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Batavia police looking for forgery suspect

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

The attached photos are of a suspect possibly involved in the forgery and possession of stolen checks.  These photos were taken on 06/12/09 and 06/13/09 at Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union.  Anyone with information into the identity of this individual is asked to contact Det. Kevin Czora at 345-6311, or the Batavia Police Department at 345-6350.

DA looking at taking robbery case to Grand Jury for indictment

By Howard B. Owens

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman could take the case against yesterday's three Elba robbery suspects to the Grand Jury as early as Tuesday.

"It's a little early in the day to know for certain," Friendman said.

If he decides to seek an indictment, it could be returned as early as the same day. Without a grand jury indictment, the suspects are entitled to a pre-trial hearing within six days, a right each suspect could waive.

The public defender is currently meeting with the suspects and each will be assigned their own attorney, either a public defender or public-provided outside council, or they could retain private attorneys.

Friedman also praised the work of law enforcement yesterday.

"We're very pleased with the job the police agencies did in this case," Friedman said. "It was great to see it unfold. I think many times people when people come here here from other places, they think its easy to get away with ( in  a small rural county) and that's often not the case."

Meanwhile, Scott DeSmit has more details about yesterday's robbery.

Inside the bank was a terrifying scene.

Two men, both brandishing handguns, their faces masked, entered the bank.

A third man waited in the vestibule, Genesee County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Jerome Brewster said.

"The two entered the bank and jumped over the counter at two tellers," Brewster said.

The men knocked the tellers to the floor, then made them get back up to open the drawers, holding the guns to their heads, he said.

The two went through the drawers, retrieved the money and fled.

There were no customers in the bank at the time, Brewster said.

Both guns were later recovered. One was a loaded semi-automatic. The other was found to be a Crossman BB-gun, Brewster said.

Previously: Elba robbery suspects identified, arraigned and held without bail

Elba robbery suspects identified, arraigned and held without bail

By Howard B. Owens

BATAVIA, N.Y. -- A trio of men from Buffalo are behind bars, held without bail, accused of robbing the M&T Bank, 7133 Oak Orchard Road, Elba, this morning and then attempting to escape into the woods between Oakfield and Batavia around Route 63 and Townline Road.

The men were identified this evening as Dennis M. Abrams, Jr, 26, of 202 Merrimac St., Buffalo; Demone D. Dillon, 25, 128 LaSalle Ave., Buffalo; and, Michael J. Wells, 24, 69 Camp St., Buffalo.

Witnesses to the 9:49 a.m.  stick-up reported that the suspects had at least two guns. Another witness said the suspects fled in a black SUV and traveled south on Route 98.

Officers from the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police and Batavia City Police responded. 

Sergeant Cory Harmon of the New York State Police observed the SUV traveling at a high rate of speed west on Batavia-Elba Townline Road towards Route 63 and gave chase. 

When the persuit reached the intersection of Route 63 and Townline Road, two of the subjects jumped from the SUV and fled into a wooded area on the southwest of the intersection

The driver sped off down Route 63 toward Galloway Road. He then drove off the pavement behind a residence on Galloway. When he did, his SUV became stuck in the mud and he got out of the vehicle and tried to run on foot through the field.

He was quickly apprehended.

A short time later, the second suspect was taken into custody south of Townline Road, not far from the Route. 63 and Townline Road intersection.

Which of those two suspects is Abrams and which is Merrimac has not been released.  Abrams was reportedly the driver.

The third suspect, Wells, managed to evade dozens of officers from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, the New York State Police and the U.S. Border Patrol, as well K-9 units and two helicopters (deployed at separate times) for more than five hours.

Throughout search for Wells, Sheriff Gary Maha remained confident that he would be captured.  The suspect's general locations was apparently known most of the time, in part because he repeatedly used a mobile phone to call a friend, allowing law enforcement officials to triangulate his general location.

Officers finally cuffed Wells at about 2:40 p.m. near the intersection of Route 63 and Galloway Road.

Immediately after the initial report of the fleeing suspects just before 10 a.m., the Oakfield-Alabama Middle/High School was notified and requested to "lock down."  Reportedly, per policy, the principle of the school then notified BOCES and BOCES officials then ordered all schools in Genesee County to lock down.

Shortly after 1 p.m., Maha suggested school officials call off the lockdown, telling dispatchers, "We have two suspects in custody and a good idea where the third suspect is, so we don't see any reason to have any schools locked."

