County Legislator Jay Grasso says he felt threatened by online postings, and one phone call, from a member of the County Democratic Committee and so he called State Police.
Yesterday, 30-year-old Chris Charvella -- a former candidate for the legislature himself and a frequent contributor to The Batavian -- was arrested and charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd, a misdemeanor.
Today, Grasso said that he felt Charvella had gone too far with some of his postings, but when Jay got a call from his wife, who said she felt fearful after a phone call from Charvella, he couldn't just laugh it off.
"I don't view it as a joke once you call my wife and upset my wife," Grasso said. "When you call my house and threaten my wife, that's going too far in local politics."
The complaint against Charvella reads:
On the aforementioned date, time and place, said defendant did contact the residence of Jerome J. Grasso by leaving a message. The message stated "Hey, Jerome, it's Chris Charvella, thanks for reading my blog."
The complaint is signed by Jay Grasso.
The alleged message is the same one Charvella said he left in a blog item about troopers showing up at his house that he posted on his own website yesterday at 7:55 a.m., more than 24 hours before his arrest.
Today, Charvella, who lost a legislative race to Republican Hollis Upson in 2009, made a two-sentence statement to The Batavian: "You can decide whether or not there is something illegal in there. I obviously don't think so."
The genesis of this particular dispute goes back to just a few days before the Nov. 2 election. Charvella wrote in a blog post that he had shown up to work that morning and found a lawn sign for Republican Mike Ranzenhofer's campaign on his employer's property. He speculated that Grasso had left the sign, giving him the alias, "Sharome Glasshole."
Charvella concluded his post thusly:
"So, to the Genesee County 'sign guy' and the Ranzenhofer campaign: The next time I see an unauthorized sign go up in front of a commercial property, I'm going to harvest the damn thing, march straight down to Republican headquarters and cram it up the first ass I see."
The next day, according to another blog post by Charvella, a Ranzenhofer sign was left in his front yard with a message, "Courtesy of Sharome Glasshole."
It was that message, according to Charvella, that prompted the phone message on Glasso's home phone.
In that post, Charvella raised a number of allegations about Grasso, accusing him of not having a job to pay his bills, having a house go into foreclosure and assaulting a subject while a Sheriff's deputy.
Those are allegations Grasso has heard before and he said today that he can prove he was the victim of identify theft and he is fully prepared for local Democrats to try and use those allegations against him.
Charvella's post concludes with a picture of an Ewok (of "Star Wars" movie fame) and the caption "Prepare Your Anus."
That was a remark that Grasso said he found threatening, adding that the alleged threats have no place in local politics.
"This is local," Grasso said. "We all know each other. We don't need this partisanship. Hopefully, (this case) will cause people to reflect and step back from the politics of destruction."
Photo: File photo of Charvella.
I prepare my anus every day
I prepare my anus every day after I poop. Perhaps it is really a commentary on hygiene, not at a threat.
Hmmmm we see this kind of
Hmmmm we see this kind of behavior and one has to think. "Is this the quality of our politicians these days?" small wonder our Gov't is all f-ed up.
Maybe these guys should both be punished equally. One is as at fault for being so whiny and petty as well as the other for veiled threats and intimidation. If not in courts then in our daily treatment of them when they post on here or speak publicly again.
HAHAHAHA Now I will remember
HAHAHAHA
Now I will remember both names for future elections. Maybe the "Rent is to Dam High" party will get a default vote if these two run against each other.... or endorse someone for that matter."
I love you. Call the DPS to
I love you. Call the DPS to come and get my ass. Bateavia at it's apex.
what a bumch of childish
what a bumch of childish nonsence!
and these guys are our political future?
There's much irony in having
There's much irony in having a veteran ( if memory serves me) of the Gulf arrested on Veterans' Day for what, currently, appears to be exercising his first amendment rights and also for thanking an elected official for paying attention to what he has to say.
Only time will tell, but this appears to be a waste of tax payer dollars.
