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Multiple sexual abuse charges filed against Batavia man

By Howard B. Owens

A Town of Batavia resident is accused of sexually abusing children in the City of Batavia.

Gary E. Draper, 57, of 9175 Batavia-Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, is facing three counts of sexual abuse, 1st, five counts of criminal sexual act, 1st, and two counts of sexual abuse, 2nd.

Draper was arrested on a warrant following an investigation by Batavia detectives.

He is accused of sexually abusing children from August 2008 and May 2009.

Draper was placed in Genesee County Jail without bail, awaiting arraignment in County Court on Friday.

Oliver's will fly flag that connects home and troops in Afghanistan on July 4

By Howard B. Owens

Bonnie Battaglia and John Quincey of Oliver's Candie's on West Main Street stand in the store with a certificate and flag that flew over Afghanistan.

The flag was presented to Oliver's by Bonnie's nephew, Matthew Graber, who was an Army Ranger in Afghanistan. It was a "thank you" for all the candy Oliver's sent to Graber and his comrades while serving in Afghanistan.

Graber is the son of Gary and Linda Graber of Darien and Shirley and Fred Ingles of Warsaw. He's currently stationed in South Africa.

The flag will fly over Oliver's on Fourth of July weekend.

"We're proud of the troops," Quincey said. "We're proud of what they do, so we're happy to support them."

Unknown odor reported at loading dock of Walmart

By Howard B. Owens

An unknown odor has been reported in the area of the loading dock of Walmart, 4133 Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia.

The odor has apparently caused some nausea.

Town of Batavia Fire has been dispatched.

Personnel at Walmart declined an ambulance response, but a Town of Batavia chief requested Mercy EMS respond non-emergency.


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City swoops in on Latina's for a day of enforced clean up

By Howard B. Owens

If you noticed the bright red trucks of Scalia's Landscaping around Latina's today, don't get your hopes up that purported property owner Tom Lewin of Buffalo has suddenly taken responsibility for the rotting hulk of a former supermarket.

Scalia's was hired by the city after LKLWL Properties allegedly failed to comply with a code violation posted on the building on June 24.

LKLWL Properties will be billed for the clean up -- which included weed abatement and hosing down the sidewalks, which were covered with gull poop, along with a $250 fine.

The city took the same enforcement action against LKLWL Properties last year. The city is also working on a court case alledging that the hundreds of gulls nesting on the roof of the former Latina's Food Store are creating an "unsanitary condition."

Neither court nor city officials were able to say today when that case might be heard in Batavia City Court.

For previous coverage, click here.

No decision from attorney on whether to challenge constitutionality of adultery law

By Howard B. Owens

Whether the Suzanne Corona case will lead to a constitutional challenge to New York's adultery law is not a given, according to her new attorney Brian P. Degnan.

After Corona appeared in Judge Michael Delplato's courtroom for the first time today after selecting Degnan to represent her (Degnan is the son-in-law of the original judge on the case, Robert Balbick), Degnan told reporters that he wants to examine a plea offer from the District Attorney's office and decide how to proceed from there.

"We have not reached a deposition in this case and I'm interested in whatever would enable my client to get the best disposition in her best interest at this time," Degnan said when asked whether he would persue a constitutional challenge to the adultery law.

He called the law bizarre and unusual, noting that it has been prosecuted only 13 times in New York since 1970.

Degnan would not discuss the specifics of the plea offer.

Even if the adultery charge were dropped, attorneys have told The Batavian on background that Corona, merely because she has been charged with the crime, could seek judicial review of the statute.

Today, in her second court appearance on the case, Cornona did not enter a plea to the adultery or public lewdness charges.

A hearing was set for Aug. 18, where Corona could either agree to any plea deal still on the table, or Degnan could begin filing pre-trial motions.

In court, Degnan said he may file a motion for the prosecution to produce any additional evidence it may not yet have turned over in the case. Degnan said the main issue is, he doesn't know whether there are recordings available of any 9-1-1 calls.

"I need to have all of the evidence before me so I can advise my client of the best avenue to take," Degnan later told reporters.