The lock down reportedly caused many concerned calls to school officials, law enforcement and local media, with parents worried the suspects were closer to area schools than they actually were.

During the search, one handgun was recovered. A toy gun was picked up when the money was recovered.

The subjects were charged with robbery in the first degree, a class B felony, and arraigned before Elba Town Justice Lois Petote.  

Pictured, top to bottom: Wells, Abrams and Dillon.

UPDATE: Dan Fischer is reporting this morning that sources have told WBTA that the scene inside the M&T Bank during the robbery was violent. Nobody was injured, but the robbers entered the bank guns displayed and at one point held a gun to the head of a bank employee. Another employee hid in a rear ofice, under a desk. She managed to trip an alarm. M&T Bank has made counselors available for the employees.

Previously: Manhunt in progress near Route 63 and Townline Road.

UPDATE: WIVB has video of the suspects at Elba Town Court.

Manhunt in progress near Townline and 63

By Howard B. Owens

manhunt1.jpg

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There is a manhunt in progress, with one suspect in custody around Route 63 and Townline Road.

Two other suspects are reportedly still at large, possibily armed, and on foot.

We don't know at this time what triggered the manhunt.

A helicopter has been called in to help with the search.

Batavia Police and Sheriff's Office units are on scene at multiple locations along Route 63.

UPDATE: There is a reported "money trail" south of the subject's vehicle.

UPDATE: 10:30 a.m.: Sheriff Gary Maha has confirmed the suspects are wanted in confirmed the suspects are wanted in connection with a bank robbery in Elba.

And, a woman just drive up to the command center, ran up to the sheriff and said she saw a subject running in a field north of Townline Road just minutes ago. The subject is east of 63, running north.

UPDATE: Helicopter on scene now.

UPDATE 10:50 a.m.: Second suspect in custody. Two more at large.

UPDATE: 10:52: One of the suspects in custody has reported there were only three subjects in the getaway car.

UPDATE 11:02 a.m.: Dan Fischer at WBTA is reporting that all schools in Genesee County have been placed on lock down.

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UPDATE 12:22 p.m.:  K-9, officers on foot and a helicopter has been searching a area to the northeast of the John Deere location.  Now officers are discussing a report of foot prints in a field south of Townline Road. Air 1 has just been moved to that field, where a border batrol K-9 unit found the tracks.

UPDATE: 1:01 p.m.: Maj. Cummings of the NYSP just told the assembled media that the cordoned area is 5 miles.  Sheriff Maha said, "We have two suspects in custody. We have this person identified. He might as well give up."  Cummings encouraged people in the area to make sure their cars and houses are locked and don't let anybody in.

UPDATE 1:10 p.m.: Sheriff Maha just requested that all schools be unlocked. "We have two suspects in custody and a good idea where the third suspect is, so we don't see any reason to have any schools locked."

manhunt4.jpg

UPDATE: Took a while to get this video processed ... it's not quite done.  My battery is almost dead, so I'm inserting the code for it now ... should appear shortly ... and shutting down laptop unless there is a significant development.

[video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6qjSUqZkPk]

UPDATE: 2:30 a.m.: The at-large suspect has been identified as Michael J. Wells, 24, of Buffalo. He is 6' and 200 lbs. No other details about his background were releases.  If my battery lasts long enough, I'll post a photo shortly.

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UPDATE 2:42: The third suspect is in custody.

UPDATE 5:25 p.m.: Below is cellphone video submitted by Paul G. Barrett of Batavia depicting the apprehension of the final of three bank robbery suspects after a five-hour manhunt.

[video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkR1piCpX8Q]

Raid on Dellinger Avenue leads to four arrests on drug charges

By Howard B. Owens

A drug-related search warrant was enforced at 36 Dellinger Ave., Batavia, last night leading to the arrest of four people, including two on drug-dealing charges.

The warrant was executed by the Batavia Police Department Emergency Response Team as part of a Local Drug Enforcement Task Force operation.

Taken into custody were:

  • Jemell D. Allen, 20, of 1639 Norton St., Rochster (pictured lower);
  • Calvin S. Carver, 20, of 108 Stratford Park, Rochester (pictured top);
  • Jaron T. Thompson, 20, of 711 Church St., Medina;
  • Lana C. Digennaro, 37, of 36 Dellinger Ave., Batavia.

Allen and Carver were arrested for allegedly selling crack cocaine to an undercover agent on two occasions while in the City of Batvia.

During the search of the Dellinger Avenue residence, Allen was allegedly found in possession of seven bags of crack cocaine and marijuana.

