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Darien

Law and Order: Darien man accused of choking juvenile

By Howard B. Owens

Hakeem Ellsha Cunningham, 20, of Alleghany Road, Darien, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, endangering the welfare of a child and harassment, 2nd. Cunningham allegedly grabbed the neck of a juvenile, causing her to have a hard time breathing, during an incident reported July 19.

Lance M. Mercado Sr., 26, of Holland Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Mercardo is accused of shoplifting from Speedway. Surveillance cameras revealed Mercado allegedly placing merchandise in his pockets and leaving the store without paying for the items.

Anthony G. Milone, 52, of Transit Road, Depew, is charged with disorderly conduct. Milone allegedly stepped out in front of a vehicle on Summit Street, Batavia, blocking traffic, at 4:29 p.m., June 24.

Joseph M. Marsceill Sr., 46, of Pringle Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant. Marsceill allegedly failed to appear in court on a charge of aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd. He was released on his own recognizance.

Deborah R. Blatt, 56, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Blatt allegedly struck a police officer while being escorted to an ambulance to be taken to an area hospital for evaluation.

Charles-Gus Thigpen Williams, 37, of Robinson Road, Lockport, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Williams allegedly tried to gain access to a residence on Liberty Street at 10:32 p.m., Aug. 2, where the person living there was protected by a complete stay away order. Williams was located and arrested Tuesday. He was jailed on $1,000 bail, or $2,000 bond.

Douglas S. Sprague, 49, of Bethany Center Road, East Bethany, is charged with obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest. Sprague allegedly attempted to resist arrest following a disturbance on Hutchins Place, Batavia, at 10:27 p.m., Friday.

Benjamin L. Brade, 24, of Denio Street, Batavia, is was arrested on a warrant. Brade allegedly failed to show up to serve a weekend jail term. He was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Paul P. Cronan, 35, of Main Street, Williamsville, is charged with harassment, 2nd, disorderly conduct and coercion, 2nd. Cronan was allegedly involved in a domestic incident at 12:21 p.m., Sunday, at Dunkin' Donuts, Batavia. He was released to NYSP Clarence on unrelated charges.

Christian Richard Austin, 32, of Parce Avenue, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, aggravated unlicensed operation, failure to stop at stop sign and driver's view obstructed. Austin was stopped at 12:21 p.m. Saturday on Route 77, Alabama, by Deputy Michael Lute.

Law and Order: Pembroke resident accused of growing marijuana

By Howard B. Owens

Scott Thomas McCoy, 47, of Main Road, Pembroke, is charged with criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument and unlawful growing of cannabis. McCoy was allegedly found with marijuana plants growing on his property in Pembroke and hypodermic needles. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be pending.

Bonnie Marie Breissinger, 62, of County Line Road, Darien, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st, and harassment, 2nd. Breissinger allegedly subjected another person to physical contact in violation of a no offensive conduct order of protection.

Robert Arthur Shuttleworth III, of Scotland Road, Akron, is charged with theft of services. Shuttleworth was arrested in Depew on a warrant out of Town of Batavia Court. He was jailed on $500 bail.

Photos: Fifth Harmony, JoJo concert

By Steve Ognibene

American five-piece girl group Fifth Harmony performed last evening at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center with special guests JoJo and Victoria Monet. The five singers who all successfully auditioned as soloists on the second season of "The X Factor USA" in 2012 failed to progress individually in judging competition and decided to form a group together.

The band was formed one month following the second season of "The X Factor USA" and was named "Next Pop Superstar of 2013" by Popdust magazine.  They played hits like "Gonna Get Better," "All In My Head (Flex)," "Worth It" and "Work from Home."

Opening for them was Joanna Noëlle Blagden "JoJo" Levesque and Victoria Monet. Next concert is BRAD PAISLEY: LIFE AMPLIFIED TOUR, Aug. 19th at 7:30 p.m.

