Sheriff's Office

In our police blotter yesterday, we reported the charges filed by the Genesee County sheriff's deputies against John McGowan relating to an ongoing investigation of alleged domestic abuse spanning several months bewteen October 12 and December 17. Seeking more information about the class of those charges and whether McGowan had been released or sent to jail, we were contacted by Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble, who explained that the case was more complex than those five charges we listed yesterday.

As we stated yesterday McGowan, 32, of 5 Highland Park, Batavia, was charged with third-degree criminal mischief, second-degree coercion, third-degree assault, fourth-degree aggravated harassment and fourth-degree stalking. We have since learned that the first charge of criminal mischief was a felony. All other charges were misdemeanors. McGowan stood for those charges in the town of Batavia as a city court judge was unavailable at the time. McGowan was successively arraigned twice, in the towns of Batavia and Alexander, explained Dibble. All of the charges in each of the three municipalities related to the same investigation into allegations of abuse and harassment of the same woman conducted by the sheriff's deputies. They were filed based on where the alleged crimes occurred.

McGowan's first arraignment in the town of Batavia resulted in his being sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $7,500. That bail was "promptly" posted, said Dibble. Following that, McGowan was arraigned in the town of Alexander on the charge of aggravated harassment. He was again sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $5,000. Again, the bail was promptly posted. McGowan then faced charges of second-degree unlawful imprisonment and second-degree harassment in the town of Batavia. In that instance, it was decided that no further bail was necessary, said Dibble, and McGowan was released on his own recognizance.

David J. Staba, 40, of Darien, was charged with driving while intoxicated early this morning, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Staba was stopped following a one-car property damage accident in Alexander. He was also ticketed with moving from the lane unsafely.

Three teenagers were picked up following a break-in at the Rolling Hills Paranormal Research Center in Bethany Saturday night, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Robert A. Ferguson, 19, of Oakfield, was charged with third degree criminal trespass, fourth-degree criminal mischief and unlawful possession of marijuana. Catrina M. Colvin, 16, of Pavilion, and Tiffany M. Walter, 17, of Stafford, were charged with third-degree criminal trespass. Colvin was also charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief.

All three youths allegedly climbed through an open window at Rolling Hills into a solarium that did not allow access to the rest of the building. Colvin and Ferguson then allegedly broke several windows and entered the main building. They allegedly fled the scene after the alarm sounded and were both picked up later at Genesee County Park. Walter was located some time after at a residence in Pavilion.

Megan J. Leach, 23, of Le Roy, was charged with a felony count of fourth-degree grand larceny Sunday, city police said. Leach is accused of stealing a purse from a patron at Billy Goat's Bar.

Joshua K. Williams, 17, of 516 E. Main St., Apt: Lower, Batavia, was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief Saturday, city police said. Williams is accused of using a knife to cut up the coat of a female acquaintance during a domestic dispute at a residence on West Main Street in Batavia. Williams was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $2,000 bail.

Michael J. Packard, 54, of 240B N. Spruce St., Batavia, was charged with felony driving while intoxicated, second-degree criminal impersonation and unlicensed operator Friday, city police said. Packard was stopped by police after a citizen reported that Packard had staggered to his vehicle and drove.

John McGowan, 32, of 5 Highland Park, Batavia, was charged with third-degree criminal mischief, second-degree coercion, third-degree assault, fourth-degree aggravated harassment and fourth-degree stalking Friday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. McGowan was arrested following an investigation into allegations of domestic abuse committed by McGowan against his ex-girlfriend between October 12 and December 17.

Donald S. Sutherland, 40, of Bergen, was charged with driving while intoxicated Tuesday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Sutherland was stopped for an alleged traffic violation on Route 19 in Bergen. He was also ticketed with failure to keep right.

Zachary Seewaldt, 19, of Varsburg, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana Wednesday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Seewaldt was stopped for an alleged traffic violation in Batavia. He was also ticketed with speeding.

State police out of Clarence report two arrests for driving while intoxicated and one for driving while ability impaired on drugs following the Buffalo Bills home game Sunday. A total of 36 traffic tickets were also issued during the DWI saturation patrol.

