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Stafford

Law and Order: Fire response leads to discovery of allegedly mistreated dogs

By Howard B. Owens

Ashley Marie Fladie, 24, of Pearl Street Road, Batavia, is charged with two counts of cruelty to animals. Fladie is accused of possessing two dogs that were deprived of proper care and, as a result, suffered from numerous medical conditions that authorities say could have been avoided with proper care. The dogs were examined by a veterinarian, who allegedly determined the dogs were in unsatisfactory condition due to improper care. Animal Control assisted in the investigation. The dogs were discovered during a response to a fire at 2720 Pearl Street Road the evening of March 11.

Ashley M. Kreutz, 27 of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Kreutz is accused of stealing a gift card from her employer, Kohl's, worth $37. The alleged theft was detected on surveillance video.

Jordan C. Dunham, 42, of Batavia, is charged with three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, controlled substance in non-original container and no license plate lamp, and Nicole P. Gonzalez, 32, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and controlled substance in non-original container. State Police stopped Dunham's Chevrolet Cobalt on Route 33, Bergen, for an alleged license plate lamp out. During the interview, Dunham reportedly said he didn't have a license. A trooper reportedly observed his hands shaking and he appeared nervous.  The trooper allegedly spotted five glassine bags of heroin on the back seat floor. During the subsequent search, a trooper allegedly found two plastic baggies containing cocaine and a large glassine bag containing suboxone sublingual strips.

Merlin L. Brainerd, 34, of Silver Springs, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Brainerd was stopped by State Police on Route 63, Batavia, for alleged tinted windows. A trooper detected the alleged odor of marijuana. Further investigation turned up a baggie allegedly containing two grams of marijuana and a glass smoking pipe with marijuana residue.

Alexis A. Camilo, 19, of Buffalo, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Camilo was stopped in Corfu by Village police for allegedly driving 48 in a 35 mph zone on Route 77.

Craig M. Stevens, 54, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Steven allegedly slapped a woman at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at a location on North Spruce Street.

Yolanda E. Johnson, 28, of West Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant related to an aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, charge. Johnson was arrested, arraigned and released on her own recognizance.

A 17-year-old resident of Batavia is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. The youth allegedly punched a hole in a wall at an undisclosed location at 9:30 pm. on May 12. Batavia PD withheld the name of the suspect.

Francisco Martinez Jr., 42, no permanent residence, was arrested on a warrant related to an endangering the welfare of a child charge. Martinez was arraigned, had a DNA sample collected at the jail, and was released.

A 17-year-old resident of Batavia is charged with endangering the welfare of a minor and menacing, 2nd. The youth allegedly threatened his 13-year-old brother with a knife at 6:30 p.m., May 5, at an undisclosed location. The name of the suspect withheld by Batavia PD.

Carlos Samol, 50, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Samol allegedly struck two people, including a juvenile, in an alleged incident reported at 2:38 p.m., Wednesday.

Sarah Mae Wilson, 32, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with disobeying an order of protection. Wilson was allegedly located by police officers hiding in the closet of a protected party. Wilson was jailed on $5,000 bail or $10,000 bond.

Karen D. Bannister, 74, of South Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a harassment charge. Bannister was arraigned and released on her own recognizance.

Daniel L. Dioguardi, 34, of Summit Street, Batavia, is charged with obstructing governmental administration. Dioguardi allegedly ran from police when they attempted to detain him for questioning during a burglary investigation at 5:17 p.m., Friday. Dioguardi was jailed on $3,000 bail or $6,000 bond.

Stanley D. Wilson, 54, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Wilson is accused of stealing beer from the Red Apple at 99 Jackson St., Batavia.

Michael A. Galas, 24, of Woodcrest Boulevard, Tonawanda, is charged with trespass. Galas was allegedly trespassing at Rolling Hills Asylum, Bethany. Also charged, Nicholas J. Hora, 24, of Old Farm Court, Cheektowaga, Rebecca M. Klein, 24, of Knowlton Road, Kenmore, and Jessica M. Cichocki, of Elm Place, Lancaster. The four people were allegedly caught on the property at 6:54 p.m., Sunday.

Daniel Thomas McPhee III, 48, of Losson Road, Cheektowaga, is charged with possession or transport of unstamped cigarettes, motor vehicle lights not meeting safety standards and running a red light. McPhee was stopped at 8:53 p.m. Sunday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Christina Aminta Soler, 37, of Phelps Road, Pembroke, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Soler allegedly violated an order of protection by contacting the protected party.

Jacob John Stone, 39, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief. Stone allegedly kicked and damaged a door during an argument.

