Skip to main content

Bergen

Law and Order: Akron Road resident arrested on drug possession charge

By Billie Owens

Caleb Richard Swendsen, 26, of Akron Road, Pembroke, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. Following a domestic incident in the Village of Oakfield at 7:13 p.m. on April 14, Swendsen was arrested and charged with that Class A misdemeanor. Swendsen was taken to Genesee County jail, then released with an appearance ticket to be in Oakfield Village Court on May 24. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Jonathan Dimmig.

Terry Nelson Ritchey, 48, of Alexander Road, Batavia, is charged with: driving while ability impaired by alcohol; no tail lamp; and no plate lamp. At 1:33 a.m. on April 15, Ritchey was arrested after a traffic stop on Clinton Street Road in Bergen. It is alleged that Ritchey drove a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol. The defendant was issued traffic tickets then released. Ritchey is due in Bergen Town Court on June 2. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jacob Gauthier, assisted by Deputy Austin Heberlein.

Three people arrested in Bergen early Sunday morning, one charged with three felonies

By Billie Owens

A Rochester man is facing three felonies after three people were arrested following a traffic stop in Bergen April 11.

A gray Chevrolet Malibu was pulled over by Genesee County Sheriff's deputies on Route 33 at 12:38 a.m.

The operator, Paula G. Pierce, 29, of State Street, Batavia, was allegedly driving with a suspended NYS driver's license. There were two other occupants, Michael R. Whitman, 48, of Federal Street in Perry, and 29-year-old Justin P. Porter, of Bennington Drive, Rochester (inset photo, right).

Deputy Nicholas Chamoun conducted an investigation, aided by Deputy David Moore, and K9 Deputy Andrew Mullen, who deployed K9 Frankie to check the exterior of the vehicle. According to the Sheriff's Office report, Frankie indicated a positive response for the presence of narcotic drugs.

Deputies conducted a vehicle search and allegedly found drugs and the three occupants were arrested. Assisting at the scene were Deputy Austin Heberlein, Deputy Ryan Young and Deputy Jacob Gauthier.

Porter is accused of providing deputies with a fake name and refusing to disclose his true identity. It is also alleged that while in custody at the Sheriff's Office, he attempted to conceal drugs by hiding them in an interview room.

Porter was arraigned virtually in Town of Bergen Court and charged with: criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree -- with intent to sell, a Class B felony; tampering with physical evidence, a Class E felony; fourth-degree conspiracy, also a Class E felony; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a Class A misdemeanor; obstruction of governmental administration, another Class A misdemeanor; and false personation, a Class B misdemeanor.

Due to bail reform, Porter was released on his own recognizance.

Pierce and Whitman were issued appearance tickets on charges of fourth-degree conspiracy and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree.

Pierce is also charged with aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree, an unclassified misdemeanor; and she was issued a traffic ticket for insufficient turn signal, a violation.

Members of the Genesee County Drug Task Force also assisted in this case.

A single-vehicle accident reported on West Sweden Road, Bergen

By Howard B. Owens

A one-vehicle accident is reported in the area of 6369 W. Sweden Road, Bergen.

The initial call reported a person was trapped and Mercy Flight was put on ground standby.

A chief on scene reports the occupant is out of the vehicle and walking around and Mercy Flight can stand down.

Bergen fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

All units can respond nonemergency.

Law and Order: Two men arrested for first-degree rape

By Billie Owens

Hezekiah N. Burch, 19, (inset photo right) is charged with: two counts of first-degree rape with forcible compulsion, a Class B felony; first-degree sex abuse with forcible compulsion, a Class D felony; and attempted sex abuse in the first degree with forcible compulsion, a Class E felony. The charges allegedly stem from separate incidents on Hutchins Place over a one-month time frame earlier this year involving a child less than 15 years of age. Burch was arrested at 6:15 p.m. March 29 after a sex abuse investigation. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in jail in lieu of $40,000 cash bail, $60,000 bond, or $80,000 partially secured bond. He was due back in city court April 2.

Kyle J. Gugel, 35, (inset photo left) was arrested in the City of Batavia for allegedly violating an order of protection, illegally entering a residence and forcibly raping a victim at 9:30 a.m. on March 18 on West Main Street. He was arrested at 9:30 p.m. March 31 and charged with first-degree criminal contempt, a Class E felony; first-degree rape, a Class B felony; and second-degree burglary, a Class C felony. No court, jail or bail information provided.

Alejandro Rodriguez, 24, was arrested at 5:30 p.m. on March 28 and charged with: third-degree assault, a Class A misdemeanor; and second-degree robbery, a Class C felony. It is alleged that at 5:09 p.m. March 28 that Rodriquez was involved in a domestic incident on Dellinger Avenue in Batavia wherein he punched a woman in the face and stole property from her. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in jail in lieu of $2,500 cash bail, $5,000 bond or $7,500 partially secured bond. Rodriguez is due back in city court tomorrow (April 6).

