Skip to main content

crime

Man accused of stealing car from Tonawanda arrested by Lancaster Police

By Howard B. Owens

An Oneida County man who allegedly stole a car from a residence on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation is in the Genesee County jail today following his arrest by the Lancaster Police Department.

Jeffery M. Wisinski, 38, of 7484 Lake St., Vienna, was stopped by Lancaster Police for alleged traffic violations. By that time, the car he was allegedly driving had already been reported stolen.

Before turning Wisinski over to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Lancaster charged him with criminal possession of stolen property, resisting arrest, unlawful use of a vehicle, obstruction of governmental administration as well as numerous traffic violations.

Wisinski reportedly tried to flee from police, who gave a brief chase, in the 2007 Dodge Charger that was reportedly stolen.

The case started on Sept. 11, 2:10 a.m., when Sheriff's deputy responded to a report of a suspicious person at the Rez Smokeshop. Upon arriving, deputies found a neighboring garage had been burglarized and the car was missing.

Yesterday, Wisinski was turned over to the Sheriff's Office and he was taken to Town of Alabama Court, where he was arraigned on charges of burglary in the third degree and grand larceny in the third degree. He was jailed on $500 bail.

The investigation was conducted by Deputy Kevin McCarthy, Investigator Timothy Weis, with assistance from deputies Parker and Diehl, as well as State Police.

Tenney jailed, but not yet sentenced in embezzlement case

By Howard B. Owens

Paul R. Tenney will spend tonight in jail, even though he was not sentenced today for admitting he stole more than $106,000 from Elcon, Inc..

Judge Robert Noonan agreed to postpone sentencing Tenney until he gets proof that Tenney attended an in-patient treatment program for substance abuse.

But there's no reason to let him go free since he apparently violated the terms of his pre-sentencing release. Plus, Tenney has purportedly trained his replacement at Elcon on its finance system, so his freedom is no longer warranted in that regard.

Elcon owner Edmend Leising told District Attorney Lawrence Friedman that Tenney wasn't all that cooperative. But the issue seems to be resolved.

"(Leising) is not asking for anything further at this point," Friedman said.

Attorney Gary Horton said he didn't understand Friedman's statement.

"He said he’s been at Elcon every day and trained the person hired to replace him," Horton said.

Local man given chance to prove he's not the man who drove drunk, resisted arrest

By Howard B. Owens

Court officers this morning talked about two men -- the Paul G. Grazioplene who is a local businessman, involved in youth sports and various community activities and a friend to many community leaders, and the Paul G. Grazioplene who was allegedly abusive to police officers the night of his arrest on a DWI charge.

Judge Robert Noonan took both descriptions into account this morning when he sentenced Grazioplene, owner of Extreme Sports, to four months in jail and five years probation.

The 43-year-old Batavia resident will serve an initial 15-day stretch and then serve the remainder of his term intermittently, from 8 a.m. Monday to 8 a.m. Wednesday every week until the four-month obligation is met.

He also was ordered to pay a $2,000 fine.

"I've sentence dozens of felony DWI cases every year," Noonan said. "Only a small portion of people are as good as you are, and only a small portion of people are as bad as you are. You are entirely two different people. We have letters from important people, leaders in the community. Community leaders think you're an entirely different person than you were on the night of this incident and at other times prior in your life."

Always prior to sentencing, defendants are offered a chance to make a statement, but many times defendants either decline to make a statement or say a few quick words about how sorry they are. But Mr. Grazioplene spoke for several minutes of his embarrassment and regret for the burden he's placed on people who rely on him.

"These people depend on me and I can do this (reform his conduct)," Grazioplene said. "Now I'm backed up against a wall and it's like fourth down and forever for me. Give me a chance to prove to that I can do this, and I will."

Noonan expressed some skepticism that Grazioplene can get past his bad behavior, but thought he deserved enough of a chance not to be locked up for six-straight months as District Attorney Lawrence Friedman requested.

"I'm going to give you enough taste of jail that you've got time to think about it," Noonan said. "You've got a hurdle ahead of you and it's a high one. You just told me you’re sure you can make it over that hurdle. I’m not so sure."

Woman who admitted to burglary jailed prior to sentencing

By Howard B. Owens

Following a tearful morning in court, a Caledonia woman is in jail after allegedly failing to abide by the terms of her release under supervision while awaiting sentencing for burglary in the second degree.

Nicole L. Green, 23, cried before Judge Robert Noonan entered the courtroom, weeped during a brief hearing, and cried while hugging a companion before being led away by a bailiff.

