York Child Victims Act allows survivors of child sexual abuse in New York an opportunity to take legal action for the abuse they suffered, however only for a limited time. The legislative “window” to file cases was set to expire on Aug.13.

Joshua Stanley Martaus, 36, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree. At 3:07 p.m. on May 5, a motor vehicle was stopped on Route 33 in the Town of Batavia following the alleged observation of a vehicle and traffic violation. The operator, Darlene Martaus, was driving while her privilege to do so is allegedly suspended in New York. Her passenger, Joshua Martaus, allegedly possessed crack cocaine at the time. Both were issued tickets to appear in Town of Batavia Court on June 8. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong, assisted by Deputy Andrew Mullen.

David E. Brege Jr., 33, of West Center Street, Medina, was arrested May 5 by the Genesee County Local Drug Task Force. He is charged with: unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation; and possession of a hypodermic instrument, a misdemeanor. His arrest followed a complaint investigated by the City of Batavia Police Department wherein he was allegedly found in possession of marijuana and hypodermic needles on West Main Street in Batavia. Brege was issued a computer-generated appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court at a later date. Additional charges are possible pending results from the Monroe County Crime Lab. In addition to city police, this investigation was assisted by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office and the Genesee County District Attorney's Office.

          Roy Watson

A 51-year-old Rochester man was arrested Monday on drug charges following a traffic stop on Route 98 in Batavia by members of the Local Drug Task Force.

Roy L. Watson is charged with:

• Criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd;
• Criminal possession of a controlled substance, 4th;
• Driver's view obstructed;
• Unauthorized sticker;
• Possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle.

Watson was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine.

Following arraignment in Batavia City Court, Watson was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

The Drug Task Force was assisted by State Police, the Sheriff's Office, Deputy Chris Erion and K-9 "Frankie," and the District Attorney's Office.

Benjamin J. Dills, 27, of Ellicott Street Road, Pavilion, is charged with two misdemeanors: reckless endangerment in the second degree; and fourth-degree criminal mischief. At 3:40 p.m. on May 3, Dills was arrested in the 10000 block of West Bethany Road, Bethany, after a bullet struck a nearby residence when he was allegedly target shooting. The family was at home at the time. Dill was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Bethany Town Court on June 2. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore, assisted by Deputy Andrew Mullen, Dpeuty Mathew Clor, Deputy Kyle Krzemien, and Environmental Conservation Officer Fay Fuerch.

Robert Edward Gerlach II, 45, of Broadway Road, Alexander, was arrested on April 30 on Broadway Road in Alexander after Genesee County Sheriff's deputies responded to a complaint of dogs running at large. At 7:14 p.m., deputies responded to an animal complaint and following an investigation, determined Gerlach owns three dogs and was allegedly allowing them to run at large on other people's properties. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Alexander Court on July 14. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathan Dimmig, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.

Devon A. Wright (inset photo), 18, of Highland Park, Batavia, is charged with: two counts of criminal sexual act in the second degree -- actor 18 years old or more / victim under age 15 -- a Class D felony; two counts of endangering the welfare of a child less than 17 -- a Class A misdemeanor; and resisting arrest. Wright was arrested and arraigned on the charges at 6:43 p.m. April 29 in Batavia City Court. His arrest follows an investigation into sex abuse involving children under age 15, which allegedly occurred the evening of Nov. 26 (location not specified). The investigation is ongoing and there are believed to be additional juvenile victims. Anyone with information is encouraged to come forward by reaching out to Detective Ivison of the City of Batavia Police Department at (585) 345-6312.

Alex Scott Dumbleton, 26, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with: obstructing governmental administration in the second degree; second-degree harassment; and endangering the welfare of a child. The defendant was arrested following an investigation into a domestic incident at 2:46 p.m. on March 26 on Pearl Street in Batavia. It is alleged that the defendant subjected a person under the age of 17 to unwanted physical contact. Subsequently, Dumbleton allegedly became physically resistive and uncooperative during the course of the investigation. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and and released. He is due back in court on May 29. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Katrina Lynn Drake, 30, of Locust Street, Lockport, is charged with second-degree harassment and first degree criminal contempt -- violation of an order of protection -- physical contact. Drake was arrested on April 23 following the investigation of an incident that occurred at 8:06 p.m. on April 1 on Thorpe Street in the City of Batavia. Drake was released on an appearance ticket following arraignment in Batavia city Court and is due to return there June 15. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Nicole McGinnis, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence. The investigation was completed by Officer Sean Wilson.

