crime

Mitchell S. Schultz, 32, of Medina, was charged with driving while intoxicated Saturday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Schultz was seen swerving over the lines on Lewiston Road in Oakfield shortly before he was stopped by deputies. He was also ticketed with moving from the lane unsafely, driving across hazard markings, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Jon H. Bush, 25, and Rachael A. Baehr, 21, both of Elba, were charged with second-degree harassment Thursday, deputies said. Bush and Baehr are accused of getting in a fight with Kenneth Holley and Tanya Baehr.

Michael T. Ellis, 20, of 120 State St., Apt: Upper, Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated Sunday, city police said. Ellis was stopped for traffic violations on Tracy Avenue in Batavia. He was also ticketed with unsafe tires and failure to keep right.

A spending spree on five stolen credit cards that spanned Genesee, Niagara, Erie and Orleans counties and totalled more than $2,300 has led to the arrest of three men from Lockport, state police said. Investigation into the crimes began to unravel on November 25, when state police stopped Scott C. Strickland, 21, of Lockport, for a traffic violation on Beattie Road in Lockport. Strickland was then charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful posession of marijuana. "Trooper John Spero recognized that Strickland resembled an individual shown in a gas station surveillance video from an ongoing credit card theft investigation," police report.

From the press release:

That investigation began after a Lockport man reported his wallet containing five credit cards was stolen... The fraudulent use of the credit cards and the use of the gift cards purchased resulted in the discovery of several different individuals being captured on various store surveillance videos. After completing the arrest process with Mr. Strickland he was picked up at ... Lockport by a relative who was accompanied by what turned out to be one of the persons shown on the store surveillance videos.

That individual was Jason M. Rutty, 24, of Lockport. Rutty was charged with first-degree identity theft and second-degree forgery. He was sent to Niagara County Jail in lieu of $5,000 bail. Later that night, Jason M. Dorsaneo, 25, of Lockport, was charged with first-degree identity theft and second-degree forgery. He was sent to Niagara County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bail.

Rutty is accused of using four of the victim's credit cards at seven businesses. Dorsaneo is accused of using the fifth card at one business.

Mug shots: Strickland (top), Rutty (middle), Dorsaneo (bottom)

Jennifer L. Ferguson,30,  of 679 E. Main St., Batavia, was charged with a felony count of first-degree sexual abuse Tuesday, city police said. Ferguson is accused of sexually abusing a 2-year-old boy whom she was babysitting. The initial complaint was made on November 23. Ferguson was released under the court's supervision pending a later appearance.

A Batavia man was one of two arrested yesterday following an investigation into the home invasion in Newstead Tuesday evening, state police said. The Batavian reported the news yesterday, prior to any arrests. A homeowner in the town of Newstead reported to police that a man wearing a hooded sweatshirt knocked on his front door Tuesday evening around 9 o'clock. Police report: "As the victim was about to let the suspect in, he observed the suspect reach into his pocket." When the homeowner tried to close the door to prevent the man from entering, several shots were fired. The man then fled the scene. All of the shots hit the door and the wall of the home. No one at the scene was injured.

Both Norman P. Michael, 23, of 303 Bank St., Batavia (right), and Albert J. Bauer, 39, of Akron (left), was charged with a felony count of second-degree attempted murder and a felony count of criminal possession of a weapon.

Both men were sent to the Erie County Jail without bail. They will reappear in court on December 10. State police have said that the investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending.

Wesley Thigpen, 27, of 18 Maple St., Batavia, was charged with felony driving while intoxicated and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation Sunday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Thigpen was stopped on Route 33 in the town of Stafford. He was also ticketed with three traffic violations. Thigpen was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bail.

State police in Clarence are currently investigating a home invasion in the town of Newstead. From the press release:

On December 2, 2008 at approximately 9:05 p.m., the State Police in Clarence received a report of an attempted home invasion and shooting that occurred on Crittenden Road in the Town of Newstead.  The victim contacted the State Police and advised that a white male, approximately 28-33 years old, wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt knocked on the door of his residence and asked to use the phone.  As the victim was about to let the suspect in, he observed the suspect reach into his pocket.  The victim feared for his safety and shut the door to prevent the suspect from entering.  At that time at least six gun shots were fired striking the door and wall of the residence.  The subject then fled the scene.  No one at the scene was injured.   At this time, the State Police in Clarence in conjunction with the Erie County District Attorney’s Office are investigating the incident and have a person of interest in custody.  Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact SP Clarence at (716) 759-6831.

Daryl M. Oar, 38, of 3865 Pike Road, Batavia, was charged with second-degree harassment and resisting arrest Sunday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Oar was picked up by deputies following an investigation into a fight at his address. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $500 bail.

