Sheriff's Office

NOTE: All charges against Kristen Kocent were dismissed.

A waitress from a local Batavia restaurant faces more than two dozen felony charges on accusations that she forged credit card receipts of customers to increase the amount of her tip, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Kristen Lynn Kocent, 20, of 26 Meadowcrest Dr., Batavia, was charged with 13 counts of second-degree forgery, 13 counts of first-degree falsifying business records and one count of first-degree scheme to defraud, all of which are felonies.

Kocent was arrested Thursday and released under the supervision of the court pending a future court appearance. She is accused of altering the tip amounts on the credit card receipts of 13 different customers at the "Batavia area restaurant" where she worked as a waitress. These charges stem from from allegations that span one month between July 16 and August 17, last year.

Macy Paradise, 24, of 5155 E. Main St., Batavia, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana Wednesday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. An investigation into an unoccupied vehicle parked by the side of the road on Route 5 led to the charges.

Scott Snyder, 39, of Oakfield, was charged with a felony count of second-degree unauthorized use of a motor vehicle Thursday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Snyder was also charged with four counts of petit larceny, four counts of fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, one count of fourth-degree criminal mischief and one count of third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Snyder allegedly stole "numerous items" from four cars in the village of Oakfield last Friday, then stole another vehicle and drove to Rochester. He returned that vehicle to a driveway in the village later that night. There is no mention of incarceration. He will return to the Oakfield Town Court to answer his charges in February.

Elizabeth A. Chelus, 26, of Orchard Park, was charged with driving while intoxicated Thursday evening, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Chelus was stopped with a flat tire near the intersection of Route 5 and Loverslane Road in the town of Pembroke.

Charges are pending in an investigation of a car that drove off the road and onto a snow embankment Thursday afternoon, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Todd J. Quinlan, 55, of Rochester, was driving along Route 5 in LeRoy when he allegedly crossed to the other side of the road and off the shoulder. His car then climbed a five-foot-tall snow embankment and travelled another 30 feet on top of it. Quinlan complained of back pain and was taken to United Memorial Medical Center for treatment.

The cause of a fire that damaged a home in the town of Bethany overnight is still under investigation, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Fire crews first got the call at 2:25 a.m., this morning, that a chimney fire had broken out at the home at 4588 Conway Road in Bethany. There was one occupant at home, and she was able to get out safely. 

Firefighters could see the flames from a distance as they arrived on scene. No injuries were reported. The Bethany Volunteer Fire Department is being aided by several surrounding departments, including Alexander, Batavia, Stafford, Pavilion, Wyoming, Warsaw, Attica, South Byron and LeRoy.

No reports yet of the extent of the damage. An article this morning in the Democrat & Chronicle reports that firefighters were still on scene at 6:30 a.m., and heavy fire damage is apparent.

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A pair of Rochester residents were arrested in Batavia last Thursday following an investigation into the sale of crack cocaine, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Michael R. Ransear, 24, of Rochester, was charged with a felony count of third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance. Michael's aunt, April D. Ransear, 42, of Rochester, was charged with a felony count of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and a felony count of tampering with physical evidence.

The two were located and arrested by the local drug task force in a parking lot near the intersection of Route 33 and Seven Springs Road in  the town of Batavia. The task force is comprised of sheriff's deputies, officers from the city of Batavia police department and the LeRoy police department. Genesee County's District Attorney office also asssisted in the investigation.

Both Michael and April Ransear were sent to Genesee County Jail; Micheal in lieu of $15,000 bail, April in lieu of $10,000 bail.

Also last Thursday, the local drug task force executed a search warrant at the lower apartment of 26 South Pearl Street n Oakfield, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. As a result, William G. Mosholder, 47, of Oakfield, was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of marijuana and endangering the welfare of a child. Mosholder's two step-children, both under the age of 17, were at the residence when deputies allegedly located marijuana. Mosholder will answer the charges in court in February.