Honour Haley Myers, 26, of Hamm Road, Lockport, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and failure to stop at stop sign. Myers was stopped at 6:33 p.m. Saturday on Route 33, Stafford, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Eric Charles Zglinicki, 53, of Alleghany Road, Darien, is charged with criminal possession of weapon, 4th. Zglinicki was allegedly found in possession of firearms despite his prior felony conviction. The weapons were confiscated.

Patricia Leslie Brown, 61, of Park Avenue, Whitesboro, is charged with possession of more than 400 untaxed cigarattes. Brown was stopped at 9:56 a.m. Sunday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Kathleen Marie Szkotak, 46, of Park Avenue, Whitesboro, is charged with possession of more than 400 untaxed cigarettes and driving with dark-tinted windows. Szkotak was stopped at 9:56 a.m. Sunday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Robert James Lefrois, 30, of Down Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, unlicensed operator, possession / display of a forged inspection certificate and inadequate muffler. Lefrois was stopped at 12:52 p.m. Sunday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Harvey Arthur McMurray Jr., 47, of Bennett Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with driving while ability impaired by alcohol, speeding, unlicensed driver and unregistered motor vehicle. McMurray was stopped at 2 a.m. May 8 on Lewiston Road, Oakfield, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Wendy S. Dempsey, 44, of Sunset Parkway, Oakfield, is charged with trespassing. Dempsey allegedly entered a business in Oakfield where she had been previously told not to enter.

Batavia, Stafford and Oakfield hit by vehicle thefts and larcenies from vehicles in April

By Howard B. Owens

A series larcenies from vehicles, along with four vehicle thefts, in Genesee County are under investigation and there is a suspect in at least one stolen vehicle case, according to Chief Deputy Jerome Brewster. 

The first report of a stolen vehicle came in on April 19. A vehicle was stolen from the Park Road area of Batavia. The vehicle was involved in a crash in Rochester and the driver and possible occupants fled the scene. Rochester PD is investigating.

On April 22, two vehicles were reported stolen.

A vehicle was stolen from within the Village of Oakfield. It was involved in a crash in the Town of Hamlin. The suspect or suspects fled the scene. Monroe County Sheriff's Office is investigating.

The most recent reports of thefts were April 29 on Bank Street Road. Along with the larcenies from vehicles, a 2008 Ford Focus, color blue, was reported stolen. There is a suspect in this case. The Sheriff's Office is handling the investigation.

Terry Abrams of the Tonawanda Historical Society gives presentation on Ely Parker

By Billie Owens

Terry C. Abrams, administrative coordinator of WNYAHA and vice-president of the Tonawanda Reservation Historical Society will be the speaker at the Stafford Historical Society's Wednesday, May 27, monthly meeting. The meeting will be at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall located at the corner of Route 237 and Route 5. His program will be a power point presentation on the life of Ely Parker and his contributions to local and national history.

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Law and Order: Accused child sexual abuser hauled in from Florida, jailed without bail

By Billie Owens

Brandon Marshall Weig, 27, of Glen Meadow Drive, Lakeland, Fla., is charged with two counts of second-degree aggravated sexual abuse, assault -- injury to a person less than 7 years old, and sex abuse -- involving a person less than 11 years old. Weig fled Genesee County and was subsequently located at a family member's residence in Florida. He was extradicted and arraigned this morning on the charges in front of Genesee County Court Judge Robert C. Noonan. Weig is jailed without bail. He also has a bench warrant out against him from Genesee County Integrated Domestic Violence Court for failure to appear for sentencing. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy John Baiocco, assisted by Deputy Thomas Sanfratello.

Brian Allen Erbach, 32, of Attica Gulf Road, Attica, is charged with three felonies: aggravated DWI (driving with a BAC of .18 percent or higher), aggravated DWI with a child age 17 or younger inside the vehicle (Leandra's Law), and DWI; plus endangering the welfare of a child (a misdemeanor), and two traffic infractions -- speed not reasonable or prudent for a curve in the roadway and moving from lane unsafely. After allegedly crashing the vehicle he was driving on Buckman Road, Bethany, on Saturday afternoon, Erbach reportedly fled the scene with his children -- ages 1 and 2 -- to an address on Dublin Road. He left his children with a family friend there and went into a wooded area behind the residence. He was subsequently found by the investigating officer in the woods near a chicken coop. The case was investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Parker, assisted by Wyoming County Sheriff's Deputy Brad McGinnis, members of the NY State Police stationed in Wyoming and Genesee counties, and several other members of the GC Sheriff's Office. (Photo above from scene on Saturday.)

Julie L. Dutton, 20, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt and criminal obstruction of breathing. She was arrested after allegedly violating a complete stay away order of protection issued by Batavia City Court by staying in the same residence as the protected party. Dutton allegedly choked the protected party during this time. She was jailed without bail. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Jamie Givens.

Travis M. Blue, 31, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing. Blue allegedly choked a person during an argument on April 22. He was issued an appearance ticket and is to appear in City Court on Tuesday. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Jamie Givens, assisted by Officer Christopher Camp.