Cory R. Markidis, 19, of Rochester, was charged with a felony count of first-degree gang assault Saturday, city police said. Markidis was picked up on a warrant that dates back to April, 2007, for an incident in which he allegedly beat someone on East Main Street in Batavia, breaking the victim's nose and causing vision damage. Markidis was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $5,000 bail.

Christopher E. Krauss, 45, of no permanent address, was charged with second-degree obstruction of government administration Saturday, city police said. Krauss is accused of failing to abide by the rules of the Batavia Drug Court. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail.

Joshua A. Harris, 19, of 24 Columbia Ave., Batavia, was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief and endangering the welfare of a child Sunday, city police said. Harris allegedly punched a hole in a bedroom door and smashed a glass picture frame during a domestic dispute in the presence of three young children. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $3,500.

Marilyn J. Drilling, 47, of 4136 Colonial Blvd., Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated Friday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Drilling was stopped on Route 5 in the town of Batavia. She was also ticketed with speeding.

Derrick D. Pearce, 27, of 3440 Pearl Street Road, Apt. B, Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated and aggravated DWI Saturday, deputies said. Pearce was allegedly found by deputies asleep at the wheel, pulled off to the side of the road on East Main Street in Corfu, with the vehicle still running.

John Boyce, 20, of Oakfield, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana Thursday, deputies said. Boyce was stopped in Alabama. He was also ticketed with operating a motor vehicle with obstructed vision and drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle on the highway.

Jon H. Bush Jr., 25, of Elba, was charged with second-degree criminal contempt Wednesday, deputies said. Bush Jr. was allegedly spotted by probation officers drinking alcohol at the Oakfield Hotel, thus violating his probation. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $500 bail.

Thomas L. Gray, 25, of Le Roy was charged with driving while intoxicated Wednesday, deputies said. Gray allegedly struck a telephone pole with his vehicle on South Street Road in Le Roy, then fled the scene and later took off on foot. He was also ticketed with leaving the scene of a property damage accident and moving from the lane unsafely.

Renee M. Bermel, 20, of Attica, was charged with petit larceny and unauthorized use of a computer Tuesday, deputies said. Bermel allegedly used a computer at the Target store in Batavia sometime several months ago to create a false gift card which she then used to purchase merchandise.

Robert L. Drozdowski, 27, of 232 N. Spruce St., Apt. E, Batavia, was charged with three felony counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and three felony counts of third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, deputies said.  Drozdowski allegedly sold a quantity of cocaine and Oxycodone to an agent of the Genesee County Local Drug Task Force. He was sent to Genesee County Jail without bail.

Nick A. Hawkins, 24, currently an inmate at the Genesee County Jail, was charged with a felony count of third-degree burglary Tuesday, deputies said. That charge is related to a robbery that took place back in 2001 at the Frost Ridge Campground in Le Roy, where change was forcibly removed from vending and video game machines. Christopher D. Nolan was initially charged with the crime of burglary in 2002, because a fingerprint found at the scene matched his own. He was 21 years old at the time. After Nolan pled guilty to the charge, he was sentenced to five years of probation and restitution. Since then, a DNA profile of blood found at the scene of the crime has been found to be a match with Hawkins.

State police conducted another DWI saturation patrol following the Buffalo Bills home game this past Sunday. Four arrests were made for driving while intoxicated, among other charges. Jason A. Zymowski, 34, of Darien, was chargedw ith a felony count of driving while intoxicated, as well as a felony count of aggravated unlicensed operation.

Robert J. Jackson, 32, of 41 Maple St., Batavia, was charged with three felony counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance and three felony counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Jackson allegedly sold a quantity of cocaine to an undercover agent of the county's Local Drug Task Force Monday. He was sent to Genesee County Jail. No bail was listed.

Roberta Green, 45, of Rochester, was charged with second-degree harassment, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest Monday, deputies said. Green is accused of getting into a fight on a bus on Park Road in Batavia and striking another passenger. She allegedly then refused to comply with the bus driver who asked her to stop and had to be focribly taken into custody by deputies upon their arrival.

Kevin Williams, 43, of Buffalo, was charged with public lewdness Monday, deputies said. Williams allegedly exposed himself in front of deputies and urinated in the 48 Deli Express parking lot on Park Road in Batavia. Williams was sent to jail in lieu of $1,000 bail.

Batavia's city police force teamed up with the Genesee County sheriff's department Friday to keep an eye out for people of legal drinking age purchasing alcohol for those who are underage.