Corona, 41, is accused of engaging in a public sex act in Farrall Park in early June with Justin Amend, 29, of Oakfield.

Amend did not appear in court this morning, but his attorney did and said he's seeking a plea offer from the District Attorney's office.

Trial date set for alleged arsonist

By Howard B. Owens

Accused of arson and attempted murder, Rochester resident Andre L. Scott, 30, will take his case to trial Aug. 23.

Today was the plea-cutoff date. Scott's attorney, Thomas Burns, said his client is well aware of Judge Robert C. Noonan's strict deadlines for plea deals but still rejected a plea offer by District Attorney Lawrence Friedman.

Friedman offered to reduce the charge to attempted arson, 2nd, a Class C felony with no sentence conditions.

Noonan also confirmed today that he denied defense motions to suppress some evidence gathered by Batavia Police detectives.

In his written ruling, Noonan wrote, "The Court therefore finds that, although the parole officers were cooperating with police investigating an arson, they were not acting solely on behalf of the police when seizing the defendant's cell phones and saliva samples."

Burns had argued that a search of Scott, his car and apartment were conducted at behest of the police and some of the parole officers' actions -- such as how the saliva samples were gathered -- were done entirely in the furtherance of the police investigation and not part of the functions of parole officers.

Scott is accused of starting a fire at 12 Elm St., Batavia, on Jan. 12, 2009, in an alleged attempt to kill the father of his recently estranged girlfriend.

For previous coverage, click here.

Attorney for one defendent seeking plea deal in alleged public sex case

By Howard B. Owens

The attorney for Justin Amend, charged with public lewdness for his alleged part in a public sex act, plans to ask the District Attorney for a plea deal.

The 29-year-old Amend, of Oakfield, wasn't in court today, and his case was continued to July 27, giving attorney Tom Williams time to discuss the case with the DA's office.

Public lewdness is a Class B misdemeanor. It is the only charge Amend is facing from the alleged early June encounter in Farrall Park, Batavia, with alleged partner Suzanne Corona, so it wouldn't seem there is much room to bargain.

Williams said he didn't want to speak for the DA, but he mentioned as an example, the charge could be reduced to disorderly conduct.

"It's a B misdemeanor," Williams added. "It's less serious than stealing a candy bar. You can get a year in jail for stealing a candy bar. You only can only get 90 days for this."

If a deal isn't struck, Williams said, then the July 27 court date will be used for filing motions in preparation for a possible trial.

Corona, who is also charged with adultery, is scheduled to appear in court at 1 p.m. today.

The case has brought an international spotlight to Batavia because the adultery charge is so unusual.

Television camera crews from Rochester were on hand for Amend's hearing this morning.

Police Beat: Man racks up three harassment charges in one day

By Howard B. Owens

Woodrow C. Horseman, 34, no permanent address, is charged with three counts of harassment, 2nd. Horseman was first arrested by Batavia Police following a complaint of a man yelling at two women on Thorpe Street at 4:30 p.m, Tuesday. Horseman allegedly verbally threatened the two women. Horseman was issued an appearance ticket and released. At 8:40 p.m., Horseman allegedly threatened another woman at a residence on Lewis Place. Horseman was then arrested and jailed on $750 bail.

Kelly A. Donoghue, 26, of 6 School St., Le Roy, is charged with one forgery, 2nd, and attempted identify theft, 3rd. Donoghue is accused of entering the Le Roy Library on May 27 and assume the identity of another person by obtaining a fraudulent library card. Donoghue allegedly signed the name of the victim after showing the clerks a vehicle title and other personal papers in the name of the victim. Le Roy Police say that if Donoghue had received the card, Donoghue could have removed videos and other property from the library, and the card could have been used elsewhere as a form of I.D. Donoghue was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Scott Doll may take prison contraband charge to trial

By Howard B. Owens

Scott Doll has no intention of pleading guilty to a promoting prison contraband charge, according to his attorney.

The case may go to trial, said Dan Killelea outside of the courtroom this afternoon.

Killelea helped represent Doll in his murder trial.