Adam M. Jellison, 43, was arrested at 9:30 p.m. on March 25 following an investigation of a domestic incident that occurred Jan. 1 on Columbia Avenue in Batavia. He is charged with first-degree criminal contempt, a Class E felony, and second-degree strangulation, a Class D felony. Following his arraignment in Batavia City Court, he was jailed without bail.

Jeffrey J. Keily, 51, of Hidden Pond Lane, Walworth, is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- first offense; aggravated DWI per se -- with a BAC of .18 percent or more; operating a motor vehicle without insurance; and drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle on a highway. Keily was arrested at 7:37 p.m. April 3 on Clinton Street Road in Stafford after deputies were dispatched for a report of an erratic driver. After an investigation, it is alleged Keily had a BAC of more than three times the legal limit. He was released with appearance tickets to be in Stafford Town Court on April 21. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush, assisted by Deputy Jonathan Dimmig.

Kerwin Rey Vega, 33, of Flint Street, Rochester, is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- with a conviction within the last 10 years; aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree; DWI with a child passenger less that 16 years old (child is 11); operating a motor vehicle while having an open container of alcohol; operating a motor vehicle without an ignition interlock device; and refusal to take a breath test. At 1:12 a.m. on April 4, Vega was arrested after a traffic stop in the Town of Bergen. Vega was released on appearance tickets and is due in Bergen Town Court on April 14. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore, assisted by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun.

Rae Cook, 32, was arrested and charged with second-degree harassment at 7:30 p.m. March 30 after multiple disturbances at a Batavia residence. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court tomorrow (April 6).

Kristen Marie Owens, 32, of Main Road, Stafford, is charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs and speeding in excess of 55 mph. She was arrested at 7:59 p.m. April 2 on Route 237 in Stafford after a traffic stop. She was issued appearance tickets in be in Stafford Town Court on April 15. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore, assisted by Sgt. Andrew Hale.

Shane Crites, no age provided, was arrested on an active warrant out of Lamar County Sheriff's Office in Paris, Texas, where he is considered a fugitive from justice. He was arrested after a traffic stop at 11:13 p.m. March 25 on West Main Street Road in Batavia at Colonial Boulevard. Crites was arraigned in Batavia City Court then put in jail to await extradition to Texas. He is due back in Batavia City Court on April 22.

Paula Pierce, 29, was arrested on a Batavia City Court Bench Warrant on March 18 for failure to appear in court. Pierce was located after she called police to report an unrelated incident on State Street. She was released on an appearance ticket and is due in city court April 8.

Amanda Maben, 42, was taken into custody in St. Lawrence County on March 24 on a Batavia City Court Bench Warrant. She was arraigned in Wyoming County Court on a Wyoming County warrant in addition to the Batavia warrant. She was released on her own recognizance and is due in city court April 28.

Saturday was busy for the Easter Bunny and his crew in Bergen

By Virginia Kropf

BERGEN – Children in Bergen got to take part in an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday in Hickory Park, although it was not in the traditional format.

The event is an annual tradition in Bergen, in which children usually hunt for eggs by age group. 

This year, however, due to COVID-19, children stayed in their cars and parents drove by and the Easter Bunny (aka Tom Tieffel) and his helpers, Village of Bergen Mayor Anna Marie Barclay, Connie Tieffel, Anne Sapienza, and Jody Fisher and Sandy Partridge handed out bags of filled Easter eggs.

Kids got to see the Easter Bunny and then quickly checked to see if their bag contained a Golden Egg. If so, they were driven to the prize table to collect a special surprise.

The Easter Egg Hunt is sponsored by the Bergen Business and Civic Association.

Photos by Virginia Kropf.

Top photo: Easter Bunny, aka Tom Tieffel, waits by bags of prizes in Hickory Park for this year's drive-thru Easter Egg "hunt" in Bergen. 

Below, from left, Village of Bergen Mayor Anna Marie Barclay, Connie Tieffel, the Easter Bunny (aka Tom Tieffel), Anne Sapienza, and Jody Fisher and Sandy Partridge are all decked out and ready for the Easter Egg drive-thru event in Bergen’s Hickory Park on Saturday.

Law and Order: Alabama woman accused of stealing $9.5K in goods from smoke shop

By Billie Owens

Nia Hanevin Spring, of Meadville Road, Alabama, is charged with third-degree grand larceny. At 7 p.m. on March 23, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies responded to 986 Bloomingdale Road in the Town of Alabama for complaints of trespassing and larceny at the Rez Smoke Shop and Gas Station. Spring allegedly stole $9,501 in merchandise from the business. She was arraigned in Alabama Town Court and released on her own recognizance. She is due in Genesee County Court on May 18. The case was handled by Deputy Zachary Hoy, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.

Emery Green, 32, no address or place of residence provided, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds, 4th, a Class A misdemeanor. He was arrested and processed at Batavia Police Headquarters after an investigation into an allegation that he possessed a firearm on Batavia City School District property. He was arraigned virtually in Batavia City Court and is due to return there on April 13.

