Cassandra Elmore

Oddey, the overdosed bulldog, adopted, animal abuse case resolved

Howard Owens — Mar 17, 2023, 5:57pm

After multiple inquiries, The Batavian has learned that animal abuse charges against Cassandra Elmore have been resolved, and the dog she was accused of allowing to ingest narcotics has a new home.

Elmore had actually entered a guilty plea, as part of a plea agreement, to disorderly conduct on Feb. 2, a month before our last story on the case, but nobody associated with the case informed The Batavian of the plea when we inquired about the status of the case.

Oddey, Elmore's former French Bulldog, was adopted the same day as when the article ran, March 3, and The Batavian's inquiry to a member of Volunteers for Animals about the dog's status also went unanswered.

Elmore entered her plea and was granted a conditional discharge, meaning that if she avoids any further arrests and complies with court orders for the next year, her record on these charges will be sealed.

Elmore, 30, was arrested in July and had faced three counts of injuring an animal under New York Ag and Markets Law Section 353. She reportedly took Oddey to veterinarians with apparent drug overdoses after the dog, according to police reports, licked up white powder from the kitchen floor.

Batavia PD is currently trying to locate Elmore, who has warrants out for her arrest after she was released from custody after being picked up on prior warrants, in order to go to a treatment facility. She reportedly never showed up at the facility.

The warrants are for charges that arose after her arrest on the animal charge. She is facing ongoing criminal complaints on charges of obstruction of governmental administration 2nd, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, criminal possession of a weapon 4th, criminal use of drug paraphernalia 2nd, as well as failure to comply with a court-ordered program.

Cassandra Elmore released from jail, reportedly fails to show up at rehab, warrants issued

Howard Owens — Mar 2, 2023, 6:10pm

Arrest warrants have once again been issued for a Batavia woman whose dog reportedly overdosed on narcotics after she reportedly failed to show up at an assigned rehabilitation facility.

Cassandra L. Elmore, 30, was arrested on multiple warrants by Batavia PD in early February and ordered held in jail on $100,000 bail.

After learning today that Elmore would not appear in City Court as scheduled today because an arrest warrant had been issued, The Batavian inquired with officials in the local criminal justice system about her case.

Through a FOIL request with the Sheriff's Office, The Batavian learned that Elmore was released on her own recognizance at 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 18 for a bed-to-bed transfer to a rehab facility.

Assistant District Attorney Jenna Bauer confirmed that Elmore is accused of never showing up at the facility, so a warrant was issued for her arrest.

Chief Shawn Heubusch said his officers are actively looking for Elmore.

There are two warrants for Elmore, Heubusch said.

One is dated Feb. 22 and is for failure to appear on obstruction of governmental administration 2nd and failure to comply with a court-ordered program. The second is dated Feb. 22 and is for failure to appear on charges of aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, criminal possession of a weapon 4th, criminal use of drug paraphernalia 2nd, and failure to comply with a court-ordered program.

In addition to the charges underlying the two new warrants, Elmore faces three counts of injuring an animal under New York Ag and Markets Law Section 353. She reportedly took Oddey, a French Bulldog, to veterinarians with apparent drug overdoses after the dog, according to police reports, licked up white powder from the kitchen floor.

Legally, Elmore still owns Oddey, and the animal shelter must care for it without putting it up for adoption unless she signs over custody of the dog to the county or the case is resolved in a manner that permits her to again take possession of the dog.

Meanwhile, the dog she is accused of allowing to overdose on narcotics, Oddey, remains confined to the Genesee County Animal Shelter, where it has been held since June. The dog has reportedly adjusted to life in the kennel and is doing fine.

To contact Batavia PD with information on Elmore's whereabouts, call (585) 345-6370.