Doll was convicted of killing Joseph Benaquist in May and jailed immediately. During his processing, Doll was apparently searched and allegedly a green balloon was found hidden on his body. A lab test indicated that ground-up aspirin was the powdery substance the Sheriff's Office said was found in the balloon.

Doll appeared in court today sporting a new beard.

Killelea was granted more to prepare his case and file motions.

The case will be called in City Court on July 27.

Doll is scheduled to be sentenced Friday on the murder conviction.

(via WBTA)

Gas spill reported at Arrowmart on Clinton Street Road

By Howard B. Owens

A gas spill has been reported at the Arrowmart, 5267 Clinton St. Road, Batavia.

A caller reports a large amount of gas in the parking lot.

Town of Batavia Fire is being dispatched.

UPDATE 9:08 p.m.: A first responder reports only two or three gallons spilled, but spread over the parking lot.

Two-vehicle accident with minor injuries at West Main and Lyons

By Billie Owens

A two-vehicle accident with minor injuries is reported at West Main and Lyons streets. One of the vehicles reportedly rolled over.

The overturned vehicle needs to be uprighted ASAP to stop fuel leakage, says a firefighter on scene.

City Fire and Mercy EMS are responding.

Top photo submitted by Tim Walton. Bottom photo submitted by Chris Charvella.

Only a few spots left for middle-school summer learning camps

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County BEA (Business Education Alliance) is offering three career camps this summer for middle-school students. Culinary Camp is already filled for this year.  There are a just a few spots remaining in the two other career camps.

Brand new this year is a camp exploring careers related to math, science and technology. The MST Explorer Camp is July 20 and 21 and it is for students who are going into 7th, 8th and 9th grades. The camp on July 20 is for boys and the girls camp in on July 21.  The camp fee is $25 and will run all day, 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch and snacks are included. It will be held at Batavia Middle School.

Students will learn how math, science, and technology translate to exciting career options. Some of the activities will include designing and building bridges; testing CO2 cars; exploring aerodynamics through a hot air balloon, a real race car, and an ultralite aircraft; experiencing energy; and learning about the future of alternative energy sources, and many more.

The MASH (Medical Academy of Science and Health) Camp is July 27-30 for students who are going to be 7th and 8th graders in the fall. This camp registration fee was $40 but the GCEDC (Genesee County Economic Development Center) has generously offered to cover the registration for all of the students. The limit is 20 students and there are only a few spots left. Snacks and lunches are included. The camp will be held at a variety of locations including United Memorial Medical Center, Batavia VA Medical Center and Genesee Community College.

This career camp explores careers related to health and healthcare fields, including the new career clusters, life sciences and biotechnology. The camp is hands-on and offers a variety of interactive activities for students to gain a better understanding of what it’s like to be in some of these careers. The activities are lead by professionals who are excited about their jobs and who want to share it with students.

The deadline for registering is Monday, July 5. If you would like to register your child or you have any questions, please contact Melinda Chamberlin at 343-7440 ext. 25 or mchamberlin@geneseeny.com.

Staff and Batavia council see plumbing inspector issue differently

By Howard B. Owens

Current State law requires the City of Batavia to have a plumbing inspector, and some of the City Council want to see the job filled.

At Monday's council meeting, City Manager Jason Molino called the requirement for a plumbing inspector an antiquated law and City Attorney George Van Nest argued that  the city has done everything it can to fill the position, which is all it's required to do.

Council members Tim Buckley, Rose Mary Christian and Bob Bialkowski all urged City staff to fill the position.

Bialkowski called it a "public health issue."

"Even though state law says code enforcement can do it, you’re not a plumber," Bialkwoski said. "You don’t know what you’re looking at."

Not necessarily, Molino said.

Currently, the city's code enforcement officers are performing plumbing inspections. Molino said they are trained and licensed by New York for such inspections and in towns and villages across the state, code enforcement officers handle plumbing inspection duties.

Only cities, under current state law, are required to have a certified plumbing inspector.

The Town of Amherst, Molino noted, which is larger than Batavia, uses code enforcement officers for plumbing inspections.

"There is no public health risk," Molino said.

