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Le Roy PD asks for public's help to find wallet thief

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Le Roy Police Department is asking for assistance in determining who stole a wallet from an elderly female while in a supermarket on West Main Street in Le Roy. The victim states that she was in the market between 3 and 3:45 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, when an unknown person stole her wallet from inside her purse while she was not looking.

The Le Roy Police is advising all citizens to be alert for this type of criminal behavior as it is not unusual for criminals to follow individuals around a store, then distract the attention of the victim intentionally or wait until the victim is distracted for other reasons, then reach into the purse and steal the wallet.

The Le Roy Police is asking that the citizens be alert to this type of behavior and call 9-1-1 immediately if you see this type of behavior happening to yourself or others.

Law and Order: arrests for alleged domestic violence, DWI, criminal contempt and forgery

By Billie Owens

John A. Snook, 26, of Central Avenue, Batavia, was arrested June 10 and charged with criminal obstruction of breathing/blood circulation, second-degree harassment, and unlawful imprisonment. The arrest was made following his release from Orleans County Jail on a separate charge. The new charges stem from a domestic incident in the City of Batavia. Orleans County Sheriff's Department transported Snook to the Genesee County line and he was taken to Batavia City Court and arraigned in front of Judge Balbick. He was then put in county jail and bail was set at $2,500. The matter was investigated by Batavia Police officer Jamie Givens.

Nathen Edward Donald Brege, 22, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. On June 11 he was arrested for allegedly violating an order of protection issued by the Town of Oakfield Court by allegedly threatening the protected individual in an incident on May 31 on South Pearl Street in Oakfield. He was issued an appearance ticket. The matter was investigated by Sheriff's deputy Joseph Loftus.

Sean Robert Doran, 24, of Harper Street, Rochester, is charged with DWI, aggrevated DWI, and speeding over 55 mph on June 11 on Route 20 in the Town of Alexander. He is scheduled to be arraigned on July 1 in Alexander Town Court. The incident was investigated by Sheriff's deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Thomas Edward Bobeck, 44, of Parwood Drive, Cheektowaga, is charged with operation of a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or more as a first offense, and DWI, first offense. He was arrested on said charges after being observed allegedly driving in an unsafe manner while on Alleghany Road in Darien on June 12. He is to be arraigned on July 8 in Darien Town Court. The matter was investigated by Sheriff's deputy Joseph Corona, assisted by deputy Brian Thompson.

Ivan Jerrod Walton, 21, of Yates Avenue, Sauk Village, Ill., is charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd, stemming from an incident on March 25 at the Sears Hometown Store on Lewiston Road, Batavia. The subject was being held in the Livingston County Jail on an unrelated matter. He was arrested on June 9 and arraigned in front of Justice Williams from Batavia Town Court on said charge and returned to Livingston County Jail. Bail was set at $2,500. The matter was investigated by Sheriff's deputy Christopher Parker, assisted by deputy John Baiocco.

Le Roy PD warns citizens about telephone scams

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Le Roy Police Department is asking all citizens to be vigilant for scams over the telephone and/or computer. Recently two citizens received calls from persons pretending to be a “relative” from out of state who was in jail and needed money to get out. The caller asked the citizen to go to a nearby pharmacy to purchase a “green dot” card or other liquid transferrable funds and have the money sent to them for bail.

It is important for all to know that these callers are really unscrupulous and will steal as much money as you send to them up to and including your life savings if not stopped. Further, once you have been targeted the caller will continue to call you attempting to victimize you numerous times.

If you receive a suspicious phone call or e-mail, please contact the Le Roy Police Department or your local Police agency BEFORE SENDING ANY MONEY so we can assist you in determining if this is a scam.

Once the money has been sent, there is little to no chance of getting it back or determining/identifying the scammer.