Previously:

Law and Order: Man accused of previously running from police accused of running again

Howard Owens — Feb 14, 2023, 9:03pm

Arthur Brown

Arthur J. Brown, 46, of Britton Road, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, obstructing governmental administration, resisting arrest, and tampering with evidence. Brown was reportedly the subject of a traffic stop on Jan. 31 by Officer Wesley Rissinger at an unspecified location in the City of Batavia. He allegedly fled on foot from his vehicle and attempted to hide a quantity of cocaine in a bush. Brown was arrested and arraigned in Centralized Court and ordered held in the Genesee County Jail. (Previously: Le Roy man in 'shots fired' case accepts plea deal)

Cassandra L. Elmore was arrested on warrants stemming from previous charges after she allegedly failed to appear in court as ordered. She was arrested on Aug. 30 on charges of criminal possession of a weapon, obstructing governmental administration, aggravated unlicensed operation third, operating a motor vehicle without inspection, and two counts of criminal use of drug paraphernalia. On Sept. 10, she was charged with obstructing governmental administration. Elmore was ordered held on $100,000 bail, $100,000 bond, or $250,000 partially secured bond.

Cordero L. Royes, 35, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd and burglary 2nd. Royes accused of violating a stay-away order of protection. Officer Stephen Quider reportedly found Royes in a residence he wasn't allowed to enter. Royes was arraigned in City Court and jailed without bail.

Jarrod K. Fotiathis, 28, no permanent residence, is charged with burglary 2nd, petit larceny and identity theft 2nd. Fotiathis is accused of entering another person's residence, stealing property and personal information and then using the personal information to defraud the victim. Fotiathis was arraigned in City Court and ordered held on $2,000 bail, $5,000 bond.

Toni B. Crenshaw, 30, of Church Street, Lockport, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .18% or greater, and failure to keep right. Crenshaw was stopped at an unspecified location in the City of Batavia on Feb. 4 by Officer John Gombos. Crenshaw was released on an appearance ticket.

Jonathan K. Banks, 30, of Park Road, Batavia, is charged with resisting arrest, criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, tampering with physical evidence and obstructing governmental administration. During a traffic stop by Officer John Gombos on Jan. 31, Banks was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine. He allegedly attempted to flee on foot and fought with officers before being taken into custody. Banks was arraigned in Centralized Court and held in the Genesee County Jail.

Nikita N. Shook, 36, of East Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on three warrants out of City Court. She was arraigned in City Court and ordered held until her next court appearance.

A 16-year-old girl from Albion is charged with harassment 2nd. The girl was allegedly involved in a fight with another juvenile on Cherry Street in Batavia on Jan. 24. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Salvatore M. Motisi, 68, of Woodland Avenue, Farmingdale, is charged with DWI. Motisi is accused of driving his car over an embankment on an undisclosed street in the City of Batavia on Feb. 1. He was arrested by Officer Wesley Rissinger and released on an appearance ticket.

Jenna L. Josephite, 34, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with trespass. Josephite is accused of being in a local residence without permission on Feb. 4. Josephite was issued an appearance ticket.

Aamir K. Holloway, 23, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Holloway was arrested on Feb. 6. No further details released. Holloway was issued an appearance ticket.

Zakara R Jackson, 19, of Trumbull Parkway, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant issued by the BCC and additionally charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Jackson is accused of failure to appear as ordered on a previous arrest. She was held in the Genesee County Jail pending arraignments.

Woman accused in dog OD case goes to courthouse, leaves before case is called, warrant issued

Howard Owens — Jan 20, 2023, 4:17pm

Cassandra Elmore

For the second-straight scheduled court appearance, and the fourth time since her arrest, Cassandra Elmore was a no-show in City Court on Friday afternoon.

Meanwhile, the dog she is accused of allowing to overdose on narcotics, Oddey, remains confined to the Genesee County Animal Shelter, where it has been held since June.

The 30-year-old Batavia woman did make her way to the courthouse building today but disappeared shortly after speaking with her defense attorney, Assistant Public Defender Jamie B. Welch.

A warrant will be issued for her arrest at 2 p.m. on Monday if she doesn't appear in court before then.

A similar warrant -- with a 48-hour stay -- was issued after she failed to appear on Dec. 16. There was never a press release about her arrest on the warrant, but her name did appear on the court calendar for today's appearance.

Elmore faces three counts of injuring an animal under New York Ag and Markets Law Section 353. She reportedly took Oddey, a French Bulldog, to veterinarians with apparent drug overdoses after the dog, according to police reports, licked up white powder from the kitchen floor.

Elmore has promised that once her legal case is resolved, we will get "the real case."

A hearing on motions in the case was scheduled at her last appearance.