Another search warrant was executed at a Batavia apartment last night, where members of the local drug task force allegedly discovered crack cocaine with a street value of $1,500 and $2,371 in cash, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Both of the apartments residents were arrested and charged. Terrence D. Butler, 26, of 120 Jackson St., Apt: 3, Batavia, was charged with a felony count of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Anthony Sanders, 27, of the same address, was charged with a felony count of third-degree crimial possession of a controlled substance and a felony count of fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Both Butler and Sanders were sent to Genesee County Jail without bail.

This photo (below), sent to us by the city police department, depicts the officers of the emergency response team as they left the scene of the raid at 120 Jackson Street last night.

Jeffrey W. Scott, 25, of Le Roy, was charged with two felony counts of fifth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance and two felony counts of fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance Monday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Scott allegedly sold "quantities of pills" to an undercover agent of the county's local drug task force. He was sent to Genesee County Jail without bail pending a court appearance later today.

Kaitlyn M. Schicker, 20, of Hamlin, was charged with driving while intoxicated Monday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Schicker allegedly crashed her car into a snow bank on Oak Orchard Road in the town of Elba. She was also ticketed with failure to keep right and operating the motor vehicle on a mobile phone.

Martin Pacer, 28, of 16 Jackson St., Apt: Upper, Batavia, was charged with second-degree criminal contempt and fifth-degree criminal possession of marijuana Monday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Pacer is accused of violating a court order of protection by getting too near a family member.

Andrew Sargent, 32, of 9 Pearl St., Apt: Upper, Batavia, was charged with three felony counts of second-degree possession of a forged instrument Friday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Sargent is accused of forging the name of his boss on three payroll checks and redeeming them for cash during the months of November and December, of last year. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $5,000 bail.

Robert L. Miller, 56, of Williamsville, was charged with driving while intoxicated Thursday, Corfu village police said. Miller was stopped for an alleged traffic violation on Route 77 in the village. He was also ticketed with failure to keep right.

Robert J. Fackelman, 48, of Rochester, was charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs Friday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Fackelman was stopped for an alleged traffic violation on Route 33 in the town of Stafford. He was also ticketed with speeding.

Justin Bird, 20, of 7963 State Street Road, Batavia, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and unlawful dealing with fireworks Friday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Bird was stopped for an alleged traffic violation in Batavia. He was also ticketed with operating a motor vehicle with obstructed vision and moving from the lane unsafely.

Cody L. Osborn, 21, of Caledonia, was charged with driving while intoxicated Saturday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Osborn was picked up after he crashed his vehicle on Route 19 near Bissell Road in Bergen. He was also ticketed with moving from the lane unsafely.

Joshua A. Harris, 19, of 24 Columbia Ave., Batavia, was charged with second-degree criminal contempt Sunday, city police said. Harris allegedly violated an order of protection during a domestic dispute with a female acquaintance. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $500 bail.

James E. Ellott, 19, of 6 Forrest Edge, Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated Sunday, city police said. Elliott was picked up after he crashed his vehicle into a snow embankment on East Avenue near Trumbull Parkway. He was also ticketed with unlicensed driver and unsafe lane change.

James M. Stepp, 57, of Le Roy, was charged with a felony count of driving while intoxicated and a felony count of aggravated DWI Saturday, city police said. Stepp was picked up after he crashed his vehicle into a snow bank at the corner of Ross Street and Washington Avenue. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $5,000 bail.

Sixteen-year-old Richard T. Brairton, of Pavilion, was charged Thursday with a felony count of second-degree criminal sale of marijuana and one count of endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Brairton is accused of selling marijuana to a 15-year-old boy at the Pavilion Central School. An investigation into the alleged activity included assistance by the school, the sheriff's deputies and the local drug task force. Brairton has been released under the supervision of Genesee Justice.

Louis J. Scafetta Jr., 31, of Akron, is currently being treated for facial lacerations and an internal leg injury in the emergency room of United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Scafetta was taken in earlier today, after he was hit by a car while he was shoveling out another car that was stuck in the snow in the driveway at 5778 Walkers Corners Road in Byron.