Put on your big girl panties
Put on your big girl panties Jerome.
An egregious waste of public
An egregious waste of public safety time and money when funds are limited and people are suffering. Public officials having private citizens arrested? It's bizarre.
This quote stands out to me -- "This is local," Grasso said. "We all know each other." Amazing to actually see his real persona and not one of the non existent aliases that he is infamous for on this sight. But Mr Grasso needs to practice what he preaches. He has created not just one but numerous fictitious names on this very sight to attack Democrats, to attack our candidates, to attack decisions that public servants have made involving county business. All in fun, right? What a cowardly act and talk about politics of destruction. You, Mr Grasso have perfected this and made it into performance art.
I truly believe that he still would be practicing his game of deception if Howard didn't make IP addresses easier to track.
"I don't view it as a joke
"I don't view it as a joke once you call my wife and upset my wife," Grasso said. "When you call my house and threaten my wife, that's going too far in local politics."
The complaint against Charvella reads:
On the aforementioned date, time and place, said defendant did contact the residence of Jerome J. Grasso by leaving a message. The message stated "Hey, Jerome, it's Chris Charvella, thanks for reading my blog."
Where is the threat that so upset his wife? "...thanks for reading my blog."? That would certainly leave me shaking in my boots, NOT!
It will be interesting to see how this is handled in court. Is this an attempt to stop a citizen from exercising his first amendment rights (as Jennifer noted)?
I've know Jay on a personal
I've know Jay on a personal and professional level for over 20 years. I've never know him to be anything but honest and trustworthy. If his wife felt threatened then charges probably should have been pressed. My guess is the phone call was just the end event of the chain of events. I belive you can say what you want TO the other person but leave their family out of it.
Throughout the former
Throughout the former election season I have witnessed childish antics I regarded as playful- Republican leaflets replacing Democratic leaflets on fair tables, lawn signs that swap sides overnight.
Apparently there is a point where fun and games graduates to harassment. In my book, if you can't take a joke, you shouldn't be one.
Making one's wife out a hysteric to win the upper hand... Sounds like another colorful character eager to keep Batavia looking ridiculous on Rochester morning radio.
Sharome Glasshole???
Sharome Glasshole??? hahahahahahaha!
Posted by Robert Mattice on
Posted by Robert Mattice on November 13, 2010 - 1:28am
I belive you can say what you want TO the other person but leave their family out of it.
Robert,
What part of that phone message was addressed to the hysterical wife? What part of that phone message (the reason for the arrest) threatened her?
This was a phone message addressed to Jerome, where in his message do you get "When you call my house and threaten my wife, that's going too far in local politics."?
Watch out Howard if you send
Watch out Howard if you send Mr. Grasso an email thanking him for reading the batavian you might upset his wife and end up in jail.....Just saying....
by the way that was tongue in
by the way that was tongue in cheek....not meant as anything but sarcasm at the lunacy of this :D
On a serious comment however
On a serious comment however I wanted to point out a situation I was in 4 yrs ago dealing with college frat annnex that had a building next to ours.
They parked and blocked our driveway incessantly, as property manager I had to tow several vehicles after they had recieved more than 3 tickets for same place and same violation. On top of this I also had a statement from their landlord giving me permission to do so as in the winter I would plow his parking and driveway that was ajacent to ours.
One day I asked someone parking to move their vehicle was given the standard one finger salute and they went inside. Called the police the ticket was put on and tow was on the way. After the cop left about 15 of his friends and him came out to try to provoke a fight. Needless to say before the toe truck got there the police were called again, because there were 10 of them and 1 of me I ended up arrested and charged with harassment 2nd and trespassing.
Upon getting to court, all charges were dropped as in reality when the lawyers and judge got it, it was obvious for what it was. In my exp in talking with the police supervisors and other property managers and landlords this is a common bs charge done to separate both parties.
Drama, childishness and stupidity....(Yes in doing my job I was guilty in my situation of being just this) is what this stems from. Think about that when looking at this situation.