William H. Griffin Jr., 45, of 118 Hutchins St., Batavia, was charged with petit larceny Monday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Griffin Jr. is accused of stealing textbooks that he then returned for cash at the Genesee Community College bookstore earlier this month.

Aaron A. Carpenter, 24, of Corfu, was charged with driving while intoxicted early this morning, deputies said. Carpenter was stopped on Route 5 in the town of Batavia for an alleged traffic violation. He was also ticketed with inadequate lights.

Richard Cooke, 40, of Medina, was charged with a felony count of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing and unlicensed itinerant vehicle collector, a misdemeanor, deputies said. Cooke is accused of taking a 1992 Mercury Marquis to Eddie Arnold Scrap Processing Inc. in Pembroke, where he filled out paperwork stating that he was the owner of the vehicle. Cooke was not the owner, nor does he possess an itinerant vehicle collector license. The incident occurred on September 15, and a number of other charges are pending in Orleans County relating to the same vehicle. Cooke was released and will answer the charges on a later date.

Terry L. Roth, 33, of 110 W. Main St., Batavia, was charged with felony driving while intoxicated and felony aggravated driving early Sunday morning, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Roth was picked up by deputies following a one-car crash on Route 5 in Le Roy. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $5,000 bail. Roth was also ticketed with moving from the lane unsafely.

City police have come out with more charges against the parents of the 6-year-old boy who brought a loaded handgun onto a school bus Wednesday morning. Carolyn Claudio, 43, of 335 Bank St., Batavia was charged with second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and endangering the welfare of a child.

Police allege that during a search of Claudio's residence Wednesday, a small amount of cocaine and drug paraphernalia were found in the "living area" of the home where they would have been "easily accessible to the children." This is the same residence in which Claudio's 6-year-old son located the loaded handgun that he brought to school with him Wednesday morning. Carolyn Claudio will appear in court to answer the charges on Tuesday.

The boy's father, Juan Claudio Sr., 40, of 108 Jackson St., Batavia, received another charge of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Following the news reports of Juan Claudio's arrest, two Batavia residents came forward to claim that Claudio attempted to sell them a gun this past Saturday at a home in Batavia. When the two were shown the gun that the boy brought on the bus Wednesday, they confirmed that it was, in fact, the same gun that the father had offered for sale.

A report in the Daily News filed this morning by Scott DeSmit states that the boy found the ".22 caliber handgun" at his mother's home under her bed and "tucked inside a velvet Crown Royal whiskey pouch."

For more details, please see our previous coverage. You can also view the response from the city police and school superintendent in our video coverage.

Update at 3:47pm: We spoke with Batavia Det. Richard Schauf to find out more on the status of the two young children, the 6-year-old who brought the gun onto the school bus and his 7-year-old brother who had alerted the bus driver to that fact. Schauf told us that Carolyn Claudio could not be arraigned in court today as it was closed due to the weather. Both children "will remain in the custody of the mom," said Schauf. At least, for now.

The Department of Social Services is supervising the situation. They have been notified of the charges filed against Carolyn Claudio today. Whether they take the children away—"That's their call," said Schauf.

Jeremy Alwardt, 19, of 6 Maple St., Batavia, was charged with four felony counts of first-degree sexual abuse and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, city police said. Alwardt is accused of having sexual contact with two individuals who were under the age of 11 years old. These crimes are believed to have occurred between July 2006 and August 2007. Alwardt is currently being held at the Genesee County Jail without bail.

Luke Windnagle, 22, of 8874 Hartshorne Road, Batavia, was charged with second-degree harassment Wednesday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Windnagle is accused of punching his brother in the head during a fight.

Tabatha A. Torcello, 42, of Alexander, now faces more than a dozen additional charges following her arrest a couple weeks back for alleged possession of a forged prescription, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Torcello has since been charged with four counts of second-degree possession of a forged instrument, five counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, five counts of fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property and two counts fifth-degree health care fraud.

Torcello's home was searched by deputies following her previous arrest. Inside, they found a partial prescription pad that was allegedly stolen from a dentist's office in Rochester. An investigation revealed that Torcello had allegedly used the pad to forge prescriptions and obtain drugs from the pharmacies at the Batavia Wal-Mart, Warsaw Wal-Mart and Attica Rite Aid stores between November 15 and December 3. Deputies were assisted in the investigation by the Wyoming County Probation Department and the Buffalo Field Office of the Drug Enforcement Agency.