Undercover officers took up posts outside stores that sell alcohol to keep watch. As a result of the compliance operation, police have opened an investigation of endangering the welfare of a child regarding the purchase of alcohol by a 21-year-old male, who allegedly entered a car occupied by several people under 21, two of whom were already under the influence of alcohol. Police also investigated reports of an underage drinking party. No other information was available about either investigation in the release. We are enquiring if any charges were made.

"Both agencies will continue the compliance checks and variations of it in the future to help eradicate the dangers of underage consumption of alcohol," city police said.

Tabatha A. Torcello, 42, of Alexander, was charged with second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument Friday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Torcello is accused of possessing a forged prescription at the Target store in Batavia. She was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $5,000 bail.

Lacey L. Benben, 29, of Alabama, was charged with driving while intoxicated Saturday, city police said. Benben was stopped for a traffic violation on Ellicott Street in Batavia when she was allegedly found to be intoxicated. She was also ticketed with speeding and uninspected motor vehicle.

Patrick C. Schultz, 38, of Lockport, was charged with driving while intoxicated Friday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Schultz was stopped for a traffic violation on Route 5 in Pembroke. He was also ticketed with speeding.

Gregory E. Durfee, 22, of Attica, was charged with driving while intoxicated Sunday, deputies said. Durfee was stopped for a traffic violation on Tinkhan Road in Darien. He was also ticketed with moving from the lane unsafely and improper left turn.

Adam J. Zack, 21, of Lancaster, was charged with driving while intoxicated Saturday, deputies said. Zack collided with another vehicle on Route 20 in Darien. He was also ticketed with driving left of pavement markings in a no pass zone.

Adam B. Thomas, 19, of 191 S. Main St., Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated Sunday, deputies said. Thomas was allegedly driving on Route 98 in the town of Batavia when he lost control of his vehicle while texting on his cell phone. He then veered off the road, spun around and off the other side of the road. He eventually drove into a ditch and into a tree. Thomas was uninjured. He was also ticketed with speeding and failure to keep right.

Bharat Ramsamujh, 48, of Jamaica, was charged with driving while intoxicated and aggravated DWI Sunday, deputies said. Ramsamujh was found by deputies in the parking lot of Flying J's in Pemborke, following reports of a sick and possibly intoxicated person at the gas pumps. Deputies allegedly discovered several alcoholic beverages in the vehicle. Ramsamujh was also ticketed with possession/consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle and dark tint/unattended motor vehicle.

A few weeks ago, The Batavian reported on the search for Corrie Anderson, who was last seen in Jamestown on October 28. Earlier today, we picked up an article from the Jamestown Post-Journal that said police would be postponing the search for Anderson due to hazardous conditions.

We then received the following press release from the state police:

The Warren County Crime Stoppers in Pennsylvania and the Greater Buffalo Metropolitan Crime Stoppers are offering a cash reward for any information leading to the location of Corrie Anderson from Busti, New York.  Ms. Anderson was last since on October 28, 2008 leaving the Lake County Dodge in the City of Jamestown.  Ms. Anderson is described as a white female, 5’11’’ tall, 170 pounds, blonde shoulder length hair and green eyes.  She was last seen wearing black corduroy pants, a black leather jacket and glasses.  Ms. Anderson lives outside of Jamestown and is known to frequent Pennsylvania.  Her disappearance is considered suspicious and the New York State Police have had an ongoing investigation since she was reported missing.  A photo of Ms. Anderson is available on our website at www.troopers.state.ny.us.

Anyone in Pennsylvania with information may contact the Warren County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-83-CRIME; outside of Pennsylvania they may call (814) 728-3600.  The Greater Buffalo Crime Stoppers may be reached at (716) 856-5600.  Callers may remain anonymous.

New York State Police Senior Investigator Greg Holt will be available today at 2:00 P.M. at SP Jamestown for a press conference regarding the reward.  Please contact Trooper Gibbons at (716) 225-8712 if you plan to attend.

Batavia's City Police Department will host an informative session called: 'Deter, Detect, Defend: Learn more about identity theft' on December 11 at 7:00pm in the Batavia City Centre Board Room.

From the press release:

Identity theft occurs when your personal information is taken and used without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes. It is a serious crime that can cost you time and money, destroy your credit, and ruin your good name.

The Batavia Police Department wants to help you learn how to protect yourself from identity theft at a free meeting that’s open to the public. Please join us to learn more about how to reduce your risk of identity theft, and what to do if you suspect that your identity has been stolen. 

Contact Det. Richard Schauf at (585) 345-6312 for more information.

David Gibbons, 29, of Medina, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana Wednesday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Gibbons was allegedly found in possession of the drug following a traffic stop in Elba.