Carver was also reportedly found holding marijuana. It was also discovered that Carver is reportedly wanted in Rochester on a warrant for another marijuana-related offense.

Thompason was also reportedly at the residence and found to possess marijuana.

Investigators claim Digennaro knowingly allowed Allen and Carver to deal drugs from her house.

Allen was charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Carver was charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Thompson was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.

Digennaro was charged with criminal nuisance in the first degree.

Allen and Carver were taken to Genesee County Jail and are being held without bail.  Thompson and Digennaro were issued appearance tickets.


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Police Beat: Rash of Wal-Mart shoplifting charges filed

By Howard B. Owens

A 17-year-old Byron gril is charged with petty larceny. The teenager is accused of putting items in her purse at Wal-Mart and then walking past all points of purchase.

Markeda Starks, 18, of 7 Mill St., #7, Batavia, is charged with petty larceny. Starts is accused of shoplifting at Wal-Mart.

Toni White, 28, of 14 S. Main St., Batavia is charged with petty larceny. White is accused of stealing from Wal-Mart.

Shaleesa Woods, 18, of 2964 Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road, Batavia, is accused of stealing from Wal-Mart. She was charged with petty larceny.

Emilea Webster, 20, of 126 Frank St., Medina, Batavia, is accused of shoplifting from Wal-Mart. Webster was charged with petty larceny.

Timothy Wood, 20, of 115 S. Main St., Batavia, is charged of petty larceny. He is accused of shoplifting from Wal-Mart.

Teri Sczepanski, 47, of 2034 Lewiston Road, Basom, is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Sczepanski allegedly drove another person's car without permission.

Federal charges filed against accused child pornographer apprehended in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Federal charges have been filed against Dalton Wilke, the accused child pornographer from Livingston County that Batavia Police Detective Todd Crossett helped apprehend last August by imitating a 15-year-old in online conversations.

Wilke, 45, faces a felony charge of using the Internet to persuade or entice a minor to engage in sexual activity.

Wilke reportedly had pictures of minors engaging in sexual activity on his computer when he was apprehended. He faces charges of receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography. 

He faces five to 20 years in prison on the child pornography charges and up to 10 years for the enticement charge.

Police Beat: Man picked up on petty larceny warrant in Pavilion

By Howard B. Owens

Harris Reed, 28, of 11121 W. Park Road, Pavilion, was arrested on a bench warrant for failure to appear on a petty larceny charge.  Reed was stopped on Route 63 north of Route 5 and arrested. He appeared in court, paid a $150 fine and was released.

Hit-and-run driver injures dog in Darien

By Howard B. Owens

Yesterday morning at about 9:20, an unknown driver on Richley Road in the Town of Darien struck and injured a dog.

The driver did not stop.

The owner of the dog took it to a local animal hospital for care. There is no word on the condition of the dog.

Deputy Rchardson of the Sheriff's Office is investigating the case.

UDPATE: The following information was provided by Chief Gordon Dibble.  A man in his 80s was driving his wife in for medical treatment. A neighbor wrote down his license plate number. The man, when contacted, said the dog ran off appearing uninjured. There was no damage to the car. The dog was treated, but the extent of his injuries are unknown. No citations are planned.

UPDATE II: The Sheriff's Office has release an accident report on this incident. The driver is identified as Joseph A. Szczeny, 86, of Batavia. He came upon a slow moving vehicle towing farm equipment on westbound on Richley Road and he moved to overtake the vehicle and the dog entered the roadway from the south shoulder. Szczeny car struck the dog.  Szczeny said he slowed down and started to pull over when he saw the get up and run to the driver of the slow vehicle. Thinking the dog was OK, Szczeny drove off. The dog, a two-year-old boxer/lab mix named Buddy owned by the operator of the slow vehicle,, was taken to Batavia Animal Hospital for treatment.

Police Beat: Batavia man charged with hitting woman in front of child

By Howard B. Owens

Robert J. Propst, 29, of 45 Central Ave., Batavia, was charged with charged with harassment in the 2nd degree and endangering the welfare of a child following an alleged dispute at his home address. Propst reportedly hit a woman and the act was allegedly witnessed by a child. He is being held on $2,500 bail. The alleged incident occurred at 1:10 p.m. yesterday.

Jonathon Kent, 21, of 59 Mill St., Apt. A, Batavia, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Deputies came into contact with Kent following a suspicious vehicle complaint at Batavia Mobile Home Park.

