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Sheriff's Office

On the Beat: Gang assault

By Philip Anselmo

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.

On the Beat: Undercover drug bust

By Philip Anselmo

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.

On the Beat: Underage alcohol check

By Philip Anselmo

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.

On the Beat: Forged prescription

By Philip Anselmo

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.

On the Beat: Learn about Identity Theft

By Philip Anselmo

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.

On the Beat: Missing from Sheldon

By Philip Anselmo

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.

On the Beat: Weekend DWIs

By Philip Anselmo

David R. Kaminski, 51, of Lancaster, was charged with driving while intoxicated and unlawful possession of marijuana Friday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Kaminski was stopped for a traffic violation on West Main Street in the village of Corfu. He was also ticketed with an improper right turn.


Frederick W. Roll 4th, 26, of Alexander, was charged with first-degree unlawfully dealing with a child Saturday, deputies said. Roll is accused of allowing individuals under the age of 21 to consume alcohol during a party at his residence.


Clara J. Stribling, 28, of Medina, was charged with driving while intoxicated Saturday, deputies said. Stribling was stopped for a traffic violation on Route 63 in the town of Batavia. She was also ticketed with moving from the lane unsafely.


Victor D. Albert, 48, of Buffalo, was charged with driving while intoxicated and aggravated DWI Sunday, deputies said. Albert was located by deputies following an investigation into a one-car property damage accident in the town of Darien. Albert was also ticketed with failure to stop at a stop sign and failure to reduce speed.


Randy S. Weidrich, 37, of 433 E. Main St., Room 6, Batavia, was charged with second-degree harassment Friday, city police said. Weidrich is accused of attempting to punch someone in the face during an argument. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $250.


Robert B. Stanton Jr., 48, of Stafford, was charged with driving while intoxicated and aggravated DWI Saturday, city police said. Stanton Jr. was stopped by police on Main Street following reports that an intoxicated driver had left Tops supermarket in Batavia. He was also ticketed with unsafe lane change, open container and driving left of the pavement markings.

Genesee County Sheriff to Hunters: Be wary of straying on Indian land

By Philip Anselmo

Genesee County Sheriff Gary Maha issued the following press release today:

Sheriff Gary T. Maha cautions hunters not to hunt or stray on property of the Tonawanda Indian Reservation in the town of Alabama. "It is the hunter's responsibility to know where they are," Sheriff Maha said. Hunting or fishing on the Reservation by a non-Indian is prohibited.

Hunters who hunt or stray on Indian Land may be subject to Tribal Law, which could involve having their guns seized and heavy fines assessed by Reservation Chiefs or Indian Marshals. Law enforcement cannot help in these situations, except by keeping the peace. "The Tonawanda Indian Reservation is a Sovereign Nation and we have to recognize that," the Sheriff said.

Recent meetings have been held between representatives from the Tonawanda Indian Nation, the U.S. Attorney's Office, New York State Police, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police and the Sheriff's Office to discuss this issue. Nation Chiefs have the right to enforce their laws on Reservation property.

Over the past couple of years there have been incidents involving the seizure of firearms from hunters who have strayed onto the Tonawanda Reservation and the Chiefs have imposed fines. Members of the Tonawanda Nation and law enforcement wish to avoid any confrontations in such cases and wish to educate the public of the possible consequences of hunting on Indian land.

On the Beat: Road rage

By Philip Anselmo

Harley Burfield, 20, of Buffalo, was charged with third-degree criminal mischief Thursday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Burfield is accused of damaging the window of another vehicle following a road rage incident in Alabama.


Jeffrey M. Schmitt, 54, of Oakfield, was charged with driving while intoxicated and unlawful possession of marijuana Thursday, deputies said. Schmitt allegedly drove off the road on Route 262 in Byron and crashed into a utility pole, where he was found by deputies. He was also ticketed with moving from the lane unsafely.


Anthony P. Lovetra, 19, and James C. Hotnich, 20, both of 8170 Batavia-Stafford Townline Road, Apt. 1102, Batavia, were charged with unlawful possession of marijuana Thursday, deputies said. Following a traffic stop investigation one week ago, deputies searched the apartment of Lovetra and Hotnich and allegedly found marijuana. Hotnich was also charged with possession of alcohol under 21 with intent to consume.

On the Beat: Drug search at school

By Philip Anselmo

A pair of Pavilion high school students face drug and alcohol charges following a K-9 search in the school's parking lot last week, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Mason Dumbleton, 17, of Pavilion, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Sarah Freeman, 17, of Wyoming, was charged with unlawful possession of an alcoholic beverage.


Cameron P. Sitarek, 18, of Darien, was charged with driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of a property damage accident Saturday, deputies said. Sitarek allegedly caused damage with his vehicle at a residence on Tinkham Road in Darien. He was also ticketed with moving from the lane unsafely.


Jared Brannan, 24, of Churchville, was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminal use of drug paraphernalia Tuesday, deputies said. Brannan was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine following a traffic stop on Route 5 in Stafford.

On the Beat: Ejected from the vehicle

By Philip Anselmo

Charges are pending for a Batavia man who was ejected from his vehicle after he collided with a tree early this morning, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Brett T. Patterson, 20, of 8778 Alexander Road, was waiting for admittance into the emergency room at Strong Memorial Hopsital this morning. Deputies said that Patterson failed to negotiate a curve on Route 98 in the town of Batavia, then veered off the road, struck a Sunoco station pipeline marker, before the vehicle overturned and struck a tree. A passenger in the vehicle was not injured. Patterson was ejected.