Torcello was sent to Genesee County Jail without bail. A violation of the terms of her probation is also pending, as Torcello was under probation supervision for charges stemming from 2006 and 2007, when Torcello was accused of similar crimes.

Rita Cintron, 18, of New Jersey, was charged with trespass for an incident that occurred on December 7, deputies said. Cintron had previously been banned from the College Village dormitory apartments at Genesee Community College, yet she was allegedly located on the property by security personnel.

Eric C. Garrett, 29, of 112 Tracy Ave., Batavia, was charged with a feloy count of second-degree burglary, a felony count of second-degree robbery, a felony count of second-degree assault and fourth-degree criminal mischief, a misdemeanor, Saturday, city police said. Garrett is accused of breaking into the home of a female acquaintance on Richmond Avenue. Once inside, Garrett allegedly pushed the woman to the ground and threw a coffee table on top of her. When she tried to call the police, he allegedly took her cell phone from her and broke it. Garrett was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $3,500 bail.

Christopher L. Smith, 25, of Warsaw, was charged with driving while intoxicated and unlawful possession of marijuana Sunday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Smith was stopped for an alleged traffic violation on Route 63 in Alabama. He was also ticketed with moving from the lane unsafely.

Daryl L. Morse, 43, of Churchville, was charged with second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and unlawful possession of marijuana Saturday, deputies said. Morse was stopped for an alleged traffic violation on Route 33 in the town of Bergen. He was also ticketed with inadequate lights, expired inspection and unlicensed operator.

Joshua Barber, 18, of Le Roy, was charged with fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property Saturday for an incident that occurred on December 3, deputies said. Barber was allegedly found in possession of a stolen stop sign from the corner of Harris and Asbury roads in the town of Le Roy. He had allegedly put the stop sign in the trunk of his car. The sign has since been returned to the town of Le Roy Highway Department.

Genesee County sheriff's deputies have made an arrest following their investigation into the bomb scare yesterday afternoon at Genesee Community College. Kimberly M. Volk, 20, of 27 Dellinger Avenue, Apt: Upper, Batavia, was charged with a felony count of first-degree falsely reporting an incident. Volk is accused of sending a text message to a college student who was on the campus at the time. The message read: "I planted a bomb in the library last night, make sure your out of the building by one." The student who received the text message then notified security, which resulted in the evacuation of the campus and the subsequent search for an explosive, which was never located.

Volk was released under the supervision of the county court. She is scheduled to reappear in Batavia town court on December 16.

Genesee County sheriff's deputies are seeking a "person of interest" relating to yesterday's bomb scare at Genesee Community College. Deputies first received the call yesterday at 12:34pm that a student at the college had received a text message stating that a bomb had been placed inside the school's library that was set to go off at 1:00pm. Deputies and state police arrived on scene to evacuate everyone from the college while they investigated the threat, which was later determined not credible. We spoke with Chief Deputy Jerome Brewster this morning. He informed us that the sheriff's office knows the identity of the perpetrators, they have been interviewed, and arrests will soon be made.

UPDATE: The Daily has an updated story this morning on the bomb threat.  No arrest yet.

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 scheme to defraud, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Earlier this week, Scott DeSmit of the Daily News reported on the several complaints received by the office that Miller's contracting firm had collected payment without rendering services. Miller was arrested on the specific accusation that he had taken $3,800 to repair a roof in Alexander and failed to do so. Miller is also accused of accepting money from other homeowners in Genesee County and some surrounding counties. He allegedly also failed to perform the work stated in those contracts. Miller was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash bail.

Keith O. Patterson, 53, of 17 Clifton Ave., Batavia, was charged with felony driving while intoxicated Tuesday night, sheriff's deputies said. Patterson was seen driving on Route 5 in the town of Batavia and swerving several times over the lane lines. Patterson was also ticketed with failure to keep right and moving from the lane unsafely. He was sent to Genesee County Jail without bail.

Jon H. Bush Jr., 25, of Elba, was charged with third-degree assault and second-degree harassment last Thursday, deputies said. Bush is accused of pushing a woman over a log causing her ankle to break.