JoJo:

Law and Order: Rochester woman with 35 suspensions on revoked license arrested for impersonating her sister

By Billie Owens

Treynada T. Costley, 31, of Rochester, was arrested by Corfu Police at 6:52 p.m. on Aug. 3 following a traffic stop of Route 77 just south of the village. Costley was charged with aggravated unlicensed operator, 1st, criminal impersonation and numerous vehicle and traffic law violations. Corfu Police Officer Peter Scanio's plate reader hit for suspended registration on the vehicle Costley was driving. The driver failed to produce a license and allegedly repeatedly gave the wrong name to Officer Scanio as well as assisting officers. During the course of the investigation, it was revealed that the operator, later identified as Costley, had impersonated her sister and had 35 (31 on 11 dates) suspensions on a revoked non-driver ID only. Costley was put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $500 cash or $1,000 bond. The NY State Police and Genesee County Sheriff's Department assisted Officer Scanio in this investigation as well as Officer Mike Petritz, of Corfu PD.

Anthony Willem Everett Begemann, 18, of Lake Road -- West Road, Hamlin, is charged with possession of alcohol under age 21 with intent to consume. At 8:55 p.m. on Aug. 3 while at the Fifth Harmony concert at Darien Lake, Begemann allegedly possessed vodka. The defendant was issued an appearance ticket for Darien Town Court and charged with possessing alcohol, under age 21, with the intent to consume. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Timothy Wescott.

Law and Order: Man arrested for allegedly punching person in the face at Darien Lake's Main Gate

By Billie Owens

John Franklin McLaughlin Jr., 44, of Old Route 17, Salamanca, is charged with second-degree harassment. The defendant was arrested for allegedly ounching a person in the face at 7 p.m. at the Main Gate at Darien Lake Amusement Park on Alleghany Road. He was due in Darien Town Court on Aug. 1. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Tanner A. Dahl, 19, of Westfield, was arrested by State Troopers for possession of a forged instrument, 3rd, operator of motor vehicle impaired by drugs, 1st, when he was stopped on Colby Road in Darien July 30 for non-functioning tail lights. Dahl was found in possession of an open container of moonshine and a fake Pennsylvania Driver’s License in the name of T. Dahl after Troopers detected the odor of marijuana emitting from his vehicle. Dahl failed the standard field sobriety tests administered to him. He was transported to UMMC for a blood sample, which he refused. A breath sample of 0-percent BAC was obtained. Dahl was issued an appearance ticket and uniform traffic tickets returnable to the Town of Darien Court on Aug. 9.

Photos: Shake on the Lake at Darien Lakes State Park

By Howard B. Owens

Shake on the Lake, Genesee Valley’s Shakespeare Festival, now in its fifth season, performed Saturday at Darien Lakes State Park, entertaining an audience with "Twelfth Night," co-produced by Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre.

The evening, which opened with plein air artists painting Darien Lakes landscapes, was sponsored by GO ART!

If you missed the performance, there are opportunities this week to see it in Attica and Silver Lake. For more information, visit the theater company's website.

Fifteen arrests reported G-Eazy concert at Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the G-Eazy concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Friday:

Colt D. Agnew, 19 of Potter Hill Road, Cattaraugus, is charged with criminal trespass 3rd and criminal possession of a forged Instrument, 2nd. Agnew allegedly entered Darien Lake after being told to leave and was found in possession of a fraudulent Maryland license. Agnew was arraigned in Darien Court and put in jail in lieu of $10,000 bail.

(name redacted upon request), 20, of Old Goodrich Road, Clarence, is charged with second-degree harassment and resisting arrest. xxx allegedly swung his fist at a deputy and then resisted arrest. xxxx was arraigned in Darien Court and put in jail in lieu of $1,000 bail.

A 17-year-old of Thorn Berry Way, Conyers, Ga., is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly urinating on a vehicle.

Bryce R. Tarbox, 20, of Route 417, Alleghany, is charged with third-degree criminal trespass and criminal possession of stolen property, 5th, after allegedly possessing a stolen Live Nation cleaning shirt and entering the concert venue without a ticket.

A 16-year-old of Ridge Meadows Drive, Spencerport, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly entering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Evan J. Vershay, 21, is charged with forcible touching after allegedly grabbing a female's private parts.

The following subjects were charged with unlawful possession of marijuana:

A 17-year-old of Main Street, Williamsville

Joshua P. Butry, 24, of 81st Street, Niagara Falls

Shane N. Barrett, 25, of Hickory Street, Whitney
Casey R. George, 19, of Hagen Avenue, North Tonawanda
Alexis N. Malta, 18, of Tinker Tavern Road, Webster
Luke G. Simons, 18, of Country Meadow, Hilton
Melanie M. O’Malley, 20, of Foxwood Lane, Williamsville
Andrew J. Stone, 21, of Evans Street, Lockport
Zachary T. Fronckowiak, 18, of Westover Street, Yorkshire

One person arrested at Heart concert for allegedly grabbing security guard by the throat

By Billie Owens

The following person was arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Heart concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on July 27:

Rahquan D. Daughtry, 24, of Clinton Avenue, Rochester, was arrested for second-degree harassment after allegedly grabbing a security guard by the throat. Daughtry is set to appear in Darien Town Court at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 9. 