Green pled guilty Aug. 31 to burglary after being accused of stealing jewelry and guns from a friend's house in Le Roy. She also reportedly refused to return a borrowed car.

This morning, Green was not sentenced on that conviction.

Green, whom her attorney said is pregnant, reportedly missed appointments with Genesee Justice and failed to pass substance-use tests.

Attorney Ann Connor told Judge Noonan that because of her pregnancy, Green should be allowed to remain free, but Noonan flatly rejected the suggestion.

"The pregnancy would be at higher risk at liberty than in custody," Noonan said.

Police Beat: Alleged speeding leads to marijuana arrest

By Howard B. Owens

Kyle R. Thill, 20, of 1469 Lewiston Road, Alabama, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs, speeding (going 53 in a 40 mph zone) and unlawful possession of marijuana. Thill was reportedly stopped by Deputy Patrick Reeves at 1:16 a.m. on Nov. 1 on Knowlesville Road in Alabama.

Michael Willard Mairrose, 20, of 4111 S. Main St. Road, Batavia, was picked up on a DWI warrant from Town of Stafford Court. He was jailed on $500 bail.

James Valentino Brown, 20, of 162 Peck St., Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana. Brown was allegedly found in possession of marijuana while at College Village. He was jailed on $250 bail.

Jeremy Scott Yantz, 29, of 214 Ellicott St., upper, Batavia, is charged with DWI. Yantz was taken into custody on a warrant stemming from a previous arrest.

Driver who fled scene of Walker Road accident still at large

By Howard B. Owens

A driver involved in an accident on Walker Road last night apparently fled the scene and is still at large this morning.

A helicopter from the Erie County Sheriff's Department was brought in to help locate the suspect and law enforcement officers searched the area on the ground, but the suspect was not found by 2 a.m. and the search was called off.

Investigators are following up this morning, trying to contact the possible driver.

The plates on the car came back to a man from Hamilton, Ohio. A small amount of blood was found on the air bags.

The car came off the road at a curve and hit an embankment. Sheriff Gary Maha said the cause of the accident was likely unsafe speed.

Initial Report.
 

Le Roy youth arrested for allegedly attempting to buy an unlicensed gun

By Howard B. Owens

A youth in Le Roy has been arrested by undercover agents for allegedly trying to buy an unlicensed handgun.

The youth is not being identified by the Sheriff's Office and the case is being turned over to family court.

Members of the Local Law Enforcement Drug Task Force were called into the investigation to help with the arrest after the Sheriff's Office learned that the youth was making inquiries in the Le Roy area about buying a gun.

The youth is being charged with attempted criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree.

Police Beat: Pavilion woman accused of fleeing scene of accident

By Howard B. Owens

Mary A. Brairton, 20, of 6790 Junction Road, Pavilion, is charged with aggravated DWI, aggravated driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to reduce speed on a curve, leaving the scene, unlicensed operation and aggravated unlicensed operation. Brairton was allegedly involved in a motor vehicle accident on Bernd Road, Monday at 12:42 a.m.  and allegedly fled the scene. Brairton was reportedly found later by Deputy Frank Bordonaro at her residence and taken into custody.

David S. Taylor, 49, of 2384 Titus Ave., Rochester, is charged with DWI, speeding and moving from lane unsafely. Taylor was allegedly driving on Route 33 in the Village of Corfu on Sunday at 12:04 a.m. when he was allegedly seen by Village police traveling at a high rate of speed and swerve into the oncoming traffic lane.

Trial begins for woman accused of sexually abusing two-year-old

By Howard B. Owens

A jury was picked today in the criminal trial of Jennifer L. Ferguson, charged with sexual abuse in the first degree.

The 30-year-old Batavia resident  is accused of sexually touching a two-year-old that she was babysitting on Nov. 23. She was arrested in December.

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman said he will start his presentation to the jury on Wednesday, and expects jury deliberation to begin on Thursday.

If convicted, Ferguson could be sentenced to up to seven years in state prison.

There is no court tomorrow because it is a state holiday -- election day.

