Batavia High student accused of making harassing phone calls to several women
A 16-year-old Batavia High School student is facing seven counts of aggravated harassment for allegedly placing calls to various local women that were either of a sexual nature, or were, in the words of Det. Todd Crossett, "disturbing and alarming."
In all, during the months-long investigation, Crossett said at least 45 women came forward with complaints about unwanted calls from the youth.
The name of the suspect has not been released by police because he's eligible for youthful offender status.
While many of the calls were made to women associated with BHS, Crossett said the alleged victims were spread throughout the community.
"I'm not 100 percent certain why he chose who he chose," Crossett said.
The first complaint came in last July, Crossett said, and at that time, he suggested to the alleged victim that she block her private numbers, but then in the coming months, more and more women came forward, especially as women started talking with each other about getting the calls.
In was in December that Crossett said he decided, "OK, we've got something here," and he started to compile evidence for a criminal case.
The seven charges are related to alleged calls going back to October.
Most of the women chose not to press charged, Crossett said, because they know the boy's family and felt the family could handle the issue.
However, the seven women who are pressing charges wanted to ensure that an order of protection is put in place, which can only happen if criminal charges are filed.
"Also, the general consensus was that they want him to get help," Crossett said. "That really was the consensus of the women."
The youth was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and released under the supervision of Genesee Justice.