crime

Sixteen-year-old Richard T. Brairton, of Pavilion, was charged Thursday with a felony count of second-degree criminal sale of marijuana and one count of endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Brairton is accused of selling marijuana to a 15-year-old boy at the Pavilion Central School. An investigation into the alleged activity included assistance by the school, the sheriff's deputies and the local drug task force. Brairton has been released under the supervision of Genesee Justice.

Michelle L. Smoth, 37, of Pavilion, was charged with a felony count of second-degree forgery Wednesday, city police said. Smith is accused of forging a legitimately issued prescription by altering the drug and refill portions of the script. When she allegedly presented the prescription to be filled at a Batavia drug store, the pharmacist contacted the doctor who confirmed that it was forged. Smith was released under the supervision of the Genesee County Probation Department pending an appearance in City Court on January 27.

Stephanie Andrews, 18, of Akron, was charged with fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property and petit larceny Wednesday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies. Andrews allegedly possessed her mother's ATM card and is accused of making an unauthorized withdrawal at a business located on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation on December 29.

Ronald M. Kowalczewski, 23, of 8976 Wilkinson Road, Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated early this morning, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Kowalczewski was stopped by deputies after allegedly running a red light on Route 77 in the town of Pembroke. He was also ticketed with passing through a red light and parking in the roadway.

Brooke Humel, 17, of Corfu, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana Monday, Genesee County sheriff's said. Brooke was found to be in possession following a traffic stop in Pembroke.

Timothy Beszcynski, 21, of Darien, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana Saturday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Beszynski was found to be in possession following a traffic stop in Pembroke.

Dustin Benham, 19, of Darien, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana Saturday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Benham was found to be in possession following a traffic stop in Pembroke.

Rebecca Athoe, 20, of 15 Kibbe Ave., Batavia, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana Friday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Benham was found to be in possession following a traffic stop in the town of Batavia.

A pair of siblings from Batavia are accused of conspiring to "have an individual beat up" and driving the victim to "a remote location" in order to do so, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Adam M. Ganzhorn, 24, of 1 Cone St., Batavia, was charged with third-degree assault, sixth-degree conspiracy and petit larceny, all misdemeanors. Ganzhorn allegedly assaulted the victim on December 28, shortly after midnight. He is also accused of stealing the victim's cell phone. His sister, Teresa M. Ganzhorn, 19, of 4346 Batavia Elba Townline Road, Batavia, was charged with third-degree assault and sixth-degree conspiracy. She is accused of conspiring with her brother to have the victim "beat up" and transporting him to the scene of the assault.

Adam M. Ganzhorn was sent to Genesee County Jail Saturday morning in lieu of $500 cash or $1,000 bail bond. That same day, Teresa M. Ganzhorn was sent to jail in lieu of $250 cash or $500 bail bond.

Lori. A Wittkopp, 46, of Washington Ave, Batavia, was charged with a felony count of driving while intoxicated Sunday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Wittkopp was stopped by deputies after she allegedly nearly caused an accident while turning into the KFC restaurant on West Main Street in Batavia. She was also ticketed with failure to yield the right of way and uninsured motor vehicle.

Thomas Lukasik, 37, of Bennington, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and driving while intoxicated Friday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Lukasik was picked up by deputies following a car crash in Alexander that afternoon. He was also ticketed with a speeding violation.

Scott C. Stine, of York, Penn., was charged with a felony count of driving while intoxicated Tuesday, Corfu village police said. Stine was stopped for alleged traffic violations on Route 77 in Corfu. He was also ticketed with broken windshield, no seatbelt and inadequate plate lamp.

Lucas M. Roggen, 28, of Akron, was charged with driving while intoxicated Thursday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Roggen was stopped for an alleged traffic violation at the intersection of Klossen and Meanville roads in Alabama. Rogged failed to stop at the intersection and slid into a snow bank. He was also ticketed with failure to reduce speed, unsafe passing, moving from the lane unsafely and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Anthony J. Reisdorf, 61, of Alexander, was charged with driving while intoxicated Thursday, deputies said. Reisdorf was driving on East Bethany-Le Roy Road in the town of Le Roy when his vehicle crashed, overturned and landed in a creek. He was uninjured. He was also ticketed with failure to reduce speed and moving from the lane unsafely.

