Le Roy

Acting on a tip from law enforcement in Florida that a package of methamphetamine was being shipped to an address in Oakfield, members of the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force arrested a Le Roy man allegedly found in possession of the package.

Mark J. Puma, 42, of West Main Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 4th, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and possession of controlled substances by ultimate user's original container.

The tip came from the Winterhaven Police Department. The package was reportedly delivered to an address on Farnsworth Avenue.

After confirming the package delivery, members of the task force reportedly observed Puma leaving the residence.

A traffic stop for an alleged traffic violation was initiated on Maltby Road, Oakfield, by a uniformed deputy and a state trooper.

During an interview with Puma, it was determined that Puma was allegedly in possession of Adderall.

A K-9 search of Puma's 2000 Toyota 4-Runner led to a positive alert by the dog on suspected narcotics in the vehicle.

The suspect package, with a return address in Lakeland, Fla., was located in the vehicle and a quanity of meth was allegedly found in the package.

Puma was arraigned and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Assisting in the investigation were the District Attorney's Office, uniformed deputies, state troopers, Medina PD and Medina PD's K-9, "Kye."

It’s a game every athlete dreams of.

It’s senior night on the road against your big rival, with sectional implications on the line.

That’s what Le Roy was facing against Cal-Mum…and Montana Vescovi responded by pouring in a career-high 37 points and leading the Oatkan Knights to a comeback victory, avenging an earlier defeat to the Lady Raiders, 62-45.

In their first contest this season, freshman Gillian Flint went off for 25 points in a 5-point Cal-Mum win, and the start of this game appeared as if she was picking up where she left off.

Flint, who has been averaging 20 points per game over her last four contests, scored 11 points in the first quarter as Cal-Mum raced out to a 9-point lead.

Every aspect of Le Roy’s game seemed to be sputtering, as Vescovi only attempted one field goal from the field (a miss) and went 5-of-12 from the foul line in the first frame.

The second quarter was a different story however, as the Knights scored the first nine points to tie the game at 17.

Vescovi also came alive, scoring 10 points in the period, including eight in a row at one point.

“It was a hostile crowd, I told them to just settle down and relax,” said Le Roy Head Coach Brian Herdlein. “I just told my girls that they were going to have a run and they needed to just keep doing what they were doing.”

The Knights clamped down on Flint, holding her scoreless in the quarter, but Cal-Mum junior Hannah Anderson took charge, scoring six points in a row, and Adrianna Molisani buried a three-pointer at the buzzer to take a 28-25 lead into halftime.

But, Vescovi came out firing in the third quarter, scoring 11 points in the frame.

“She’s an exceptional player,” Herdlein said of Vescovi. “She’s always been a scorer, but she’s added to her game. I tell her all the time that there aren’t a lot of people that can stop her. Mentally she came to play and she didn’t want to lose tonight.”

The Knights took a 39-37 lead with 2:39 remaining in the quarter and never relinquished it.

Le Roy held Cal-Mum just four points, and Vescovi scored 11 more points to vanquish their rivals eight miles up Route 5.

Even more impressive, Flint was held to just seven points after her monster first quarter.

“Flint came out on fire,” Herdlein said. “We really needed to have a girl stay on her the whole time and deny her the ball. I think we did a better job of that as the game went along.”

The Knights also got a strong game from senior Alicia Conte, who finished with 13 points, 12 rebounds and three steals.

Vescovi’s 37 points puts her just 32 shy of 1,000 for her career, but she was solid in every facet of this game, adding nine rebounds and three steals to her stat line.

This win was not just important because of the rivalry, but because the win guarantees Le Roy (9-8) the fourth seed in Class B2 and one more home game.

“This was huge for us,” Herdlein said. “Any time you can play in this kind of environment, it gets you ready for that sectional environment. It’s always rough, you have to play four quarters and that’s what we had to do tonight.”

Flint finished with 18 points and six rebounds for Cal-Mum (11-7), while Anderson added 14 points and nine rebounds.

A one-vehicle rollover is reported on the westbound Thruway at mile marker 377.4. Le Roy fire and ambulance are responding and a crew from Pavilion is requested to stage in its hall.