Joshua Williams Sr., 29, no address or place of residence provided, is charged with: criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree; second-degree menacing; endangering the welfare of a child; and second-degree harassment. He was arrested at 4:26 p.m. March 17 after a domestic incident in which he allegedly attempted to hit a person with a brick. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in jail on $5,000 cash bail, $10,000 bond, or $15,000 partially secured bond. He is due back in city court on April 22.

Clarence Wesley Odell, 52, of Corfu (no address provided) is charged with: felony driving while impaired by drugs with a previous conviction within 10 years; felony aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree; refusal to take a breath test; operating an unregistered ATV; and unlawful operation of an ATV on a public highway. At 11;38 p.m. on July 30, Odell was arrested after a traffic stop on South Pearl Street in the Village of Oakfield. He was arraigned on March 5 in Oakfield Town Court and is due back there on April 5. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Austin Heberlein, assisted by Jacob Gauthier.

James F. Perry, 36, (no address provided), was arrested and charged with first-degree criminal contempt after a disturbance at 1:30 p.m. March 16 on State Street in Batavia. He was allegedly observed in the presence of a person with an order of protection from him. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in jail in lieu of bail (unspecified). He is due back in court April 15.

Peter Joseph Mancuso, 32, of Northwood Drive, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief and second-degree criminal contempt. On March 26 Mancuso was arrested for allegedly causing damage to a door and doorknob at a residence on Roberts Road in Alabama at 11 a.m. March 10 in violation of an active order of protection. He was arraigned in Alabama Town Court and released on his own recognizance. Judge Charles Zambito issued a full stay away order of protection to the Roberts Road resident. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Chad Minuto, assisted by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Cynthia McKnight, 22, of Avenue D, Rochester, is charged with: aggravated driving while intoxicated per se -- with a BAC of .18 or more and no prior convictions; DWI -- first offense; and failure to stop at a stop sign. On March 27 at 6:41 p.m., Genesee County Sheriff's deputies responded to Route 33 in the Town of Bergen for a single-vehicle accident. After an investigation, McKnight was arrested on the charges. It is alleged she was driving while intoxicated and failed to stop at a stop sign, causing her vehicle to go off the roadway and into a field. She was released with appearance tickets and is due in Town of Bergen Court on April 7. The case was handled by Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush, assisted by Deputy Kyle Tower.

Photos: Easter Bunny in the Village of Bergen

By Howard B. Owens

bergeneasterbunny2021.jpg

The Easter Bunny paid a visit to the Village of Bergen today where he and his helpers handed out Easter eggs and other treats in a socially distanced drive-thru Easter egg hunt.

bergeneasterbunny2021-2.jpg

bergeneasterbunny2021-3.jpg

bergeneasterbunny2021-4.jpg

Law and Order: Pair of Batavia men arrested on felony drug charges

By Billie Owens

Anthony J. Welch aka "Science," 40, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony, and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, also a Class B felony. It is alleged that Welch sold a quantity of crack cocaine to an agent of the Genesee County Local Drug Task Force, comprised of officers from the GC Sheriff's Office and Batavia Police Department. Welch was taken into custody during a traffic stop on Clinton Street Road in the Town of Stafford (date and time not provided). He also had a bench warrant out of Genesee County Court for pending drug charges from last May. He was arraigned in county court, then released under supervision of Genesee Justice. The task force was assisted by uniformed deputies, a NYS officer from the Department of Environmental Conservation, and the DA's office.

Stephen Richard Hart, 34, of Cedar Street, Batavia, is charged with: criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree -- with intent to sell; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree; speeding in excess of 55 mph. At 10:46 a.m. on March 21, Hart was arrested after a traffic stop on Route 33 in the Town of Bergen. It is alleged that he possessed one or more preparations of a narcotic drug with an aggregate weight of one-eighth ounce or more, with intent to sell it. He was arraigned in Bergen Town Court and released on his own recognizance. He is due in Genesee County Court on May 5. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Bergen man killed in crash on Dublin Road

By Howard B. Owens

img_3660.jpg

A Bergen resident was killed in an overnight accident on Dublin Road, Bergen.

Bryan S. Holland, no age provided, was reportedly driving eastbound on Dublin Road at 12:30 a.m. when his vehicle left the roadway along the south shoulder, struck several mailboxes, a utility pole, and a tree.

The utility pole was sheared from its base, according to first responders, and the tree, with reportedly an 18-inch trunk and 30-feet tall, was knocked over.

Why Holland's vehicle left the road has not been determined.

The call came in at 12:32 a.m. When the first Bergen fire chief arrived on scene, he found Holland unresponsive. Coroner Tom Douglas was called to the scene and he pronounced Holland dead from injuries sustained in the crash.

The accident is under investigation by the Sheriff's Office Crash Management Team. Town of Bergen fire and Mercy EMS also responded.