Sarah M. Wilson, 31, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment -- physical contact, and failure to obey a court order. She was arrested following a call about a physical domestic incident and it is alleged that she slapped a victim in the face. She was jailed and bail set at $1,000. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Devon Pahuta, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.

Terrance M. Schramm, 24, of Columbia Avenue, Batavia, is charged with third-degree assault following an incident which occurred at 8:40 p.m. on April 29 on Holland Avenue, Batavia. He was arrested after a fight that allegedly involved himself and four other people. One of the people Schramm allegedly assaulted received minor injuries. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Jason Ivison, assisted by Officer Devon Pahuta.

Terrance D. Johnson, 20, of Holland Avenue, Batavia, is charged with third-degree assault following an investigation into a disturbance on Holland Avenue. He is to appear in Batavia City Court on May 27. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Samantha L. Gibbs, 25, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. She was arrested after an investigation on April 26 into an incident where Gibbs, the sole caregiver to her children, was found to be intoxicated beyond the point where she could reasonably care for her children. She was issued an appearance ticket and is to appear in Batavia City Court at a later date. The case was investigated by Batavia PD Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Scott Charles Rauth, 28, of Prole Road, Stafford, is charged with felony DWI, felony DWI with a BAC of .08 or higher, aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, unlawful possession of marijuana, and motor vehicle equipment violation for no/inadequate plate lamp. The charges stem from a traffic stop in the City of Batavia on East Main Street on April 22. Rauth is to appear in City Court on Tuesday. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Nedim Catovic.

Michael F. O'Neill, 44, of Englewood Avenue, Tonawanda, is charged with DWI with a prior conviction within the preceding 10 years, DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or more with a prior conviction within the preceding 10 years, aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, unlawful possession of marijuana, and speeding -- 60 mph in a 30-mph zone. O'Neill was arrested April 19 as the result of a traffic stop on Oak Street in the City of Batavia. He was arraigned and jailed without bail and is to appear in City Court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Carrie L. Blaszak, 44, of West Barre Road, Albion, was arrested April 26 and charged with DWI, refusing chemical testing, open container of alcoholic beverage, obstructed view, and failure to keep right. Blaszak was arrested following a traffic stop at 12:06 a.m. prompted by patrols observing a driver with "multiple signs of intoxication." She was jailed in lieu of $500 bail. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Nedim Catovic, assisted by Officer Eric Foels.

James Ryan Marino, 21, of Ogden Center Road, Spencerport, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, failure to obey a traffic device, drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle while on a a public highway, and operation of an unregistered motor vehicle on a public highway. He was stopped by law enforcement on Clinton Street Road in Stafford on April 30. He was issued an appearance ticket and is to appear in Stafford Town Court at a later date. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Corona.

Monte J. Zurlo, 40, of Bloomingdale Road, Akron, is charged with driving while intoxicated and aggravated driving while intoxicated for allegedly having a BAC of .18 percent or more. The arrest followed a traffic stop on April 27. Zurlo is to appear in Batavia City Court on May 20. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Karen D. Bannister, 74, of 172 S. Main St., Apt. #207, Batavia, was arrested April 23 and charged with harassment. Her arrest was prompted by an ongoing issue between Bannister and her neighbors. It is alleged that Bannister has had repeated unwanted contact with her neighbors and had been advised by law enforcement to cease contact with them. She was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court. The case was investigated by Batavia PD Officer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Sarah M. Wilson, 31, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. Wilson is accused of disobeying a court order to stay away from a protected party in an order of protection issued by Batavia City Court. She was arrested April 29 and released on an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court on May 19. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Nedim Catovic.

Max Lyman Metcalf Jr., 34, Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road, Oakfield, was arrested April 24 at 9:21 p.m. on South Pearl Street in Oakfield following a traffic stop. Metcalf is charged with misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, failure to use turn signal, operating an ATV without headlights, unlawful operation of an ATV on a public highway, and operating an unregistered ATV. He was involved in a short pursuit with law enforcement after being observed by deputies allegedly riding his ATV down Route 63 before turning onto South Pearl Street in the Village of Oakfield. Metcalf allegedly fled east down the abandoned railroad bed into Alabama before being apprehended. He was issued an appearance ticket and is to return to Town of Oakfield Court on May 25. The case was investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute, assisted by Deputy James Diehl.

Jeremy P. Almeter, 31, of Center Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. On the morning of April 20, following a dispute with a friend, Almeter allegedly shoved a person and threw the person's coffee outside. He was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court. The case was investigated by Batavia PD Officer James DeFreze, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Willie J. Thomas, 39, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. He was arrested after allegedly punching a person while inside a public location on West Main Street. He is to be in Batavia City Court May 5. The case was handled by Stephen Cronmiller.