Kim M. Mobley, 45, of 11 Pringle Ave., Batavia, was charged with two felony counts of third-degree criminal sale of a cotrolled substance and two felony counts of third-degree criminal possession of  controlled substance Wednesday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Mobley was arrested at her home Wednesday afternoon following an investigation into the alleged sale of crack cocaine to an undercover agent of the Genesee County Local Drug Task Force. Mobley was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $7,500.

Jessica R. Henry, 23, of Oakfield, was charged with a felony count of use of a child in a sexual performance, a felony count of promoting a sexual performance by a child and a felony count of promoting an obscene sexual performance by a child, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Henry is accused of directing a child to perform multiple sexual acts with Corey Klase, who was arrested by the sheriff's deputies last week. Klase faces multiple charges, including two felony counts of third-degree rape.

Henry was also charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. She was released under the supervision of the sheriff's office.

Eric C. Zglinicki, 46, of Darien Center, was charged with driving while intoxicated early this morning, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Zglinicki was stopped on Route 77 in Darien. He was also ticketed with failure to keep right.

A home contractor based in Le Roy will face further accusations of defrauding his customers, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Martin A. Miller, 48, of Le Roy, was charged with a felony count of third-degree grand larceny and a felony count of first-degree sceme to defraud. Miller is accused of accepting $3,100 as a down payment toward a $6,200 barn roof that he agreed to replace in May. He allegedly cashed the check without ever even starting the work on the roof.

Miller was first arrested about a month ago by sheriff's deputies and was charged with a felony count of third-degree grand larceny and a felony count of first-degree scheme to defraud. Those charges stemmed from the accusation that he had taken $3,800 to repair a roof in Alexander and failed to do so. At that time, he was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash bail.

Robert C. George III, 24, of 2 Roosevelt Ave., Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated Tuesday night, deputies said. George was picked up following an investigation of a vehicle off the road in the town of Le Roy. He was also ticketed with failure to reduce speed and use special hazards.

Michele Anastasi, 52, of Lockport, was charged with a felony count of first-degree criminal contempt, second-degree aggravated harassment, a misdemeanor, and second-degree harassment, a violation, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Anastasi is accused of striking someone during a fight in the town of Pembroke. Following the altercation, Anastasi allagedly made "several harassing messages to the same individual" in violation of an order of protection.

Anastasi is due to appear in the town of Pembroke court this evening to answer those charges.

Joseph Auricchio, 17, of Alexander, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and unlawful dealing with fireworks Saturday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Deputies picked up Auricchio following a complaint.

Robert W. Baker, 38, of Attica, was charged with driving while intoxicated Saturday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Baker was driving on Route 77 in Alabama when he crashed his car and ended up stuck in a deep snow embankment in a ditch. He was also ticketed with moving from the lane unsafely.

Jerry K. Scroger, 44, of 3207 Pratt Road, Lot 6, Batavia, was charged with second-degree criminal contempt Friday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Scroger is accused of violating a court order of protection by calling his estranged spouse.

Brian J. Lipinski, 25, of Corfu, was charged with trespass early this morning, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Lipinski was picked up after crashing his snowmobile into a pile of steel railroad track while driving along the CSX railroad line.

An Oakfield man is in jail this morning following an arrest on more than a dozen felony charges made yesterday by the Genesee County sheriff's deputies. Corey W. Klase, 24, of Oakfield, was arrested at his home, where deputies allegedly found a video that depicts Klase "engaging in multiple sexual acts" with a 15-year-old girl, along with several other items, which were not named.

Klase was charged with two counts of use of a child in a sexual performance, two counts of promoting an obscene sexual performance by a child, two counts of promoting a sexual performance by a child, two counts of possession of an obscene sexual performance by a child, two counts of possessing a sexual performance by a child, two counts of third-degree criminal sexual act and two counts of third-degree rape. All charges are felonies.