The search for a missing Sheldon man continues today, ten days after he went missing. Michael Shiltz, 42, was last seen on November 10, and his truck was found parked by a trail off of Humphrey Road in Sheldon two days later. Read our post from yesterday for more details.

In other news, Holiday Valley, the Ellicottville ski resort, is opening today. Thanks to the several feet of lake-effect snow over the past week, and more on the way, this will mark the third earliest opening of the resort in its 50-year history.

WBKW broadcast a follow up report last night about a bloody t-shirt found in a Batavia church dumpster last March.

Det. Sgt. Patrick Corona of the Batavia Police department said a DNA test of the blood revealed the victim was male, and because of the style of the shirt they believe the owner was either a teen-ager or a young man.

He believes the male could now be dead or a victim of a serious assault. Police have not found a connection to any assaults or missing people in the area. They also found no connection with the state's DNA bank. But he says the National Center For Missing And Exploited Children will conduct further DNA tests to create a better profile of the potential victim.

The police are asking anybody with information about this situation are encouraged to call Batavia Police at (585) 345-6444 or confidential tips can be left at (585) 345-6370. The police can also be contacted confidential via this web form.

The web site Missing Kids has more information.

State police out of Warsaw are searching for a Sheldon man who went missing nearly ten days ago. Michael F. Shiltz, 42, was last seen by his family on November 10. From the state police:

Sources close to the family reported locating Shiltz’s truck parked on a trail off of Humphrey Road in the Town of Sheldon and at the time concluded he may have been hunting in the area. This discovery was made on November 12.

His family grew worried after they failed to hear from him, and his vehicle remained parked at that same trail. Shiltz also failed to appear for a court matter on November 10 in the Sheldon Town Court.

State Police have canvassed and searched the area surrounding the location of the vehicle and found no signs of foul play. This search consisted of State Police Aviation, search dogs, and troopers, as well as State Forest Rangers and other volunteers who knew Mr. Shiltz.

Troopers are asking that anybody with information or who may have a possible sighting to contact the State Police at 585-344-6200. Michael Shiltz is described as being 5’08” tall – Blue Eyes – Blondish Hair – Thin Build – Moustache without a beard. He may be wearing a black cowboy hat and boots.

Joshua M. White, 20, of Bethany, was charged with a felony count of third-degree robbery and a felony count of second-degree assault for an incident that occurred on October 28, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. White is accused of seriously injuring someone in a fight in the Batavia Motel parking lot in the town of Batavia, after which he allegedly stole property from the victim. An order of protection was issued for the victim. White was not sent to jail. He is expected to reappear in court at a later date.

David R. Kaminski, 51, of Lancaster, was charged with driving while intoxicated and unlawful possession of marijuana Friday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Kaminski was stopped for a traffic violation on West Main Street in the village of Corfu. He was also ticketed with an improper right turn.

Frederick W. Roll 4th, 26, of Alexander, was charged with first-degree unlawfully dealing with a child Saturday, deputies said. Roll is accused of allowing individuals under the age of 21 to consume alcohol during a party at his residence.

Clara J. Stribling, 28, of Medina, was charged with driving while intoxicated Saturday, deputies said. Stribling was stopped for a traffic violation on Route 63 in the town of Batavia. She was also ticketed with moving from the lane unsafely.

Victor D. Albert, 48, of Buffalo, was charged with driving while intoxicated and aggravated DWI Sunday, deputies said. Albert was located by deputies following an investigation into a one-car property damage accident in the town of Darien. Albert was also ticketed with failure to stop at a stop sign and failure to reduce speed.

Randy S. Weidrich, 37, of 433 E. Main St., Room 6, Batavia, was charged with second-degree harassment Friday, city police said. Weidrich is accused of attempting to punch someone in the face during an argument. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $250.

Robert B. Stanton Jr., 48, of Stafford, was charged with driving while intoxicated and aggravated DWI Saturday, city police said. Stanton Jr. was stopped by police on Main Street following reports that an intoxicated driver had left Tops supermarket in Batavia. He was also ticketed with unsafe lane change, open container and driving left of the pavement markings.

Harley Burfield, 20, of Buffalo, was charged with third-degree criminal mischief Thursday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Burfield is accused of damaging the window of another vehicle following a road rage incident in Alabama.

Jeffrey M. Schmitt, 54, of Oakfield, was charged with driving while intoxicated and unlawful possession of marijuana Thursday, deputies said. Schmitt allegedly drove off the road on Route 262 in Byron and crashed into a utility pole, where he was found by deputies. He was also ticketed with moving from the lane unsafely.