Joanne Beck covered last night's meeting of the Batavia City Council in a pair of articles in today's Daily News. Both stories—a parking ban on Oak Street and a discussion on changing the city's system for payment of trash collection—were featured on WBTA this morning. The Batavian referenced both articles in our morning news roundup.

Genesee County sheriff's deputies are looking into a string of complaints about a contractor not providing services that were paid for in advance. Lakeside Home Beautification, operated by Martin A. Miller, is based in Stafford. One homeowner, Jennifer Taberski, told Scott DeSmit that she paid Miller $3,800 to fix their roof in June. Nothing has yet been done, and her money was never returned, she claims. "He basically kidnapped my money," she said. Another homeowner was recently refunded their $1,750 after Miller allegedly failed to repair a roof.

DeSmit reports:

Miller, 48, served two one-year jail terms from a criminal case in Wyoming County.

He pleaded guilty in 2002 to four counts of petit larceny for scheming people out of more than $12,000.

Sheriff's deputies are encouraging anyone with information about Miller, or anyone looking to make a complaint, to contact them at (585) 343-5000.

In other news, Virginia Kropf put together a folksy piece on five Albion families who got together Monday for a reunion of their golden retrivers, all of which—unbeknownst to the owners—came from the same Valentine's Day litter. Interesting.

We encourage you to pick up a copy of the Daily News at your local newsstand. Or, better yet, subscribe at BataviaNews.com.

Mitchell S. Schultz, 32, of Medina, was charged with driving while intoxicated Saturday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Schultz was seen swerving over the lines on Lewiston Road in Oakfield shortly before he was stopped by deputies. He was also ticketed with moving from the lane unsafely, driving across hazard markings, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Jon H. Bush, 25, and Rachael A. Baehr, 21, both of Elba, were charged with second-degree harassment Thursday, deputies said. Bush and Baehr are accused of getting in a fight with Kenneth Holley and Tanya Baehr.

Michael T. Ellis, 20, of 120 State St., Apt: Upper, Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated Sunday, city police said. Ellis was stopped for traffic violations on Tracy Avenue in Batavia. He was also ticketed with unsafe tires and failure to keep right.

Wesley Thigpen, 27, of 18 Maple St., Batavia, was charged with felony driving while intoxicated and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation Sunday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Thigpen was stopped on Route 33 in the town of Stafford. He was also ticketed with three traffic violations. Thigpen was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bail.

State police in Clarence are currently investigating a home invasion in the town of Newstead. From the press release:

On December 2, 2008 at approximately 9:05 p.m., the State Police in Clarence received a report of an attempted home invasion and shooting that occurred on Crittenden Road in the Town of Newstead.  The victim contacted the State Police and advised that a white male, approximately 28-33 years old, wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt knocked on the door of his residence and asked to use the phone.  As the victim was about to let the suspect in, he observed the suspect reach into his pocket.  The victim feared for his safety and shut the door to prevent the suspect from entering.  At that time at least six gun shots were fired striking the door and wall of the residence.  The subject then fled the scene.  No one at the scene was injured.   At this time, the State Police in Clarence in conjunction with the Erie County District Attorney’s Office are investigating the incident and have a person of interest in custody.  Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact SP Clarence at (716) 759-6831.

Daryl M. Oar, 38, of 3865 Pike Road, Batavia, was charged with second-degree harassment and resisting arrest Sunday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Oar was picked up by deputies following an investigation into a fight at his address. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $500 bail.

Cory R. Markidis, 19, of Rochester, was charged with a felony count of first-degree gang assault Saturday, city police said. Markidis was picked up on a warrant that dates back to April, 2007, for an incident in which he allegedly beat someone on East Main Street in Batavia, breaking the victim's nose and causing vision damage. Markidis was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $5,000 bail.

Christopher E. Krauss, 45, of no permanent address, was charged with second-degree obstruction of government administration Saturday, city police said. Krauss is accused of failing to abide by the rules of the Batavia Drug Court. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail.

Joshua A. Harris, 19, of 24 Columbia Ave., Batavia, was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief and endangering the welfare of a child Sunday, city police said. Harris allegedly punched a hole in a bedroom door and smashed a glass picture frame during a domestic dispute in the presence of three young children. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $3,500.