UPDATE 5:48 p.m.: An engine from Pavilion is requested to stand by in Le Roy's hall.

UPDATE 5:53 p.m.: State Police on scene say all responders can go back in service -- no need for fire or medical personnel.

Nina M.E. Kelso, 29, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with torturing or injuring an animal/failure to provide sustenance and owning/haboring an unlicensed dog. Batavia PD responded to Kelso's residence at 6:08 p.m., Feb. 4, to investigate a report of a maltreated/malnourished dog. Officers allegedly found a pit bull identified as Kelso's dog that was malnourished and weak. The dog was reportedly unable to stand or move on its own. The dog was also unlicensed. The dog was taken to Batavia State Street Animal Hospital and continues to receive treatment and care.

Johnnie M. Waston, 30, unknown address, Rochester, is charged with criminal impersonation, 2nd, and criminal trespass, 2nd. Waston allegedly entered the apartment on State Street of somebody he did not know at 1:54 p.m., Sunday, and remained in the residence unlawfully. Waston allegedly provided a fake name to police and was later recognized and identified by jail personnel. Waston was found to have an active bench warrant for his arrest out of the city court in Rochester.

Scott R. Merrill, 45, of Darien Center, is charged with DWI. A state trooper reportedly observed a vehicle stop at the Colby Road railroad crossing, which at the time had flashing lights and the gate arms down, indicating an approaching train. The vehicle allegedly proceeded around the gates and narrowly avoided being hit by an Amtrak train. The vehicle was stopped and Merrill was taken into custody following further investigation.

Rodney Lowell McKenzie, 49, of Weaver Street, Buffalo, is charged with inhalation of toxic vapors. McKenzie was reported found at 11:51 a.m., Feb. 5, sitting in his vehicle allegedly huffing keyboard cleaner. He was also charged with petit larceny for allegedly shoplifting from Walmart.

Danny Jay Torok Jr., 26, of Dodgeson Road, Alexander, is charged with assault, 2nd. Torok allegedly started a fight with another inmate while incarcerated at the Genesee County Jail.

Mark Andrew Kempie Jr., 45, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Kempie allegedly stole merchandise valued at $13.67 from Kmart.

Gary Edwin Gerevics, 55, of Indian Falls Road, Corfu, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd, and criminal contempt, 2nd. Gerevics was allegedly found in possession of firearms in violation of a court order of protection. He was jailed on $3,000 bail.

Jason A. Klinkbeil, 25, of 50 South St., Le Roy, was arrested on a bench warrant. Klinkbeil turned himself in on a warrant for alleged failure to comply with drug court. He was jailed on $100,000 bail.

Nathan Paul Crawford,18, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with public lewdness. Crawford allegedly exposed his genitals to another person while on East Main Street, Batavia, at 5:46 p.m., Feb. 5.

Suzanne M. Corona, 44, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Corona is accused of stealing from a location Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, at 8:38 p.m., Saturday. She was arrested by State Police. No further details released.

Jacob J. Lentz, 24, of Aurora, Iowa, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Lentz was stopped at 10:50 p.m., Saturday, on Albion Road in Oakfield by State Police.

Deborah L. Smith, 55, of Spencerport, is charged with DWI, refusal to take breath test and drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle while on highway. Smith was stopped by State Police at 11:25 p.m., Friday, on Route 63, Town of Batavia.

A house fire is reported at 74 S. Lake Ave. in the Village of Bergen. Bergen fire is responding along with mutual aid from Le Roy.

UPDATE 4:56 p.m.: A responder on scene reports the occupant says the basement is full of smoke. Investigating.

UPDATE 4:58 p.m.: Smoke is confirmed in the basement, but no flames showing.

UPDATE 5:01 p.m.: Fire Police will shut down the Four Corners in Bergen "as soon as the train goes by." All Le Roy equipment is cancelled, as well as a fill in unit from Churchville.

UPDATE 5:03 p.m.: Sounds like the problem is the furnace.

UPDATE 5: 25 p.m.: The Bergen command puts the assignment back in service.

Le Roy track and field standout Ruben Owens, front row center, signed a national letter of intent yesterday to attend the University of Arkansas on a full scholarship.