Since her initial arrest, Elmore has also been charged with criminal possession of a weapon, obstruction of governmental administration, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd.

Previously:

Elmore misses another court appearance while Oddey remains at shelter

Howard Owens — Dec 16, 2022, 7:00am

Cassandra Elmore

The Batavia woman whose dog reportedly ingested narcotics, leading to her arrest and to the dog being confined to the Genesee County Animal Shelter, once again failed to appear in Batavia City Court as directed.

A motion hearing was scheduled for Thursday afternoon and Cassandra Elmore didn't make it.

Elmore's attorney, Jamie B. Welch, assistant public defender, told Judge Thomas Burns that he hasn't heard from nor been able to contact his client for weeks and did not know why she wasn't in court for the hearing.

Burns issued a warrant for her arrest but stayed it for 48 hours, giving Welch a little more time to try and track her down.

Elmore hasn't consistently missed her court appearances, but she did skip an appearance in September and was subsequently arrested.

The 30-year-old Elmore has promised that once the case is cleared, we will get "the real case."

Welch was prepared to file motions on her behalf on Thursday but told Burns he would rather hold those motions until Elmore can be present in court. Burns said he also thought that is the best way to proceed.

Elmore was first arrested in July after she had taken her French Bulldog, Oddey, to veterinarians for emergency treatment. In each case, the veterinarians determined Oddey had overdosed on narcotics. Twice the veterinarians said they suspected Oddey had ingested cocaine. On one occasion, Elmore reportedly said Oddey had found white powder on the kitchen floor of her residence, then on River Street.

Since that arrest, Elmore has also been charged with criminal possession of a weapon, obstruction of governmental administration, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd.

Two members of Volunteers for Animals waited for nearly two hours Thursday to see if Elmore appeared. After court, they said Oddey is doing well at the shelter. Oddey, however, can't find a new forever home so long as Elmore retains ownership of the dog.

At her last court appearance, on Oct. 20, Elmore said she was willing to negotiate Oddey's future. The volunteers said there have been negotiations but no resolution was reached.

Previously:

Owner in dog OD case willing to discuss future of her dog while criminal case is pending

Howard Owens — Oct 20, 2022, 4:52pm

The future of Oddey, the French bulldog that reportedly overdosed on narcotics three times in May and June, may soon be resolved while the criminal case against Oddey's owner, Cassandra Elmore, will likely remain pending for some time.

Elmore appeared in City Court today with her public defender Jamie Welch.

Welch indicated he needs more time to file motions in light of new evidence (he didn't specify what the evidence is), new discovery turned over by the District Attorney's Office (again, not specified), and his recent receipt of lab reports (he didn't indicate what the lab results reveal).

He indicated the charges of injuring an animal under New York's Ag and Markets Law are more complicated than typical penal statutes and required more research.

Judge Thomas Burns agreed it is a complicated case and gave Welch until Nov. 25 to file his motions, and gave Assistant District Attorney Jenna Bauer until Dec. 8 to file her answering papers. He set a hearing date on motions for Dec. 15 at 1:30 p.m.

If that's all there was to the case, Oddey would be guaranteed at least two more months of confinement at the Genesee County Animal Shelter, but after the motion dates were set, Welch said there was one more thing to discuss.

His client, he said, was willing to meet with representatives of the "animal rights" group following the case -- referring to Volunteers for Animals. He said he didn't know if there were any respresentatives in court today -- there were -- but invited them to stop by the Public Defender's Office and pick up a copy of his card so they could discuss the future of Oddey.

Burns said it was wonderful news that there are options for Oddey.

"Options are good," he said.

Bauer said, "I believe that's the top concern of everybody here." She suggested that if an agreement could be reached regarding Oddey, a status appearance date be set so the issue could be resolved sooner than two months from now.

After meeting with the attorneys at the bench, Burns said the case will remain on the calendar for Dec. 15, but if an agreement is reached before then, the case can be recalled and the Oddey matter could be resolved in that appearance.

The case was then adjourned.

Previously:

Woman facing charges after dog ingested narcotics says 'real case' will come out

Howard Owens — Sep 22, 2022, 5:04pm

It was a short court appearance today for Cassandra Elmore, a Batavia woman facing three counts of injuring an animal in a case involving a dog that overdosed on narcotics.