Female bus rider gets off to do #2 on lawn on Sumner Road, then off they went

By Billie Owens

A vehicle that reportedly looks like a school bus stopped at property on Sumner Road in Darien, near the junction with Route 77, and a female is said to have gotten off the bus and defecated on the lawn. She then got back aboard and the bus continued. A Sheriff's deputy is trying to find the bus. Although the caller described the vehicle as a school bus, we're skeptical since the Dave Matthews Band concert is tonight at Darien Lake.

Law and Order: Maple Street resident arrested after alleged domestic incident

By Howard B. Owens

Eric Marc Chiddy, 36, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with assault, 3rd, criminal obstruction of breathing, unlawful possession of marijuana and obstructing governmental administration, 2nd. Chiddy was arrested following an investigation into an alleged domestic incident on Maple Street. He was jailed on $2,500.

Travis C. Bauer, 25, of Water Street, Oakfield, is charged with DWI and unlawful possession of marijuana. Batavia PD responded to a complaint at 11:43 p.m. Friday of a sick or intoxicated driver on West Main Street. After an investigation by officers Peter Flanagan and Chad Richards, Bauer was charged.

Timothy Blase Antinora, 23, of Swamp Road, Brockport, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Antinora was stopped for alleged traffic violations at 4:09 p.m. Monday on North Lake Road, Bergen, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Law and Order: Woman charged with DWI following accident on Lewiston Road

By Howard B. Owens

Pauline J. Hensel, 61, of Lewiston Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation, leaving the scene of an accident, and refusal to take a breath test. Police officers responded at 6:39 p.m. Saturday to Lewiston Road for the report of an erratic driver involved in a property damage accident. A vehicle was located at 8351 Lewiston Road and Hensel identified herself as the driver, according to Batavia PD. She was arraigned and jailed on $3,000 bail.

Marquis D. Flowers, 22, of Carter Street, Rochester, is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, 3rd. Flowers was arrested by Rochester PD and turned over to Batavia PD on an arrest warrant. Flowers was wanted for alleged unauthorized use of a motor vehicle on May 8 in the City of Batavia. Flowers was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Shane Allen McMurray, 34, of Lancer Court, Depew, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .18 or greater. McMurray was arrested following a report at 8 a.m., Sunday, of a vehicle parked on a residential lawn on Alleghany Road, Alabama, with an apparently intoxicated driver. The complaint was investigated by Deputy Chris Parker. McMurray's BAC was allegedly three times the legal limit.

Justin David Cotter, 22, of Lehigh Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to keep right, and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Cotter was stopped at 7:50 a.m. Sunday on Dorman Road, Batavia, by Deputy Bradley Mazur.

Cindy Bush, 52, of Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Bush was arrested by State Police for an alleged incident reported at 10:29 a.m. June 4. She was jailed on cash bail. No further details released.

(Name Redacted Upon Request), 18, of Batavia, and a 17-year-old from Caledonia, are charged with petit larceny. Both are accused of stealing from a location in the Town of Batavia. They were arrested by State Police. No further details released.

Law and Order: Driver in Le Roy accident accused of being on drugs

By Howard B. Owens

Jordan Ray Smart, 22, of 6 Gibson St., Oakfield, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs. Smart was reportedly involved in a three-car accident on Main Street in Le Roy on Wednesday. Smart's car reportedly hit a parked car, which was pushed into another parked car. There were no injuries reported. Smart was arraigned and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Johnathon Bryce White, 21, of Reed Road, Churchville, is charged with criminal contempt. White allegedly violated an order of protection by riding in a vehicle with the protected party.

Kenneth Scott Lathrop, 27, of Tower Avenue, Syracuse, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to fine out of Town of Oakfield Court. The fine was related to a DWI charge. Lathrop was jailed on $500 bail.

Dwayne Andrew Pearsall, 23, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Pearsall is accused of being in a domestic dispute that took place in front of his daughter. Pearsall was jailed on $2,000 bail.