Marilyn J. Drilling, 47, of 4136 Colonial Blvd., Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated Friday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Drilling was stopped on Route 5 in the town of Batavia. She was also ticketed with speeding.

Derrick D. Pearce, 27, of 3440 Pearl Street Road, Apt. B, Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated and aggravated DWI Saturday, deputies said. Pearce was allegedly found by deputies asleep at the wheel, pulled off to the side of the road on East Main Street in Corfu, with the vehicle still running.

John Boyce, 20, of Oakfield, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana Thursday, deputies said. Boyce was stopped in Alabama. He was also ticketed with operating a motor vehicle with obstructed vision and drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle on the highway.

Jon H. Bush Jr., 25, of Elba, was charged with second-degree criminal contempt Wednesday, deputies said. Bush Jr. was allegedly spotted by probation officers drinking alcohol at the Oakfield Hotel, thus violating his probation. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $500 bail.

Thomas L. Gray, 25, of Le Roy was charged with driving while intoxicated Wednesday, deputies said. Gray allegedly struck a telephone pole with his vehicle on South Street Road in Le Roy, then fled the scene and later took off on foot. He was also ticketed with leaving the scene of a property damage accident and moving from the lane unsafely.

Renee M. Bermel, 20, of Attica, was charged with petit larceny and unauthorized use of a computer Tuesday, deputies said. Bermel allegedly used a computer at the Target store in Batavia sometime several months ago to create a false gift card which she then used to purchase merchandise.

Robert L. Drozdowski, 27, of 232 N. Spruce St., Apt. E, Batavia, was charged with three felony counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and three felony counts of third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, deputies said.  Drozdowski allegedly sold a quantity of cocaine and Oxycodone to an agent of the Genesee County Local Drug Task Force. He was sent to Genesee County Jail without bail.

Nick A. Hawkins, 24, currently an inmate at the Genesee County Jail, was charged with a felony count of third-degree burglary Tuesday, deputies said. That charge is related to a robbery that took place back in 2001 at the Frost Ridge Campground in Le Roy, where change was forcibly removed from vending and video game machines. Christopher D. Nolan was initially charged with the crime of burglary in 2002, because a fingerprint found at the scene matched his own. He was 21 years old at the time. After Nolan pled guilty to the charge, he was sentenced to five years of probation and restitution. Since then, a DNA profile of blood found at the scene of the crime has been found to be a match with Hawkins.

State police conducted another DWI saturation patrol following the Buffalo Bills home game this past Sunday. Four arrests were made for driving while intoxicated, among other charges. Jason A. Zymowski, 34, of Darien, was chargedw ith a felony count of driving while intoxicated, as well as a felony count of aggravated unlicensed operation.

Robert J. Jackson, 32, of 41 Maple St., Batavia, was charged with three felony counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance and three felony counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Jackson allegedly sold a quantity of cocaine to an undercover agent of the county's Local Drug Task Force Monday. He was sent to Genesee County Jail. No bail was listed.

Roberta Green, 45, of Rochester, was charged with second-degree harassment, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest Monday, deputies said. Green is accused of getting into a fight on a bus on Park Road in Batavia and striking another passenger. She allegedly then refused to comply with the bus driver who asked her to stop and had to be focribly taken into custody by deputies upon their arrival.

Kevin Williams, 43, of Buffalo, was charged with public lewdness Monday, deputies said. Williams allegedly exposed himself in front of deputies and urinated in the 48 Deli Express parking lot on Park Road in Batavia. Williams was sent to jail in lieu of $1,000 bail.

Batavia's city police force teamed up with the Genesee County sheriff's department Friday to keep an eye out for people of legal drinking age purchasing alcohol for those who are underage.

Undercover officers took up posts outside stores that sell alcohol to keep watch. As a result of the compliance operation, police have opened an investigation of endangering the welfare of a child regarding the purchase of alcohol by a 21-year-old male, who allegedly entered a car occupied by several people under 21, two of whom were already under the influence of alcohol. Police also investigated reports of an underage drinking party. No other information was available about either investigation in the release. We are enquiring if any charges were made.