(Initial Post)

Possible serious injury accident reported on Dublin Road, Bergen

By Howard B. Owens

A car has struck a utility pole in the area of 7634 Dublin Road, Bergen.

A person is trapped in the vehicle with possible serious injuries.

Dispatch is checking on the status of Mercy Flight.

Bergen fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 1:44 a.m.: This is a fatal accident. The coroner is on scene. The Sheriff's Crash Management Team is on scene. Preliminarily, it appears the vehicle was eastbound and left the roadway, striking a couple of mailboxes before striking a utility pole and a tree. The pole was broken and the tree, with a trunk twice the size of the utility pole, was knocked over. It's believed the driver was the sole occupant. 

Pair of students from Le Roy and Bergennamed to dean's list at SUNY Morrisville

By Billie Owens

SUNY Morrisville recently announced those students who were named to the dean's list for the Fall 2020 semester. To be named to the dean's list, a student must achieve a 3.0 to 3.99 grade-point average for the semester and complete 12 credit hours.

Jason Doemling, of Le Roy, majoring in Automotive Management -- BBA

Braeden Zimmerman, of Bergen, majoring in Autobody Technology -- AAS

SUNY Morrisville's curricula are enriched with applied learning and pave the way for opportunity at both the Morrisville and Norwich campuses. An action-oriented, interactive learning lab, the college is a national leader in technology and has been lauded for its exemplary, innovative and effective community service programs.

The college was ranked among the Best Regional Colleges in the North by U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges 2021 issue and was also recognized in the Top Public Schools, Regional Colleges North in the 2021 Best Colleges rankings. For more information about SUNY Morrisville, visit or connect with us at: www.morrisville.edu.

Grand Jury: Man accused of stealing more than $50,000 from Bergen business

By Billie Owens

Bruce D. Smith is indicted for the crime of second-degree larceny. It is alleged that between about April 2018 through March 2019 in the Town of Bergen that Smith stole property having a value of more than $50,000. In count two, he is accused of falsifying business records in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged in count two that in October 2018 that he acted with intent to defraud and falsified an entry into a business's financial records for the period of July 2018 through January 2019.

Christopher C. Good is indicted for the crime of first-degree burglary, a Class B violent felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 20 on Liberty Street in Batavia that Good knowingly entered and remained unlawfully in a dwelling with the intent to commit a crime and caused physical injury to a victim inside. In count two, he is accused of second-degree assault, a Class D violent felony, for intentionally causing serious physical injury to the victim. In count three, Good is accused of third-degree menacing, a Class B misdemeanor, for intentionally placing or attempting to place the victim in fear of death, imminent serious physical injury, or physical injury. In count four, Good is accused of second-degree aggravated harassment, a Class A misdemeanor, for communicating with a person with the intent to harass, annoy, threaten or alarm that person by making a threat to cause physical harm, thereby causing the victim to reasonably fear harm for their safety or their property, or that of their family or household.

Daniel E. King is indicted for the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 9 in the Village of Corfu that King drove a 2006 Suzuki on Route 33 while his driver's license was suspended or revoked by authorities and while he was under the influence of alcohol or a drug. In count two, he is accused of DWI, also as a Class E felony, for allegedly driving while intoxicated that day. In count three, King is accused of refusing to submit to a breath test. In count four, he is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, another Class E felony, for allegedly driving on Phelps Road in the Town of Pembroke on Nov. 12 while under the influence of alcohol or a drug while his license was suspended or revoked by authorities. In count five, King is accused of DWI for allegedly driving on Phelps Road in the Town of Pembroke while intoxicated on Nov. 12. In count six, he is accused of refusing to submit to a breath test Nov. 12 on Phelps Road in the Town of Pembroke. In Special Information filed by District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, he is accused of having been convicted of DWI as a misdemeanor on Aug. 6, 2012, in Greene County Court, and that conviction forms the basis for the suspension or revocation referred to in counts one and four of the current indictment.

Lisa A. Way is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Dec. 5 in the City of Batavia that Way drove a 2011 Chevolet on Ellicott Street (Route 63) and on the driveway/parking lot at an address on that street while intoxicated. In count two, Way is accused of refusing to submit to a breath test. In Special Information filed by District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, she is accused of having been conviction of DWI as a misdemeanor on Nov. 8 in Town of Newstead Court in Erie County and that conviction was within 10 years of the crime alleged in count one of the current indictment.

Law and Order: Bethany man accused of possessing cocaine and pot after stop in Covington

By Billie Owens

Louis M. Coleman, 48, of Bethany (no address provided), was arrested on March 7 after a traffic stop on Route 63, in the Town of Covington. He was the driver of a vehicle stopped for erratic operation and was allegedly found to be operating with a non-driver ID, with a total of seven suspensions/revocations dating back to 2001. According to the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office incident report, a bag containing more than two ounces of marijuana was "in plain view on the passenger floor, and a suqsequent vehicle search led to the seizure of a vial containing over a gram of cocaine." Coleman, a three-time convicted felon -- including one violent felony -- was taken into custody and processed at the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office. He is charged with: criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, a Class D felony; criminal possession of marijuana in the fourth degree; aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree; unlicensed operation; and following too closely. He was arraigned virtually for Warsaw Town Court, then held without bail in Wyoming County Jail. He is due in Wyoming County Court on March 19. The case was handled by Wyoming County Sheriff's Sgt. Colin Reagan.