Shane Zimblis, 44, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with trespass and petit larceny. Zimblis was arrested April 28 on West Main Street Road, Batavia, following a complaint from Mill Street where Zimblis allegedly stole some scrap metal. Zimblis is set to appear in Batavia City Court on May 12. The case was investigated by Batavia PD Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.

Kyle J. Burdick, 26, of North Lyon Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal trespass -- remaining in a dwelling. He was arrested after being found allegedly hiding in the back room of a divided basement which belonged to another tenant. The basement is separated by a wall and the door is secured door with a latch and padlock, which had been removed. He is to appear in Batavia City Court on May 19. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Jamie Givens.

Desmond L. Majors, 22, of Dewey Avenue, Rochester, was arrested April 24 on a bench warrant for failure to appear on two counts of second-degree harassment and one count of disorderly conduct. Majors was located by Rochester PD on an unrelated traffic stop and turned over the BPD. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Ricard F. Sarro, 20, of Jackson Street, Batavia, and Shawna L. Adams (no age provided), Mia Velletta (no age provided), and Cherub E. Madafferi (no age provided) are charged with unlawful possession of alcohol by a person under age 21. They were arrested after midnight April 26 following an investigation into an under-age drinking party at 108 Jackson St. where residents had previously been warned by law enforcement about providing alcohol to persons under age 21. The case was investigated by Batavia PD Officer Eric Foels, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Taein Yoon, 22, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and unlawfully dealing with a child. Yoon, a Republic of Korea native here on a student VISA playing for GCC's Men's Soccer Team, was arrested April 26 following the report of Yoon hosting an under-age drinking party at his apartment. He was issued an appearance ticket and is to appear in Batavic City Court at a later date. The case was investigated by Batavia PD Officer Marc Lawrence, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Sean E. Allen, 21, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and unlawfully dealing with a minor. Allen, a native of Ireland here on a student VISA playing for GCC's Men's Soccer Team was arrested April 26 following the report of Allen hosting an under-age drinking party at his apartment. He was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court at a later date and released. The case was investigated by Batavia PD Officer Marc Lawrence, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Chiyannon James Deforest Bundy, 27, of Gilbert Street, Le Roy, is charged with failure to pay fine. He was being held in Genesee County Jail on an unrelated matter and was arrested on a bench warrant from GC Court for failure to pay his fine. He was arraigned this morning and bail set at $1,000. He was then returned to jail. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy John Baiocco.

Jorge Sosa, 47, of Masseth Street, Rochester, is charged with a violation of probation. Sosa was located in Rochester by the Henrietta PD and found to have an active warrant out of Genesee County Court. He was brought to Batavia and jailed in lieu of $3,000 cash bail. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Frank Klimjack.

Susan Foley, 47, of Woodsfield Drive, Lakeview, is charged with issuing a bad check. She turned herself in on the charge after an arrest warrant was issued by Batavia City Court. On Dec. 3, 2013, she allegedly wrote a check to a business in the City of Batavia that was returned for insufficient funds. Foley posted cash bail and is to return to City Court on May 12. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Jamie Givens.

Sabaheta Jukic, 50, of Bamm Hollow Road, Clay, is charged with possession of more than 4,000 untaxed cigarettes, speeding -- 52 in a 40-mph zone, and following too closely. Jukic was stopped April 30 on Route 77, Town of Pembroke, and subsequently allegedly found in possession of 4,000 untaxed cigarettes. Jukic was issued a traffic summons and an appearance ticket and is to be in Town of Pembroke Court on May 26. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster, assisted by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Andrea L. Hendrickson, 34, of Chesterton Road, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, obstructed plate, and obstructed driver's view. Hendrickson was stopped on April 30 on Route 77, Town of Pembroke, for vehicle and traffic charges and subsequently allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana. She was issued a traffic summons and an appearance ticket for Town of Pembroke Court for May 26. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster, assisted by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Roxanne Lynn Battaglia, 49, of Belknap Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. She was a passenger in a vehicle stopped on Route 77, Town of Pembroke, on April 30. She was subsequently allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana. She was arrested, issued an appearance ticket and is to appear in Town of Pembroke Court on May 26. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster, assisted by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Christian J. Finkney, 27, of North Pembroke Road, Batavia is charged with violating a condition of sentence. He was arrested on April 18 and released with an appearance ticket for City Court May 5. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Eric Foels.

Joseph M. Marsceill, 48, of Pringle Avenue, Batavia, was arrested April 8 on an outstanding bench warrant from Batavia City Court. The arrest came after a traffic stop on Liberty Street. Marsceill pled guilty to a previous charge of operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration and he allegedly failed to pay the resulting fine. He was released after posting bail. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Nedim Catovic.