Owens has won Section V titles in the high jump, long jump and triple jump. In all, for both winter and spring seasons, Owens holds 11 Section V titles.

He holds the school records in the high, long and triple jump.

Information and photo submitted by Tim McArdle.

A one-vehicle rollover accident, with minor if any injuries, is reported on the westbound Route 490 at mile marker 2.5, between the Bergen and Le Roy exits. However, the occupants are unable to get out of the vehicle. Le Roy fire and and an ambulance are responding.

UPDATE 8:22 a.m.: The occupant(s) is out of the vehicle and unharmed. The ambulance is cancelled. There is another accident not far from this one in which a car is off the road, but no one is injured. A Mercy medic who was headed to that scene before being cancelled, said the road is covered with black ice. Both the Le Roy and Bergen assignments are back in service. The DOT is to be notified that the road conditions on the 490 "are just terrible."

These are the latest indictments issued by the Genesee County Grand Jury.

John J. Saddler is indicted on four counts. The first is for the crime of attempted rape in the first degree, a Class B felony, for allegedly attempting to engage in sexual intercourse with another person by forcible compulsion. This allegedly occurred Aug. 31 in the Town of Batavia. In count two, he is accused of touching the victim's genitals by forcible compulsion, a Class D felony. In count three, he is accused of forcing the victim to touch him on the genitals by forcible compulsion, also a Class D felony. In count four, Saddler is accused of unlawful imprisonment in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly restraining the victim in a motel room.

Dortha L. Penders is indicted for aggrevated driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony, for allegedly driving a 2008 Dodge while intoxicated on Sept. 22 on Route 5 in the Town of Batavia while a child age 15 or less was a passenger. In count two, she is accused of committing the same crime with a BAC of .08 or more, also a Class E felony, and while a child age 15 or less was a passenger.

Donald W. Sczepanski is indicted for driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony, for allegedly operating a 2004 Pontiac while intoxicated on Route 238 on Aug. 2 in the Town of Alexander. In count two, he is accused of committing the same crime with a BAC of .08 or more, also a Class E felony.

Thomas P. Lester is indicted for driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony, for allegedly driving a 1998 Dodge while intoxicated on Sept. 12 on Townline Road in the Town of Byron. In count two, he is accused of committing the same crime with a BAC of .08 or more, also a Class E felony.

Robert C. Hinett is indicted for driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony, for allegedly driving a 2003 Subaru while intoxicated on Aug. 23 on Lake Street in the Town of Le Roy.

The Grand Jury issued No Bill for Kiernan W. Kinney after considering evidence relating to possible charges of sexual abuse in the first degree for incidents which allegedly occurred on April 10 in the Town of Pavilion.

Jesse Woods, 18, of 41 Lake St., Le Roy, is charged with assault, 3rd. Woods is accused of punching a relative, causing bleeding, bruising and a fat lip. Woods was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Henry L. Banks, 43, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on City Court warrant for alleged front yard parking. Banks was arrested following a traffic stop by Deputy Joseph Corona and turned over to Batavia PD on the warrant. Banks posted $100 bail.

Five people are accused of gathering at a residence in Le Roy on Saturday for the purpose of unlawful conduct leading to their arrest on marijuana charges.

Members of the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force executed a search warrant at 9 Union St., Le Roy.

Joshua M. Bratcher, 23, of Union Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal nuisance, 2nd, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

His apparent guests where charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. They are Samantha L. Pomeisl, 25, of Union Street, Le Roy; Jesse D. VanBuren, 22, of Alwardt Road, Wyoming; and, Alexander A. Chandler, 22, of Bacon Street, Le Roy.

Investigators said they recovered a quantity of marijuana and several smoking devices.

All five individuals were issued appearance tickets.

Assisting in the case were the District Attorney's Office, Deputy Chris Erion and canine Destro, and Le Roy PD.

CORRECTION: We left out a name: Erica C. Puleo, 25, of Union Street, Le Roy. Charged with criminal nuisance and unlawful possession of marijuana.

