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Weekend Arrests: August 8 and August 9

By Philip Anselmo

An undercover Batavia police officer posing as a 15-year-old boy has led to the arrest of 44-year-old Dalton E. Wilke, of Conesus, who has been charged with persuading or enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity. Wilke could face between 10 years and life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. He was detained Friday.

Wilke is alleged to have engaged with the undercover officer in online chats between March and August, during which he made arrangements to meet with the 15-year-old in Batavia to engage in sexual activity. He was apprehended in Batavia while travelling to meet the individual he believed to be the 15-year-old boy.


Craig E. Pokornowski, 18, of Buffalo, was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon Friday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Deputies were told that Pokornowski was involved in a domestic incident at a home on Route 20 in the town of Darien that evening and was allegedly later discovered to be in possession of metal knuckles.


Philip S. Hall, 21, of 313 Bank St., Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated early Saturday morning, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Hall was stopped by deputies on Route 33 in the town of Batavia. He was also ticketed with operating with more than three passengers in the front seat.


Cory W. Swimline, 23, of Pembroke, was charged with driving while inoxicated early Saturday morning, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said.  Swimline was stopped by deputies on Route 5 in the town of Batavia. He was also ticketed with failure to keep right and possession of alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle.

All of the above arrests were reported in published releases by the departments.

Arrests: August 6 and August 7

By Philip Anselmo

Eric M. Doud, 33 of Stafford, was charged with second-degree criminal contempt Wednesday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Doud allegedly violated an order of protection during a domestic dispute in Batavia. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $250 bail.

Joseph R. Lantz, 21, of Perry, was charged with second-degree criminal contempt Thursday, city police said. Lantz allegedly violated an order of protection by visiting a residence on Main Street in Batavia.

News roundup: How much would you pay for a lake?

By Philip Anselmo

Noblehurst Farms of Pavilion just bought Le Roy Lake for $500,000, according to the Daily News. Water from the lake will be used to irrigate crops on the 2,200-acre farm. Reporter Scott DeSmit tells us:

Lake Le Roy had been the source for village water until 2004, when Le Roy hooked up with Monroe County Water Authority to provide water to residents. The property, a 70-acre lake, 40 acres of land and a caretaker's house, had been listed for $3.8 million in 2004.

Village trustees even tried to sell the property on eBay! But no one was interested. From $3.8 million, the price dropped several times, until it was set at just under $1 million. But still, no takers. Not until Noblehurst picked it up for a fraction of the initial cost. Village trustees said they plan to use the money to "reduce debt."

In today's sports section, there's an interesting story by Christ Metcalf about a wrestler from Warsaw who is in high demand from college coaches. The profile of the wrestler, Ian Paddock, spans the whole front page and another half page inside.

In other news:

  • Robert Morales, 52, of 113 Bank St., was sentenced to 1 1/2 to 4 years in state prison after pleading guilty to a second-degree assault charge and admitting that he stabbed a man in the arm during an argument earlier this year.
  • Batavia's 25th anniversary of National Night Out drew about 100 people to St. Anthony's Parish Center last night. Genesee Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (GCASA) sponsored the event. GCASA Prevention Educator Kevin Keenan told reporter Scott DeSmit: "Parents need to find out who their child's friends are, where they're going, what they're doing."
  • Tom Rivers packs produce in the latest installment of his farm labor series.

You can pick up your own copy of the Daily News wherever the paper is sold. Or, better yet, subscribe at BataviaNews.com.

On the Police Beat

By Philip Anselmo

An investigation into the impersonation of a state police investigator has yielded an arrest for troopers in Clarence. Patrick T. Fuhr, 49, of Franklinville, was charged with five counts of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument and first-degree criminal impersonation, both felony counts. Investigators were alerted to the potential impersonation when an area rental car agency reported "a suspicious subject attempting to obtain a billing account for rental cars." That "subject" had identified himself as police officer Patrick T. Frank, a senior investigator with the New York State Courts Domestic Abuse Unit.

Police allegedly found Fuhr in possession of counterfeit identification cards that bore the identity of the fictitious officer Frank. It is alleged that Fuhr used the false identity to obtain approximately 22 rental cars from a different rental car agency.