Law and Order: Walmart shopper accused of locking dogs in hot car

By Howard B. Owens

Ralph E. Stevenson, 60, of Clinton Street, Bergen, is charged with confinement of companion animal in vehicle. Stevenson allegedly confined three small dogs to the interior of his car in 81- degree weather at Walmart. The internal temperature of the vehicle at 11:34 a.m., Monday, was 122 degrees on the dashboard and 116 degrees on the seats, based on measurements by a laser thermometer.

Kenneth L. Powell, 58, of Telephone Road, Le Roy, is charged with menacing, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. Powell allegedly threatened a person with a knife and hit that person in the face with his fist. The alleged incident was reported April 30 on Ellicott Street.

Crystal J. Hough, 31, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd. Hough was arrested on a City Court bench warrant.

Shaqueita Lashaun Irvin, 22, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, was arrest on a bench warrant related to a petit larceny charge. The warrant was issued in Village of Corfu Court. Irvin was jailed on $5,000 bail. Irvin was also arrested on a warrant out of Town of Batavia Court for alleged trespass.

A 16-year-old resident of Indian Falls Road, Corfu, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 4th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth allegedly possessed brass knuckles and marijuana.

Bryan David Dinelli, 41, of Churchill Street, Akron, is charged with aggravated harassment. Dinelli is accused of making unwanted phone calls for no legitimate purpose to another person.

Rap video could become relevant in Dashawn Butler case

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia resident Dashawn Butler, suspected of discharging a firearm on State Street in September, was jailed Monday in lieu of $25,000 cash bail after being arraigned on a three-count Grand Jury indictment.

Butler entered a not guilty plea to counts of criminal use of a firearm, 2nd, a Class C violent felony, criminal possession of a weapon, 2nd, a Class C violent felony, and attempted assault, 1st, also a Class C violent felony.

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman declined to discuss much about the case after Butler's appearance in County Court, citing concerns that pre-trial publicity could make it more difficult to select a jury, but he acknowledged that a rap video featuring Butler could possibly be used in future court proceedings.

The video is attributed to Mobb Bugatti and was produced by Rochester-based Triple R Muzik Group. The video, along with another one Butler is featured in called "Rollin'," and widespread Web marketing and publicity on social network and music sites indicate the aspiring rapper and TRMG are pursuing a music career for Butler.

The video could be taken in that context, or be seen as something more sinister.

During "Red Flags" Butler is seen waving a red bandana and rapping about "murder death kill kill" and disrespecting (using a different word) the law.

The professionally produced video appears to have been shot on State Street, Hutchins Place and Lewis Place. One scene shows a Batavia police car cruising down a street.

If Butler and his defense attorney Thomas Burns decide to make the people prove Butler's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, the video could become relevant if Friedman decides to portray Butler as gang affiliated and that the shots-fired incident Sept. 27 on State Street was tied to possible gang activity.

Friedman declined to answer a question along those lines.

Asked if the video might tell us something about Butler that might be relevant to the case, Friedman said, "some people might feel that way."

There was some wrangling in court Monday over Butler's bail status.

Butler has been out of jail since a couple of days after his arrest in December because Friedman wasn't ready at the time to conduct a felony hearing in City Court.

Friedman argued Monday that Butler is facing three C violent felonies, has a prior felony conviction that could make him a second felony offender for sentencing purposes, and has a prior instance of failure to appear.

Burns countered that Butler has made his court appearances on time in this case, the prior failure to appear was many years ago in New York City and Burns doesn't believe Butler will qualify as a second felony offender.

There's also a speedy trial issue to look at in the case, Burns said. An arrest warrant was issued for Butler in October, but he wasn't arrested until December and only just now indicted.

Friedman said it took two months for Batavia PD to locate Butler. When he was arrested it was in the house of a person parole officers were looking for and Butler was hiding in a bathroom. Those circumstances negate the speedy trial issue, Friedman indicated.

Burns said Butler has lived in Batavia since 2001, moving here from NYC. He currently has a part-time job with a local food service business. He asked that if Noonan were going to set bail that it be something reasonable like $4,500.