The brother of a man already sent to prison for stealing high voltage hire from businesses in Le Roy has a chance to avoid a prison term after pleading guilty today to possession of stolen property.

Dustin Nicometo entered his plea in County Court in satisfaction of two felony indictments against him that included burglary and grand larceny counts.

Nicometo, now a Bernville, Pa., resident could be sentenced in April to an intermittent jail term followed by a period of probation as part of the plea deal.

The 26-year-old man will need to abide by the terms of his release under supervision until his sentencing date in order to preserve the deal.

On Jan. 21, Michael Nicometo was sent to state prison for at least three and a half years and ordered to pay $86,017.57 in restitution to Dolomite and Troy Manufacturing.

Dustin Nicometo admitted to possessing wiring and equipment from the Troy job, but when asked if he knew the items were stolen at the time, Dustin Nicometo told Judge Robert Noonan, "no."

Noonan asked him why he was pleading guilty if he didn't know the items were stolen.

Nicometo said he didn't know the items were stolen and after a little more back and forth, Noonan explained that in order for him to plead guilty he had to admit that either he knew the items were stolen or he had a reason to believe the items were stolen and Nicometo agreed that he had a reason to believe the items were stolen.

No doubt, a good time was had by all in Le Roy last night as the Harlem Wizards came to town for a charity game (for the PTSO) against Le Roy Central Schools faculty and staff.

The final score? Does it matter? Especially with the Wizards stopping the Le Roy team 10 points here and there (hint: the Wizards won). 

Above, Timothy Stukes, a.k.a., Tomahawk jumps into a picture with some young fans.

Space Jam, Leon Sewell, does what he does best.

Athletic Director Brian Moran tackles the Oatkan Knights' mascot.

Space Jam hoists a young fan.

A-Train, Arnold Bernard, left, stopped the game and yelled, "hey, photographer, photographer, take our picture," and pulled Eric "Broadway" Jones to his side.

A fan gets her purse back for the price of a kiss on the cheek.

Brian Moran shooting a three-pointer. He was given three tries to make it, but later in the half, Moran sunk a shot at the buzzer from half court.

There were lots of Harlem Wizard souvenir basketballs in the crowd.

Brian Herdlein and Tomahawk battle for a loose ball.

Space Jam during a break in the game when all of the children were invited onto the floor to dance with the team.

Space Jam throwing out souvenirs.

A fan gets a Wizards ball autographed by Tomahawk.

To purchase prints, click here.

A caller reports a suspicious condition in the Town of Le Roy. A man was seen putting "a small dog" in the trunk of his car. He was toting a rifle over his shoulder. Law enforcement is responding to check it out. "Several guys I talked to were out coyote hunting this morning," says an officer.

City fire hosted a demonstration today at Dewitt Recreation Area of a rescue vehicle designed to handle snow, ice and open water to rescue people who might be stranded in dangerous conditions.

The vehicle is made of a snowmobile and a foam-filled platform that can keep it floating on water. Propulsion is created by the snowmobile's chain drive.

"It gives stability and a safety factor to firefighters that simply doesn't exist in any other vehicle," said Roger Bailey, CEO of WISE Technology, which is based in New Hampshire. 

This was the first demonstration of the vehicle in WNY.

The demonstration was set up by Bob Valvo of LVA Sales, a manufacturers' rep company with offices on Harverster Avenue.

The city has no immediate plans to purchase the vehicle.

Le Roy fire was also on hand for the demo.

Video by Alecia Kaus, Video News Service.

Press release:

On Jan. 27th at the Le Roy Village Hall the Le Roy Democratic Party held a nominating caucus for two positions for the Village Board election to be voted on March 18th. Jennifer Keys won a nomination to run for a second term on the Board and newcomer Bill Kettle was the Party's choice for the second position.

Keys, who has been a strong advocate for the Le Roy Pool and Main Street Revitalization, looks forward to running for a second term. She is an active member of The Le Roy Business Council and the Le Roy Farmers Market. Her goals for a second term include updating the Comprehensive Plan, remediation of abandoned properties, continued support of small businesses (on and off Main Street) and economic development in the Village.