This information was provided by Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello.

Photos: Heart with special guests ROCKED Darien NY

By Steve Ognibene

Over 40-plus years and millions of albums sold the Wilson sisters -- brunette lead singer Ann and blond lead guitarist Nancy -- didn't miss a beat, as they kept the crowd dancing in the aisles last evening with their band Heart at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center.  

Hands waving, cell phones were overheating amongst many followers engaged in some of the band's greatest hits like, "Magic Man," "What about Love," "These Dreams," "Crazy on You" and "Barracuda."

Cheap Trick and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts opened for Heart tonight with some famous songs by each band, "Dream Police," "I Want You to Want Me" from Cheap Trick. Joan Jett played some classics, "Cherry Bomb," "I Love Rock 'n’ Roll," and "I Hate Myself for Loving You."

Next concert is tomorrow night featuring G-Eazy & Logic: The Endless Summer Tour, with guests YG and YO Gotti at 6:30.

Two victims reported in motorcycle accident in Darien

By Howard B. Owens

A motorcycle accident is reported on Sumner Road near Walker Road, Darien.

There are reportedly two victims.

Darien fire, Darien ambulance responding.

UPDATE 11:23 p.m.: Mercy Flight requested to the scene for both patients.

UPDATE 11:27 p.m.: Mercy Flight #5 out of Batavia and Mercy Flight #9 out Buffalo responding.

UPDATE 7 a.m. (July 28): Injured in the crash were Eric Brumstead, 55, of Bethany, and Andrea Farruggla, 43, no address provided. According to an accident report prepared by Sgt. Greg Walker, Brumstead was allegedly eastbound on Sumner Road at a high rate of speed and failed to negotiate the curve in the roadway at Walker Road. His 2001 Honda motorcycle became airborne and both the driver and passenger were ejected. Both were flown to Strong Memorial Hospital. Possible charges are pending.

Photos: Josh Groban, Sarah McLachlan in Concert

By Steve Ognibene

American singer, songwriter, actor, Josh Groban performed last evening at Darien Lake PAC in front of a contemporary, light-spirited crowd of six thousand people. His last appearance was in 2011 in Buffalo. He performed some hits like “You Raise me Up” and from musicals “Somewhere over the Rainbow,” and “Le Temps des Cathedrales.” 

Sarah McLachlan performed two duets with Josh, one being her own “Angel.” She was the lead opener with songs like "Building a Mystery," "I will Remember You" and "Sweet Surrender." Foy Vance opened for Sarah McLachlan.  

Next concert is tonight featuring Heart with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts and Cheap Trick, 6:30 p.m.

Sarah McLachlan

RIT graduated 19 local students in May

By Billie Owens

Rochester Institute of Technology celebrated its 131st Academic Convocation in May. Diplomas were distributed to graduates following the event at separate ceremonies held by each of RIT's nine colleges and two academic centers. Local residents who graduated include:

David Belcher of Le Roy (14482), who received an MBA in business administration from RIT's Saunders College of Business.

Geoffrey Berl of Le Roy (14482), who received a BS in software engineering from RIT's B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.

Benjamin Bliss of Pavilion (14525), who received a BFA in illustration from RIT's College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

Maura Chmielowiec of Batavia (14020), who received a BS in mechanical engineering from RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Edward Cigno of Le Roy (14482), who received an MS in mechanical engineering from RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

James Erb of Darien Center (14040), who received a BS in mechanical engineering from RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Shane Hale of Corfu (14036), who received a BS in computer science from RIT's B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.

Taylor Harkness of Batavia (14020), who received a BS in biotechnology and molecular bioscience from RIT's College of Science.

Eric Hunt of Bergen (14416), who received a BS in new media interactive development from RIT's B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.

Dean Kubik of Basom (14013), who received a BS in chemical engineering from RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Shannon Lajuett of Le Roy (14482), who received a BS in biomedical sciences from RIT's College of Health Sciences and Technology.