Noonan set bail at $25,000 cash or $50,000 bond, which was the bail amount set in City Court when Butler was arrested in December.

The attorneys will spend the next 45 days preparing motions in the case and Butler is due in court again at 9:30 a.m., Aug. 4.

Warning: The video below contains profanity. This clip is edited to show just a representative portion of the video.

Law and Order: Alabama man charged with two felonies, several violations for allegedly riding ATV while intoxicated

By Billie Owens

Joshua Scott Bettilyon, 26, of Gorton Road, Alabama, was charged with two felonies and several violations stemming from an incident on May 30. He allegedly operated a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or more, which is a felony, and was also charged with DWI with a previous conviction of same within the last 10 years, another felony. In addition, he was cited for alleged ATV violations -- reckless driving, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, unregistered vehicle, unlawful operation on highway, inadequate brake lights, unsafe tires, no / improper lights, and uninsured vehicle. Bettilyon was arrested by Sheriff's deputies after a short vehicular pursuit. NYS Police assisted in this incident, which was investigated by deputy Joseph Corona, assisted by troopers Hanssel and Kosowski.

Donald E. Ford, 40, of Oak Street, Batavia, was arrested by Batavia PD on charges of endangering the welfare of a child and harassment, 2nd, in an incident on May 30 on Oak Street. He allegedly threatened to harm an individual while that individual was in the presence of three children. He was jailed and bail set at $2,500. The incident was investigated by Batavia PD officer Eric Hill, assisted by officer Frank Klimjack.

Edwin Leroy Stancliff Jr., 35, of Alleghany Road, Corfu, was arrested by Sheriff's deputies on May 30 and charged with two counts of menacing, 2nd, and criminal possession of a weapon, 4th. Stancliff allegedly displayed a 6-inch kitchen knife during a domestic dispute, threatening his girlfirend and an acquaintance. After his arraignment in Pembroke Town Court, he was jailed. The incident was investigated by Sheriff's deputy Lonnie Nati, assisted by deputy Christopher Parker.

Christopher Lynn Bayliss, 35, of Tower Road, Wyoming, was arrested June 1 following the investigation of a motor-vehicle accident on Attica Road in Alexander. He is charged with felony DWI, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, refusal to take breath test, unsafe backing of a vehicle and driving without a seat belt. He was jailed on $5,000 cash bail and is to return to Alexander Town Court on June 10.

Bryan H. Fetterly, 28, of Barrville Road, Elba, is charged with harassment in the second degree -- physical contact, and criminal mischief in the third degree -- damaging property of another person in excess of $250. It is alleged that on West Main Street in the City of Batavia on May 30 Fetterly and two other subjects were in a vehicle when an argument took place. Fetterly allegedly kicked one of the subjects several times before exiting the vehicle and then struck the vehicle, causing damage to that vehicle. He was arrested and released on an appearance ticket and is to be in Batavia City Court on June 3. The incident was investigated by Batavia PD officer Chad Richards.

Allen W. Gray, 34, of Oak Street, Batavia, was arrested and charged with harassment, 2nd, following an incident on South Main Street, Batavia, on May 29. Batavia PD officers went to investigate a disturbance complaint and it's alleged that Gray shoved two people following a verbal altercation. He was issued an electronically generated appearance ticket and released. He is scheduled to appear in Batavia City Court on June 3. The incident was investigated by Batavia PD officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by officer Christopher Camp.

Mamie M. Baugh, 36, of Dewey Avenue, Rochester, is charged with third-degree assault following an incident on May 25 on Bank Street in the City of Batavia. She was arrested after Batavia PD responded to a disturbance at that location. She was issued an appearance ticket for city court. The incident was investigated by Batavia PD officer Keven DeFelice, assisted by officer Nedim Catovic.

Joseph Bennett, 26, of West State Street, Albion, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property and petit larceny. He was transferred to Batavia Police by Albion Police on May 29 after being arrested on a warrant for violation of Genesee County probation. He was jailed in lieu of $5,000 cash or $10,000 bail bond and is due in Batavia City Court on June 6. The incident was investigated by Batavia PD officer Nedim Catovic.