Kettle, a lifelong Le Royan, has a working knowledge of village government and has been participating in board meetings. Bill is also currently serving as one of the directors of The Le Roy Business Council and is an active member of the Main Street Revitalization group. Bill has a wealth of experience to bring from more than 20 years of his professional career as well as his knowledge as a small business and Main Street property owner/investor. Bill is currently employed as a Business & Development Manager for JMT, a manufacturers' representation agency based in Rochester, New York.


Brian Moran, with 194 career wins and 14 sectional titles, announced at Le Roy's annual football banquet Sunday evening that next year, his 26th leading the Oatkan Knights, will be his last as head coach.

"At the end of next year, I'll be 55 and I'll have either coached or played since I was 12," Moran said. "When we hired Brian Herdlein (left in photo), we had a conversation with him as a district about taking over for me. He's been in the program long enough and it just feels like it's time for him to take over the program."

Le Roy will return to the gridiron with a pretty talented team for the 2014 season, which should give Moran a great opportunity to notch his 200th career win, a milestone he said is in fact something he'd like to achieve.

"You think about it when you're young, getting to 200, but when you get here what you think about most are the memories," Moran said. "People don't realize as you get older, those are the things that are important. I've had a lot of great memories with a lot of great coaches and players and the support of our community, which just makes it a privilege to coach here."

Each senior player, such as Brandon Van Grol, above, received a small football helmet on a plaque. In each case, Moran shared a word of praise for each player.

The Le Roy Fire Department held its annual installation dinner Saturday night and presented its annual awards.

Above, Chief Tom Woods, Mike Green (Fireman of the Year) and 2nd Assistant Chief Tim Hogle.

Christina Marinaccio and Mike Green received the Chief's Award for a boat rescue near Red Bridge.

The department's top responders for 2013.

Photos and information submitted by Chief Tom Woods.

A car has reportedly hit a tree in the area of 8786 Keeney Road, Le Roy.

Injuries are reported.

Le Roy fire and Mercy EMS responding. Le Roy Ambulance is tied up. Bergen's ambulance requested to stage in quarters.

UPDATE 10:45 p.m.: Dispatchers are informed everyone is out of the vehicle. A Le Roy chief has just arrived on scene.

UPDATE 10:46 p.m.: A chief on scene reports the assignment can be held to one Le Roy engine and Mercy EMS. He requests notification of Monroe County Water. The car is on the hydrant.

UPDATE 10:50 p.m.: A chief reports they won't know if the hydrant is damaged until the car is removed from on top of it.

UPDATE 10:52 p.m.: One person from the car reports neck pain. The other two occupants report no injuries.

UPDATE 11:19 p.m.: A chief has requested the Le Roy Ambulance respond in emergency mode for a victim from the accident with a head injury.

UPDATE 11:22 p.m.: The vehicle is off the hydrant. No apparent damage.

UPDATE 11:35 p.m.: Le Roy is back in service.

View Larger Map

Press release:

The Harlem Wizards are coming to Le Roy.

The world-famous Wizards will bring their brand of "Trick Hoops and Ally-Oops" to a fund-raising game against Le Roy school faculty and staff on Thursday, Jan. 30, at Le Roy Junior-Senior High School gymnasium. Proceeds will benefit students via the Le Roy Parent Teacher Service Organization.

Doors open at 6 p.m. The game will start at 7 p.m.

The Wizards have been delighting fans for more than 50 years with their magical display of tricks, coordinated ball handling, fancy passing and athleticism combined with high-energy comedy and audience participation. Throughout their history, the Wizards have played thousands of games across the United States and abroad, while helping raise millions of dollars for schools and non-profit organizations.

Proceeds from the Jan. 30 game will benefit the PTSO, which provides grants to support activities and projects that directly benefit all students at every grade level, pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade.

Refreshments and souvenirs will be sold at the game. A free autograph session will follow.

Student admission is $9 in advance and $10 at the gate. General admission is $10 in advance or $12 at the gate.

Tickets are available to the general public, and can be purchased in advance at the Junior-Senior High School main office, 9300 South Street Road, (585) 768-8131; or at the Wolcott Street School office, 2-6 Trigon Park, (585) 768-7115.