Police Beat: Minor accident leads to drug and alcohol charges

By Howard B. Owens

Patrick L. Gugliuzza, 30, of 94 Exchange St., Attica, is charged with DWI, criminal possession of a controlled substance and following too closely. Deputies were in the area of 104435 Route 98 in Alexander investigating a motor-vehicle accident. The deputies received a report of a minor property-damage accident on southbound Route 98 near the accident scene. Upon investigation of that accident, Deputy J.M. Graff concluded that Gugliuzza was allegedly driving while intoxicated. Further investigation allegedly revealed that Gugliuzza had a small quantity of heroin. His passenger, Brandon Eck, 29, of 51 Bunnel St., Attica, was also charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument and unlawful possession marijuana.

Keith A. Finan, 44, of 10501 Bonnie Brae Drive, Darien, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving left of pavement markings in a no-passing zone. Finan was reportedly stopped on Bonnie Brae Drive in Darien on Friday. The investigation was conducted by Deputy Jason Saile.

William Daniel Nix, 48, of 55 Riverview Drive, Rochester, is charged with criminal mischief, harassment and disorderly conduct. Nix is accused of causing a disturbance at 48 Deli Express at 8204 Park Road. Nix was reportedly using foul language and was asked to leave. Nix allegedly continued to use foul language and got involved in a physical struggle with a clerk, tearing his shirt.

Ariana M. Busch, 19, of 10876 Bowen Road, Attica, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to dim headlights. Busch was arrested following a traffic stop on Route 20 in Darien at 2:25 a.m. on Saturday.

Dylan C. Miller, 21, of 3883 Eagle Harbor Road, Albion, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving an unregistered car and failure to yield right-of-way. Miller was stopped by Officer T.S. Mart on Oak Street at 2:18 a.m. on Saturday.

Brian L. Smith, 47, of 8655 Jones Road, Houston, Texas, is charged with DWI and driving with improper tail lamps. Smith was stopped by Officer Dan Coffey at 1:05 a.m. on Sunda. Smith was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Scott D. Kingdon, 43, of 6243 Sparks Road, Pavilion, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Kingdon was reportedly involved in a verbal argument with a friend. The friend called the Sheriff's Office and reported that Kingdon might be at her house. While Deputy Kevin McCarthy was checking the residence, Kingdon reportedly pulled into the driveway. McCarthy allegedly found Kingdon was driving while intoxicated.

Two teenagers, one from Alexander and another from Bethany, are charged with petit larceny for an alleged theft in Alexander. The original incident was reported to State Police on Sept. 15.

David H. Robinson, 45, of Corfu, and Amber M. Robinson, 40, of Batavia, are charged with identity theft. Amber is also charged with forgery of a public record. David and Amber were arrested by State Police at 3 p.m. on Thursday. No further information is available.

Police Beat: Girl allegedly yelling obscenities from her front yard arrested

By Howard B. Owens

A 16-year-old girl from South Byron has been charged with disorderly conduct. She is accused of yelling obscenities from her front yard after being asked repeatedly to stop. She was jailed on $250 bail.

Tyler J. Henderson, 20, of Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of alcohol by a person under 21. Henderson was ticketed by State Police on Sumner Road in Darien.

A 16-year-old from Alexander is charged with trespass. The boy was arrested by State Police in East Bethany.

Police Beat: Batavia man charged with sexual abuse

By Howard B. Owens

Darren S. Jimerson, 44, of 5 Thorpe St., Batavia, is charged with sexual abuse in the first degree, forciable touching and criminal trespass. Jimerson was arrested by officer K.M. Defelice following an investigation. The alleged incident(s) that lead to the charge reportedly occurred at the residence of a female acquaintence. Jimerson was jailed without bail pending an arraignment today in City Court at 11 a.m.

More serious manslaughter charge levied against Alexander man accused of drunken driving

By Howard B. Owens

A Grand Jury indictment has been handed down against Ronald J. Wendt, of Alexander, charging him with 11 felony counts stemming from an accident on Aug. 14 that claimed the life of an 18-year-old Dansville girl.

Among the charges against Wendt, 24, is aggravated vehicular manslaughter, a new statute in New York that carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.

WBTA spoke with District Attorney Lawrence Friedman about the unique charge.

Friedman said elements of the alleged crime, relevant to the more serious charge, is that it includes alleged reckless driving and causing serious injury to another person.

Wendt is represented by Batavia Attorney Thomas Burns, who issued a statement following Wendt's preliminary hearing in August challenging the validity of drunken-driving charges in this case.

In addition to challenging the actual charges, Burns asserted that there is ample evidence that Wendt was not intoxicated at the time of the accident.

Among key facts raised during the preliminary hearing were that Wendt passed one element of the road-side sobriety test.