Darrin Mitchell Brown, 24, of South Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. On June 1, he was arrested by a Sheriff's deputy for allegedly violating a court order of protection by threatening the protected person. Brown was issued at appearance ticket and is scheduled to be in Town of Oakfield Court on June 16 to answer to the charge. The incident was investigated by deputy Joseph Loftus.

Joey Aaron Evans, 23, of State Street, Batavia, was arrested by Batavia PD on May 29 on a bench warrant issued by Batavia City Court for allegedly failing to comply with drug court and petit larceny. He was jailed on $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 bond. He is to appear in city court again on June 26.

Michael D. Snyder, 42, of Pringle Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested following an incident on May 30 wherein he allegedly took a 30-pack of Budweiser beer from Top's Market without paying for it. Snyder fled eastbound on Route 5 and was apprehended near the Batavia Fire Department. He was released on an appearance ticket and is to appear in city court on June 3. The incident was investigated by Batavia PD officer Chad Richards, assisted by officer Richard Schauf.

John A. Snook, 26, of Gillette Road, Albion, is charged with petit larceny for allegedly stealing $51.95 in merchandise from Walmart on May 14. He was arrested by Genesee County Sheriff's deputies and is currently in Orleans County Jail and is scheduled to appear in Town of Batavia Court on June 16. The incident was investigated by deputy Joseph Loftis.

A 16-year-old student at Pavilion High School was arrested on May 30 and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. The student was allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance while at the high school. The student was issued an appearance ticket for Pavilion Town Court at a later date. The incident was investigated by Sheriff's deputy Chad Minuto.

Alleged one-eyed bandit accused of stealing gas clerk's prescription glasses

By Billie Owens

The clerk at the Kwik Fill at the corner of Ellicott and Jackson streets reports that an elderly white male allegedly stole his prescription glasses. The suspect was last seen walking toward Save-A-Lot and law enforcement is responding. He is described as being 5'10'' with a skinny build, wearing a flannel shirt, suspenders, a cowboy hat and he has one eye.

UPDATE 7:29 p.m.: The glasses are aviator style and the theft is allegedly on the store's film, which an officer is reviewing.

UPDATE 7:33 p.m.: The suspect has been located and police are taking him to the Kwik Fill.

Allegedly drunk motorcyclist causes ruckus at Indian Falls Log Cabin

By Billie Owens

An allegedly intoxicated motorcyclist is said to have caused a ruckus at Indian Falls Log Cabin Restaurant. The male allegedly punched an employee's car. He was last seen riding a Harley-Davidson toward Route 77. Law enforcement is responding.

UPDATE 5:04 p.m.: The bike is black. A female employee was also allegedly punched. City police are notified as the license returns to a city street.

Photo: Suspected shoplifter taken into custody

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia PD tracked down a suspected shoplifter from Tops a short time ago behind Falleti Ice Arena. The suspect, whose name has not yet been released, was found riding his bicycle with the alleged stolen merchandise -- a 30-pack of Budweiser -- strapped to the back.

Manhunt under way near Cedar Street for possible warrant suspect

By Billie Owens

A manhunt is under way in the area around Graham Corp. for a possible warrant suspect. A caller contacted dispatch about a "suspicion male" walking around and a Batavia Police officer spotted him and provided a name, which if it's him, is wanted by the law. After the suspect saw the officer, he ran into the woods behind Graham Corp., located on Florence Avenue. A canine unit is available if needed, the police said. The suspect is a white male wearing white pants and a red hoodie. He is said to be close to Cedar Street now.

Law and Order: Man accused of giving fake name to police during investigation

By Howard B. Owens

Jarrod K. Fotiathis, 19, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with false personation. Fotiathis was suspected of being involved in a fight Wednesday night on Swan Street. When questioned, Fotiathis allegedly gave a false last name to a police officer. Officers reportedly asked him several times for his real last name and Fotiathis allegedly refused to do so. 