Nateeka Marie Gibson, 31, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: third-degree criminal trespass; obstruction of governmental administration; and resisting arrest. At 2:22 p.m. on March 6, deputies responded to Walmart in Batavia for a reported trespassing complaint. Following an investigation, Gibson was arrested. It is alleged that she trespassed in Walmart after being previously banned from the store and that she resisted arrest when deputies took her into custody. She was issued appearance tickets and is due in Town of Batavia Court on April 29. The case was handled by Deputy Erik Andre, assisted by Deputy Ryan Young and Deputy Howard Wilson.

Patsy A. Rapone, 53, of Ellicott Street Road, Bethany, is charged with: endangering the welfare of a child; criminal mischief; and criminal contempt in the second degree. Rapone was arrested after he responded to Batavia Police Department headquarters to turn himself in. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in jail in lieu of bail (unspecified). He is scheduled to reappear in city court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider.

Reginald Charles Sampson Sr., 55, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- with a BAC of .08 percent or more; DWI -- first offense; aggravated unlicensed operator in the third degree; and moving from lane unsafely. At 5:50 a.m. March 5, Sampson was arrested on Ellicott Street in Batavia following a motor-vehicle accident that occurred in Bergen. It is alleged that Sampson exited the roadway and struck the Lyman Road sign in the area of 7268 Route 33 in the Town of Bergen. He was issued traffic tickets and is due in Bergen Town Court on March 17. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas Chamoun, assisted by Deputy Jordan Alejandro.

Steven I. Decker, 71, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with trespass. On March 2, Batavia Police Officer Peter Post arrested Decker for trespass after a disturbance at a business on Jackson Street in the city. It is alleged Decker refused to leave the premises. He was given an appearance ticket and released with a return date of May 4 to be in Batavia City Court. Officer Mitchell Cowen assisted in the case.

Bergen's Emily Chaback named to President's Honors List at the University of Hartford

By Billie Owens

The University of Hartford is pleased to announce Emily Chaback, of Bergen, has been named to its President's Honors List for Fall 2020.

The President's Honors List is made up of an extremely select group of students who earned a grade-point average of 3.75 or higher in the semester. This is the GPA that must be sustained over a full undergraduate career to qualify for a degree summa cum laude

Spread across seven dynamic schools and colleges, the University of Hartford has been guiding the purpose and passion of students for over six decades. On our 350-acre campus alongside Connecticut's capital city, approximately 5,000 undergraduate and 1,500 graduate students from 48 states and countries come together for a common purpose: to collaborate across different disciplines, diversify perspectives, and broaden worldviews.

We're a four-year private university focused on advancing the public good through meaningful connections within our communities. Our unique approach to comprehensive education gives us the critical perspectives that lead to impactful change, regionally and beyond. With degree programs spanning the arts, humanities, business, engineering and technology, education, and health professions, we focus on doing the work that matters. Visit www.hartford.edu for more information.

Law and Order: Batavia man facing felony drug charges arrested for bail jumping

By Billie Owens

Johnathan Falk, 22, of Batavia (no address provided) (inset photo right), was arrested Feb. 17 by Wyoming County Sheriff's deputies on two warrants stemming from previous arrests. In January 2020 he was arrested for petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor, in the Town of Warsaw then released as the charge did not qualify for bail reform. He was arrested later that month for criminal possession of a controlled subject in the fifth degree, a Class D felony, and criminal sale of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, a Class C felony. Again he was released since the offenses did not qualify for bail. In June, Falk was arrested for two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the second degree and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the second degree, both Class A-II felonies. He was released from custody again. The defendant was indicted on the felony charges in August; he never appeared in court and warrants were issued out of Wyoming County Court and Town of Warsaw Court. When he was arrested earlier this month, he was additionally charged with third-degree bail jumping, a Class A misdemeanor. Falk was arraigned in Warsaw Town Court and put in Wyoming County Jail in lieu of bail (unspecified). Falk is due back in Wyoming County Court at a later date. Genesee County Sheriff's Office assisted with locating and arresting Falk. The case was handled by Wyoming County Sheriff's Deputy Bradley McGinnis, assisted by Deputy Aaron Chase.

Steven Luigi Maltese, 51, of Clinton Street Road, Bergen, is charged with third-degree menacing and endangering the welfare of a child. At 4:05 p.m. on Feb. 19, deputies responded to the 4000 block of South Main Street in the Town of Batavia for a reported domestic incident. After an investigation, Maltese was arrested for allegedly threatening a female victim in the presence of a juvenile during a domestic dispute. He was arraigned in Genesee County Court and is due back there on April 5. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Erik Andre.