Wendt was reportedly making a left-hand turn off Route 20 into the parking lot of My Saloon -- an area not far from where the speed limit changes from 55 down to 40 mph -- when his truck was struck by the car. It's unclear if the car left any skid marks.

According to testimony at the hearing, Wendt told Deputy Tim Wescott that he had a few beers, during and after work, on a nearby farm bailing hay. His BAC was reportedly right at .08 after the accident.

Police Beat: Man wanted in Monroe County picked up in Genesee

By Howard B. Owens

Ronald Eugene Murphy, 29, of 409 Cedar Circle, Spencerport, was picked up by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office on a warrant for alleged criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree out of Monroe County. Murphy was turned over to the Monroe County Sheriff's Department.

Rochester man seeks trial on charge stemming from Kid Rock concert

By Howard B. Owens

"I fought the law, and the law won."

Peter H. Scrooby is going to try and do what Bobby Fuller and The Clash said they couldn't do, fight the law and win.

Scrooby asked for a jury bench trial (the charge is not serious enough to warrant a jury trial) tonight in Darien Town Court on his disorderly conduct charge. Scrooby was arrested at the Kid Rock concert July 15. The Batavian featured him as one of three defendants arrested that night as part of a story about the Darien court on a concert night.

While the other two defendants featured in the story long ago accepted guilty pleas and have moved on, Scrooby isn't rolling over for the law.

The Rochester resident has retained Batavia attorney Thomas Burns, and Burns indicated his client doesn't think he did anything to warrant his arrest and the charge.

"It's very important to him," Burns said. "It's a matter of principle. Despite the fact that it's a minor charge, he's willing to invest the time and effort to let the truth be known as to what happened."

Scrooby's trial is set for Feb. 1 at 5:30 p.m. in Darien.

Police Beat: Man allegedly found driving stolen Caravan

By Howard B. Owens

Kyle Christopher Monroe, 20, of 4036 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property in the 4th degree and criminal possession of stolen property in the 5th degree. Deputy Sanfratello stopped Monroe for allegedly operating his car without headlights on Route 63 in front of Tops Market at 12:30 a.m. on Oct. 24. The vehicle was a 1997 Dodge Caravan, which had been reported stolen in the City of Batavia on Oct. 21. The license plates were reportedly stolen from another vehicle parked at GCC on Oct. 22. Monroe was jailed on $5,000 bail. He was also charged with unlicensed operation, switched plates, unregistered motor vehicle, uninspected motor vehicle and operating without insurance.

Matthew Ryan Smith, 18, of 1705 Lewiston Road, Alabama, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child. Smith is accused of hosting an underage drinking party on Oct. 12 at his residence. He was arrested at 12:04 a.m. today.

A 16-year-old from Byron has been charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. She was arrested after a K-9 alert on her car while it was on Byron-Bergen High School property during a narcotic sniff sweep of the western parking lot. The arrest was made by K-9 Deputy Brian Thompson.

 

Police Beat: Basom man jailed without bail for damaging 13 mailboxes

By Billie Owens

Justin W. Nanticoke, 21, of 7003 Council House Road, Basom, was charged with criminal mischief in the 3rd Degree (Class E felony) for allegedly intentionally damaging 13 mailboxes along Roosevelt Avenue in Batavia. The incident occurred at 12:48 a.m. on Oct. 24. Nanticoke was placed in Genesee County Jail without bail. Batavia police officer D.A. Streeter made the arrest.

Deborah Lynn McKeown, 42, of 144 State St., #3, in Batavia, was arrested on Oct. 21 by Genesee County Sheriff's deputies after she allegedly stole $500 from K-Mart where she was employed as a cashier. She was charged with petit larceny and is scheduled to be arraigned in Town of Batavia Court at 1 p.m. on Nov. 5. The case was investigated by Dep. Wescott.

Jonathan C. Howell, 27, of 23 Brentwood Drive in Chili, was charged with driving while intoxicated, operating a vehicle with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving under the influence of drugs, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th Degree and unlawful possession of marijuana. The defendant was arrested by Batavia Police at 5:58 a.m. on Oct. 25 after police received a report of someone driving erratically, exiting the Thruway. Further investigation revealed the defendant had allegedly been smoking marijuana while driving. He was also allegedly found in possession of a small amount of cocaine. Batavia policer officer E.E. Bolles made the arrest.

Joshua D.R. Waitson, 22, of 156 Jackson St. in Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated, operating a vehicle with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding and refusing to take a breath test. He was arrested at 2:57 a.m. on Oct. 25 in the 100 block of West Main Street after he was stopped for speeding. Batavia police officer D.J. Coffey made the arrest.