Johnna H. L. Mancuso, 23, of Le Roy, was allegedly driving too fast on Walkers Corner Road when she lost control of her car on an icy stretch of road. Her car then crossed the road, spun halfway around and crashed into the car parked in the driveway near where Scafetta was shoveling. The parked car was then thrown into Scafetta, who was knocked to the ground and injured. Mancuso was not injured in the crash.

No charges have been filed against the driver.

Michelle L. Smoth, 37, of Pavilion, was charged with a felony count of second-degree forgery Wednesday, city police said. Smith is accused of forging a legitimately issued prescription by altering the drug and refill portions of the script. When she allegedly presented the prescription to be filled at a Batavia drug store, the pharmacist contacted the doctor who confirmed that it was forged. Smith was released under the supervision of the Genesee County Probation Department pending an appearance in City Court on January 27.

Stephanie Andrews, 18, of Akron, was charged with fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property and petit larceny Wednesday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies. Andrews allegedly possessed her mother's ATM card and is accused of making an unauthorized withdrawal at a business located on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation on December 29.

Ronald M. Kowalczewski, 23, of 8976 Wilkinson Road, Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated early this morning, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Kowalczewski was stopped by deputies after allegedly running a red light on Route 77 in the town of Pembroke. He was also ticketed with passing through a red light and parking in the roadway.

Brooke Humel, 17, of Corfu, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana Monday, Genesee County sheriff's said. Brooke was found to be in possession following a traffic stop in Pembroke.

Timothy Beszcynski, 21, of Darien, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana Saturday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Beszynski was found to be in possession following a traffic stop in Pembroke.

Dustin Benham, 19, of Darien, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana Saturday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Benham was found to be in possession following a traffic stop in Pembroke.

Rebecca Athoe, 20, of 15 Kibbe Ave., Batavia, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana Friday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Benham was found to be in possession following a traffic stop in the town of Batavia.

A pair of siblings from Batavia are accused of conspiring to "have an individual beat up" and driving the victim to "a remote location" in order to do so, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Adam M. Ganzhorn, 24, of 1 Cone St., Batavia, was charged with third-degree assault, sixth-degree conspiracy and petit larceny, all misdemeanors. Ganzhorn allegedly assaulted the victim on December 28, shortly after midnight. He is also accused of stealing the victim's cell phone. His sister, Teresa M. Ganzhorn, 19, of 4346 Batavia Elba Townline Road, Batavia, was charged with third-degree assault and sixth-degree conspiracy. She is accused of conspiring with her brother to have the victim "beat up" and transporting him to the scene of the assault.

Adam M. Ganzhorn was sent to Genesee County Jail Saturday morning in lieu of $500 cash or $1,000 bail bond. That same day, Teresa M. Ganzhorn was sent to jail in lieu of $250 cash or $500 bail bond.

Lori. A Wittkopp, 46, of Washington Ave, Batavia, was charged with a felony count of driving while intoxicated Sunday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Wittkopp was stopped by deputies after she allegedly nearly caused an accident while turning into the KFC restaurant on West Main Street in Batavia. She was also ticketed with failure to yield the right of way and uninsured motor vehicle.

Thomas Lukasik, 37, of Bennington, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and driving while intoxicated Friday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Lukasik was picked up by deputies following a car crash in Alexander that afternoon. He was also ticketed with a speeding violation.

Scott C. Stine, of York, Penn., was charged with a felony count of driving while intoxicated Tuesday, Corfu village police said. Stine was stopped for alleged traffic violations on Route 77 in Corfu. He was also ticketed with broken windshield, no seatbelt and inadequate plate lamp.

Lucas M. Roggen, 28, of Akron, was charged with driving while intoxicated Thursday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Roggen was stopped for an alleged traffic violation at the intersection of Klossen and Meanville roads in Alabama. Rogged failed to stop at the intersection and slid into a snow bank. He was also ticketed with failure to reduce speed, unsafe passing, moving from the lane unsafely and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Anthony J. Reisdorf, 61, of Alexander, was charged with driving while intoxicated Thursday, deputies said. Reisdorf was driving on East Bethany-Le Roy Road in the town of Le Roy when his vehicle crashed, overturned and landed in a creek. He was uninjured. He was also ticketed with failure to reduce speed and moving from the lane unsafely.