Benjamin J. Lathan, 20, and Brandon C. Lewis, 20, both of Bergen (no addresses provided) were arrested Feb. 21 by State Police out of the Amity Barracks and charged with petit larceny and trespass. Troopers investigating the January theft of three trail cameras from a property on Streeter Brook Road in the Town of Genesee allegedly determined both men were involved in the theft of the cameras. Both were arrested and released with appearance tickets for Genesee Town Court, where they are due to appear in March.

Will R. Thompson, 21, of Byron (no address provided), was arrested on Feb. 14 by a Wyoming County Sheriff's deputy and charged with having an uninspected motor vehicle and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree. At 3:22 p.m. that day Deputy Austin Harding was patrolling northbound on South Main Street in the Village of Perry, when he observed a gray pickup truck southbound with a 2020 inspection sticker on the front windshield. Harding conducted a traffic stop near Camp Road and a DMV data check found the inspection sticker expired Nov. 30 and that Thompson's license was suspended twice for failure to answer a summons in the Town of Hastings Court on Feb. 8. Thompson was proceseed roadside, then released with an appearance ticket to appear in Village of Perry Court at a later date.

Antonio Diego Dames, 45, of Farnsworth Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon marijuana in the fourth degree. At 2:29 p.m. on Feb. 22, Genesee County Sheriffs deputies responded to a residence on Farnsworth Avenue in the Village of Oakfield to assist the county Probatation Department. After an investigation, Dames was arrested for allegedly possessing more than two ounces of marijuana. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Oakfield Town Court on April 5. The case was handled by Deputy Erik Andre. CORRECTION: This item initially, and mistakenly, used the word "weapon" instead of "marijuana" in the criminal charge. The Batavian regrets the error.

Bergen's Emily Chaback named to fall dean's list at University of Hartford

By Billie Owens

The University of Hartford is pleased to announce Emily Chaback, of Bergen, has been named to its Dean's List for Fall 2020.

Spread across seven dynamic schools and colleges, the University of Hartford has been guiding the purpose and passion of students for over six decades. On our 350-acre campus alongside Connecticut's capital city, approximately 4,600 undergraduate and 2,000 graduate students representing 49 states and 47 countries come together for a common purpose: to collaborate across different disciplines, diversify perspectives, and broaden worldviews.

We're a four-year private university focused on advancing the public good through meaningful connections within our communities. Our unique approach to comprehensive education gives us the critical perspectives that lead to impactful change, regionally and beyond. With degree programs spanning the arts, humanities, business, engineering and technology, education, and health professions, we focus on doing the work that matters. For more information, visit hartford.edu.

American Warrior Festival launches national virtual event series, partners with The Firing Pin in Bergen

By Press Release

Press release:

American Warrior Festival, in partnership with parent company Strength In Numbers Entertainment, is proud to announce the launch of their national virtual event series -- with roots in Genesee County -- in their ongoing efforts to support our country’s veterans and those currently serving in the United States Armed Forces.

The entertainment organization is making its return after the unprecedented circumstances of last year, which caused the team to pause on some of their most anticipated live events.

American Warrior Festival’s spring virtual events are currently open for registration and end on March 25th with more events to follow. All are welcome to register to attend virtually and can participate at their own pace.

“Obviously, we were forced to hit the pause button just like everyone else when the pandemic hit; however, we found that the hiatus allowed us to rebuild and refocus on our mission, and we created an even better experience for our veterans and their families," says Dan Clor, American Warrior Festival founder and owner, Marine Corps veteran, and host of The American Warrior Festival Podcast. With this new virtual platform, we are now able to reach more veterans, and further spread our message."

Clor is partnering with The Firing Pin, an indoor shooting range in Bergen, for the virtual events in Genesee County.

Virtual Event Series Details

2021 AWF Medal of Honor Marksmanship Competition 

You can register and enter your score anytime between now and March 25th.

What You Will Do

To begin the drill, draw at the sound of the shot timer/verbal command/other signal and engage the target 10 times within the 10-second time standard. The objective is to score as many points as possible within the allotted time. Any ties resulting from points in a competition setting are broken by referring to the individual time; the next tiebreaker goes to the fastest engagement of the target.

Once you complete the drill:

1. Post your video in the “Discussion” area of the Facebook event page.

2. Enter your score into the leaderboard.

3. All participants who have completed the drill and entered their time into the system will be entered into a prize drawing to be held on Medal of Honor Day, March 25th, 2021. You will also receive a 2021 American Warrior Festival Medal of Honor T-shirt for completing the event.

For full details and to sign up for the event, click here.

2021 AWF Medal of Honor Virtual Run

National Medal of Honor Day is observed every year on March 25th and is dedicated to Medal of Honor recipients.

“Each branch of the U.S. military awards the Medal of Honor to those who have distinguished themselves ‘conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity’ above and beyond the call of duty,” according to the Department of Veterans Affairs official website.