Corina M. Distefano, 24, of Mount Read Boulevard, Rochester, was arrested for failure to appear in court after being issued a traffic ticket. She was taken into custody upon her release from Monroe County Jail on an unrelated matter. She was put in Genesee County jail in lieu of $250 bail. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Devon Pahuta.

Michael S. Gumberts, 23, of Stony Point Road, Rochester, was arrested by Town of Gates PD following a traffic stop on April 20 and turned over to Batavia PD. He had a bench warrant for failure to appear in Batavia City Court. He was jailed in lieu of $300 bail. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Photos: Scrap metal becomes a new business line for Adams Welding

By Howard B. Owens

Steve Foster, of Adams Welding, has a new side business -- turning metal left over from commercial jobs, and maybe mixing in some horseshoes they buy, to create lawn art and other household decorative items.

Foster and Tim Adams were in front of their shop on Main Road, Stafford, this afternoon selling the items, though they've also started attending various festivals in the area. They've done two so far.

It was a friend in the Chamber of Commerce who suggested the sideline, Foster said. 

"He said, you have all this extra metal, why don't you start making something out of it," Foster said. "It would go to the scrap yard otherwise."

Dryer on fire on Ivison Road, Stafford, creating heavy smoke in the residence

By Billie Owens

A possible dryer fire is reported at 7739 Ivison Road, Stafford. The caller reports heavy smoke in the house. Stafford fire is responding along with mutual aid from South Byron.

UPDATE 6:34: Responders on scene report nothing showing. The location is between Freeman Road and Route 33 (Clinton Street Road).

Traffic stop allegedly yields 27 packages of crack cocaine

By Howard B. Owens
Ronnie Edmunds

A suspected drug dealer from Rochester was arrested Wednesday following a traffic stop on Route 33, Stafford, which led to the alleged discovery of 27 individual bags of crack cocaine.

Ronnie D. Edmunds, 24, of Alice Drive, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, unlawful possession of marijuana and aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd.

Following arraignment in Town of Stafford Court, Edmunds was jailed on $20,250 bail.

The investigation was led by the Local Drug Task Force with the assistance from the District Attorney's Office and uniformed Sheriff's deputies.

Possible chimney fire reported on Horseshoe Lake Road, Stafford

By Billie Owens

A "possible chimney fire" is reported at 5405 Horseshoe Lake Road, Stafford. The caller reports she closed the damper but flames can still be seen coming the chimney outside. The location is between West Lake Road and East Lake Road. Stafford fire is responding along with mutual aid from the Town of Batavia.

UPDATE 7:04 p.m.: Fire command calls for a thermal camera to the scene.

UPDATE 7:33 p.m.: Problem resolved. Stafford assignment is back in service.

Law and Order: Drug charges follow traffic stop in Stafford

By Howard B. Owens

Jacqueline Raj Garrett, 36, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, and uninspected motor vehicle. Garrett was stopped at 5:37 p.m. Sunday on Main Road, Stafford, by Deputy Michael Lute. Garrett was jailed on $100 cash bail. A passenger, Aaron D. Swimline, 29, of Tinkham Road, Darien, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.

Jeanette Higgins, 39, of 23 Holland Ave., Batavia, is charged with two felony counts of offering a false instrument for filing, 1st, and one count of petit larceny. Higgins is accused of submitting forms to DSS that didn't disclose cash child support payments. Higgins allegedly received $208 in food stamp payments in February and March for which she wasn't entitled. Higgins was arrested by a Sheriff's deputy following an investigation by DSS.

Adrionna S. Ellison, 18, of Rochester, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd. Ellison was reportedly ordered to leave College Village property and not return. A security officer later allegedly found her hiding under a bed in one of the apartments. She was arrested by State Police and issued an appearance ticket.

Lydia Grossi-Young, 45, of Hopkins Road, Batavia, is charged with assault, 3rd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Grossi-Young was alleged involved in a domestic incident at 2 p.m. Sunday in Batavia.

Daniel Paul Molina, 35, of West Broad Street, Rochester, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, unlicensed operator and driving a vehicle without proper stop lights. Molina was stopped at 6:47 p.m. Saturday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Joseph Corona. Molina allegedly has more than 10 prior driver license suspensions. Molina was jailed on $5,000 bail.

A 16-year-old resident of County Route 53, Arkport, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth was a passenger in a vehicle stopped at 6:06 p.m. Saturday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Joseph Corona, and allegedly found in possession of marijuana.

Jaime Lynn Killinger, 38, of West Taft Road, Le Roy, was arrested on warrants stemming from a DWI charge and a charge of driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Killinger was arrested by the Irondequoit Police Department and turned over to the Sheriff's Office and jailed on $500 bail.