Kim M. Mobley, 45, of 11 Pringle Ave., Batavia, was charged with two felony counts of third-degree criminal sale of a cotrolled substance and two felony counts of third-degree criminal possession of  controlled substance Wednesday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Mobley was arrested at her home Wednesday afternoon following an investigation into the alleged sale of crack cocaine to an undercover agent of the Genesee County Local Drug Task Force. Mobley was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $7,500.

Jessica R. Henry, 23, of Oakfield, was charged with a felony count of use of a child in a sexual performance, a felony count of promoting a sexual performance by a child and a felony count of promoting an obscene sexual performance by a child, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Henry is accused of directing a child to perform multiple sexual acts with Corey Klase, who was arrested by the sheriff's deputies last week. Klase faces multiple charges, including two felony counts of third-degree rape.

Henry was also charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. She was released under the supervision of the sheriff's office.

Eric C. Zglinicki, 46, of Darien Center, was charged with driving while intoxicated early this morning, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Zglinicki was stopped on Route 77 in Darien. He was also ticketed with failure to keep right.

A home contractor based in Le Roy will face further accusations of defrauding his customers, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Martin A. Miller, 48, of Le Roy, was charged with a felony count of third-degree grand larceny and a felony count of first-degree sceme to defraud. Miller is accused of accepting $3,100 as a down payment toward a $6,200 barn roof that he agreed to replace in May. He allegedly cashed the check without ever even starting the work on the roof.

Miller was first arrested about a month ago by sheriff's deputies and was charged with a felony count of third-degree grand larceny and a felony count of first-degree scheme to defraud. Those charges stemmed from the accusation that he had taken $3,800 to repair a roof in Alexander and failed to do so. At that time, he was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash bail.

Robert C. George III, 24, of 2 Roosevelt Ave., Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated Tuesday night, deputies said. George was picked up following an investigation of a vehicle off the road in the town of Le Roy. He was also ticketed with failure to reduce speed and use special hazards.

Michele Anastasi, 52, of Lockport, was charged with a felony count of first-degree criminal contempt, second-degree aggravated harassment, a misdemeanor, and second-degree harassment, a violation, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Anastasi is accused of striking someone during a fight in the town of Pembroke. Following the altercation, Anastasi allagedly made "several harassing messages to the same individual" in violation of an order of protection.

Anastasi is due to appear in the town of Pembroke court this evening to answer those charges.

Joseph Auricchio, 17, of Alexander, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and unlawful dealing with fireworks Saturday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Deputies picked up Auricchio following a complaint.

Robert W. Baker, 38, of Attica, was charged with driving while intoxicated Saturday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Baker was driving on Route 77 in Alabama when he crashed his car and ended up stuck in a deep snow embankment in a ditch. He was also ticketed with moving from the lane unsafely.

Jerry K. Scroger, 44, of 3207 Pratt Road, Lot 6, Batavia, was charged with second-degree criminal contempt Friday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Scroger is accused of violating a court order of protection by calling his estranged spouse.

Brian J. Lipinski, 25, of Corfu, was charged with trespass early this morning, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Lipinski was picked up after crashing his snowmobile into a pile of steel railroad track while driving along the CSX railroad line.

An Oakfield man is in jail this morning following an arrest on more than a dozen felony charges made yesterday by the Genesee County sheriff's deputies. Corey W. Klase, 24, of Oakfield, was arrested at his home, where deputies allegedly found a video that depicts Klase "engaging in multiple sexual acts" with a 15-year-old girl, along with several other items, which were not named.

Klase was charged with two counts of use of a child in a sexual performance, two counts of promoting an obscene sexual performance by a child, two counts of promoting a sexual performance by a child, two counts of possession of an obscene sexual performance by a child, two counts of possessing a sexual performance by a child, two counts of third-degree criminal sexual act and two counts of third-degree rape. All charges are felonies.

Klase was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $20,000 bail.

James A. Dean, 51, of Bethany, was charged with driving while intoxicated Tuesday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Dean was stopped on Route 63 in the town of Batavia for allegedly driving "in an intoxicated manner."