Anthony P. Lovetra, 19, and James C. Hotnich, 20, both of 8170 Batavia-Stafford Townline Road, Apt. 1102, Batavia, were charged with unlawful possession of marijuana Thursday, deputies said. Following a traffic stop investigation one week ago, deputies searched the apartment of Lovetra and Hotnich and allegedly found marijuana. Hotnich was also charged with possession of alcohol under 21 with intent to consume.

Alan D. Tidd, 49, of 3191 Galloway Road, Batavia, was charged with second-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child Saturday, state police said. An investigation revealed that while Tidd was employed at Oakfield-Alabama School District as a bus driver, he allegedly touched a 13-year-old student "inappropriately." Tidd was arraigned in the town of Pembroke Court and released on his own recognicance and is scheduled to return on December 9.

A pair of Pavilion high school students face drug and alcohol charges following a K-9 search in the school's parking lot last week, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Mason Dumbleton, 17, of Pavilion, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Sarah Freeman, 17, of Wyoming, was charged with unlawful possession of an alcoholic beverage.

Cameron P. Sitarek, 18, of Darien, was charged with driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of a property damage accident Saturday, deputies said. Sitarek allegedly caused damage with his vehicle at a residence on Tinkham Road in Darien. He was also ticketed with moving from the lane unsafely.

Jared Brannan, 24, of Churchville, was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminal use of drug paraphernalia Tuesday, deputies said. Brannan was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine following a traffic stop on Route 5 in Stafford.

Charges are pending for a Batavia man who was ejected from his vehicle after he collided with a tree early this morning, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Brett T. Patterson, 20, of 8778 Alexander Road, was waiting for admittance into the emergency room at Strong Memorial Hopsital this morning. Deputies said that Patterson failed to negotiate a curve on Route 98 in the town of Batavia, then veered off the road, struck a Sunoco station pipeline marker, before the vehicle overturned and struck a tree. A passenger in the vehicle was not injured. Patterson was ejected.

Andrew W. Taylor, 21, of Albion, was charged with criminal impersonation and resisting arrest early this morning, city police said. Taylor is accused of giving police a false name in the midst of an investigation. Police then discovered an outstanding warrant issued for Taylor's arrest. Taylor allegedly attempted to flee and resisted arrest, struggling with the officers. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $2,500 bail.

As a result of the same investigation, Nicholas G. Mcadoo, 20, of Knowlesville, was charged with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon and one count of unlawful possession of marijuana. Police allegedly found Mcadoo in possession of a stun gun, a gravity knife and marijuana. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bail.

Norman D. Ball, 62, of Le Roy, was charged with driving while intoxicated Saturday evening, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Ball was picked up by deputies following an investigation into a minor motor vehicle accident in the Kwik Fill gas station parking lot in Le Roy.

Brian P. Calmes, 23, of Pavilion, was charged with driving while intoxicated Saturday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Calmes was located by deputies in the Yellow Goose parking lot on Route 20 in Pavilion following reported complaints of an erratic driver on Route 63.

Andrea L. Manley, 38, of Wymong, was charged with driving while intoxicated early Sunday morning, city police said. Manley allegedly crashed into a fire hydrant near the intersection of Swan and School streets then picked up the broken pieces of her vehicle and drove over to Liberty Street, where she scattered the damaged parts. She then parked her car and phoned police to report that her vehicle was struck while it was parked, police said. Manley was also charged with leaving the scene and falsely reporting.

Courtney A. Hodgins, 19, of 4719 East Road, Batavia, was charged with trespass Sunday afternoon, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Hodgins allegedly entered a building on Batavia Stafford Townline Road after she had been told not to return to the property.

Joshua J. Menz, 22, of Mount Morris, was charged with fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property Saturday, deputies said. Menz was stopped by deputies on Route 20 in Darien and found to possess a stolen New York state license plate. He was also ticketed with unlicensed operator and unregistered motor vehicle. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $750 bail.

Katrina Thigpen, 26, of 41 S. Main St., Batavia, was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana Friday, deputies said. Thigpen was stopped by deputies for traffic violations and found to possess crack cocaine and marijuana.

Jason M. Perry, 26, of Albion, was charged with a felony count of fugitive from justice Friday, deputies said. Perry was stopped for a traffic violation Route 262 in Byron when deputies discovered that an outstanding warrant had been issued for his arrest out of a county sheriff's office in Pennsylvania. Perry was also ticketed with no front license plate. He was sent to Genesee County Jail without bail, where he will await extradition.

Daren A. Mott, 37, of Arkport, was charged with driving while intoxicated Saturday night, deputies said. Mott was found by deputies off Broadway Road in Alexander, where he had allegedly driven his vehicle into a farmer's field. He was also ticketed with moving from the lane unsafely.