Eric Robert Root, 18, of West Avenue, Spencerport, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and speeding. Root was stopped at 6:54 p.m. Friday on Parkview Drive, Bergen, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Kyle Timothy Johnson, 25, of Park Avenue, Waterport, is charged with possession of a hypodermic instrument. Johnson was arrested at 1:52 a.m. Friday on West Main Street, Le Roy, by Deputy Joseph Corona, after allegedly being found in possession of a hypodermic instrument he was not legally allowed to possess.

Jason L. Cramer Sr., 30, of Water Street, Attica, is charged with burglary, 3rd, petit larceny and criminal mischief, 4th. The arrest stems from an alleged incident reported Nov. 6 at a residence on Liberty Street, Batavia. Cramer was jailed without bail.

Andrew L. Kosiorek, 43, of Wood Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant stemming from a charge of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Kosiorek allegedly failed to comply with terms of Drug Treatment Court and was jailed on $100,000 bail.

Mark W. Grabowski, 57, of Chestnut Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant stemming from an unreasonable noise charge.

Mary Jemison 'White Seneca Woman of the Genesee' featured at Stafford Historical Society meeting

By Billie Owens

The Stafford Historical Society, on Wednesday, April 22, will host a program featuring Gretchen Murray Sepik, who will speak in the persona of Mary Jemison --White Seneca Woman of the Genesee. As Mary, Gretchen will tell of her life among the Senecas and how she adapted to and came to love her new community.

Letchworth State Park land was once owned by Mary Jemison where, at the Council Grounds, she is buried and where a statue has been erected in her honor. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the town hall located at 8903 Route 237.

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Stafford Historical Society meeting with HLOM director speaking about Tonawanda native Ely Parker

By Billie Owens

On Wednesday, March 25th, the Stafford Historical Society will be having its first of the season's monthly meetings at 7 p.m. in the courtroom of the Town Hall at 8903 Route 237.

Our speaker will be Jeff Donahue, director of the Holland Land Office Museum, who will speak on the life of Ely Parker. It will be an interesting program of how a Native American, born on the Tonawanda Reservation, became the military secretary to General U.S. Grant, among many other accomplishments.

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Stafford man accused of dealing drugs in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens
Joseph Wind

After observing what agents believed was a drug deal in a commercial parking lot off Main Street in Batavia, members of the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force and officers with Batavia PD conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and made an arrest.

Joseph C. Wind, 45, of Horseshoe Lake Road, Stafford, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and criminally using drug paraphernalia, 2nd.

Wind was allegedly found in possession of heroin.

Also arrested was Catherine A. Norton, 32, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, who was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, criminally using drug paraphernalia, 2nd, and criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument.

Wind is also facing alleged traffic violations. 

He was jailed without bail.

Law and Order: Driver found off the road in Darien charged with DWI

By Howard B. Owens

Eric Raymond Westermeier, 27, of Alleghany Road, Darien, is charged with felony driving while ability impaired by combined drugs and alcohol, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation and unlawful possession of marijuana. Westermeier was arrested following an investigation by Deputy Chad Cummings into a vehicle off the road at 10:11 p.m. Sunday on Erie Street, Darien Center.

Timothy O. Lee, 34, of Erie Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and speeding. Lee was arrested following a traffic stop in the Village of Le Roy. He was allegedly found in possession of cocaine.

Terry L. Travis Jr., 32, of Pringle Avenue, Batavia, is charged with resisting arrest, criminal obstruction of breathing, endangering the welfare of a child and unlawful imprisonment. Travis was allegedly involved in a domestic incident at 11:30 p.m. Saturday. He was jailed on $3,000 bail.

Jessica L. Ford, 24, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Ford allegedly violated an order of protection by contacting the protected party. Ford was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Dale E. Banfield, 53, of Chestnut Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal tampering and resisting arrest. During a supervised property exchange, Banfield allegedly became verbally abusive toward the other party and grabbed the drawer from a nightstand and threw the contents across the room. As officers attempted to arrest Banfield, he allegedly pushed the officers and attempted to tackle one of them. After a brief struggle, Banfield was subdued and taken into custody. He was jailed on $5,000 cash bail or $1,000 bond.

Donna Marie Kroft, 61, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Kroft allegedly stole groceries and other items from Tops Market by concealing the items in her purse and inside her coat.

Michael L. Williams, 35, no permanent address, is charged with criminal contempt, assault, 3rd, and aggravated criminal contempt. Williams was arrested on a warrant for the listed charges. He was reportedly found by Batavia PD officers hiding in a stairwell at a residence on Jackson Street, Batavia. He was jailed without bail.

Linda B. Gratton, 66, of Downer Street, Baldwinsville, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on an aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, charge. Gratton turned herself in. She posted $500 police bail.

Kristen S. Buchholz, 32, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and disorderly conduct. Buchholz was allegedly involved in a verbal dispute with administrators at Batavia Middle School. She was jailed on $100 bail.