Bea...just noticed you taking Robert to task on his comment....its pretty sad when someone has his cronies come in and defend him for nonsensical drama. I'm sure its as transparent to others as you and I have seen.
Didn't one of the
Didn't one of the participants here heavily criticize the former Republican Governor candidate for rude, crude campaign behavior? Mocking him for implied physcial threats, name calling, and general boorish behavior? Huh. Something about stones and glass houses comes to mind for some reason.
There is plenty of pettiness and stupidity on display for both sides here. I am rather disappointed by the behavior of both men. Neither one of them represent the sort of people I want involved in my government or politics.
I sure hope Chris can at
I sure hope Chris can at least prove Grasso was actually the one who did that silly sign stunt, or this just goes from bad to worse.
John, he can't. He admitted
John, he can't. He admitted as much in his blog.
Mr. Mattice says "I've know
Mr. Mattice says "I've know Jay on a personal and professional level for over 20 years. I've never know him to be anything but honest and trustworthy." What he did right here on the Batavian shows that he is anything but honest. He lied to Howard about his "alter ego" and would have continued to deny it was him if Howard didn't have irrefutable evidence. What part of that is honest and trustworthy? I find his behavior to be just the opposite.
Beth, For some reason those,
Beth,
For some reason those, who look upon Mr. Grasso as a paragon of honesty, seem to forget his alias scam on this site.
Perhaps, this is a pattern of behavior for Mr. Grasso. Take advantage of his position on the legislature to have citizens arrested at will.
Didn't he try to have the Mayor of LeRoy arrested at one time?
John- what difference does it
John- what difference does it make, who did or didn't place the yard signs? A guy got arrested for leaving the message: thank you - have a nice day.
Though I've imagined recourse for Republican robo-messages that clogged my answering machine recently; I certainly didn't call the police.
This wasn't an assault, no property damage; no threat, no breech of protection order, no profanity. It's about a public official who got behind in his own game and misused his office to silence someone he disagreed with. ...A scheme right out of the Karl Rove How-To Manual.
Seems as if Mr. Grasso is so
Seems as if Mr. Grasso is so thin skinned he can't take criticism of any kind. There was nothing threatening on Chris's blog posting, just a lot of biting sarcasm. His blog posts are his personal opinions, which is his right. Some of the wording may be coarse and exaggerated, but it's pretty much benign. Jerome Grasso, is overplaying this incident for his own benefit ("look at me I'm a victim"). Sending the authorities is really intimidation on Mr. Grasso's part, because he didn't like what was posted on Chris' blog. What's he frightened about, is there some truth to what was posted?
I have known him personally
I have known him personally since college and we worked together for awhile. I have no idea what happened on here as I havent been viewing the Batavian for too long. From knowing him personally, he's always been honest with me and I dont personally know anyone who has anything bad to say about him. Whatever happened on here aside, thats still my oppinion.
CM, Duh! If Chris could at
CM,
Duh! If Chris could at least show it was Grasso who put up the signs, it might help him out if he ever has to go to court. It certainly could not hurt.
I don't see anything threatening by Chris from what I have read, and I don't think that much of Grasso. But I would like to think Chris got the right guy.
"I'm going to harvest the
"I'm going to harvest the damn thing, march straight down to Republican headquarters and cram it up the first ass I see."
"Hey, Jerome, it's Chris Charvella, thanks for reading my blog."
"Prepare Your Anus."
Just sayin'...
I'd be curious as to what
I'd be curious as to what Senator Ranzenhofer has to say about his name and signs being dragged through this inane nonsense.
Kids; Uncle Dave's vocabulary builder word of the day is: Vitriol.
John, I believe "D'oh," a
John, I believe "D'oh," a better fit than "Duh." ...Another matter entirely.