Investigation continues, and further charges are pending.


Meanwhile, troopers in Boston, N.Y., are looking for information related to the theft of a safe from the Land Masters Group landscaping company, located at 3021 Transit Road in Elma. The incident occurred between the hours of 3:00pm, Sunday, and 7:00am, Monday. Anyone with information should contact the state police in Boston at (716) 941-9300.


In Batavia, the Genesee County Local Drug Taskforce announced an arrest made Friday at the home of Jeffrey Plath, 44, of 12 Hutchins Place, Batavia. Plath is accused of selling handguns, which he legally possessed, to individuals who did not have gun permits in exchange for money or illegal drugs. An undercover member of the taskforce purchased one handgun from Plath. Another was recovered in the city of Rochester. The county force was joined in the investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms in Rochester, where Plath will be tried on federal charges.

All of the above arrests were reported in published releases from the departments.

Arrests: August 5

By Philip Anselmo

Genesee County sheriff's deputies reported the arrest of a Batavian man on a felony count of second-degree criminal possession of marijuana today. Randy L. Leach, 22, of 612 Ellicott St., was apprehended by deputies at the intersection of West Main Street and Vernon Avenue in the city. Leach was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped around 2:30am this morning. Deputies allegedly found him in possession of 22 ounces of marijuana.

The driver of the vehicle, Thomas J. Mitchell, 19, of 29 Walnut St., was charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs and third-degree unlicensed operator. Deputies allege that Mitchell does not have a New York driver's license. He was also ticketed with unawlful possession of marijuana, unlicensed operator, unlawful tint and improper left turn.

Police Blotter: Monday, August 4

By Philip Anselmo

All of the following calls were reported by the City of Batavia Police Department. Listed offenses do not imply that charges were filed. Calls may result in no official action.

  • 9:02am, 587 E. Main St., criminal mischief
  • 11:08am, West Main Street, accident
  • 11:47am, Main Street, accident
  • 1:26pm, 301 W. Main St., larceny
  • 1:40pm, 59 Main St., accident
  • 3:03pm, West Main Street, accident
  • 3:09pm, State Street, accident
  • 4:03pm, 29 Cedar St., accident
  • 4:29pm, 229 W. Main St., accident
  • 5:12pm, 3 Maple St., harassment
  • 5:36pm, 125 Pearl St., identity theft
  • 6:52pm, 565 E. Main St., harassment

Note: We don't include noise complaints, domestic disputes and routine police business.

Police Blotter: August 1 through August 3

By Philip Anselmo

All of the following calls were reported by the City of Batavia Police Department. Listed offenses do not imply that charges were filed. Calls may result in no official action.

Friday:

  • 12:36am, 345 W. Main St., trespass
  • 1:08am, 104 Jackson St., harassment
  • 2:27am, 5 Thomas Ave. (Apt: 2), harassment
  • 12:05pm, 10 W. Main St., larceny
  • 1:40pm, 21 Columbia Ave., menacing
  • 2:33pm, Main Street, accident
  • 3:38pm, 8 Walnut St., criminal contempt
  • 3:52pm, 428 Ellicott St., larceny
  • 4:07pm, 427 E. Main St., harassment
  • 5:56pm, 7 Prune St., harassment
  • 6:21pm, 563 E. Main St., fraud
  • 7:25pm, 412 E. Main St., larceny

Saturday:

  • 1:23am, (no address listed), assault
  • 2:03am, Pearl Street, burglary
  • 2:50am, 23 Harvester Ave., harassment
  • 3:05am, 419 W. Main St., criminal mischief
  • 9:44am, 155 Jackson St., larceny
  • 10:22am, 542 E. Main St., accident
  • 1:53pm, 220 E. Main St., accident
  • 6:52pm, 73 Union St., trespass
  • 11:30pm, 345 W. Main St., larceny

Sunday:

  • 12:24am, Hutchins Place, menacing
  • 3:31pm, 522 E. Main St., harassment
  • 8:40pm, 119 State St., menacing

Note: We don't include noise complaints, domestic disputes and routine police business.

Weekend Arrests: August 1 through August 4

By Philip Anselmo

Charles J. Wride, 21, of Bergen, was charged with second-degree reckless endangerment Friday relating to an incident on July 19 in the village, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Wride is accused of backing out of a driveway while someone was standing in the way of the car door.