Bryant Lee Evans, 39, Frost Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree; aggravated driving while intoxicated; DWI; drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle; and unregistered motor vehicle. Evans was arrested at 9:21 p.m. on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, following a complaint of a traffic offense. Evans was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia Town Court on June 4. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon, assisted by Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Lazavia McDaniel Price, 20, of Pearl Street Road, Batavia, is charged with: DWI -- first offense; DWI with a BAC of .08 percent of more -- first offense; open container of alcohol in a vehicle; speeding; window tint violation; no headlights. He was the driver and lone occupant of a vehicle stopped for alleged vehicle and traffic violations in the City of Batavia at 8:29 p.m. April 27 on West Main Street in Batavia. Price allegedly was speeding through the city, had illegal window tint, and did not have his headlights on when he was stopped and arrested on the charges. He was issued appearance tickets and is due in Batavia City Court on May 13. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Mullen, assisted by Deputy Howard Wilson.

Lucretia M. Hayes, 49, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Hayes was arrested at 8:30 a.m. on April 24 at a business on Ellicott Street in the city. Hayes was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on June 2. The case was handled by Batavia City Police Officer Miah Stevens.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Police Department has been made aware of small denomination counterfeit bills being passed at local businesses.

The Batavia Police Department is reminding everyone to check their money carefully. If you feel that you may be victim in receiving counterfeit bills, please report it to the Police Department at (585) 345-6350.

A few simple items to check for on U.S. currency that are hard to recreate on counterfeit bills:

• Color Shifting Ink -- the bill denomination on the bottom right-hand corner has the right color-shifting ink.
• Raised Printing -- To detect raised printing, take your fingernail and run it carefully down the collar/jacket. You should feel some vibration on your nail from the ridges. 
• Blurry Borders/printing/text -- significantly blurry borders, printing, or text, it is an automatic red flag.
• Red & Blue Threads -- If you take a close look at an authentic bill, you will see that there are small red and blue threads woven in and out within the fabric of the bill.
• Watermark -- In many of the new bills, the watermark is actually a replica of the face on the bill.

Information on the current counterfeit cases is not being released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department wants to warn citizens of a dangerous mixture of cocaine currently on the street. There have already been two overdose cases today.

The warning comes in an attempt to stop further overdoses, which can be fatal. Police are working to locate the source and put a stop to further incidents.

Victim information and statuses are not being released.

Anyone with information can contact the Genesee County Drug Task Force at (585) 343-3020, the Batavia Police Department at (585) 345-6350, the confidential tip line at (585) 345-6370 or online here.

The Batavia Police would also like to offer assistance to persons who are struggling with addiction. Through our Police Assistance Addiction & Recovery Initiative, or PAARI program, we have partnered with the Genesee-Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (GCASA) in an effort to decrease the number of opiate-related deaths and reduce the crime associated with opiate abuse.

Anyone who is struggling with addiction can come to the police department 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and we will assist in locating a treatment program, with no questions asked. We strive to help and support those who are looking to break the chains of addiction.

Several citizens have taken advantage of the program and we feel this is another way in which we can help win the war against drugs!

James Anthony Colantonio, 50, of Elm Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and failure to stop at a stop sign. At 9:30 a.m. on April 20, Colantonio was arrested on the charges on West Main Street Road in the Town of Batavia after he allegedly failed to stop at a stop sign. He was released with appearance tickets and is due in Town of Batavia Court on June 11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathan Dimmig, assisted by Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Justin O. Porter, 28, of Bennington Street, Rochester, is charged with: aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree; unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree; unlicensed operator; and speeding. According to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Porter was stopped in the area of Swan and Ellicott streets in the city at 5:27 p.m. March 23 following the alleged observation of a vehicle and traffic violation. After an investigation by members of the Genesee County Drug Task Force, it is alleged that Porter possessed some marijuana and was driving while his privilege to do so was suspended in New York State. He was issued appearance tickets for June 2 in Batavia City Court.

Batavia PD detectives are looking for the public's assistance in locating Nasir Nathan in relation to an alleged gang assault that occurred on Highland Park on Oct. 4.

The Oct. 4 incident lead to the arrest of Riley B. Mayer, who pled guilty to assault in December, and the arrest of Terrance Falk in December.

There is a warrant out for Nathan's arrest.

Det. Eric Hill said there is no apparent direct connection to the April 9 hit-and-run that led to the arrest of Devon Wright last night, but that the individuals involved in both incidents know each other and there have been ongoing disputes.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the Batavia Police Department at (585) 345-6350, the confidential tip line at (585) 345-6370, or online here.