Michelle Lane of Batavia (14020), who received a BS in applied arts and sciences from RIT's School of Individualized Study.

Michael Norway of Elba (14058), who received a BS in chemistry from RIT's College of Science.

Joseph Oddo of Batavia (14020), who received a BS in electrical engineering from RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Karl Pajak of Corfu (14036), who received a BFA in film and animation from RIT's College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

Trevor Powers of Batavia (14020), who received a BS in mechanical engineering from RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Jared Raphael of Batavia (14020), who received a BS in industrial engineering from RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Michael Slack of Bergen (14416), who received a BFA in film and animation from RIT's College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

Michael Wilmoth of Le Roy (14482), who received a BS in computing security from RIT's B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.

Rochester Institute of Technology is home to leading creators, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers. Founded in 1829, RIT enrolls 18,600 students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, making it among the largest private universities in the United States.

A dozen arrested, including two jailed, at Disturbed concert at Darien Lake on Sunday

By Billie Owens

Two people were arrested by deputies from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office and put in jail during the Disturbed concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Sunday, July 24. They are:

Ryan J. Budnik, 28, of Berkshire Drive, Rochester, was arrested for trespassing after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being advised not to return. He was arraigned in Darien Town Court and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $200 bail.

Richard J. Lewis, 37, of Pintail View, Walworth, was arrested for second-degree harassment after allegedly entering the backstage area of the concert venue and punching an employee. Lewis was arraigned in Darien Town Court and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $500 bail.

The following people were arrested and issued appearance tickets to be in Darien Town Court at 4 p.m. on Aug. 2:

Michael S. Prinz, 20, of Route 237, Stafford, was arrested for driving while ability impaired by drugs and unlawful possession of marijuana after driving into the Darien Lake concert venue while allegedly impaired by drugs and while in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

A 16-year-old from Le Roy was arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly possessing a quantity of marijuana.

A 17-year-old from Orchard Park was arrested for criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly possessing Adderall (not prescribed) and a quantity of marijuana.

Jeremy T. Maliszewski, 18, of Fisher Road, West Seneca, was arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly possessing a quantity of marijuana.

Damien R. Koch Jr., 18, of Vanderbelt Street, Lovejoy, was arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly possessing a quantity of marijuana.

Sean H. Pfeiffer, 18, of Indian Church Road, West Seneca, was arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly possessing a quantity of marijuana.

Brendan T. Fitzpatrick, 20, of Whittier Road, Spencerport, was arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly possessing a quantity of marijuana.

Dustin J. Houghton, 25, of Ridge Road, Webster, was arrested for trespass after allegedly reentering the concert after being told not to return.

John F. Jacobsen, 42, of Hamburg Street, Buffalo, was arrested for trespass after allegedly reentering the concert after being told not to return.

Grace A. Lotz, 35, of Clinton Street, Attica, was arrested for criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument after allegedly possessing suboxone and a hypodermic syringe and needle.

Boil Water Notice lifted for Pembroke, Darien and Corfu

By Howard B. Owens

Announcement from the Monroe County Water Authority:

As a customer of the Water Authority in the towns of Pembroke and Darien and the Village of Corfu, you were notified on Thursday, July 21, of a potential problem with your drinking water and were advised not to drink the water without boiling it first.

We are pleased to announce that the issue has been corrected, and we have verified the water meets all state and federal water quality regulations. It is no longer necessary to boil your water before drinking it.

We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience. 

Monroe County Water Authority issues Boil Water Notice for towns of Pembroke, Darien and Village of Corfu until further notice

By Billie Owens

Press release from the Monroe County Water Authority:

Boil Water Notice for Western Genesee County -- Boil Your Water Before Using

The Boil Water Notice only applies to the towns of Pembroke, Darien and the Village of Corfu.

Monroe County Water Authority (MCWA) purchases its supply of water for Western Genesee County from Erie County Water Authority. A loss of pressure in northern parts of the Erie County system may affect the supply to our customers in Western Genesee County.

While the loss of pressure was never experienced in the MCWA system, we are exercising an abundance of caution and request you do not drink the water without boiling it first until we post on our website (www.mcwa.com) that we are confident there is no risk.

What should I do?

  • DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice on the MCWA website (www.mcwa.com)

What happened? What is being done?