James A. Hancock, 40, of 8289 Lewiston Road in Batavia, was charged with criminal trespass in the 2nd Degree, harassment in the 2nd Degree, endangering the welfare of a child and resisting arrest following an incident at a residence on South Main Street. The defendant was arrested after he allegedly refused to leave a residence when asked repeatedly to do so by the homeowner. He then allegedly pushed the homeowner's 12-year-old son and struggled with police when being placed under arrest. He is in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,500 bail. The investigating officer was E.M. Hill.

In the same incident involving James Hancock, Travis A. Weatherbee, 22, and Woodrow C. Horseman, 33, both of 3 Lewis Place, Batavia, were charged with criminal trespass in the 2nd Degree and resisting arrest. They were arrested after refusing to leave a residence when asked and then struggling with police while being placed under arrest. They were placed in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,500 bail each. The investigating officer was C.A. Camp.

Cody R. Moore, 20, of 5204 Ellicott St. Road in Batavia, was charged with possession of a forged instrument in the 2nd Degree (Class D felony) and petit larceny at 11:53 a.m. on Oct. 24. He was arrested at 10 W. Main St. in Batavia on an outstanding warrant for an incident which occurred Oct. 13. That's when he allegedly attempted to cash a forged check at the Bank of Castile. Moore was placed in Genesee County Jail without bail. Batavia police officer S.D. Mullen made the arrest.

Keith G. Holland, 30, of 18 Montclair Ave. in Batavia, was charged with petit larceny after he allegedly borrowed a cell phone from an individual and failed to return it as promised. He was arrested at 5:40 p.m. on Oct. 25 at his home and placed in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bail. The arresting Batavia police officer was K.M. DeFelice.

Antwon Tyrell Maddox, 20, of 970 S. Clinton St., #1, in Rochester, was charged with criminal trespass in the 3rd Degree after he was found at College Village after previously being banned from there. The incident occurred at 1:42 a.m. on Oct. 25 at 8170 Batavia Stafford Townline Road. He was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia Town Court at a later date. Dep. Bordonaro and Dep. Carlson handled the matter.

Jordan David Henry, 20, of 10 Dellinger Ave., Batavia, was charged with criminal trespass in the 3rd Degree after he was found at College Village after previously being banned from there. The incident occurred at 1 a.m. on Oct. 24 at 8170 Batavia Stafford Townline Road. He was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia Town Court at a later date. Dep. Carlson handled the case.

Jason Allen Colmenero, 22, of 52 Columbia Ave., Batavia, was charged with criminal contempt in the 1st Degree, endangering the welfare of a child, menacing in the 3rd Degree and petit larceny. He was arrested following a domestic incident which occurred at 8385 Lewiston Road in Batavia. Colmenero was allegedly a passenger in a vehicle along with two children. He allegedly got into an argument with the driver and threatened to grab the steering wheel. The vehicle veered off the roadway and Colmenero allegedly took the keys and refused to return them to the owner. The incident was investigated by Dep. Nati with assistance from Dep. Graff.

Jonathan C. Shirley, 27, of 7392 Sandhill Road, in Basom, was charged with driving while intoxicated, a felony, aggrevated unlicensed operation of a vehicle in the 1st Degree, a felony, and harassment in the 2nd Degree, a violation. Plus, he was charged with seven traffic infractions: failing to yield to an emergency vehicle; unregistered motor vehicle; uninsured vehicle; uninspected vehicle, moving unsafely from the lane; failure to submit to a breath test; and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. The incident occurred at 1:06 a.m. on Oct. 23 when Shirley was allegedly found driving erratically on Bloomingdale Road in the Town of Alabama. This was allegedly after leaving the scene of a domestic incident earlier on Council House Road. State Police and Genesee County Sheriff's officers initiated a pursuit after he allegedly failed to stop for police and drove off the roadway, fleeing on foot. Shirley was apprehended after a brief foot pursuit. Dep. Christopher A. Parker investigated the incident and he was assisted by Dep. Jason E. Saile and Troopers William Franz and Brian Pritchett.

Joshua Lee Kinney, 18, of 4571 S. Gravel Road in Shelby, has been charged with criminal mischief in the 4th Degree as the result of an incident which occurred June 12. He is alleged to have broken a window in a structure when he and a friend were "on a mission to find alcoholic beverages." He is scheduled to be arraigned in Darien Town Court at 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 18. The report about the charge was sent out Oct. 23. The incident was investigated by Dep. Ferrando.