Donald A. Bouse, 37, of 36 Dellinger Ave., Batavia, and Jason T. Helles, 35, of 419 E. Main St. Batavia, were arrested yesterday following a traffic stop.  Members of the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force report they observed Bouse driving without a license.  Upon investigation, deputies determined that two bench warrants for Bouse had been issued in Monroe County.  The warrants were for petty larceny and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Helles was reportedly found in possession of a suspected crack cocaine pipe and prescription pills.  Bouse was issued a ticket and released to Monroe County officials. Helles was issued an appearance ticket. UPDATE: I was curious how the Sheriff's deputies knew Bouse was driving without a license. Chief Brewster replied with this statement: "We were aware that there were outstanding warrants for Bouse as well as the fact that his driving privileges had been taken away. It was just a matter of finding him and when we did, he happened to be driving. "

Conor M. Kobis, 18, of 81 Pound Road, Elma; Shawn M. Riccio, 18, 24 Cardinal Lane, West Seneca; and, Michael J. Walsh, 18, 315 Eden St., Buffalo were charged with unlawful possession of alcohol by persons under 21 yesterday. The trio were reportedly observed drinking in the parking lot at Darien Lake, where New Kids on the Block were playing. All three were issued appearance tickets.

UPDATE: Just received from Le Roy Police:

William Parker, 36, no permanent address, is charged with criminal contempt for having contact with a person who had an order of protection against Parker. Parker was found inside the home of the protected person. He is held on $750 bail.

Police Beat: Pembroke man accused of having dangerous fireworks

By Howard B. Owens

Gary De Wind, 66, of 1341 Little Falls Road, Pembroke, is accused of illegally possessing fireworks. He is charged with unlawful dealing with fireworks and dangerous fireworks.

Michael R. Cowham, 24, of 6571 W. Sweden Road, Bergen, is charged with assault in the third degree. He is accused of getting into a confrontation with another person. That person suffered a cut on the face. The alleged incident occurred at a residence on Wood Street. Cowham was issued an appearance ticket.

Michael A. Butler, 36, of Egerton Road, Elba, is charged with DWI. Butler also received tickets for having an unsafe tire and driving an uninspected vehicle. Butler was reportedly a witness to an incident on Whitney Mill Road involving a person with cuts on his head. During the investigation, deputies determined that Butler apparently drove past the scene while intoxicated.

Lynn R. Baker, 47, of Bank Street, was reportedly spotted on Harvester Avenue driving his 1997 Ford Explorer on the wrong side of the road. After a traffic stop, a Sheriff's deputy determined Baker was apparently drunk. Baker was charged with felony DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, and failure to keep right. Baker was issued an appearance ticket.

Paul Andrews, 35, of 2029 Route 238, Warsaw, and currently a resident of Genesee County Jail, is charged with criminal tampering in the third degree. Andrews reportedly urinated in another inmate's shampoo bottle.

Tera Williams, 36, of 147 Ross St., is charged with petty larceny. Williams reported stole merchandise from Kmart while employed there.

Kisuki Pagan, 20, of E. 166th St. #5H, Bronx, is charged with disorderly conduct. Pagan was allegedly involved in an altercation with another person inside 48 Deli Express, 8204 Park Road.

Batavia hit by series of car break-ins over past week

By Howard B. Owens

At least a dozen times in the past week, city residents have gone out to their cars only to find somebody has stolen valuables from their vehicles, according to Batavia Police Department Detective Pat Corona.

Corona said the suspect, or suspects, appears to be operating on foot, confining his criminal activities to the city, and preying primarily on unlocked cars and taking easy-to-pilfer items, such as wallets, credit cards, loose change and portable GPSs.

Only once has a car stereo been stolen from a vehicle.

"There isn't a lot of dismantling of vehicles," Corona said. "They are taking items that are easily accessible."

There may be more than one suspect. This morning an investigator reported over police radio: "Who's ever breaking into these cars probably has a lookout. They left their walkie-talkie behind."

Corona confirmed that the thief has left items behind, but didn't want to discuss specifics.

"If we find any evidence that's been left behind, that could lead us to suspects, we'll certainly take that and gather whatever evidence we can from it," Corona said.

This morning, I've heard three reports of larcenies, the latest just as I was writing this post: A car on Bank Street, just outside of city limits, had a GPS stolen.

Corona's advice: Lock your cars. Don't leave valuables in your cars. And call police with your tips that might help catch these criminals.

"Should people see anything suspicious, don't be shy about calling us," Corona said.