Heather L. Robinson, 36, of Stafford, was charged with driving while intoxicated early this morning, deputies said. Robinson was stopped on Buckley Road in the town of Stafford after she allegedly failed to stop for the stop sign at the intersection of Buckley Road and Route 5.

Shane Reisman, 39, of 143 State St., Batavia, was arrested yesterday by Genesee County sheriff's deputies following an investigation into the transportation and sale of illegal drugs. Reisman was charged with several felonies, including: third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, fourth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, fifth-degree sale of a controlled substance, third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and two counts of fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Reisman is alleged to have sold "quantities of pills" to an undercover agent of the Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force. Following the arrest, made at Resiman's home Monday, he was sent to Genesee County Jail without bail pending an arraignment in county court later this afternoon.

Christopher P. Ball, 26, of 4902 Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, was charged with second-degree harassment early Sunday morning, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Ball is accused of punching his father in the head during a domestic dispute. Ball was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $250.

Christopher Archer, 17, of Pembroke, was charged with second-degree harassment Friday, deputies said. Archer was allegedly involved in a fight following a domestic dispute.

Edward J. Roshea Jr., 40, of Corfu, was charged with driving while intoxicated Sunday, deputies said. Roshea Jr. was stopped by deputies for allegedly failing to keep right of the center line.

City police teamed up with the Genesee County sheriff's deputies in a burglary investigation that led to the arrest of two city residents. Corey A. Johnson, 21, and Brian J. Miller, 27, both of 667 Ellicott St., Apt: 4b, Batavia, were arrested on New Year's Eve, deputies said. They were both sent to Genesee County Jail without bail.

Johnson was charged with a felony count of fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property. Miller was charged with two felony counts of second-degree burglary, one felony count of fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a misdemeanor.

City police had been interviewing Johnson and Miller at their apartment as part of an investigation. During that interview, an officer noticed a shotgun and some other items in the apartment that resembled those that had recently been reported stolen to the sheriff's office. A pair of separate residential burglaries had been reported in the Bethany area on Christmas Day, December 25, and the day after.

"In both burglaries, the residences were forcibly entered, the houses were ransacked, and several items were stolen, including electronic equipment, jewelry, and other personal items," deputies said.

This investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected.

Gregory A. Jones, 30, of 8794 Alexander Road, Batavia, was charged with two counts of first-degree rape Thursday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Jones was accused of forcing a 27-year-old female to engage in sexual intercourse on two separate occasions Thursday. Jones was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $5,000. He will reappear in court on January 26.

Justin T. Blackwood, 22, of Amherst, was charged with driving while intoxicated Thursday, deputies said. Blackwod was stopped for an alleged traffic violation on County Line Road in Darien. He was also ticketed with driving left of the pavement markings in a no passing zone.

David M. Heschke, 42, of Oakfield, was charged with driving while intoxicated and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle Thursday, deputies said. Heschke was stopped for an alleged traffic violation on West Main Street Road in the town of Batavia. He was also ticketed with consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle, moving from the lane unsafely and driving left of pavement markings in a no passing zone.

William D. Hirsch, 21, of Pavilion, was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief Thursday, deputies said. Hirsch is accused of using his crutch to break the driver's side window of his ex-girlfriend's truck.

Coty Brawdy, 19, of Angola, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana Thursday, deputies said. Brawdy was stopped for alleged traffic violations in the city of Batavia. Brawdy was also ticketed with operating a motor vehicle with obstructed vision and an equipment violation.

Michael Coffta, 16, of Medina, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana Wednesday, deputies said. Coffta was found to be in possession of marijuana following a traffic stop in Darien.

Brent D. Scoins, 33, of 108 Woodstock Gardens, Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated today, city police said. Scoins was allegedly found asleep behind the wheel of a running vehicle on Summit Street in Batavia. He was also ticketed with failure to keep right.

Joseph M. Sanders, 25, of South Carolina, was charged with second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument. Sanders is accused of possessing a forged New York State prescription that he allegedly altered. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $25,000.