Elcon owner says he needs embezzler's help to work computer accounting system

By Howard B. Owens

Paul Ryan Tenney, 39, who admitted to embezzling more than $106,000 from his employer, Elcon, Inc., will avoid jail time for a bit longer.

Judge Robert Noonan postponed Tenney's sentencing, scheduled for this morning, at the request of Tenney's attorney Gary Horton because of inaccuracies in Tenney's pre-sentencing report.

Tenney is currently out of jail on released supervision, but he allegedly has violated the terms of his release and Noonan was inclined to put Tenney back in jail today. The owner of Elcon, however, asked that Tenney not be locked up just yet.

Edmend Leising says Tenney is currently the only person who knows how the computerized accounting system works. Right now, Leising said, he can't even bill customers without Tenney's help.

"I've taken a lot of grief for keeping Ryan around since we found out about the theft, but only Ryan knows how to run it," Leising told court.

Noonan is allowing Tenney to stay out of jail to help Leising learn the computer system, but there won't be any leeway for Tenney to do much else.

"We'll briefly adjourn sentencing for that purpose, but if the defendant isn’t making a good effort in that regard, or he violates any other terms of his ROS, a warrant will be issued for his arrest," Noonan said.

Tenney promised to follow through and help Leising immediately.

Leising had asked to address the court prior to Tenney's sentencing. He said the theft did a lot of damage to his business and Elcon is barely hanging on.

He said he had to raise $70,000 to keep the business afloat, from taking money from his retirement account, to taking out a second mortgage on his house and borrowing $14,000 from his mother-in-law.

"Elcon is in horrible shape right now -- the only reason we’re still in business is because I’m not bright enough to pull the plug," Leising said. "It's the only thing I know how to do."

Tenney reportedly has failed to keep appointments for interviews with Genesee Justice and has allegedly not secured a substance-abuse evaluation.

Leising told Noonan that he was surprised to learn that Tenney wasn't keeping his appointments, and hopes Tenney gets the drug treatment he needs.

"I know he has a drug problem, so it's important he's tested on regular basis," Leising said. "If that problem isn’t solved with this guy, nothing will ever be solved. He’ll be a burden on humanity forever."

Tenney was arrested in early June for reportedly forging checks and falsifying business records.

Rochester man accused of dealing several types of drugs in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

A suspected 20-year-old drug dealer from Rochester was nabbed in the Batavia Downs parking lot at 5:15 p.m. on Friday.

At the time of his arrest, Steven Anthony Bertolone, of 28 Sand Pebble Drive, Rochester, was allegedly found to possess a wide array of drugs and cash.

Bertolone was identified as a suspect in local ketamine distribution by the Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force. Bertolone allegedly sold ketamine to an undercover agent.

At the time of his arrest, Bertolone was allegedly found holding four packages of ketamine, 10 packages of dimethyltryptamine, 20 packages of LSD, as well as cocaine and marijuana, along with $1,200 in cash.

The charges against Bertolone: Criminal sale of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree (misdemeanors), and unlawful possession of marijuana.

The suspected drug dealer was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Uninformed deputies as well as the District Attorney's office assisted in the investigation and arrest.

Hearing set for man accused of burglarizing a Bethany business

By Billie Owens

Michael L. Jackson -- who is charged with a count of burglary in the third degree, two counts of grand larceny in the third degree, and two counts criminal mischief in the second degree -- was back in Genesee County Superior Court this morning.

He appeared before Judge Robert Noonan, who set a hearing for his case at 10 a.m. on Nov. 18.

Jackson, who lives in Oakfield, is accused breaking into Holland High Lift, 10033 East Road, Bethany. He allegedly stole a 42-inch Viewsonic flatscreen television, a Samsung 22-inch flatscreen television and a Sony digital camera. He also allegedly stole a 2005 Ford Supercab 250.

Jackson also allegedly damaged an office window, a display case, light fixtures, drywall, a motorcycle, computer equipment and an overhead door. He also allegedly damaged the Ford truck. He was one of a group of people alleged to have committed the crimes, although no others have been arrested due to insufficient evidence.

He is also accused of tampering with a witness in the fourth degree after he allegedly went to the home of one of the witnesses and attempted to induce her not to testify before the Grand Jury.

On Sept. 3, Jackson posted a $10,000 bond and is now free awaiting trial.

Authentically Local