David M. Hinkson, 53, of 5163 Sunset Terrace, Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated Saturday afternoon, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Hinkson was stopped on Route 33 near the intersection with Route 5. He was also ticketed with failure to stop for stop sign and depositing refuse upon the highway.

Joseph Beszczynski IV, 22, of Darien, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana early this morning, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Beszczynski was stopped on South Main Street in Batavia for driving without front or rear license plates. His vehicle was subsequently searched, and police allegedly found marijuana and a smoking pipe.

All of the above arrests were reported in published releases from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

News roundup: Arrests made in LeRoy related to burglaries

By Philip Anselmo

LeRoy police have arrested two men in relation to the string of burglaries there early last week, according to WBTA's Wayne Fuller. Chad Bagg, 29, of LeRoy, was charged with five counts of burglary, three counts of petit larceny and two counts of attempted larceny. Bagg is accused of burglarizing four businesses in LeRoy — including the Eagle Hotel, which he allegedly robbed twice. Bragg has been sent to jail in lieu of $10,000 bail. Jonathan Blasdell, 18, of LeRoy, was charged with one count of burglary. Blasdell allegedly broke into the Mill Street Liquor Store. He was sent to jail in lieu of $1,000 bail.

Batavia's Charter Review Commission will meet tonight at 6:30pm at City Hall. That meeting is open to the public.

Police Blotter: July 28 through July 31

By Philip Anselmo

All of the following calls were reported by the City of Batavia Police Department. Listed offenses do not imply that charges were filed. Calls may result in no official action.

Monday:

  • 12:58pm, 315 W. Main Street, accident
  • 1:10pm, Columbia Ave., accident
  • 3:29pm, 3 Treadeasy Dr., harassment
  • 4:01pm, 7 Central Ave., burglary
  • 5:11pm, 2 Olyn Ave., harassment
  • 9:25pm, 14 Union St., harassment

Tuesday:

  • 12:03am, 24 Porter Ave., harassment
  • 12:51pm, 260 State St., larceny
  • 2:21pm, 12 Ellicott St., harassment
  • 2:53pm, 8351 Lewiston Road, accident
  • 4:01pm, 5 Osterhout Ave., harassment

Wednesday:

  • 5:09am, 4 Swan St. (Lower Rear), burglary
  • 7:59am, 218 Ellicott St. (Lower), larceny
  • 2:27pm, 196 Oak St., accident
  • 5:26pm, 128 Jackson St., fraud
  • 6:18pm, 12 Oak St., criminal mischief
  • 8:37pm, 33 Dellinger Ave., reckless endangerment

Thursday:

  • 12:33am, 433 E. Main St. (Apt: 5), harassment
  • 9:16am, North Street, accident
  • 1:28pm, 419 W. Main St., accident
  • 5:11pm, W. Main Street, accident
  • 7:26pm, 115 S. Main St., larceny

Note: We don't include noise complaints, domestic disputes and routine police business.

Arrests: July 28 through July 30

By Philip Anselmo

State police reported the arrest of Michael A. Soliday, 30, of Niagara Falls, Monday in the town of Lewiston. Soliday was stopped on Route 31 shortly after 9:30pm and discovered to be driving without a license and allegedly under the influence. He was charged with driving while intoxicated and second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation.

When police searched Soliday's vehicle, they allegedly discovered more than 20 ounces of marijuana, hydrocodone tablets, codeine pills and a hypodermic needle.

Soliday was subsequently charged with a felony count of criminal possession of marijuana, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and two counts of criminally possessing a hypodermic instrument. He was sent to Niagara County Jail on $5,000 bail.

Batavia city police charged 33-year-old Jodylynn Wetmore, of 33 Dellinger Ave., with second-degree reckless endangerment Wednesday afternoon. Police were told that Wetmore drove into someone standing in a driveway.

That same night, the Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force searched the apartment of 29-year-old Joshua S. Gaylord at 11 Wood St. (Lower), in Batavia, and allegedly found a third of an ounce of cocaine. He was charged with one felony count of third-degree and another of fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Officers then searched the upper apartment of 30-year-old Aaron J. Gaylord and allegedly found about an ounce of marijuana. Aaron Gaylord was charged with fifth-degree criminal possession of marijuana.