"Both agencies will continue the compliance checks and variations of it in the future to help eradicate the dangers of underage consumption of alcohol," city police said.

Tabatha A. Torcello, 42, of Alexander, was charged with second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument Friday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Torcello is accused of possessing a forged prescription at the Target store in Batavia. She was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $5,000 bail.

Lacey L. Benben, 29, of Alabama, was charged with driving while intoxicated Saturday, city police said. Benben was stopped for a traffic violation on Ellicott Street in Batavia when she was allegedly found to be intoxicated. She was also ticketed with speeding and uninspected motor vehicle.

Patrick C. Schultz, 38, of Lockport, was charged with driving while intoxicated Friday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Schultz was stopped for a traffic violation on Route 5 in Pembroke. He was also ticketed with speeding.

Gregory E. Durfee, 22, of Attica, was charged with driving while intoxicated Sunday, deputies said. Durfee was stopped for a traffic violation on Tinkhan Road in Darien. He was also ticketed with moving from the lane unsafely and improper left turn.

Adam J. Zack, 21, of Lancaster, was charged with driving while intoxicated Saturday, deputies said. Zack collided with another vehicle on Route 20 in Darien. He was also ticketed with driving left of pavement markings in a no pass zone.

Adam B. Thomas, 19, of 191 S. Main St., Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated Sunday, deputies said. Thomas was allegedly driving on Route 98 in the town of Batavia when he lost control of his vehicle while texting on his cell phone. He then veered off the road, spun around and off the other side of the road. He eventually drove into a ditch and into a tree. Thomas was uninjured. He was also ticketed with speeding and failure to keep right.

Bharat Ramsamujh, 48, of Jamaica, was charged with driving while intoxicated and aggravated DWI Sunday, deputies said. Ramsamujh was found by deputies in the parking lot of Flying J's in Pemborke, following reports of a sick and possibly intoxicated person at the gas pumps. Deputies allegedly discovered several alcoholic beverages in the vehicle. Ramsamujh was also ticketed with possession/consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle and dark tint/unattended motor vehicle.

Batavia's City Police Department will host an informative session called: 'Deter, Detect, Defend: Learn more about identity theft' on December 11 at 7:00pm in the Batavia City Centre Board Room.

From the press release:

Identity theft occurs when your personal information is taken and used without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes. It is a serious crime that can cost you time and money, destroy your credit, and ruin your good name.

The Batavia Police Department wants to help you learn how to protect yourself from identity theft at a free meeting that’s open to the public. Please join us to learn more about how to reduce your risk of identity theft, and what to do if you suspect that your identity has been stolen. 

Contact Det. Richard Schauf at (585) 345-6312 for more information.

David Gibbons, 29, of Medina, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana Wednesday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Gibbons was allegedly found in possession of the drug following a traffic stop in Elba.

State police out of Warsaw are searching for a Sheldon man who went missing nearly ten days ago. Michael F. Shiltz, 42, was last seen by his family on November 10. From the state police:

Sources close to the family reported locating Shiltz’s truck parked on a trail off of Humphrey Road in the Town of Sheldon and at the time concluded he may have been hunting in the area. This discovery was made on November 12.

His family grew worried after they failed to hear from him, and his vehicle remained parked at that same trail. Shiltz also failed to appear for a court matter on November 10 in the Sheldon Town Court.

State Police have canvassed and searched the area surrounding the location of the vehicle and found no signs of foul play. This search consisted of State Police Aviation, search dogs, and troopers, as well as State Forest Rangers and other volunteers who knew Mr. Shiltz.

Troopers are asking that anybody with information or who may have a possible sighting to contact the State Police at 585-344-6200. Michael Shiltz is described as being 5’08” tall – Blue Eyes – Blondish Hair – Thin Build – Moustache without a beard. He may be wearing a black cowboy hat and boots.

Joshua M. White, 20, of Bethany, was charged with a felony count of third-degree robbery and a felony count of second-degree assault for an incident that occurred on October 28, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. White is accused of seriously injuring someone in a fight in the Batavia Motel parking lot in the town of Batavia, after which he allegedly stole property from the victim. An order of protection was issued for the victim. White was not sent to jail. He is expected to reappear in court at a later date.