  • The main break in Erie County has been isolated and pressure has been restored to normal. We are currently testing water quality throughout the area. This will take several days and test results will be reviewed by the Department of Health. It is likely that you will need to boil water for two or three days until we can confirm the water quality. You will be informed on our website when you no longer need to boil water.
  • We anticipate confirmation from our laboratory that there is not a problem within 48 hours.

For more information, please contact MCWA Customer Service at (585) 442-7200.

Canisteo man arrested for allegedly engaging in oral sex with 15-year-old boy

By Billie Owens

Joel Bert Shorts, 55, of Stewart Street, Canisteo, is charged with third-degree criminal sexual act and endangering the welfare of a child.

Shorts was arrested at 11:30 p.m. on July 20 at Darien Lake Theme Park Resort following an investigation into an allegation that he engaged in oral sexual conduct with a 15-year-old male.

He was arraigned in Darien Town Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Bradley Mazur, assisted by Deputy Howard Carlson.

Congressman Chris Collins helps secure $134,443 grant for the Darien Volunteer Fire Department

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced $134,443 in federal funding for the Darien Volunteer Fire Department. The grant was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG), which is designed to help first responders improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types.

“Our first responders routinely risk their lives to protect us,” Congressman Collins said. “The least we can do is provide them with the equipment, training, and funding they need to do their jobs. This grant funding will help create more efficient and effective first responders, and I am honored to help the Darien Volunteer Fire Department secure this vital funding.”

“This $134,443 in AFG funding will help our Department purchase new SCBA Air Packs,” said Chief Joe Marino of the Darien Volunteer Fire Department. “It is crucial that our Department has these pieces of basic equipment to keep us safe as we protect the Darien community. We look forward to working with Congressman Collins in the future as he continues to work on behalf of our local volunteer fire departments.”

This federal grant will allow the Darien Volunteer Fire Department to purchase new Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Air Packs. This will provide the volunteer firefighters with breathable air whenever they are in an “immediately dangerous to life or health” atmosphere.

The AFG Program provides direct funding assistance to first-responder organizations to obtain much needed emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles and training.

Two teens arrested at Toby Keith Concert Friday night

By Billie Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Toby Keith Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on July 15:

Brendan E. Hart, 19, of Winding Woods, Hamburg, was arrested on two counts of trespass after allegedly attempting to entering the concert venue after being ejected twice and told not to return. Hart was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $250.

Justin M. Metzger, 18, of Stone Briar Drive, Clarence Center, was arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana. He was issued an appearance ticket for July 28 in Darien Town Court.

Law and Order: Four men charged with driving while intoxicated

By Billie Owens

Jeffrey Mario McCormick Jr., 26, of Weiss Street, Buffalo, is charged with driving with a BAC of more than .08 percent, DWI, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, and following too closely. On July 16, following the investigation of a motor-vehicle accident that happened almost at midnight in the parking lot of Darien Lake amusement park on Alleghany Road in Darien, McCormick was arrested for DWI and the other charges. He was issued traffic tickets and is to be in Darien Town Court on Aug. 16. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Michael Best Jr., 21, of Ward Street, Dunmore, Pa., was arrested after being stopped on Sumner Road in the Town of Darien and allegedly found to be intoxicated. He was initially observed at 11:37 p.m. on Colby Road. He was issued traffic summons and is due in Darien Town Court on July 28. Best is charged with driving while intoxicated, driving with a BAC of .08 percent or more, failure to keep right, and following too closely. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Anthony Charles Bradbury, 36, of Ralph Broadrick Road, Normandy, Tenn., is charged with DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or greater, DWI, and unlawful possession of marijuana. He was arrested at 9:14 p.m. on July 14 at 9993 Alleghany Road in Darien, the location of the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center. After an investigation into a suspicious condition, it was determined that Bradbury was allegedly operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol. He was allegedly found to possess a quantity of marijuana at the time of his arrest. He was jailed in lieu of $1,000 bail. The case was handled by Sheriff's deputy Richard Schildwaster, assisted by Deputy Dana Richardson.

Roberto F. Fuentes Jr., of Lackawana, was arrested at 8:28 p.m. on July 14 in the Village of Corfu and charged with felony DWI following a minor traffic accident at Crosby's convenience store on Alleghany Road. Fuentes was previously convicted of DWI in 2014. He is due in Pavilion Town Court on Aug. 1. The case was handled by Village of Corfu  Police Officer Michael Petritz.

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