Van Nest noted that there are efforts underway to get the state law changed.

"It’s not like there are some safety issues there that are going unaddressed, because these people are certified code enforcement officials for New York State with all licensing and training," Van Nest said.

The topic was opened in public comments by Batavia resident David Pero, who said he has 40 years experience in plumbing.

"Plumbing has to do with public health," Pero said. "Do the right thing council, put back what is right. We are a city, therefore protect our taxpayers. Plumbing inspecting should be done by a qualified master plumber."

After Barb Toal retired as the city's inspector, Ron Toal stepped in on an interim basis, but then quit June 2. Molino issued an emergency declaration to allow the city's code enforcement officers to take over the duties since no certified inspector had been identified.

Grand Jury Report: Woman accused of stealing from bank in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Michelle A. Parker is indicted on four counts, including grand larceny, 3rd, petit larceny, grand larceny, 4th and perjury,1st. Parker is accused of stealing in November 2006 from a bank branch in Batavia and making a false statement related to the case. The amount of the alleged thefts exceed $4,000.

Gerardo Pineda-Sanchez is indicted on a count of assault, 2nd, a Class D felony. Sanchez is accused of stabbing a victim with a knife April 28 in Elba.

Theodore R. Cooper is indicted on one count of grand larceny, 3rd, a Class D felony. Cooper is accused of stealing property valued in excess of $3,000 sometime between Dec. 30 and Feb. 3 from a Batavia resident.

Scott Stine (aka Scott Campbell) is indicted on a count of DWI. Stine is accused of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated on Lovers Lane Road, Batavia, on May 1.

Ami L. Blackmore is indicated on three counts related to driving while intoxicated. Blackmore is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and driving with a BAC of .18 or greater. Blackmore is accused of driving a car while intoxicated on Bloomingdale Road, Alabama, on Jan. 22.

Jamie R. Montgomery is indicted on two misdemeanor counts and one felony count related to an alleged DWI. Montgomery is charged with a misdemeanor count of DWI and a misdemeanour count of driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. She is charged with a Class E felony of aggravated unlicensed operation. Montgomery is accused of driving intoxicated on Route 5 in Stafford on March 17.

Reader tips help lead to arrest of larceny suspect

By Howard B. Owens

An arrest has been made in the alleged theft of credit cards from parked vehicles earlier this month.

Det. Pat Corona of the Batavia Police Department said local media reports about the alleged theft and use of the cards, along with surveillance photos of the alleged suspect, turned up numerous tips leading to the arrest.

Taken into custody and charged with grand larceny, 4th, was Kyle C. Monroe, 20, of 43 Washington Ave., Batavia.

Monroe was located allegedly hiding in the backyard of 131 State St.

He is accused of taking the credit cards from a parked vehicle on Gateway Drive on June 14 and using them to purchase a variety of items at local retail stores, including a laptop computer, electronics and clothing.

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office assisted in the investigation.

Additional charges may be pending and the investigation is continuing.

Monroe was jailed without bail.

Police Beat: Woman accused of making false report

By Howard B. Owens

Melody Lynn Neal, 20, of Indian Falls Road, Corfu, is charged with falsely reporting an incident, 3rd. Neal is accused of contacting Genesee County Dispatch and claiming that a person had contacted her by phone threatening to do her harm. An investigation allegedly revealed that the harassing phone calls never occurred.

Steven B. Ellis, 46, of Wyoming, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Ellis was stopped by State Police in the Town of Batavia at 6:43 p.m., Sunday.

Accident Update: On an accident we reported Sunday that partially closed Route 63 for several hours, the State Police blotter contains the following information. The accident occurred at 1:52 p.m. It was a single-car accident with one injury. The driver is reported as Roy A. Park, 50, of Batavia. No further details were released.

Moving Wall closes stay in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Rain forced the closing ceremonies for the Moving Wall at the VA Center inside today, but dozens of people showed up for the short service. Bill Davis thanked all of the volunteers and donors who made bringing the wall to Batavia possible.

Afterward, a couple of dozen people spent time at the Wall before its removal.

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