All reports were issued in published releases by the respective departments.

News roundup: Crime is up in LeRoy

By Philip Anselmo

LeRoy has seen an increase in crime over the past week or so, especially over the weekend. LeRoy Police Detective John Condidorio told WBTA's Dan Fischer that the burglaries — one car was stolen, several others were broken into — may be related. Police do have one suspect, described as a white male, slender, between 5-foot-7 and 5-foot-9, wearing white shorts and a tee-shirt. Residents are advised to lock their homes and cars and report to the police any suspicious activity.

Note: The Batavian will not be posting a Daily News roundup this afternoon. We will be in video training all morning and afternoon. Please, if you see any news, report it. Get on the site, post a blog, put up video. We'll be back in full force soon.

Police Blotter: July 25 through July 27

By Philip Anselmo

All of the following calls were reported by the City of Batavia Police Department. Listed offenses do not imply that charges were filed. Calls may result in no official action.

Friday:

  • 1:40am, 157 Bank St. (Apt: Upper), trespass
  • 10:25am, 50 Ellicott Ave., identity theft
  • 1:49pm, East Avenue, accident
  • 4:51pm, 19 Ross St., larceny
  • 6:37pm, 121 Liberty St., criminal contempt
  • 9:22pm, 19 Oak St., larceny
  • 10:09pm, 401 Ellicott St., accident

Saturday:

  • 2:01am, 109 Washington Ave., criminal mischief
  • 3:40am, 105 Jackson St., assault
  • 8:58am, 2 Union St., harassment
  • 12:43pm, W. Main Street, accident
  • 9:22pm, 257 State St., larceny

Sunday:

  • 12:30am, 335 Bank St. (Apt: B6), harassment
  • 12:54am, S. Main Street, accident
  • 2:33am, 211 W. Main St., larceny
  • 6:35am, 14 Highland Park (Apt: 6), larceny
  • 6:47am, 20 Maple St. (Apt: Lower), criminal contempt
  • 5:40pm, 100 W. Main St., harassment
  • 6:59pm, 32 Pringle Ave. (Apt: Lower), trespass
  • 10:55pm, 104 Jackson St., harassment
  • 11:02pm, Liberty Street, assault
  • 11:39am, 20 Vine St., trespass

Note: We don't include noise complaints, domestic disputes and routine police business.

Weekend Arrests: July 25 through July 27

By Philip Anselmo

Maria K. Frieday, 34, of 22 Tracy Ave. (Apt: Upper), Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated Friday night on Bank Street, city police said. Frieday allegedly backed into a fence and drove off.

Jerry T. Saddler Jr., 32, was charged with second-degree criminal contempt Saturday night, city police said. Saddler Jr. allegedly violated an order of protection and visited the home of a female acquaintance on Columbia Avenue.

Victor D. Guy, 21, of 437 E. Main St. (Apt: Lower), was charged with a felony count of third-degree assault, city police said. Guy was accused of beating a woman in the face with a cell phone charger. He was sent to jail on $3,000 bail.

All of the above reports were issued in published releases from the city police department.

Police Blotter: July 24

By Philip Anselmo

All of the following calls were reported by the City of Batavia Police Department. Listed offenses do not imply that charges were filed. Calls may result in no official action.

Thursday:

  • 12:27am, Ellicott Street, larceny
  • 7:24am, Ellicott Street, larceny
  • 11:23am, 60 Buell St., larceny
  • 12:34pm, 220 E. Main St., accident
  • 12:41pm, Ellicott Street, accident
  • 3:05pm, 412 E. Main St., accident
  • 4:54pm, 8 Hutchins St., larceny
  • 6:07pm, W. Main Street, accident
  • 9:58pm, 45 Central Ave., assault

Note: We don't include noise complaints, domestic disputes and routine police business.

Drug arrest in Batavia

By Philip Anselmo

Genesee County's Local Drug Enforcement Task Force reported the arrest of a Batavia man for drug possession. Thrity-one-year-old Terry E. Smith, of 27 Dellinger Ave, was charged with a felony count of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance last night. Smith was stopped on Fisher Park in Batavia and found allegedly in possession of nearly an ounce of cocaine. He was also charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation.