New York Penal Code-
Section 240.26 Harassment in the second degree
A person is guilty of harassment in the second degree when, with intent to harass, annoy or alarm another person:
1. He or she strikes, shoves, kicks or otherwise subjects such other person to physical contact, or attempts or threatens to do the same; or
2. He or she follows a person in or about a public place or places; or
3. He or she engages in a course of conduct or repeatedly commits acts which alarm or seriously annoy such other person and which serve no legitimate purpose.
Since Grasso has suggested that his wife was the "alarmed or seriously annoyed" individual in this case, it matters not that Mr. Grasso's behavior precipitated the alleged harassment. Intent is irrelevant; only that the act does "alarm or seriously annoy such other person." If the "Roach defense" supposes "legitimate purpose," any purpose specific to Mr. Grasso has no bearing if Grasso's wife is the aggrieved party.
Proving a normal response to "Thank you - have a nice day" is neither alarm or annoyance is the prudent defense. Then, again, the 70s Smiley face bonded to 'have a nice day' plays poorly in our cynical times.
Just to point out CM Barons
Just to point out CM Barons in your post you quoted the law about harassment....
3. He or she engages in a course of conduct or repeatedly commits acts which alarm or seriously annoy such other person and which serve no legitimate purpose.
One phone call does not constitute a course of conduct, nor a repeated act. Espically since it it alleged that the phonecall was adressed to Mr. Grasso, not Mrs. Grasso
Political games.
Mr. Mattice... open your eyes and take off your rose colored glasses. Your opinion is accepted but just to be clear that opinions are not facts, therefore they arent true or false, they just are. My "observation" of the facts that I have seen are this, politicians have to be dishonest in order to be where they are, several people and news stories lend support to this fact about Mr. Grasso. Also I dont personally KNOW anyone who says Mr. Grasso is less than honest, but I dont KNOW anyone who says he is either......
sorry bout the
sorry bout the misspellings.....coffee hasn't kicked in yet :D
Posted by Robert Mattice on
Posted by Robert Mattice on November 13, 2010 - 4:54pm
I have known him personally since college and we worked together for awhile. I have no idea what happened on here as I havent been viewing the Batavian for too long. From knowing him personally, he's always been honest with me and I dont personally know anyone who has anything bad to say about him. Whatever happened on here aside, thats still my oppinion.
Perhaps you'd like to learn more about his honesty.
http://thebatavian.com/blogs/howard-owens/member-county-legislature-pos…
Quote on the Batavian from
Quote on the Batavian from the link Bea put up after Jay admitted he lied and made up an alias -- "As always, anyone is welcome to contact me with any County related questions. Take care, J. Grasso"
Unless you're someone that doesn't agree......then you may get a visit from the troopers. 1984 style.
After the purple dinosaur was exposed an entire list of "funny" names have popped up commenting on Democratic elected officials and Democratic candidates, usually around election time. Howard actually wrote another post addressing this: http://thebatavian.com/blogs/howard-owens/we-have-simple-expection-bata… Most comments were made hit and run style and then the poster is never heard from again or Howard banned them. Suspicious names include but may not be limited to: Michael Farnsworth, Maddie LaNova, Dave Murray (or was it Mike Murray?), F Michael Mancuso, Frank Michaels, and Steve Mullen. It is nothing less than bizarre behavior if in fact some of these or all of these are Jerome Grasso after he was caught the first time.
I sympathize with Robert. He is just being a loyal friend and that is commendable, but I agree with Kyle about facts vs opinions and the late great Daniel Patrick Moynihan probably said it best -- "You are entitled to your own opinion but you are not entitled to your own facts". Honesty, at least on this site, has not been Jerome's strong suit and the facts substantiate that.
Good Lord, what a Grrr Asso.
Good Lord, what a Grrr Asso. And you fools voted for him?
Baaaaa, baaaa, teavia! It's sure not the "Community of Opportunity", where I grew up.
George, Batavia is guilty of
George,
Batavia is guilty of a lot of things, but not voting in a legislator from LeRoy. :)
Thank God for you, Beatavia
Thank God for you, Beatavia McManis. Someone has to keep their senses about them when all others fail.