In this time of social distancing, get in shape, connect with your friends and family through weekly trainings and compete for the best final times! Share your photos on social media to enter our weekly raffle for prizes.

Details:

1. Signup for the Virtual 5K, 10-miler, Fun Run/Walk or join a team.

2. All times are tracked through the leaderboard to add to the competitive fun.

3. Registration includes a T-Shirt, Medal, 10-percent off gifts and apparel in our merchant store, and partially as a donation to the Veterans Suicide Prevention Organization.

4. Includes a six-week virtual training course led by an experienced trainer and veteran.

To purchase tickets for the Ruck Run, click here.

“Our sponsors and team make this all possible. The tremendous support from local and national organizations, private businesses, individuals, ticket sales, concessions, and merchandise all go to help our veterans,” adds Clor. “This is just the beginning; get ready for more great news to come!”

A VA study on mental health concluded that, on average, 20 Veterans commit suicide a day and that the suicide rate is highest among veterans between 18 to 29. The American Warrior Festival and Strength In Numbers Entertainment mission is to help support organizations working toward veteran suicide prevention.

Help us defeat these horrific statistics through donations, participation, and sharing with others. It’s important to get our message out there, especially during these difficult times.

Partial proceeds from registration for each event go to veteran organizations such as The War Fighter Community FoundationMission 22, and Broken Warriors Angels.

For more information on how you can help support our veterans, please email Dan Clor at:  DanClor@strengthinnumbersent.com.

About American Warrior Festival

American Warrior Festival provides entertainment for the brave men and women who have served and are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces and gives them access to veteran support resources through our nonprofit partners. For more information visit: https://americanwarriorfestival.com/.

About Strength In Numbers Entertainment

Strength In Numbers Entertainment is a concert and event company that creates and promotes events, tours featuring heavy, edgier bands and artists spanning across multiple genres. For more information visit: https://strengthinnumbersent.com/.

32 GC students named to fall 2020 dean's list at RIT

By Billie Owens

The following local residents made the dean's list at Rochester Institute of Technology for the 2020 Fall Semester.

Undergraduate students are eligible for Dean's List if their GPA is greater than or equal to 3.40 for nine credit hours of traditionally graded coursework; they do not have any grades of "Incomplete," NE, D, or F; and they have registered for, and completed, at least 12 credit hours.

Nicholas Kelly, of Byron, who is in the Software Engineering program.

Celia Mercovich, of Bergen, who is in the Physics program.

Erik Scharlau, of Alexander, who is in the Physician Assistant program.

Andrew Pickard, of Batavia, who is in the Software Engineering program.

Ava Vescovi, of Le Roy, who is in the Business Administration-Marketing program.

Bethany Zwolinski, of Corfu, who is in the Biomedical Sciences program.

Sophia Zwolinski, of Corfu, who is in the Mechanical Engineering program.

Tyler Henry, of Bergen, who is in the Illustration program.

Haley Scripp, of Le Roy, who is in the Mechanical Engineering Technology program.

Taylor Schofield, of Pavilion, who is in the biomedical engineering program.

Lauren Burke, of Bergen, who is in the applied mathematics program.

Amelia Pestillo, of Batavia, who is in the management information systems program.

Maddi Howard, of Elba, who is in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.

Cambria Kinkelaar, of Bergen, who is in the Mechanical Engineering program.

Alex Warren, of Corfu, who is in the Computer Science program.

Alex Rosse, of Byron, who is in the Computing Security program.

Grace Vogler, of Corfu, who is in the Business Administration-Management program.

Lily Mercovich, of Bergen, who is in the Film and Animation program.

Charlie Stevens, of Le Roy, who is in the Mechanical Engineering Technology program.

Melissa Mountain, of Batavia, who is in the Interior Design program.

David Lapierre, of Oakfield, who is in the Mechanical Engineering Technology program.

Rachel Schauf, of Batavia, who is in the Applied Arts and Sciences Program.

Brett Lubberts, of Linwood, who is in the Computer Science program.

Ella Frank-Doyle, of Batavia, who is in the Medical Illustration program.

Molly Huber, of Batavia, who is in the Robotics and Manufacturing Engineering Technology program.

Will Palmer, of Batavia, who is in the New Media Design program.

John Mercovich, of Bergen, who is in the Mechanical Engineering program.

Chase Roth, of Alexander, who is in the Mobile App Development program.

Charles Carroll, of Oakfield, who is in the Chemistry program.

Ethan Stone, of Batavia, who is in the Computer Engineering program.

Colin Hunt, of Batavia, who is in the Packaging Science program.

Matthew Pencille, of Le Roy, who is in the Biomedical Engineering program.

Rochester Institute of Technology is home to leading creators, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers. Founded in 1829, RIT enrolls about 18,600 students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, making it among the largest private universities in the U.S.

The university is internationally recognized and ranked for academic leadership in business, computing, engineering, imaging science, liberal arts, sustainability, and fine and applied arts. RIT also offers unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The cooperative education programis one of the oldest and largest in the nation. Global partnerships include campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai and Kosovo.