Marcos A. Torres, 32, of Cherry Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful imprisonment, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. Torres was allegedly involved in a domestic incident. He was jailed on $2,500 bail or $5,000 bond.

Cheryl A. Kowalik, 54, of Alexander Road, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on an issuing a bad check charge. Kowalik turned herself in to Batavia PD and posted $500 bail.

Bradley W. Howard, 24, of Honeysette Road, Mayville, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a DWI charge. Howard turned himself in to Batavia PD and was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Stephen Gary Hall, 69, of Murray Street, Mt. Morris, is charged with possession of more than 400 untaxed cigarettes. Hall was stopped for an alleged traffic violation at 11:16 a.m. Friday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Also charged were Bernard Leonard Brock, 65, of Hopkins Street, Mt. Morris, and Edith May Donohue, 74, of Columbus Avenue, Mt. Morris.

Victoria Joanne Supple, 42, of Stroh Road, Attica, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, refusal to take breath test and failure to keep right. Supple was stopped at 2:03 a.m. Saturday on Buffalo Street, Alexander, by Deputy Andrew Hale.

Darien Lamont Anderson, 20, of Egret Drive, Henrietta, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Anderson was charged following an investigation by Deputy Chad Commings at 7:11 p.m. Saturday into a vehicle pulled off the road on Route 33, Bergen.

Lauren E. Scalzo, 19, of Bergen, and two 17-year-olds, were charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The arrests were made by State Police at 1:30 p.m. Sunday on Sumner Road, Darien.

Marco A. Hernandez, 21, of Stafford, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and unlawful possession of marijuana. Hernandez was stopped at 6:28 p.m. Sunday on Route 98, Batavia, by State Police.

Law and Order: Family allegedly targets employer for thefts of merchandise

By Howard B. Owens

Janet Marie Knauss, 49, of Alpine Lane, Caledonia, is charged with grand larceny, 4th, falsifying business records, 1st, and conspiracy, 5th. Knauss, along with Carol Ann Knauss, 26, of Main Road, Stafford, and Arthur Roy Knauss, 52, of Alpine Lane, Caledonia, are accused of working together to steal from Target. At different dates and times, Janet Knauss allegedly entered false discounts, voided transactions and bagged items that were not scanned so they could be stolen while working as a cashier at the store. The total value of items allegedly stolen exceeds $1,400. Carol Knauss, who was also a cashier at Target, is charged with falsifying business records, petit larceny and conspiracy, 6th. Arthur Knauss is charged with conspiracy, 6th, and petit larceny. The case was first reported in January and investigated by Deputy James Diehl.

Frank Ludwig, 65, of Oakfield, is charged with forcible touching. State Police arrested Ludwig for allegedly having unwanted physical contact with a family member.

Jordon N. Odom, 18, of Stafford, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and criminal mischief, 4th. Odom is accused of striking a family member during an argument and then taking the family member's mobile phone in order to prevent the person from calling law enforcement. He later reportedly gave the phone back. Odom was jailed on $250 bail.

Nicholas T. Stock, 25, of Batavia, Dylan J. Perry, 23, Batavia, and Grayson C. Stock, 23, of Oakfield, are each charged with petit larceny. All three are accused of shoplifting from Walmart. Nicholas Stock and Perry are accused of trying to steal four boxes of Crest White Strips worth $234.96. Grayson Stock is accused of stealing Allegra allergy medicine worth $71.98.

A 16-year-old resident of Byron Holley Road, Byron, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. The youth is accused of giving an electronic cigarette to a juvenile, which caused "substantial medical distress" for the juvenile.

Dennis Ray Lloyd, 33, of Summit Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child, assault, 3rd, and criminal obstruction of breathing. Lloyd was arrested following the report of a domestic dispute at a location on Porter Avenue at 10:30 a.m., Feb. 26.

Rachell O. Soggs, 27, of Bank Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a petit larceny charge. Soggs turned herself in after allegedly failing to appear for a presentencing interview ith Probation. She posted $500 police bail and was released.

Robert D. Cook, 35, of Attica Road, Darien Center, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a suspended/revoked registration charge. Cook turned himself in and was released on $200 bail.

Charles H. Wroten, 54, of Buell Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear at the Genesee County Jail for his intermittent incarceration stemming from a third-degree assault conviction. Wroten was located by Probation, assisted by Batavia PD, and released on his own recognizance after being issued an appearance ticket.

Kerrilynn A. McDermott, 34, of Denio Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. McDermott is accused of throwing an iPad at another person and striking that person in the face.