Following an attorney conference, City Court Judge Thomas Burns announced that there were issues to be resolved in the case that needed to be placed on paper. He ordered Elmore, who is out of jail on bail after being arrested following a previous failure to appear in court, to return to City Court at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 20.

Burns said he will hear motions in the case at that time.

Outside of court, Elmore volunteered to a reporter, "It will be interesting when you get the real case. You will be embarrassed."

The 30-year-old Elmore was first arrested in July after she had taken her French Bulldog, Oddey, to veterinarians for emergency treatment. In each case, the veterinarians determined Oddey had overdosed on narcotics. Twice the veterinarians said they suspected Oddey had ingested cocaine. On one occasion, Elmore reportedly said Oddey had found white powder on the kitchen floor of her residences, then on River Street.

Since that arrest, Elmore has also been charged with criminal possession of a weapon, obstruction of governmental administration, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd.

Twice since her arrest in July, Elmore failed to make her scheduled appearance in City Court. Once somebody called the court and said Elmore was in the hospital. The second time, somebody who identified himself as an attorney from Pennsylvania indicated he was representing her.

Assistant Public Defender Jamie Welch is representing Elmore.

While Elmore remains free on bail as her legal case continues through the judicial process, Oddey remains confined at the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

Top photo: Outside of court, Cassandra Elmore poses for the camera as she walks out of the Courts Facility with her mother. Inside of court, during her proceeding, she blew a kiss at a reporter in the courtroom. Photo by Howard Owens.

Previously:

Dog abuse case postponed after VFA letter received

jfbeck_99_272012 — Sep 15, 2022, 5:59pm

Cassandra Elmore’s case was set for 1:30 p.m. today, and one thing was fairly certain: she would show since she was recently arrested on a warrant and put in jail. She had failed to show up two times previously.

After several other cases were brought before Judge Thomas Burns Thursday in City Court, Elmore was brought in, handcuffed and wearing a neon yellow jumpsuit with Livingston County Jail stamped on the back.

While waiting for her case to be called, Elmore turned to talk with her mother, Lisa, about posting bail, and made a one-fingered gesture to someone else in the gallery area. She was being represented by Assistant Public Defender Jamie Welch.

Judge Burns said that some correspondence was received from Volunteers For Animals, and it, in essence, asked for a “possible resolution to this case,” given that Oddey, Elmore’s dog that overdosed, has been sitting at the county shelter for more than two months.

Burns proposed adjourning the case for a week and set her next appearance for 1:30 p.m. Sept. 22.

Welch and Assistant District Attorney Jenna Bauer agreed. Burns instructed Elmore that, if she was to make bail, she needed to show up for her court date.

Elmore has missed two prior court dates after initially asking for more time to hire an attorney. Her original charge was three counts of injuring an animal after her dog was found to have overdosed on some type of narcotics.

She failed to appear in court on Aug. 11 (when a friend reported a call from Elmore in the hospital) and Sept. 8 and was arrested in between, on Aug. 30 after a traffic stop. She was charged with criminal possession of a weapon, obstruction of governmental administration, aggravated unlicensed operation third, uninspected motor vehicle, and insufficient tail lamps.

After not showing in court on Sept. 8, a warrant was issued for her arrest, and Batavia Police Department caught up with her on Sept. 10 after a property dispute at 316 East Main St. called them to the scene. She was arrested on the spot.

In the meantime, while her case has been pending and continues to be postponed due to her being a no-show, Oddey awaits his fate at the shelter. He can’t be put up for adoption while it’s an open case.

Volunteers For Animals member Wendy Castleman said Thursday that the dog is doing well. She couldn't answer any questions pertaining to the correspondence because it's an open case, she said.

Woman in dog OD case who skipped court appearances, arrested on warrant, held on bail

Howard Owens — Sep 14, 2022, 1:10pm

A property dispute at 316 E. Main St., Batavia, helped Batavia PD locate Cassandra Elmore, a Batavia resident accused of letting her dog overdose on narcotics but has missed court appearances on the case.

She was wanted on an arrest warrant as well as two bench warrants for her failure to appear in court.

She was located on Sept. 10.