Law and Order: Woman of accused of brandishing knife at officer, man accused of forcibly touching a person

By Billie Owens

Alicia M. Lyons, 41, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: petit larceny; menacing a police officer; and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. Lyons was arrested on Feb. 5 following an investigation of a larceny that occurred at 5:37 p.m. that day at the Kwik Fill on Jackson Street in the city. When confronted by law enforcement, Lyons allegedly brandished a knife toward a police officer. She was arrainged in city court and was due there on Feb. 10. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer John Gombos, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Lucas H. Benjamin, 69, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with forcible touching. He was arrested at about 2:20 p.m. on Jan. 28 after allegedly inappropriately touching an employee at a business on Bank Street in the city. He was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on March 9. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Miah Stevens.

Jason L. Jones, 49, of 76 Road, Brooktondale, is charged with: trespass; first-degree reckless endangerment; second-degree assault; and operating a vehicle with suspended registration. On Feb. 8, Jones was located on Jefferson Avenue in the City of Batavia and taken into custody without incident on an arrest warrant out of city colurt. The warrant stems from an incident on Dewey Avenue in Batavia that occurred at 5:25 a.m. Dec. 16. It is alleged that Jones struck a female with his vehicle during a domestic incident, causing injury to the victim. Jones was arraigned and put in jail on $2,000 cash bail or $4,000 bond or $8,000 partially secured bond. Jones is due in city court March 11. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Alexander L. Baldwin, 32, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with third-degree grand larceny. He was arrested Feb. 8 after a fraud complaint on North Street in the city alleging that he was paid money for a construction job he never began. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court, released under supervision of Genesee Justice and is due back in court April 15. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer John Gombos.

James Erick James, 41, of West Creek Drive, Webster, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and second-degree harassment. He was arrested Feb. 12 on a warrant out of Town of Bergen Court and transported to Genesee County Court for virtual arraignment. His case stems from an incident (unspecified) that occurred at 4:43 p.m. on Dec. 14 on Route 33 in Bergen. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Chad Cummings.

Daniel Myles Macleod, 33, of East Main Street, Corfu, is charged with: aggravated driving while intoxicated; aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree; driving while intoxicated -- with a previous offense; circumventing a required ignition interlock device; refusal to take a breath test; speed not reasonable and prudent; and operating an unregistered motorcycle. Macleod was arrested Feb. 13 at 4:22 p.m. after an investigation of a  motor-vehicle accident that occurred at 5:45 p.m. Nov. 27 on Alleghany Road in Darien. Macleod was issued traffic tickets and is due in Town of Darien Court on April 6. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathan Dimmig, assisted by Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Patrick Thomas Fuhr, 61, of Union Street, Cheektowaga, is charged with: reckless driving; obstructing governmental administration in the second degree; failure to signal, operating an unregistered motor vehicle on a public highway; and aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree. At 4 p.m. on Jan. 29, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies attempted to contact Fuhr on Buffalo Road in Bergen, and he allegedly tried to flee the scene once they made contact. He is due in Bergen Town Court on March 3. The case was handled by Deputy Ryan Young.

Brandon C. Smart, 43, of Highland Park, Batavia, is charged with: harassment in the second degree; criminal trespass in the second degree; and criminal mischief in the fourth degree. Smart was arrested after a domestic incident on Liberty Street that occurred at 11:15 a.m. on Feb. 8. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. He is due in city court on March 25. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker, assisted by Officer Connor Borchert.

Shaun Marquise Dukes, 39, of Elba Street, Rochester, is charged with: aggravated unlicensed operator of a motor vehicle in the first degree; unregistered motor vehicle; and uninspected motor vehicle. On Feb. 12 Dukes was arrested at 8:43 a.m. on Route 33 in Stafford after a traffic stop. It is alleged that Dukes was operating a motor vehicle and had a revoked non-driver indentification card with 27 suspensions/revocations. Dukes was released with appearance tickets and is due in Stafford Town Court on March 16. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Randy L. Ridd, 63, of Williams Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested after an investigation of an incident that occurred at a business on East Main Street in Batavia at 11:28 a.m. on Feb. 7. It is alleged Ridd took laundry detergent pods from a store without paying for them. He was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on April 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Connor Borchert, assisted by Officer Joshua Girvin.

Alicia M. Lyons, 41, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested after an investigation of a larceny that occurred at 3:11 p.m. on Jan. 29 at the Kwik Fill on Jackson Street in the city. She was released with an appearance ticket to be in city court April 13. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer John Gombos, assisted by Officer Peter Post.

Cameron Jacob Sokolowski, 28, of River Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested Feb. 5 after a shoplifting complaint at a store on Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia at 10:58 a.m. It is alleged he stole items from the store. He was taken to jail then released on an appearance ticket to be in Batavia Town Court on March 11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Mathew Clor.

Authentically Local