Jennifer A. Way, 35, of Linwood Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and driving without lights on. Way was stopped at 2:12 a.m. Saturday on West Main Street, Batavia, by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Heidi Ann Marie Pahl, 41, of Kibbe Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to keep right. Pahl was arrested following a report of a vehicle in a ditch on Genesee Street, Pembroke, at 9:27 p.m. on Sunday, which was investigated by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Beth Ann Collins, 47, of Lakeport Road, Chittenango, is charged with possession of more than 400 untaxed cigarettes and speeding in zone. Collins was stopped at 11:27 a.m. Monday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Fire rekindles at house on Roanoke Road, Stafford

By Billie Owens

Yesterday's house fire at 9418 Roanoke Road has rekindled and Stafford firefighters are called to respond.

UPDATE 2:27 p.m.: Le Roy fire is asked to respond with mutual aid for the rekindle.

UPDATE 2:50 p.m.: Responders report light smoke inside.

UPDATE 2:51 p.m.: A Pavilion fire crew is asked to stand by in their quarters.

House fire on Roanoke Road, Stafford

By Billie Owens

A structure fire is reported at 9464 9418 Roanoke Road in Stafford, at the corner of Westcott Road. The call has gone to a second alarm and fire crews and equipment from Stafford, Town of Batavia, Bethany, Le Roy, Pavilion and the city's Fast Team are responding.

UPDATE 1:42 p.m.: A second platoon is called to city fire station.

UPDATE 1:51 p.m.: The property at this location has had two fires in the past two or three years. The house was destroyed in one; the other burned the barn. Byron and South Byron fire are asked to stand by in Stafford's hall.

UPDATE 2:09 p.m.: Command reports the fire is knocked down; checking for extensions.

UPDATE 2:39 p.m.: Howard at the scene says there appears to be heavy smoke damage and holes had to be cut in the roof to fight the fire. The fire is believed to have been caused by an electrical problem.

UPDATE 5:38 p.m.: All Stafford units clearing the scene. The Stafford assignment is back in service.

Weather advisory warns of snow and freezing drizzle

By Howard B. Owens

A winter weather advisory has been issued for snow and freezing drizzle through 10 a.m. tomorrow.

The National Weather Service anticipates snow through this evening, then areas of freezing drizzle after midnight through Sunday morning.

Look for from two to five inches of snow and then a trace of ice.

Travel conditions could be difficult.

Visibility could drop to less than a mile.

Photos: Taken around noon on Route 33 in Stafford.

Law and Order: Jackson Street resident accused of threatening police with knife

By Howard B. Owens

Justin Lee Pyatt, 26, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with menacing a police officer. Officers responded to 113 Jackson St., Batavia, at 2:02 p.m. Monday to check on the welfare of Pyatt after receiving reports that he was distraught. Pyatt allegedly brandished a knife and threatened two officers. Pyatt was taken into custody without incident and jailed without bail.

Julio C. Morales, 29, of Upton Road, Batavia, is charged with theft of services. Morales is accused of dining at Main St. Pizza Company and then attempting to leave without paying for his meal.

Shaun P. Coulter, 29, of Harvester Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Coulter allegedly broke a window during a domestic incident reported at 8:54 a.m. Wednesday. He was jailed on $500 bail.

Gina L. Donovan, 39, of Haven Lane, Batavia, is charged with trespass. Donovan allegedly refused to leave the Richmond Memorial Library after being told by staff to leave the property.

Michele S. Lafreniere, 30, of Handsome Lake Drive, Caledonia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a charge of aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd. Lafreniere turned herself in and paid $500 bail before being released.

Lawrence David Liles, 58, of Mill Road, Stafford, is charged with criminal mischief, third degree assault and harassment, 2nd. During an incident reported at 6:25 p.m. Aug. 12 Liles allegedly grabbed the phone of a female when she attempted to contact law enforcement. He allegedly struck another person at the scene, causing injuries.

Emisha Marie Milton, 20, of Thurston Road, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny. Milton was arrested on a warrant out of Town of Batavia Court. She was released on her own recognizance from Genesee County custody, but turned over to Gates PD on a warrant on an unrelated matter.

Nancy Ellen Chatt, 69, of Prestige Crossing, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to keep right, moving from lane unsafely and speed not reasonable and prudent. Chatt was charged following a one-vehicle accident, reported at 7:08 p.m. Jan. 24 and investigated by Deputy Matthew Fleming.

Eric McKenzie Smith, 29, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle, 3rd. Smith was reportedly located by Rochester PD in Rochester while driving a vehicle that he allegedly refused to return to its owner. He was turned over to the Sheriff's Office, arraigned and released.

Jordan Nathanial Odom, 18, of Main Road, Stafford. Odom is accused of stealing items from Pavilion High School on Jan. 13. A 17-year-old resident of Clipnock Road, Stafford, was also charged with petit larceny.

Ketrina Barnes, 19, of Rochester, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. Barnes was arrested at Genesee Community College by State Police. No further details released.

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