Smith was sent to Genesee County Jail without bail.

Police Blotter: July 22 and July 23

By Philip Anselmo

All of the following calls were reported by the City of Batavia Police Department. Listed offenses do not imply that charges were filed. Calls may result in no official action.

Tuesday:

  • 8:23am, 3 Buxton Ave., larceny
  • 11:54am, 587 E. Main St., larceny
  • 12:12pm, 44 N. Lyon St., larceny
  • 12:46pm, 14 Richmond Ave., larceny
  • 1:00pm, Genesee Country Mall, larceny
  • 1:48pm, 16 Bank St., accident
  • 2:41pm, 390 W. Main St., accident
  • 3:10pm, 20 N. Spruce St. (Apt: B10), harassment
  • 3:32pm, 2 Charles St., accident
  • 4:18pm, Clinton Park, accident
  • 4:27pm, 1 Mill St., accident
  • 5:08pm, 180 Washington Ave., larceny
  • 5:14pm, 306 W. Main St., harassment
  • 9:34pm, Jefferson Avenue, larceny

Wednesday:

  • 2:39am, Jackson Street, assault
  • 8:41am, 222 N. Spruce St., larceny
  • 12:40pm, 260 State St., larceny
  • 2:11pm, 220 W. Main St., trespass
  • 3:13pm, Alva Place, larceny
  • 4:02pm, Columbia Avenue, larceny
  • 7:01pm, 334 W. Main St. (Apt: Lower), criminal contempt

Note: We don't include noise complaints, domestic disputes and routine police business.

Police Blotter: July 21

By Philip Anselmo

All of the following calls were reported by the City of Batavia Police Department. Listed offenses do not imply that charges were filed. Calls may result in no official action.

Monday:

  • 10:31am, 25 Brooklyn Ave., larceny
  • 11:07am, Jefferson Avenue, burglary
  • 11:42am, 106 Evans St., harassment
  • 11:44am, 638 E. Main St., criminal mischief
  • 1:56pm, 34 Hutchins St., larceny
  • 2:46pm, 22 Tracy Ave., larceny
  • 3:16pm, 390 W. Main St., accident (car + bike)
  • 3:19pm, 9 Walden Creek, harassment
  • 3:38pm, 15 W. Main St., criminal mischief
  • 5:54pm, 15 W. Main St., larceny
  • 7:03pm, 132 Ross St., endangering the welfare of a child
  • 9:17pm, 6 Maple St., criminal mischief
  • 9:42pm, 209 Bank St., harassment
  • 10:35pm, Jackson Street, criminal mischief

Note: We don't include noise complaints, domestic disputes and routine police business.

Disorderly conduct

By Philip Anselmo

Batavia city police responded to a confrontation between neighbors on Highland Avenue Monday afternoon. Lydell Nauden, 44, of 14 Highland Ave. Apt: 6, was subsequently charged with disorderly conduct. Nauden was accused of throwing a hammer from his home into his neighbors yard and nearly hitting some people who were standing nearby.

Police Blotter: July 18 through July 20

By Philip Anselmo

All of the following calls were reported by the City of Batavia Police Department. Listed offenses do not imply that charges were filed. Calls may result in no official action.

Friday:

  • 8:50am, 413 W. Main St., accident (car + bike)
  • 10:38am, 220 Richmond Ave., accident
  • 11:05am, 4 Lewis Ave., larceny
  • 12:00pm, Clinton Street, accident
  • 1:51pm, W. Main Street, accident
  • 2:25pm, W. Main Street, accident
  • 3:11pm, Court Street Plaza, accident
  • 4:05pm, 10 W. Main St., harassment

Saturday:

  • 12:01am, 332 W. Main St. (Apt: 2), larceny
  • 12:48am, 329 W. Main St., accident
  • 1:11am, 5 Thomas Ave. (Apt: Lower), aggravated harassment
  • 11:07am, 12 S. Main St., accident

Sunday:

  • 11:57am, Ellicott Street, accident
  • 8:42pm, 114 Liberty St., menacing

Note: We don't include noise complaints, domestic disputes and routine police business.

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