UPDATE: Right after I posted this, the PD put out a press release with a couple of additional details. The larcenies started on June 7. From last night, larcenies were reported on Walnut Street, Swan Street and State Street. The number to call for suspecious activity or to tip the police to a suspect, 345-6350.

Police Beat: Riga man accused of selling cocaine in Genesee County

By Howard B. Owens

Stanley Parker, 23, of 6480 Buffalo Road, Riga (pictured), is accused of selling cocaine to an undercover agent with the Local Drug Task Force. He is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance. He is being held in Genesee County Jail on $20,000 bail. Assisting in the investigation were uniformed deputies of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office and the Monroe County Sheriff and the District Attorney's Office.

Joshua Kitchen, 20, of 174 Hagadom Road, Broadalin, is accused of stealing a t-shirt from the Flying-J. He is charged with petty larceny.

Police Beat: Batavia man accused of grand larceny at business in Bethany

By Howard B. Owens

Michael L. Jackson, Jr. 28, of 1 Seneca Ave., Batavia (pictured), is being held in Genesee County Jail on $25,000 on felony grand larceny and burglary charges. Jackson is accused of breaking into the Holland High Lift building in Bethany on April 11 and damaging parts worth $1,500 and stealing items worth at least $8,000 and a pick up truck valued at $19,000. The charges filed against him are criminal mischief in the second degree, grand larceny in the third degree, burglary in the third degree and grand larceny in the fourth degree.

Jeffrey Vanslyke, 27, of 20 Mechanic St., Elba, is charged with a felony DWI count and driving with a BAC of .08 or more as well as unlawful possession of marijuana. Vanslyke reported failed to dim his headlines on Chapel Street in the Village of Elba. When a patrol attempted to stop Vanslyke's car, Vansylke reportedly kept driving on Route 98, leading patrol units on a low speed chase that ended on Graham Road in Elba. He was also charged with failure to yield to emergency vehicles.

Stephen Mullen, 19, of 71 S. Main St., Oakfield, is charged with obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest. The details of the incident leading to his arrest were not released by the Sheriff's Office.

Police Beat: DWI arrests follow Kenny Chesney concert at Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens

Matthew Bratcher, 19, of Hamburg, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Bratcher was camping at site #729 of the Darian Lakes Campground when deputies found him allegedly in possession of a pipe containing marijuana residue.

Michael G. Huskins, 37, of Bergen, was arrested Friday morning for alleged DWI. State troopers stopped Huskins on Route 98 for allegedly failing to keep right. Upon investigation, the trooper suspected Huskin of being intoxicated and placed him under arrest. His reported BAC was .12 percent. He was issued an appearance ticket.

The following suspected DWI arrests were made by New York State Police following the Kenny Chesney concert at Darien Lake on Thursday.

Norine V. Bushen, 54, of Hamburg, was stopped for a suspected traffic violation on Colby Road in the Town of Darien.  Upon investigation, the trooper suspected Bushen was intoxicated and placed her under arrest. She is accused of having a BAC of .08 or greater. Bushen was issued an appearance ticket.

Chad W. Robinson, 22, of Lancaster, was stopped on Sumner Road for an alleged traffic violation.  The trooper suspected Robinson of being intoxicated and placed him under arrest.  He is accused of having a BAC of .19 percent. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Christina J. Wilson, 25, of Rochester, allegedly attempted to turn into a parking lot through the exit. After an interview, she was placed under arrested for a suspected DWI. Her reported BAC was .10 percent. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Caitlin L. Neill, 20, of Almond, was stopped on Route 33 in Pembroke for an alleged traffic violation.  The trooper suspected she was intoxicated and placed her under arrest. Her reported BAC was .10 percent. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Police Beat: Homeless man accused of stealing money from prayer box in LeRoy church

By Howard B. Owens

Stephen W. Quigley, 55, who is reportedly homeless and traveling from Texas to Ohio, was arrested by Sgt. Timothy Hays of Detective John Condidorio of the Le Roy Police Department yesterday on a charge of petty larceny. Quigley is accused of entering a local church and attempting to steal money from the candle prayer offerings. He is being held on $500 bail.

Robert W. Walsh, 22, of Rochester, was stopped by Corfu police for allegedly driving without headlights. Upon further investigation, officers suspected he was driving while intoxicated. He was charged with DWI and issued an appearance ticket.