Klase was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $20,000 bail.

James A. Dean, 51, of Bethany, was charged with driving while intoxicated Tuesday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Dean was stopped on Route 63 in the town of Batavia for allegedly driving "in an intoxicated manner."

Heather L. Robinson, 36, of Stafford, was charged with driving while intoxicated early this morning, deputies said. Robinson was stopped on Buckley Road in the town of Stafford after she allegedly failed to stop for the stop sign at the intersection of Buckley Road and Route 5.

Shane Reisman, 39, of 143 State St., Batavia, was arrested yesterday by Genesee County sheriff's deputies following an investigation into the transportation and sale of illegal drugs. Reisman was charged with several felonies, including: third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, fourth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, fifth-degree sale of a controlled substance, third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and two counts of fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Reisman is alleged to have sold "quantities of pills" to an undercover agent of the Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force. Following the arrest, made at Resiman's home Monday, he was sent to Genesee County Jail without bail pending an arraignment in county court later this afternoon.

Christopher P. Ball, 26, of 4902 Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, was charged with second-degree harassment early Sunday morning, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Ball is accused of punching his father in the head during a domestic dispute. Ball was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $250.

Christopher Archer, 17, of Pembroke, was charged with second-degree harassment Friday, deputies said. Archer was allegedly involved in a fight following a domestic dispute.

Edward J. Roshea Jr., 40, of Corfu, was charged with driving while intoxicated Sunday, deputies said. Roshea Jr. was stopped by deputies for allegedly failing to keep right of the center line.

Jordan M. Hadfield of Batavia was struck by a car -- allegedly on purpose -- in Watertown yesterday.

The Watertown Daily Times reports that Eric W. Walker, 27, of Watertown, is being charged with two counts of second-degree reckless endangerment and one count of falsely reporting an incident as well as leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Allegedly, Walker struck Hadfield and then drove home, where he called police and said somebody had smashed the windshield of his car while it was parked outside.

No word on the condition of Hadfield, or even if he was taken to the hospital.

City police teamed up with the Genesee County sheriff's deputies in a burglary investigation that led to the arrest of two city residents. Corey A. Johnson, 21, and Brian J. Miller, 27, both of 667 Ellicott St., Apt: 4b, Batavia, were arrested on New Year's Eve, deputies said. They were both sent to Genesee County Jail without bail.

Johnson was charged with a felony count of fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property. Miller was charged with two felony counts of second-degree burglary, one felony count of fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a misdemeanor.

City police had been interviewing Johnson and Miller at their apartment as part of an investigation. During that interview, an officer noticed a shotgun and some other items in the apartment that resembled those that had recently been reported stolen to the sheriff's office. A pair of separate residential burglaries had been reported in the Bethany area on Christmas Day, December 25, and the day after.

"In both burglaries, the residences were forcibly entered, the houses were ransacked, and several items were stolen, including electronic equipment, jewelry, and other personal items," deputies said.

This investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected.

Gregory A. Jones, 30, of 8794 Alexander Road, Batavia, was charged with two counts of first-degree rape Thursday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Jones was accused of forcing a 27-year-old female to engage in sexual intercourse on two separate occasions Thursday. Jones was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $5,000. He will reappear in court on January 26.

Justin T. Blackwood, 22, of Amherst, was charged with driving while intoxicated Thursday, deputies said. Blackwod was stopped for an alleged traffic violation on County Line Road in Darien. He was also ticketed with driving left of the pavement markings in a no passing zone.

David M. Heschke, 42, of Oakfield, was charged with driving while intoxicated and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle Thursday, deputies said. Heschke was stopped for an alleged traffic violation on West Main Street Road in the town of Batavia. He was also ticketed with consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle, moving from the lane unsafely and driving left of pavement markings in a no passing zone.

William D. Hirsch, 21, of Pavilion, was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief Thursday, deputies said. Hirsch is accused of using his crutch to break the driver's side window of his ex-girlfriend's truck.

Coty Brawdy, 19, of Angola, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana Thursday, deputies said. Brawdy was stopped for alleged traffic violations in the city of Batavia. Brawdy was also ticketed with operating a motor vehicle with obstructed vision and an equipment violation.

Michael Coffta, 16, of Medina, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana Wednesday, deputies said. Coffta was found to be in possession of marijuana following a traffic stop in Darien.

Brent D. Scoins, 33, of 108 Woodstock Gardens, Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated today, city police said. Scoins was allegedly found asleep behind the wheel of a running vehicle on Summit Street in Batavia. He was also ticketed with failure to keep right.

Joseph M. Sanders, 25, of South Carolina, was charged with second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument. Sanders is accused of possessing a forged New York State prescription that he allegedly altered. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $25,000.

In our police blotter yesterday, we reported the charges filed by the Genesee County sheriff's deputies against John McGowan relating to an ongoing investigation of alleged domestic abuse spanning several months bewteen October 12 and December 17. Seeking more information about the class of those charges and whether McGowan had been released or sent to jail, we were contacted by Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble, who explained that the case was more complex than those five charges we listed yesterday.

As we stated yesterday McGowan, 32, of 5 Highland Park, Batavia, was charged with third-degree criminal mischief, second-degree coercion, third-degree assault, fourth-degree aggravated harassment and fourth-degree stalking. We have since learned that the first charge of criminal mischief was a felony. All other charges were misdemeanors. McGowan stood for those charges in the town of Batavia as a city court judge was unavailable at the time. McGowan was successively arraigned twice, in the towns of Batavia and Alexander, explained Dibble. All of the charges in each of the three municipalities related to the same investigation into allegations of abuse and harassment of the same woman conducted by the sheriff's deputies. They were filed based on where the alleged crimes occurred.

McGowan's first arraignment in the town of Batavia resulted in his being sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $7,500. That bail was "promptly" posted, said Dibble. Following that, McGowan was arraigned in the town of Alexander on the charge of aggravated harassment. He was again sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $5,000. Again, the bail was promptly posted. McGowan then faced charges of second-degree unlawful imprisonment and second-degree harassment in the town of Batavia. In that instance, it was decided that no further bail was necessary, said Dibble, and McGowan was released on his own recognizance.

David J. Staba, 40, of Darien, was charged with driving while intoxicated early this morning, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Staba was stopped following a one-car property damage accident in Alexander. He was also ticketed with moving from the lane unsafely.

Three teenagers were picked up following a break-in at the Rolling Hills Paranormal Research Center in Bethany Saturday night, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Robert A. Ferguson, 19, of Oakfield, was charged with third degree criminal trespass, fourth-degree criminal mischief and unlawful possession of marijuana. Catrina M. Colvin, 16, of Pavilion, and Tiffany M. Walter, 17, of Stafford, were charged with third-degree criminal trespass. Colvin was also charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief.

All three youths allegedly climbed through an open window at Rolling Hills into a solarium that did not allow access to the rest of the building. Colvin and Ferguson then allegedly broke several windows and entered the main building. They allegedly fled the scene after the alarm sounded and were both picked up later at Genesee County Park. Walter was located some time after at a residence in Pavilion.

Megan J. Leach, 23, of Le Roy, was charged with a felony count of fourth-degree grand larceny Sunday, city police said. Leach is accused of stealing a purse from a patron at Billy Goat's Bar.

Joshua K. Williams, 17, of 516 E. Main St., Apt: Lower, Batavia, was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief Saturday, city police said. Williams is accused of using a knife to cut up the coat of a female acquaintance during a domestic dispute at a residence on West Main Street in Batavia. Williams was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $2,000 bail.

Michael J. Packard, 54, of 240B N. Spruce St., Batavia, was charged with felony driving while intoxicated, second-degree criminal impersonation and unlicensed operator Friday, city police said. Packard was stopped by police after a citizen reported that Packard had staggered to his vehicle and drove.

John McGowan, 32, of 5 Highland Park, Batavia, was charged with third-degree criminal mischief, second-degree coercion, third-degree assault, fourth-degree aggravated harassment and fourth-degree stalking Friday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. McGowan was arrested following an investigation into allegations of domestic abuse committed by McGowan against his ex-girlfriend between October 12 and December 17.

Donald S. Sutherland, 40, of Bergen, was charged with driving while intoxicated Tuesday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Sutherland was stopped for an alleged traffic violation on Route 19 in Bergen. He was also ticketed with failure to keep right.

Zachary Seewaldt, 19, of Varsburg, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana Wednesday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Seewaldt was stopped for an alleged traffic violation in Batavia. He was also ticketed with speeding.

State police out of Clarence report two arrests for driving while intoxicated and one for driving while ability impaired on drugs following the Buffalo Bills home game Sunday. A total of 36 traffic tickets were also issued during the DWI saturation patrol.

William H. Griffin Jr., 45, of 118 Hutchins St., Batavia, was charged with petit larceny Monday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Griffin Jr. is accused of stealing textbooks that he then returned for cash at the Genesee Community College bookstore earlier this month.

Aaron A. Carpenter, 24, of Corfu, was charged with driving while intoxicted early this morning, deputies said. Carpenter was stopped on Route 5 in the town of Batavia for an alleged traffic violation. He was also ticketed with inadequate lights.

Richard Cooke, 40, of Medina, was charged with a felony count of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing and unlicensed itinerant vehicle collector, a misdemeanor, deputies said. Cooke is accused of taking a 1992 Mercury Marquis to Eddie Arnold Scrap Processing Inc. in Pembroke, where he filled out paperwork stating that he was the owner of the vehicle. Cooke was not the owner, nor does he possess an itinerant vehicle collector license. The incident occurred on September 15, and a number of other charges are pending in Orleans County relating to the same vehicle. Cooke was released and will answer the charges on a later date.

Terry L. Roth, 33, of 110 W. Main St., Batavia, was charged with felony driving while intoxicated and felony aggravated driving early Sunday morning, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Roth was picked up by deputies following a one-car crash on Route 5 in Le Roy. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $5,000 bail. Roth was also ticketed with moving from the lane unsafely.

City police have come out with more charges against the parents of the 6-year-old boy who brought a loaded handgun onto a school bus Wednesday morning. Carolyn Claudio, 43, of 335 Bank St., Batavia was charged with second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and endangering the welfare of a child.

Police allege that during a search of Claudio's residence Wednesday, a small amount of cocaine and drug paraphernalia were found in the "living area" of the home where they would have been "easily accessible to the children." This is the same residence in which Claudio's 6-year-old son located the loaded handgun that he brought to school with him Wednesday morning. Carolyn Claudio will appear in court to answer the charges on Tuesday.

The boy's father, Juan Claudio Sr., 40, of 108 Jackson St., Batavia, received another charge of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Following the news reports of Juan Claudio's arrest, two Batavia residents came forward to claim that Claudio attempted to sell them a gun this past Saturday at a home in Batavia. When the two were shown the gun that the boy brought on the bus Wednesday, they confirmed that it was, in fact, the same gun that the father had offered for sale.

A report in the Daily News filed this morning by Scott DeSmit states that the boy found the ".22 caliber handgun" at his mother's home under her bed and "tucked inside a velvet Crown Royal whiskey pouch."

For more details, please see our previous coverage. You can also view the response from the city police and school superintendent in our video coverage.

Update at 3:47pm: We spoke with Batavia Det. Richard Schauf to find out more on the status of the two young children, the 6-year-old who brought the gun onto the school bus and his 7-year-old brother who had alerted the bus driver to that fact. Schauf told us that Carolyn Claudio could not be arraigned in court today as it was closed due to the weather. Both children "will remain in the custody of the mom," said Schauf. At least, for now.

The Department of Social Services is supervising the situation. They have been notified of the charges filed against Carolyn Claudio today. Whether they take the children away—"That's their call," said Schauf.