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Oakfield residents admit roles in meth distribution ring in federal court

By Howard B. Owens

A former Hells Angels vice president whom authorities say is an Oakfield resident entered a guilty plea in U.S. District Court today to a methamphetamine distribution charge.

James Henry McAuley faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a potential $4 million fine.

The Democrat and Chronicle reported this morning that McAuley intended to plead guilty to help spare his wife, Donna Boon, 50, of Oakfield, a potential prison term.

Boon also entered a guilty plea today, to a count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, methamphetamine.

Federal prosecutors accused McAuley of leading a methamphetamine ring from 2002 through July 9, 2010. At the time, McAuley was reportedly a vice president with the Hells Angels.

McAuley was reportedly obtaining the meth from a source in Monterey, Calif.

According to authorities:

The defendant and other members of the conspiracy traveled to California on numerous occasions to obtain pound-size quantities of methamphetamine from the supplier they then transported or shipped from California to the Rochester area where another member of the conspiracy would sell it to their customers.

On July 9, 2010, federal and local authorities, working together, concluded a lengthy investigation that included drug buys, wiretaps and video surveillance, and arrested five people on meth distribution charges.

The five arrested did not include McAuley, but did include Boon, along with Donald G. Vanelli II, who was eventually sentenced to 17 1/2 years in prison.

The charges against Boon from that arrest were eventually dropped and Boon contacted The Batavian to proclaim her innocence.

McAuley was arrested in April 2008 on racketeering charges and authorities contend that McAuley continued to maintain control over the meth ring.

According to prosecutors:

McAuley’s wife, Donna Boon, distributed quantities of methamphetamine to others, including an individual in Genesee County, who further distributed the drugs to customers in the Genesee County area. Boon admitted to trafficking up to 30 grams of methamphetamine.

From the press release:

These pleas are part of a larger investigation that resulted in the indictment and arrest of members and associates of the Rochester and Monterey (California) Hell's Angels for drug trafficking and racketeering-related offenses in February 2012. Along with McAuley and Boon, Monterey (California) Hell's Angels President Richard W. Mar, and Jeffrey A. Tyler, were charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Three other defendants -- Paul Griffin, Richard E. Riedman, and Gordon L. Montgomery – were convicted for their roles in the methamphetamine conspiracy. Judge Siragusa sentenced Griffin to probation and Riedman to 37 months in prison; Montgomery is awaiting sentencing.

Rochester Hell's Angels member Robert W. Moran Jr., along with Gina Tata, are charged in the same indictment with assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering activity, and Moran and Tata are charged with conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering activity. In addition, Tata is charged with being an accessory after the fact to the assault and conspiracy.  Another defendant, Timothy M. Stone, was convicted of being an accessory after the fact to the assault and conspiracy, and was sentenced to 12 months in prison.

McAuley and Boon are scheduled to appear for sentencing at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., respectively, May 24.

Some of the prior related stories:

Grand Jury: Man indicted for allegedly stealing more than $3,000 worth of brass in Pembroke

By Billie Owens

Jonathan D. Knauss is indicted for the crime of third-degree burglary. It is alleged that between August 2014 and June 2015 Knauss knowingly entered or unlawfully remained inside a building in the Town of Pembroke with the intent to commit a crime. In count two, the defendant is accused of third-degree grand larceny, a Class D felony, for allegedly stealing property, in this case brass, valued in excess of $3,000. In count three, Knauss is accused of criminal possession of stolen property, 3rd, a Class D felony, for allegedly knowingly possessing stolen property with the intent to benefit himself or someone other than the owner, or to impede the recovery by an owner of the property, when the value of that property was more than $3,000.

Law and Order: Driver charged with DWI after car found stopped on Route 98

By Howard B. Owens

John Vincent Winecki, 23, of Buffalo Street, Alexander, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and stopping/parking on highway. Winecki was arrested by Deputy Chad Cummings following an investigation into what was reported as a motor-vehicle accident at 3:37 a.m., Sunday, on Route 98 near the American Legion Hall. (Initial Report)

Ashley Michaela Stewart, 19, of E. 227 St., Bronx, is charged with second-degree assault. Stewart allegedly struck a female in the head with an iron while in a dorm room at College Village. The victim was injured. Stewart was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Benjamin G. Evans IV, 27, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with trespass. Evans allegedly entered the Dollar General Store after previously being banned from the premises.

Ryo Hiroshige, 21, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Hiroshige was allegedly involved in a domestic incident. He was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Carissa J. Visalli, 26, of North Lyon Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant related to a charge of improper parking at night. Visalli turned herself in, posted $100 bail and was released.

William P. Langdon Jr., 34, of Keever Avenue, Lackwanna, is charged with DWI, moving from lane unsafely, failure to use designated lane and following too closely. Officer Arick Perkins was dispatched to Walnut Street, Batavia, at 8:37 p.m. Feb. 15 for the report of an erratic driver. A 2002 Pontiac Montana was located and stopped. Langdon was taken into custody and allegedly refused a breath test. He was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Joseph M. Durzewski, 22, of North Street, Batavia, is charged with driving while impaired by alcohol. Durzewski was stopped at 3:22 a.m. Feb. 12 on Law Street, by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

A 17-year-old resident of Batavia is charged with criminal mischief and unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth allegedly punched through a glass window at 1 City Centre, Batavia. He was jailed on $1,000 bail (name withheld by Batavia PD).

Anthony Devon Alexander, 42, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with aggravated family offense (more than one offense within five years), criminal contempt, 2nd, criminal trespass, 2nd. Alexander allegedly went to the home of a person he was barred from contacting by court order and stayed and refused to leave the residence at 2:05 p.m. Sunday. Alexander was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Jacob Robert Kingdollar, 20, of West Leet Road, Albion, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Kingdollar was allegedly found in possession of marijuana by Deputy Kevin Forsyth while at Bunnel Park, Town of Le Roy, at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Driver with allegedly expired driving permit-only tries to flee from cops

By Billie Owens

A driver who was being followed by police in the city allegedly sped up and tried to evade officers somewhere off East Avenue, then stopped his vehicle and fled on foot. The driver is believed to have an expired driving permit only, not a license. He was driving a white vehicle with a broken bumper when a caller reported him to dispatch. Also, the person was the subject earlier today of a harassment complaint.

Law and Order: Trooper reports seeing driver doing donuts in fire hall parking lot, makes arrest on DWI charge

By Howard B. Owens

Keith C. Michels, 38, of Alden, is charged with DWI and uninspected motor vehicle. With a state Trooper parked nearby and watching, Michels was observed doing donuts in the parking lot of the Alexander Fire Department on Route 98, Alexander. Upon further investigation, the Trooper allegedly observed that the vehicle did not have a current inspection sticker and the Trooper reported detecting the odor of alcohol emanating from Michels. Michels was transported to the Batavia Barracks of the State Police where he was allegedly found to have a BAC of .13.

Ian RIchard Eli Tarbell Sr., 43, of State Route 37, Hogansburg, is charged with transport and sale of 4,800 cartons of untaxed cigarettes, failure to keep right and moving from lane unsafely. Tarbell was stopped at 8:42 a.m. Thursday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Lonnie Nati. Tarbell was jailed on $100,000 bail.

James Francis Scharf, 50, of Walker Lake Ontario Road, Hilton, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt and trespass. Scharf was arrested on a warrant issued by Oakfield Town Court and jailed on $2,500 bail.

Andrew Charles Webster, 22, of Gilette Road, Alexander, is charged with petit larceny. Webster was arrested on a warrant. He was jailed on $2,000 bail or $4,000 bond.

Law and Order: Basom man allegedly stole a woman's wallet at Walmart

By Billie Owens

Dannie Sims, 60, of Church Street, Basom, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny. He was arrested at 1:56 p.m. on Feb. 10 after it was alleged that he stole a wallet from a female at Walmart. It contained cash and credit cards. He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and jailed without bail. The case was investigated by Deputy Chad Minuto, assisted by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Nathan A. Buchholz, 37, of Albion, was arrested by Troopers for fourth-degree criminal mischief after he allegedly struck and broke the glass mirror off a Dodge Ram truck during a custody exchange Feb. 15 in the Town of Batavia. Buchholz was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Batavia Court on March 3.

Stephen M. Smith, 26, of Mill Street, Batavia, is a registered NYS Level 2 sex offender who was charged with failure to report a change in 10 days, first offense, on Jan. 11. Following a joint investigation between the Batavia PD and NYS Parole, it is alleged that Smith had an active Facebook account that he had not registered with the Sex Offender Registry within the required 10-day reporting period. He was already in jail on a parole violation. He was being held on $50,000 and was due to appear in court this afternoon. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Eric Hill.

A 16-year-old resident of Boyd Road, Pavilion, was arrested Feb. 15 at 2:53 p.m. and charged with petit larceny. This followed the investigation of a shoplifting complaint on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia. The teen allegedly stole merchandise from a department store by passing all points of purchase without rendering payment. The defendant was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court. The case was investigated by Deputy Rachel Diehl, assisted by Deputy Jason Saile.

A 17-year-old resident of Boyd Road, Pavilion, was arrested Feb. 15 at 2:53 p.m. and charged with petit larceny. This followed the investigation of a shoplifting complaint on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia. The teen allegedly stole merchandise from a department store by passing all points of purchase without rendering payment. The defendant was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court. The case was investigated by Deputy Rachel Diehl, assisted by Deputy Jason Saile.

A 17-year-old resident of Tower Road, Wyoming, was arrested Feb. 15 at 2:54 p.m. and charged with petit larceny. This followed the investigation of a shoplifting complaint on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia. The teen allegedly stole merchandise from a department store by passing all points of purchase without rendering payment. The defendant was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court. The case was investigated by Deputy Rachel Diehl, assisted by Deputy Jason Saile.

Law and Order: Driver accused of being on drugs

By Howard B. Owens

Megan C. Westbrook, 35, of Elmview Avenue, Lackawanna, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs, passing a red light and moving from lane unsafely. Westbrook was stopped at 12:13 a.m. Feb. 4 on Main Street, Batavia, by Officer Eric Foels.

Bradley W. Howard, 25, of Academy Street, Mayville, is charged with violation of probation. Howard was placed on probation for a DWI conviction. He allegedly absconded from probation immediately and failed to notify probation of a change of address. He was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Joseph William Freeman, 31, of Platten Road, Lyndonville, is charged with petit larceny. Freeman allegedly stole two cases of beer from Tops.

Jason C. Lusk, 35, of Collegeview Drive, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant. Lusk turned himself in to Batavia PD.

Beaky S. Kamagy, 29, of Fowlerville Road, Piffard, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and moving from lane unsafely. Kamagy was stopped at 1:23 a.m. Feb. 6 on Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Davis Alexandre Prince, 20, of Ullswater Cresent, London, Ontario, Canada, is charged with trespass. Prince was allegedly trespassing on College Village property at 8:52 p.m. on Friday.

Jennifer Margaret Shaffer, 33, of Exchange Street, Attica, is charged with petit larceny. Shaffer was allegedly caught shoplifting from Walmart.

Sharon Denise Rawleigh, 45, of Benedict Street, Perry, is charged with petit larceny. Rawleigh was allegedly caught shoplifting from Walmart.

Caroline Marie Burgess, 47, of Benedict Street, Perry, is charged with petit larceny. Burgess was allegedly caught shoplifting from Walmart.

Law and Order: Batavia woman charged with DWI

By Howard B. Owens

Anya R. Rambuski, 45, of Batavia, is charged with aggravated DWI, refusal to take breath test and turn signal violation. Rambuski was stopped on Route 5 by State Police. A trooper reported immediately smelling alcohol on Rambuski's breath and there was further investigation. Rambuski was transported to the Batavia Barracks where she allegedly refused a breath test.

Joshua David Watkins, 24, of West Bank Street, Albion, is charged with petit larceny. Watkins is accused of shoplifting from Target.

Law and Order: Byron man accused of stalking

By Howard B. Owens

Jaime Vega Tinuco, 26, of Walkers Corners Road, Byron, is charged with stalking, 4th, and endangering the welfare of a child. Tinuco allegedly showed up at the residence of a 16-year-old female after being told numerous times to cease contact. Bail was set at 2,500.

Woodrow Horseman, 39, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass and endangering the welfare of a child. Horseman allegedly refused to leave the residence of another person. Horseman was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Kyle B. Smith, 27, of Knox Road, East Aurora, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding and failure to signal. Smith was stopped at 12:36 a.m. Saturday on Richmond Avenue, Batavia, by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

A 17-year-old resident of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with menacing, 2nd. The youth is accused of menacing a 14-year-old with a realistic looking BB gun.

Amber L. Ostrander, 25, of West Main Street, Fillmore, was arrested on a warrant. Ostrander was arrested by the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office and turned over to Batavia PD. She posted $500 bail and was released.

Martin F. Jones, 44, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Jones allegedly stole two cans of beer valued at $2.67 from Southside Deli. Jones was jailed on $2,000 bail or $4,000 bond.

Nicole Georgantopoulous Belluccio, 35, of Juliane Drive, Rochester, is charged with possession and transport of more than 400 untaxed cigarettes and obstructed plates. Belluccio was stopped at 12:47 p.m. Wednesday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Belluccio was allegedly found in possession of 6,400 untaxed cigarettes.

Jimmy Ray Wenzel, 29, of Seven Springs Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st. Wenzel was allegedly in contact with a person in violation of an order of protection. Wenzel has a prior criminal contempt conviction within the past five years.

Amy Lynette Cliff, 44, of West Main Street, Byron, is charged with driving while ability impaired by alcohol, refusal to take prescreen test and speeding. Cliff was stopped at 9:35 p.m. Tuesday on Parkview Drive, Bergen, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Law and Order: Ross Street resident accused of strangulation and theft

By Howard B. Owens

Adam M. Kruetz, 27, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with strangulation, 2nd, petit larceny and criminal mischief, 4th. Kruetz allegedly grabbed the throat of another person at 10:20 a.m. Sunday at 5 Ross St., Batavia, and caused that person to nearly lose consciousness, then stole property and broke an item belonging to that person. Kruetz was jailed without bail.

Elizabeth A. Wortman, 28, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and driver's view obstructed. A witness reported a vehicle driving erratically on Lake Street Road, Le Roy, on Monday. A Le Roy PD patrol stopped Wortman's vehicle on Lake Street and Wortman was allegedly found to be intoxicated.

Michael J. Elmore, 25, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal impersonation. Elmore was located in the parking lot of 305 E. Main St., Batavia, and Elmore allegedly provided false identification to a Batavia police officer in an attempt to avoid arrest on a warrant.

Joseph A. Auricchio, 25, of Broadway Road, Darien, is charged with possession of a hypodermic instrument. Auricchio was allegedly found in possession of a needle at 4:53 p.m. Monday at a location on South Main Street, Batavia.

Brant Gordon Matthews, 21, of Maple Avenue, Le Roy, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Matthews allegedly showed up to a probation meeting at 2:08 p.m. Monday with marijuana in his pocket.

Tyler D. Price, 23, of East Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to meet conditions of sentencing.

Todd Patrick Galen, 53, of Merrill Road, Byron, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Galen allegedly violated a court order by failing to comply with animal control regulations.

Tyler J. Penepent, 21, of Oakfield, is charged with petit larceny. He allegedly stole a car lighting bar worth $12.96 from WalMart. 

Kristen E. Dwyer, 23, of Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Dwyer was stopped on Judge Road by State Police for an alleged expired registration. She was allegedly found in possession of 3.5 grams of marijuana in a baggie, a glass pipe containing burnt marijuana and a multicolored glass pipe containing burnt marijuana residue.

Man with Genesee County ties given year in federal prison on racketeering charge

By Howard B. Owens

An East Rochester man, whom federal authorities say has ties to the Hells Angels, has associates in Genesee County and was arrested in 2009 in Corfu as part of reported scrap metal heist, has been sentenced to 12 months in federal prison on a racketeering charge.

Timothy M. Stone, 36, was convicted of being an accessory after the fact to an assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering activity.

Stone was convicted of participating in a May 31, 2006 baseball bat attack on a male patron at Spenders Bar in Rochester. Surveillance cameras recorded the attack and the video was stored on a computer hard drive. Stone forcibly removed the hard drive and took the hard drive from the bar and later destroyed the hard drive and the baseball bat used in the attack.

The case is part of a larger investigation that stretches from Monterey, Calif., to Oakfield, with Oakfield residents James H. McAuley Jr. and Donna Boon being charged, along with others, of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.  

Gordon L. Montgomery, of Batavia, has already been convicted on the charge. He is scheduled to be sentenced May 3.

Robert W. Moran Jr., of Rochester, and Gina Tata, of Rochester, are charged with assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering activity; and McAuley is charged with conspiracy.

A jury trial for Richard W. Mar, of Monterey, McAuley, Moran, Boon, Jeffrey A. Tyler, of Rochester, and Tata, is scheduled to begin March 7.

Some of the prior related stories:

Law and Order: Oak Street resident accused of trying to force way into a home

By Howard B. Owens

Lionel J. Anderson Sr., 44, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. Anderson allegedly tried to enter a residence on Dellinger Avenue at 10:55 p.m. Sunday after being told to leave. He allegedly pushed one of the residents. He was jailed on $5,000 bail or $10,000 bond.  (UPDATE: Though the reported times are different, Det. Eric Hill confirms this arrest is related to this report last night).

Adrian P. Morris, 36, of South Street, Le Roy, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and inadequate headlights. Morris was stopped by Le Roy PD on West Main Street, Le Roy.

William J. Hixenbaugh, 26, of Le Roy, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Hixenbaugh was allegedly involved in a fight in the Village of Le Roy on Friday.

Lisa M. Volk, 21, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Volk is accused of shoplifting at Walmart. She allegedly took $40 worth of nail polish.

Jessie Benedict Joy, 20, of Telephone Road, Pavilion, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle, driving while using a mobile phone, driving left of pavement markings. Joy was stopped at 3:43 a.m. on Telephone Road, Pavilion, by Deputy Ryan Young.

Richard Andrew Germony, 30, of Wildwood Place, Buffalo, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to pay fine. Germony is being held in the Genesee County Jail pending his next court appearance.

Andrew C. Webster, 22, of Gillete Road, Alexander, was arrested on a warrant for allegedly failure to comply with court-ordered treatment. He was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Kathryn M. Yark, 18, of Harlem Road, of West Seneca, is charged with criminal possession property, 5th, and unlawful possession of a personal ID, 3rd. Yark was arrested on a warrant and released back to a treatment program.

Jennifer L. Stack, 29, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. Stack was allegedly involved in an incident Feb. 4 on West Main Street, Batavia, where she threatened another person and violated an order of protection. Stack was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Yolanda E. Johnson, 29, is charged with West Main Street Road, Batavia, turned herself in on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a traffic citation.

Maggie S. Dipilato, 21, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief. Dipilato was arrested following an investigation into a domestic incident. Dipilato allegedly struck a male in his face damaging his eyeglasses. She was jailed on $500 bail.

Gerard H. Altenburg, 21, of Main Road, Corfu, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, and moving from lane unsafely. Altenburg was arrested following an investigation into a motor-vehicle accident on Gilmore Street, Pembroke, reported at 9:04 p.m. Friday. The accident was investigated by Deputy Ryan DeLong. Altenburg was jailed on $1,500 bail.

Robert C. Paris, 26, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and failure to stop at stop sign. Paris allegedly failed to stop at a stop sign on Redfield Parkway, Batavia, at 2:14 a.m. Saturday and was stopped by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Jacqueline Jane Kurcoba, 38, of Pittsford Mendon Road, Mendon, is charged with DWI and insufficient tail lamps. Kurcoba was stopped at 1:14 a.m. Sunday on Lewiston Road, Alabama, by Deputy Eric Meyer.

Kyle Lee-Maddison Michaels, 18, of Overlook Drive, Batavia, is charged with trespass. Michaels allegedly refused to leave the BOCES campus on State Street Road, Batavia.

Ann Marie Schiegel, 38, of Porter Road, Medina, was arrested on a warrant stemming from two counts of petit larceny. Schiegel was jailed on $250 bail.

A 17-year-old resident of Byron is charged with unlawful surveillance, 2nd. The youth is accused of using a mobile phone to view a female victim in a woman's bathroom stall.

Coty Lee Kimmel, 22, of Alleghany Road, Corfu, is charged with criminal possession of a stolen property, 4th. Kimmel allegedly possessed a credit card belonging to another person without permission.

Person reportedly taking pallets at Kmart

By Howard B. Owens

Troopers are dispatched to Kmart to investigate an individual in a black pickup truck who is at the side of the building loading wooden pallets into the vehicle.

The individual was told to stop and leave, but reportedly has stayed and continued to load pallets.

UPDATE 10:25 a.m.: The subject has left on Lewiston Road. He is described as a white male with a beard and glasses.

UPDATE 10:31 a.m.: It sounds like the person was located and the deputy is returning to Kmart. He said, "no charges."

Man charged with harassment and trespass after incident at St. Joe's

By Howard B. Owens
mug_danielkuczka16.jpg
     Daniel Kuczka

A 73-year-old man faces criminal charges following an incident during student mass at St. Joe's this morning, after the man allegedly took a student by his arm who was in line for Holy Communion and led him through it and then back to his seat in a pew.

Police did not indicate what the man's motivation might have been or what statements he may have made while inside the church, but said the man has no prior relationship with the church nor the student involved in the incident.

Daniel S. Kuczka, 73, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and criminal trespass, 3rd.

According to police, Kuczka entered the church during a private Mass for students of St. Joe's and Notre Dame. He made "inappropriate" comments to staff and was asked to leave.

During Communion, Kuczka reportedly returned to the Mass and grabbed a juvenile who was in line, saying, "Come with me."

Police were called and when patrols arrived, Kuczka was taken into custody without incident.

Police say that investigators found there was no attempt by Kuczka to remove the student from the service.

UPDATED: Tonawanda credit union warns of local scam, Le Roy FCU does, too

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Attention Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union Members: We have been made aware this morning, Friday, Feb. 5, that an automated call is being made to members and non-members saying that TVFCU needs their card information. This is a scam and you should hang up the phone immediately.

Please do not enter any information during these phone calls! TVFCU will never call and ask for your card number or any other private information. 

If you have given your card information during the phone call and you are a TVFCU member please call us at (585) 343-5627.  

If you are a non-TVFCU member please contact your own financial institution. 

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you.

UPDATE 1:30 p.m.: Officials at the Le Roy Federal Credit Union contacted us to report many of their members are reporting the same scam. "We've been getting many calls and walk-ins from members stating that they have been receiving these calls as well. We also advise to NEVER give out card/account numbers over the phone. If they have questions, they may call us at (585) 768-7207," says Kimberly Antinore, Member Services, Le Roy Federal Credit Union.

Law and Order: Driver accused of narcotics possession, no interlock device

By Howard B. Owens

Jackie Ann Duepenngieser, 32, of Page Road, Perry, is charged with three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, driving without an ignition interlock device, unregistered motor vehicle and unlicensed operator. Duepenngieser was stopped at 6:23 p.m. Wednesday on Griswold Circle, Le Roy, by Deputy Michael Lute. Duepenngieser was allegedly found in possession of a scheduled nartocitc that was not prescribed to her along with a quantity of cocaine and heroin. Duepenngieser was jailed on $1,000 bail or $2,000 bond.

James Russell Kosiorek, 23, of Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Kosiorek allegedly stole a DVD player from Kmart.

UPDATED: Law and Order: Arrest on weapons charge clarified

By Howard B. Owens

Bruce K. Ames, 49, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with menacing, 3rd, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal solicitation and coercion, 1st. Ames was arrested as a result of an investigation into an incident reported at 3:05 a.m. Jan. 24 at 122 Bank St., Batavia. Police report, "A New York SAFE Act compliant rifle was found and held as a result of the investigation." Ames was ordered held without bail.

UPDATE AND CLARIFICATION: We've pulled the court documents on this case and spoke with police. While the original press release states Ames was arrested on a weapons charge and has this reference to the SAFE Act, the SAFE Act is entirely irrelevant to the case. The weapons charge comes from allegedly possessing a weapon with the intent to use it to cause death or injury. Ames allegedly threatened to fire his rifle through the floor of an apartment if his neighbor didn't come up, and kill him. That allegation is the basis of the solicitation, menacing and coercion charges. Ames reportedly possessed a Stag Arms 5.56-MM rifle, and though he claimed to have a 12-round magazine, there was no SAFE Act violation found.

Ryan M. Warner, 38, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Warner allegedly stole several boxes of Crest White Strips from the CVS on West Main Street. Warner was jailed on $2,000 bail or $4,000 bond.

Jacqueline Raj Garrett, 36, of Walnut Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to complete community service. Garrett was sentenced for aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd. Garrett was jailed on $100,000 bail.

Hector L. Gomez, 19, of Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with obstructed view, criminal possession of marijuana, 4th, and two counts of criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd. During a traffic stop on Liberty Street, Batavia, officers reported detecting the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. The stop was at 4:43 p.m. Thursday by Officer Chad Richards. Gomez allegedly had marijuana in several different containers in the vehicle.

Jerell J. Jones Sr., 27, of Watson Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd. Jones is accused of using a knife during an altercation at 1:15 a.m. Oct. 11 at a location on East Main Street, Batavia. Jones was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Lamar I. Randall, 30, of South Lyon Street, Batavia, is charged with false personation, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, driving without ignition interlock, unlicensed operator, failure to stop at stop sign. Randall was stopped at 1:47 a.m. Saturday on Garfield Avenue, Batavia, by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk. Randall was jailed on $1,500 bail.

Eric John Polle, 45, of Meadow Farms South, North Chili, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and harassment, 2nd. Polle was allegedly involved in an incident where he physically harassed another male at a location on Maple Avenue, Oakfield, at 4:18 p.m. on Jan. 27. Children were allegedly present at the time. He was jailed on $500 bail or $1,000 bond.

Douglas James Hanley, 25, of Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to pay fine. Hanley was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Le Roy PD again urges residents to lock vehicles to prevent thievery

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Le Roy Police Department is again urging residents to lock their vehicles. The Le Roy Police Department received multiple complaints that unlocked cars were again entered overnight and items stolen from within. The thefts occurred in the North Street, South Street, Church Street, Erie Street and St. Marks Street area.

The Le Roy Police is asking any resident who saw anything suspicious or who witnessed these acts to contact the Le Roy Police Department at 345-6350.

Batavia PD reminds people to lock their vehicles to avoid thefts

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department has received several complaints of cars being entered and items taken. While the Batavia Police Department remains diligent with our best efforts to prevent these types of incidents, we would like to remind our citizens and visitors to the community, to lock your vehicles when you leave them unattended.

Also, remember not to store valuable items in your vehicle and not to leave items in plain view in your vehicle. If you see something suspicious, please, immediately call the Batavia Police Department at (585) 345-6350 or if it’s an emergency dial 9-1-1.

Any further questions please contact PO Lawrence.

Batavia Police Department:
Dispatch – (585) 345-6350
Confidential Tip Line – (585) 345-6370
Report Suspicious Activity -- http://www.batavianewyork.com/police-department/webforms/report- suspicious-drug-or-criminal-activity

Law and Order: Batavia man arrested after allegedly caught driving without license which was revoked in 1993

By Billie Owens

Thomas H. Hofer, 54, of West Main Street, Batavia, and Heidi A. Pahl, 42, of French Road, Bennington, were charged following a traffic stop at 3:23 p.m. on Main Street in the Village of Attica on Jan. 29. Hofer is charged with expired inspection sticker, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, and unlawful possession of marijuana. An investigation revealed Hofer has allegedly had a suspended and revoked license since 1993. Pahl, his passenger at the time and also the registered owner of the vehicle Hofer was driving, is charged with facilitating aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, an unclassified misdemeanor. Pahl was charged for allegedly knowlingly allowing Hofer to operate her vehicle with a revoked license. She was released on an appearance ticket to appear in Attica Village Court at a later date. Hofer is being held in Genesee County Jail on a warrant for allegedly violating parole. The incident was investigated by Attica PD officers James Prusak Jr. and Brian Marsceill.

Robert M. Price, 31, of Pearl Street Road, Batavia, was arrested by the Le Roy Police Department on Jan. 26 and charged with DWI, DWI while having a BAC of .08 percent or more, no/Improper turn signal, failure to keep right and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. Price was arrested following a traffic stop on George Street for using an improper turn signal and failing to keep right when he was traveling on the wrong side of the street. After a brief investigation Price was allegedly found to be intoxicated and allegedly in possession of a pair of brass knuckles. Price was arraigned in the Town of Le Roy Court by the Justice Daryl Sehm. Price was released under the supervision of Genesee County Justice, and released to the custody of a friend. Price is to return back to court at 1 p.m. on Feb. 18.

Brant Matthews, 21, of Maple Avenue, Le Roy, and Brandon Scheck, 21, of Countess Drive, Henrietta, were arrested on Jan. 30 by the Le Roy Police Department and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation. The Le Roy Police Department was investigating a suspicious vehicle parked in the parking lot of 110 Munson St. The vehicle was occupied by Matthews and Scheck who were allegedly found in possession of marijuana. Both subjects were issued an appearance ticket and are scheduled to appear in the Le Roy Town Court on Feb. 22 to answer to the charge.

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