William Scott Smith, 46, of Main Road, Pembroke, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Smith was allegedly found in possession of marijuana at 11:45 p.m. May 16 on Main Road, Pembroke, by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Michael Joseph Elmore, 23, of Summit Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and trespass. Elmore allegedly trespassed on private property and was found in possession of marijuana at 3:10 p.m. May 24 by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Kristine Szumigala, 40, of East Avenue, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Szumigala was allegedly involved in a fight at 8:57 a.m. Sunday at 16 Bank St., Batavia.

Grand Jury files indictment in case of shots fired on State Street in September

By Howard B. Owens

A Genesee County Grand Jury has filed an indictment against a Batavia resident who is accused of firing a handgun at another person while on State Street on Sept. 27.

Deshawn Allen Butler, 34, was wanted for a time in connection with the shots fired incident and was arrested in December. He was released from jail a few days later when the prosecution, which wasn't ready to proceed with a pre-trial hearing, called a felony hearing.

Butler was indicted on counts of criminal use of a firearm, 2nd, a Class C violent felony, criminal possession of a weapon, 2nd, a Class C violent felony, and attempted assault, 1st, also a Class C violent felony.

Other indictments filed by the Grand Jury:

Kelly M. Zwolinski is indicted on a count of criminal possession of stolen property, 4th, a Class E felony. Zwolinski is accused of knowingly possessing stolen property valued at more than $1,000. In this case, a Western barrel-racing saddle, a Western trail saddle, two sets of stirrups and a breast collar.

Jose A. Esquilin is indicted on a count of DWI as a misdemeanor and aggravated unlicensed operation, a Class E felony. Esquilin was stopped Dec. 6 on the Thruway in Pembroke.

Prison sentence corrected for Alabama man accused of firing shots in direction of deputy

By Howard B. Owens

Sentenced once, an Alabama man who was arrested in November after police believed he had fired a weapon during an apparent domestic incident, was back in court today to be sentenced again.

Judge Robert C. Noonan said neither he, the prosecution nor the defense picked up on the fact in February that the charge Reuben Lay admitted to was not a violent felony. Since it wasn't, Noonan could not impose a determinate (set time) sentence under NYS sentencing guidelines.

The 50-year-old Lay could have withdrawn his guilty plea to criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd, but that would have exposed him to a trial on the other charges he face and a conviction could have meant consecutive sentences on each count.

Lay, who entered the courtroom with two state prison guards and was dressed in khaki slacks and a crisp white shirt and sporting close-cropped hear and sunglasses, declined the chance to withdraw his plea and was sentenced to 22 months to 66 months in prison.

During the early morning incident on Bloomingdale Road, Lay reportedly fired shots in the direction of a deputy and trooper. The Emergency Response Team was activated, but never deployed. Since there were no hostages and Lay presented no immediate danger to others, the Sheriff's Office decided to wait until the morning to arrest Lay rather than engage in a late-night confrontation.

Lay was charged with with criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd, and reckless endangerment, 1st, both Class D felonies. He was also charged with misdemeanor counts of criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation and harassment, 2nd.

Guitar stolen, pawned, but shop has no record of who bought it

By Howard B. Owens

This guitar was stolen from a local woman and pawned at a local pawn shop. The pawn shop has no record of who bought the guitar. Paul Draper is trying to recover the guitar for his aunt. If you know the whereabouts of the guitar, e-mail Paul at TheGCMG@Gmail.com.

State Police investigating theft of little red Corvette

By Howard B. Owens

State Police say it disappeared much too fast -- a 1966 red Corvette was apparently stolen from the parking lot of Applebee's in Batavia at about 5 p.m., May 7.

The classic coupe has chrome side pipes, a black interior and is owned by a Wyoming County resident.

Anyone who is familiar with this vehicle or has information regarding this incident is asked to contact the State Police at (585) 344-3311.

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