According to Batavia PD, when Elmore was advised of the warrants, she attempted to stop officers from arresting her by closing a door and then actively resisting attempts by officers to place her in handcuffs.

In addition to the pending charges, Elmore is now charged with obstructing governmental administration 2nd

Elmore was arraigned in City Court and jailed on $5,000 bail.

She is scheduled to appear in City Court at 1:30 p.m., Thursday.

Elmore was arrested in July after showing up on emergency visits at veterinarians with her dog, Oddey, showing signs of a drug overdose. Two of the veterinarians said Oddey consumed cocaine, apparently found on the floor of Elmore's residence, which was then on River Street, and the third said an unspecified narcotic.

Elmore was arrested on three counts of injuring an animal under New York Ag and Markets Law Section 353.

At her first court appearance after her arrest, she asked for time to hire an attorney.

She failed to appear in court on Aug. 11 when a friend called the court to say she was in the hospital, a claim that was never substantiated in court.

She next failed to appear on Sept. 8 when a man claiming to be an attorney from Pennsylvania called and said Elmore had been unable to contact her public defender, a claim disputed by the public defender handling her case.

While Elmore's case is pending, Oddey remains at the Genesee County Animal Shelter, unavailable for adoption.

Elmore was also arrested on Aug. 30 following a traffic stop and charged with criminal possession of a weapon, obstruction of governmental administration, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, uninspected motor vehicle, and insufficient tail lamps.

Woman in dog overdose case again fails to show up for court appearance

Howard Owens — Sep 8, 2022, 5:29pm

A woman accused of injuring an animal after her dog overdosed three times on narcotics earlier this summer once again failed to appear in City Court on Thursday.

Cassandra Elmore was ordered to appear at 1:30 p.m. and was not seen in court by the time Judge Thomas Burns called her case at 3:20 p.m.

He said a court clerk had received a call earlier in the day from a man who claimed to be an attorney from Pennsylvania and that he was calling on Elmore's behalf, claiming that Elmore had tried contacting her assigned attorney multiple times and her calls were not returned.

Burns said the man provided only a partial address, no phone number, and said his secretary would be in touch with the court. The man also did not file a motion to change attorneys, Burns noted.

At no time, Burns said, did the clerk say Elmore was excused from her scheduled appearance today.

Elmore faces three counts of injuring an animal under New York Ag and Markets Law Section 353. She reportedly took her dog, Oddey, to veterinarians with apparent drug overdoses after the dog, according to police reports, licked up white powder from the kitchen floor.

Elmore did make her initial court appearance on the case on July 26, when she asked for time to hire an attorney.

On Aug. 11, Elmore failed to show for an ordered court appearance. On that date, a woman who identified herself as a friend of Elmore called and said Elmore was hospitalized. The caller was informed that the court needed proof of the hospitalization but no proof was sent to the court before her scheduled appearance.

Burns issued a warrant for Elmore's arrest but when The Batavian checked with Batavia PD on the status of the warrant more than a week later, a spokesman for the department said the department never received a warrant for Elmore.

Elmore was arrested on Aug. 30 following a traffic stop in Batavia and charged with criminal possession of a weapon and obstruction of governmental administration.

During today's hearing, Jamie Welch, with the Public Defender's Office, said he was unaware of any messages left for him by Elmore.

Assistant District Attorney Jenna Bauer told Burns that her office was not contacted by any other attorney claiming to represent Elmore. She also noted that it took Elmore two months to complete the paperwork required for the Public Defender's Office to represent her.

Following her Aug. 30 arrest, Elmore was ordered to appear in City Court on those charges at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 13.

Burns said she was going to be arraigned on those charges today, so he issued an arrest warrant related to those charges. He also issued two bench warrants for her failure to appear on the two injuring an animal charges.

At the time of her arrest on the animal charges, Elmore lived on River Street. Welch provided the court with a new residential address for her on East Main Street. Welch said he would be sending her a letter informing her of her court appearances and would attempt to reach her by phone.

Oddey remains at the animal shelter. Oddey is doing well, according to a member of Volunteers for Animals, but he can't be sent to a foster home or put up for adoption while the legal case against Elmore is pending or until she surrenders ownership.

Previously: