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Sheriff's Office

On the Beat: Stalking

By Philip Anselmo

Glenn R. Manes, 43, of Oakfield, was charged with a felony count of first-degree criminal contempt and third-degree stalking yesterday afternoon, city police said. Manes was picked up following an investigation into a potential violation of an order of protection. He is accused of repeatedly telephoning another person on Wednesday. Manes was sent to Genesee County Jail without bail.


Philip S. Hall, 21, of 313 Bank St., Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated and third-degree unathorized use of a motor vehicle Wednesday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Those charges stem from an incident in September when Hall allegedly drove a vehicle without the permission of the owner and crashed it while he was intoxicated.


Martin Pacer, 28, of Elba, was charged with endangering the welfare of a child Thursday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Pacer is accused of leaving two young children at home while he was out using drugs all night. When he arrived home that night, he allegedly caused a domestic disturbance after seeking more money for drugs. Pacer was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $800 bail, and an order of protection was issued for the children.


Terri Doctor, 29, of Basom, was charged with driving while intoxicated Thursday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies. Doctor was picked up on a warrant related to a drunk driving charge from December, 2007. She was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $500.

On the Beat: Drugs and Alcohol

By Philip Anselmo

Melissa A. Judd, 26, of 2 Shady Lane, Batavia, was charged with a felony count of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and a misdemeanor charge of third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Judd was stopped yesterday afternoon at the intersection of Lincoln and Washington avenues. She was allegedly driving with a suspended license and in possession of crack cocaine. Judd was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,000.


Rachael A. Baehr, 21, of Elba, was charged with second-degree harassment, fourth-degree criminal mischief and second-degree reckless endangerment yesterday for an incident that occurred on October 27, deputies said. Baehr is accused of breaking the window at a residence on Perry Road in Pavilion, entering inside the home and punching the homeowner in the face. While there, Baehr allegedly struck her friend with her vehicle while trying to leave. Baehr was also charged with first-degree unlawfully dealing with a child. On that charge, she is accused of giving alcohol to her friend who is underage.

On the Beat: A dagger, DVDs and drugs

By Philip Anselmo

Scott Richardson, 19, of Rochester, was charged with criminal possession of a weapon with intent to use and unlawful possession of marijuana Wedensday following a traffic stop on Route 262 in Elba, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said.


Ericka M. Sprague, 23, of 307 Washington Ave., Batavia, was charged with petit larceny, and Christopher Say, 17, of no permanent address, was charged with criminal possession of stolen property Wedensday, city police said. Sprague is accused of stealing DVDs from a family member that Say then allegedly took to a local store in an attempt to sell them.


Dustin Say, 17, of Alexander, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana Thursday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said.

On the Beat: Other uses for diaper bags

By Philip Anselmo

Three young parents have been accused of trying to steal "numerous" items from Kmart in Batavia Tuesday morning by stuffing them into their children's diaper bags, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Natalie M. MacArthur, 25, of Rochester; Melissa J. Ricigliano, 28, and Nicholas M. Ricigliano, 24, both of 132 State St. (Lower), Batavia, were charged with petit larceny. Three children were with the parents at the time: a 3-year-old, a 10-month-old and a 4-week-old.


Robert Sanfilippo, 49, of Depew, was charged with aggravated harassment Tuesday for an incident that occurred on October 1, deputies said. Sanfilippo is accused of making threatening phone calls to another individual's cell phone.


Derek G. Thomas, 32, of no permanent address, was charged with aggravated harassment Tuesday, city police said. Thomas is accused of grabbing a female acquaintance by the neck and slamming her into a wall during a dispute at a residence on South Main Street Sunday evening.

News roundup: Hiding in the dirty laundry

By Philip Anselmo

Bobby G. Mullen, 32, of Bergen, was picked up on a warrant for a felony charge of third-degree grand larceny Friday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Mullen was found hiding under a pile of clothes in a bedroom closet. He is accused of stealing approximately $4,200 and two cartons of cigarettes from the Wilson Farms store in Oakfield on August 1. Mullen was an employee at the time, though the theft is believed to have occurred following his shift that morning. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bail.


Aaron M. Shaffer, 23, of Byron, was charged with driving while intoxicated early Sunday morning on Route 5 in Stafford, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said.


Matthew P. Stearns, 26, of Albion, was charged with felony driving while intoxicated Thursday night, city police said. Stearns was stopped by a police Stop-DWI patrol for a lighting defect on Ellicott Street. He was also ticketed with violation of a conditional license, refusal to take breath test and insufficient lights.


John J. Smalley, 46, of Oakfield, was charged with second-degree reckless endangerment and third-degree unauthorized use of a motor vehicle Sunday night, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Smalley is accused of taking his girlfriend's vehicle without her permission. When the girlfriend tried to take back her vehicle in the parking lot of the Oakfield Hotel, Smalley allegedly pressed the accelerator from the passenger side of the vehicle while she was driving, causing it to strike a utility pole.


Rita K. Cintron, 18, of New Jersey, was charged with second-degree criminal trespass Sunday night for allegedly getting into an altercation in Maple Hall at Genesee Community College after she had been previously banned from the College Village, sheriff's deputies said.


Damien R. Graham, 36, no permanent address, was charged with second-degree burglary and petit larceny Saturday, city police said. Graham is accused of breaking into the apartment of an acquaintance on Swan Street in Batavia and stealing the resident's dog.

On the Beat: Menacing and Contempt

By Philip Anselmo

Larry S. Yoho, 36, of 111 Liberty St. (Room G), Batavia, was charged with second-degree menacing and second-degree criminal trespass Thursday morning, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Yoho is accused of entering a home on East Main Street Road while the occupants were sleeping and threatening the property and the individuals. Yoho also allegedly swung a hammer at the individuals in the home. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $2,000 bail. An order of protection was issued for the residents.


James J. Preedom, 24, of 18 East Ave., Batavia, was charged with first-degree criminal contempt and second-degree harassment Thursday for an incident that occurred Wednesday, city police said. Preedom is accused of harassing an individual who held an order of protection against him. He was sent to Genesee County Jail without bail, pending a court appearance this morning.

On the Beat: DWI in Elba

By Philip Anselmo

Isaac A. Arias-Perez, 26, was charged with driving while intoxicated Sunday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Deputies were investigating a reported domestic incident on Oak Orchard Road in Elba in which Arias-Perez was allegedly involved. He had left before deputies arrived but returned while they were still on the scene. Arias-Perez was allegedly intoxicated and driving without a license, for which he was ticketed. Arias-Perez was later sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $700 bail. Arias-Perez does not have a permanent address, and deputies report that there is a "federal detainer warrant" for his "alleged illegal entry into the United States."

On the Beat: Another Batavia burglary?

By Philip Anselmo

Batavia city police say that no charges have yet been filed, but they are talking with potential suspects in what was reported as a burglary Monday afternoon. An initial call came in shortly before 11:00am yesterday morning for a "burglary in progress" at 120 State Street in the city. A young male had been seen leaving the residence and was later spotted walking down the street with a young female.

Det. Richard Schauf said later in the afternoon that police were still looking for the male suspect.

"The person has not yet been found who was described at the scene," he said. "We're talking with anyone who has information. It was reported as a burglary to a home on State Street, but we're still determining if it is or not."

Several downtown businesses, at least one church and a school were burglarized over the past few months, including Dan's Tire, Ponderosa and Palace of Sweets in the mall. No information has yet become available that would link those crimes. Investigation continues.


Jeffrey T. Peyman, 19, of 5204 Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, was charged with petit larceny and unlawful possession of a hypodermic needle Friday afternoon, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Peyman was picked up by deputies on an allegation of stealing from the K Mart store in Batavia.


Ritchie L. Kirkum Sr., 47, of Oakfield, was charged with second-degree unlawful imprisonment, fourth-degree criminal mischief and endangering the welfare of a child last night, deputies said. Kirkum allegedly prevented an ex-girlfriend from leaving his residence and pushed her several times while she was holding a child. When she attempted to call 911, he then allegedly took her cell phone and threw it into the yard. Kirkum was also charged with second-degree harassment and sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bail. A stay away Order of Protection was issued.

On the Beat: DWI "saturation" patrol

By Philip Anselmo

More than a dozen state police troopers went out on patrol following the Buffalo Bills home game Sunday at Orchard Park in Buffalo. Three men were charged with driving while intoxicated following traffic stops on some of the main roads leading out of Buffalo. Two of the men were charged with felony DWI. Another 98 vehicle and traffic tickets were issued throughout the day, including 52 for speeding and eight for not wearing a seatbelt.


Jeremiah Flagg, 27, of East Amherst, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana on October 7, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Flagg was stopped on Route 5 in Pembroke for a traffic violation when deputies allegedly found him in possession of marijuana.


Larry R. Pfalzer II, 26, of East Bethany, was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated Friday night, city police said. Pfalzer was stopped by police for failing to stay in his lane when he was allegedly found to be intoxicated. He was also ticketed with failure to keep right.

On the Beat: Wanted in Warsaw

By Philip Anselmo

State police are on the lookout for a robbery suspect in Warsaw. A report just came in that on Tuesday night, just shy of 11:00pm, a man entered the Yellow Goose Gas Sation on Telephone Road in Pavilion. This man walked up to the counter with a beverage, then pulled a gun on the cashier and demanded the money in the cash register. Once the cashier gave him the money, he left the store and fled into the woods.

From the police:

The man is described as a black male, 20-24 years old, 5’6”, and 160-165 lbs.  He was clean shaven, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans and white sneakers.

The proceeds taken from the scene was less than $200.00.  The State Police are currently reviewing the stores video tapes and following up on numerous leads.  Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact (the state police in) Warsaw at (585) 786-5152.


Three men were sent to jail following an apprehension by the Genesee County sheriff's deputies yesterday afternoon on charges of petit larceny. Vernon L. Arrington, 47; Willie J. Boler, 42; and Timothy M. Armstead, 45, all of Buffalo, were stopped in their vehicle by deputies on Veterans Memorial Drive following reports of a theft from Rite Aid on West Main Street in Batavia. Deputies found "a very large amount of allegedly stolen items" from Rite Aid and it seemed other stores, as well. Further investigation is pending. The three men were sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,500 bail or $3,000 bond, each.


Jerry L. Saddler Sr., 48, of 112 State St., Batavia, was charged with third-degree menacing, disorderly conduct and unnecessary noise yesterday evening, city police said. Saddler is accused of threatening someone with a knife. He was apprehended by police at his home, where he was found playing music at an excessive volume. Saddler was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,500 bail.

On the Beat: In lieu of wedding vows?

By Philip Anselmo

Asley M. Chamberlain, 22, of Oakfield, was charged with a felony county of second-degree assault early Monday morning, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Chamberlain is accused of throwing a cell phone, striking her fiance in the face, and causing an injury that required stitches. She was released and will return to court in November.


Cheryl A. Vagg, 51, of 110 Evans St., Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated Friday, city police said. Vagg allegedly drove into a parked car on Center Street and drove off. She was located at Ellicott and Jackson streets and found to be under the influence. She was also charged with leaving the scene of an accident.


Jason R. Armstrong, 36, of East Pembroke, was charged with second-degree criminal contempt Sunday, city police said. Armstrong is accused of harassing a resident of Chase Park in Batavia who has an order of protection out against Armstrong.


Daniel T. Henning, 28, of 432 E. Main St., Batavia, was charged with second-degree criminal contempt Sunday, city police said. Henning is accused of repeatedly telephoning an individual that holds an order of protection against him.


Jeremy M. Erle, 32, and Nicole D. Erle, 27, both of Buffalo, were charged with trespassing Saturday night when they were located on a property in Darien without the property owner's permission, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said.


Matthew R. Lemmon, 43, of Oakfield, was charged with driving while intoxicated early this morning, deputies said. Lemmon was stopped on South Pearl Street Road in the village of Oakfield. He was also ticketed with moving from the lane unsafely and inadequate exhaust.

On the Beat: Weekend DWIs

By Philip Anselmo

Dawn M. Davis, 46, of Medina, was charged with driving while intoxicated and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance Sunday afternoon in the K-mart parking lot in Batavia, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Davis allegedly backed into a parked car in the lot. When deputies arrived they found that she had several pills in her pocket and she was under the influence. She was also ticketed with backing unsafely.


Christine E. Garland, 36, of 8069 Kelsey Rd., Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated early Sunday morning in Oakfield, deputies said. She was stopped by deputies on South Pearl Street. Garland was also ticketed with moving from the lane unsafely and insufficient tail lamps.

On the Beat: Credit card thefts

By Philip Anselmo

Jeanine D. Fuller, 22, of 8 S. Main St., Batavia, was charged with a felony count of criminal possession of stolen property Wednesday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Fuller is accused of stealing a credit card and using it to to buy merchandise that was not authorized by the card holder. She was also charged with petit larceny and unlawful possession of personal identification information.


Jessica L. Pittler, 18, of Lockport, was charged with a felony count of second-degree forgery and a felony count of second-degree identity theft Wednesday, state police said. Pittler is accused of stealing a credit card from an acquaintance and making purchases that totalled nearly $630. She was sent to Niagara County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bail.


Genesee County was the site of several crashes over the past few days.

  • Katelyn D. George, 17, of Byron, was driving along Bank Street Road in Elba Wednesday evening when she veered into the other lane and off the road, crashing into a pair of trees, deputies said.
  • Zachary M. Rebert, 17, of Oakfield, was driving along Maple Avenue Tuesday afternoon when he failed to stop for a red light at the intersection of Route 63, deputies said. Rebert's vehicle crashed into the driver's side of a car driven by P. M. Leszczynski, 52, of Medina.
  • Cassandra L. Ribbeck, 18, of 149 Oak St., Batavia, was driving along Beaver Road in Alexander Wednesday evening when she lost control of her truck, possibly driving too fast on wet roads, deputies said. Her truck hydroplaned and drove off the road, striking a fence post, continuing on through a field and striking an earth embankment where the truck was flipped up on its side.
  • Breann Blackchief, 21, of Basom, and Tashina C. Abrams, 21, of Akron, were riding a pair of ATVs on Meadville Road in Alabama Tuesday evening when they crashed, deputies said. Blackchief had not noticed that Abrams had stopped and crashed into the back of her. Blackchief was ejected from the ATV, landing in the middle of the road.

There was no mention in the releases of any injuries. We put in a call to the sheriff's department to find out if there were inuries. We will report that information when it becomes available.

Video: Meet Finn the Police Dog

By Philip Anselmo

Many thanks to Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Brian Thompson for taking the time to introduce me—and by extension, all of you—to the newest member of the county force: Finn, the Czech Shepherd. Finn was purchased by the force through donated funds to help mostly on search missions, whether that means he's looking for a criminal hiding in a building or a bag of pot strapped under a Lexus. Take a look:

On the Beat: DWI in Pembroke

By Philip Anselmo

Edwin L. Stancliff, 29, of Florida, was charged with driving while intoxicated Tuesday in the town of Pembroke, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Stancliff crashed his vehicle on Route 5, damaging property, then fled the scene. He was also ticketed with unlicensed operation, moving from the lane unsafely and leaving the scene of a property damage accident.

On the Beat: Scuffle at the Park

By Philip Anselmo

Darryl M. Cummings, 31, of Buffalo, was charged with third-degree assault related to an incident at Darien Lake Theme Park in August, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Cummings is accused of punching a man in the face during an argument at the park.


George Dagraca, of 5 Thomas Ave., Apt. 2, Batavia, was charged with a felony county of failure to register as a sex offender, city police said. Dagraca allegedly moved from Massachusetts to Batavia on August 11 or 12, but he did not register with the city police department until August 28.

On the Beat: Burglary and police chase in Oakfield

By Philip Anselmo

Christopher A. Laird, 16, of Elba, was charged with a felony count of third-degree burglary yesterday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Laird was reported missing on Saturday and was subsequently spotted by police in the village of Le Roy on Wednesday. Once he was seen, Laird allegedly fled. Police then searched the area with the help of sheriff's deputies and state police, including the state aviation unit. Laird was eventually located and arrested at a residence on Transit Road in Elba, where he had stolen a Polaris Trail Blazer off-road four-wheeler. He was arrested, charged with burglary and sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $5,000 bail.


Ryan M. Norton, 34, of Le Roy, was charged with second-degree harassment and endangering the welfare of a child yesterday evening, deputies said. During an argument at his residence on Summit Street in Le Roy, Norton allegedly strangled and struck a woman and endangered the welfare of a 14-year-old child.

All above reports issued in published releases from the department.

On the Beat: Downtown burglaries

By Philip Anselmo

City police are investigating a string of downtown burglaries over the past several weeks, the most recent at St. Joseph's School on Summit Street, which was broken into twice on Monday and Tuesday, according to the Daily News. Palace of Sweets in Batavia City Centre was the target last week, according to Det. Richard Schauf, who told reporter Scott DeSmit that the thief made off with about $900 in cash and may have had the key to the office.

The burglar broke glass to enter the store and then opened steel blinds which bar entry to the store after-hours, to get back onto the mall concourse and, apparently, leave the building.

Dan's Tire Service and Ponderosa Restaurant were also broken into in August. Nothing was taken from the restaurant. Dan's Tires reported about $155 in cash missing from the register.

The Batavian called the police chief Tuesday morning to get some information about the downtown burglaries. We had received reports of the robberies, and several readers had come to us looking for more information about the city's law enforcement. One reader said she heard a lot of sirens over the weekend, more than seemed usual. We phoned the dispatch center to inquire about the sirens. We were told that they do not log calls in a blotter and were too busy to provide any other information.

Dan DiLaura, owner of Dan's Tire, told us that the burglary there on August 23 happened around 10:00pm. The thief smashed a window at the garage and left a blood trail leading from the entry to the cash register. DiLaura said it was a bit puzzling, because the thief seemed to know the exact location of the money, judging by the trail. Also puzzling, the $1,500 flat-screen television about a dozen feet from the cash register was left untouched.

On the Beat: Got the wrong house?

By Philip Anselmo

Christopher R. Waite, 19, of Oakfield, was charged with third-degree criminal trespass Monday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Waite is accused of entering a home on S. Pearl St. without the owner's permission. Deputies did not say why or how Waite entered the property.


Lincoln A. DeCoursey, 30, of Pavilion, was charged with a felony count of driving while intoxicated Monday, deputies said. DeCoursey was stopped and ticketed with speeding on Route 5 in the town of Stafford when deputies found him allegedly under the influence.


Timothy R. Howard, of Lockport, was charged with a felony count of third-degree criminal possession of marijuana Friday, state police said. Howard was allegedly found with nearly 11 ounces of marijuana following a traffic stop on Dysinger Road in the town of Lockport.


Theresa E. Silliman, 40, of 3207 Pratt Road, Batavia, was charged with second-degree harassment Thursday, deputies said. Silliman is accused of slapping another woman across the face during a verbal argument.

News roundup: Two injured in accident in Alexander

By Philip Anselmo

Genesee County sheriff's deputies reported a two-car crash yesterday in Alexander that sent two women to the hospital. Eighteen-year-old Jonnie L. Ficarella, of Attica, swerved into oncoming traffic to avoid colliding with a stopped car waiting to turn in her own lane. She struck the vehicle of 24-year-old Tori M. Bentley, of Varysburg. WBTA's Dan Fischer reports that Ficarella was taken to United Memorial Medical Center for treatment. Bentley had suffered more serious injuries and had to be taken to Erie County Medical Center. We phoned both hospitals this morning to find the condition of the women, which was not available through WBTA. Bentley is listed in fair condition as of 8:00am. Ficarella had already been released.

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