Alana M. Thompson, 18, of Lockport was charged with DWI following a traffic stop by Corfu police for allegedly speeding in the village. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Kelly J. Hinkle, 20, of Addison, Maine, is charged with DWI. Hinkle was reportedly spotted on Route 33 in Batavia making an unsafe lane change and then stopping. He is accused of having a BAC of .08 or higher. Hinkle was issued an appearance ticket.

There were two arrests at last night's Kenny Chesney concert at Darien Lake:

Jordon E. Burns, 18, of Orchard Park, is accused of taking a wallet with a debit card in it from a parked vehicle. He is being held in Genesee County Jail on $10,000 bail.

Jessica A. Sheer, 18, of Caledonia, is accused of slapping another person in the face.  She is charged with disorderly conduct. Sheer was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Batavia man accused of stealing more than 100K from employer

By Howard B. Owens

Paul R. Tenney, 39, of Batavia, is accused of stealing more than $100,000 from his employer, Elcon Inc., located on Alexander Road in the Town of Batavia.

Between January 2008 and March 2009, Tenney allegedly forged business checks and falsified business records.

Tenney is charged with three felonies: grand larceny in the second degree, forgery in the second degree and falsifying business records in the first degree.

He is being held in Genesee County Jail on $10,000 bail.

The investigation was conducted by Kirsopher Kautz with the assistance of the Genesee County District Attorney's Office.

Police Beat: Alleged drug dealer on Maple Street in Batavia arrested

By Howard B. Owens

Amanda Sterzick, 37, of 3 Maple St., Batavia (pictured), allegedly sold 20 hydrocodone pills to an undercover agent with the Genesee County Local Drug Task Force. Sterzick has been charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance. At the time of her arrest, she had $1,237 in cash. She is held in Genesee County Jail without bail.

Jarrett M. Hoffman, 20, of 9307 Asbury Road, Le Roy, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and aggrevated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Hoffman was stopped for allegedly making two turns without a turn signal. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

UPDATE: Just in:

Timothy O. "Cricket" Lee, 28, of 20 Ross St., Apt. 2, Batavia, is accused of selling crack cocaine while being observed by members of the Genesee County Local Drug Task Force. At the time of his arrest, Lee allegedly had $1,840 in cash. Lee is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana. He is being held without bail.

Police Beat: Darien man accused of sex with teen-age boy

By Howard B. Owens

Elijah, E. Albano, 28, of Darien Center (pictured), is accused of befriending a 15-year-old male, with the relationship turning sexual from October 2008 to May 2009. Albano is also suspected of providing alcohol and cigarettes to the minor. He is charged with a felony criminal sexual act in the third degree and endangering the welfare of a child and unlawfully dealing with a child, both misdemeanors. Albano was arraigned in Clarence and remanded to the Erie County Holding Center on $25,000 bail.

Brandon Rindell, of Corfu, allegedly called his girlfriend on a phone while she was at Daddio's Pub and threatened to go to the bar and stab her.  A short time later, the woman reportedly saw Rindell walking toward the bar and called Corfu Police.  Officer Daniel Zlotek responded and encountered Rindell outside the bar. Zlotek reported that Rindell appeared drunk and he had a knife in his pocket. Rindell is charged with menacing, aggravated harassment and resisting arrest.

Travis Johnson, 22, of Darien, is accused of hosting an under-age drinking party last night. He is charged with unlawfully dealing with a child.

Eric C. Garrett, 29, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt and trespass for allegedly entering the porch area of a female acquaintance's residence that he was barred from going near. He is being held on $2,500 bail.

Former Oakfield-Alabama band director charged with sexual abuse

By Howard B. Owens

Kerry Hoffman, age 27, of Bergen, the former band director of Oakfield-Alabama High School has been arrested and charged with sexual abuse in the third degree.

Hoffman is accused of abusing a female student.

Besides the five misdemeanor counts of sexual abuse, Hoffman is charged with one count of endangering the welfare of a child and one count of official misconduct.

WBTA's Dan Fischer spoke with Oakfield-Alabama Superintendent Christopher Todd, who said Hoffman voluntarily resigned when the allegations surfaced in March. Todd said parents in the district were immediately notified of the allegations.  School officials became involved when information came forward that raised concerns about Hoffman's conduct with the student.

Juvenile Officer J.K. Dehm of the Sheriff's Office said in a release, "During a period from February 2009 to March 2009 Kerry Hoffman acted in a manner likely to be harmful to a child less than seventeen years old."

Hoffman was arraigned in the Town of Oakfield by Justice Graham and released under supervision.

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