Andrew W. Taylor, 21, of Albion, was charged with criminal impersonation and resisting arrest early this morning, city police said. Taylor is accused of giving police a false name in the midst of an investigation. Police then discovered an outstanding warrant issued for Taylor's arrest. Taylor allegedly attempted to flee and resisted arrest, struggling with the officers. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $2,500 bail.

As a result of the same investigation, Nicholas G. Mcadoo, 20, of Knowlesville, was charged with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon and one count of unlawful possession of marijuana. Police allegedly found Mcadoo in possession of a stun gun, a gravity knife and marijuana. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bail.


Norman D. Ball, 62, of Le Roy, was charged with driving while intoxicated Saturday evening, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Ball was picked up by deputies following an investigation into a minor motor vehicle accident in the Kwik Fill gas station parking lot in Le Roy.


Brian P. Calmes, 23, of Pavilion, was charged with driving while intoxicated Saturday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Calmes was located by deputies in the Yellow Goose parking lot on Route 20 in Pavilion following reported complaints of an erratic driver on Route 63.

On the Beat: Picking up the pieces

By Philip Anselmo

Andrea L. Manley, 38, of Wymong, was charged with driving while intoxicated early Sunday morning, city police said. Manley allegedly crashed into a fire hydrant near the intersection of Swan and School streets then picked up the broken pieces of her vehicle and drove over to Liberty Street, where she scattered the damaged parts. She then parked her car and phoned police to report that her vehicle was struck while it was parked, police said. Manley was also charged with leaving the scene and falsely reporting.


Courtney A. Hodgins, 19, of 4719 East Road, Batavia, was charged with trespass Sunday afternoon, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Hodgins allegedly entered a building on Batavia Stafford Townline Road after she had been told not to return to the property.


Joshua J. Menz, 22, of Mount Morris, was charged with fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property Saturday, deputies said. Menz was stopped by deputies on Route 20 in Darien and found to possess a stolen New York state license plate. He was also ticketed with unlicensed operator and unregistered motor vehicle. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $750 bail.


Katrina Thigpen, 26, of 41 S. Main St., Batavia, was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana Friday, deputies said. Thigpen was stopped by deputies for traffic violations and found to possess crack cocaine and marijuana.


Jason M. Perry, 26, of Albion, was charged with a felony count of fugitive from justice Friday, deputies said. Perry was stopped for a traffic violation Route 262 in Byron when deputies discovered that an outstanding warrant had been issued for his arrest out of a county sheriff's office in Pennsylvania. Perry was also ticketed with no front license plate. He was sent to Genesee County Jail without bail, where he will await extradition.


Daren A. Mott, 37, of Arkport, was charged with driving while intoxicated Saturday night, deputies said. Mott was found by deputies off Broadway Road in Alexander, where he had allegedly driven his vehicle into a farmer's field. He was also ticketed with moving from the lane unsafely.

On the Beat: Stalking

By Philip Anselmo

Glenn R. Manes, 43, of Oakfield, was charged with a felony count of first-degree criminal contempt and third-degree stalking yesterday afternoon, city police said. Manes was picked up following an investigation into a potential violation of an order of protection. He is accused of repeatedly telephoning another person on Wednesday. Manes was sent to Genesee County Jail without bail.


Philip S. Hall, 21, of 313 Bank St., Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated and third-degree unathorized use of a motor vehicle Wednesday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Those charges stem from an incident in September when Hall allegedly drove a vehicle without the permission of the owner and crashed it while he was intoxicated.


Martin Pacer, 28, of Elba, was charged with endangering the welfare of a child Thursday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Pacer is accused of leaving two young children at home while he was out using drugs all night. When he arrived home that night, he allegedly caused a domestic disturbance after seeking more money for drugs. Pacer was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $800 bail, and an order of protection was issued for the children.


Terri Doctor, 29, of Basom, was charged with driving while intoxicated Thursday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies. Doctor was picked up on a warrant related to a drunk driving charge from December, 2007. She was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $500.

On the Beat: Drugs and Alcohol

By Philip Anselmo

Melissa A. Judd, 26, of 2 Shady Lane, Batavia, was charged with a felony count of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and a misdemeanor charge of third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Judd was stopped yesterday afternoon at the intersection of Lincoln and Washington avenues. She was allegedly driving with a suspended license and in possession of crack cocaine. Judd was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,000.


Rachael A. Baehr, 21, of Elba, was charged with second-degree harassment, fourth-degree criminal mischief and second-degree reckless endangerment yesterday for an incident that occurred on October 27, deputies said. Baehr is accused of breaking the window at a residence on Perry Road in Pavilion, entering inside the home and punching the homeowner in the face. While there, Baehr allegedly struck her friend with her vehicle while trying to leave. Baehr was also charged with first-degree unlawfully dealing with a child. On that charge, she is accused of giving alcohol to her friend who is underage.

On the Beat: A dagger, DVDs and drugs

By Philip Anselmo

Scott Richardson, 19, of Rochester, was charged with criminal possession of a weapon with intent to use and unlawful possession of marijuana Wedensday following a traffic stop on Route 262 in Elba, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said.


Ericka M. Sprague, 23, of 307 Washington Ave., Batavia, was charged with petit larceny, and Christopher Say, 17, of no permanent address, was charged with criminal possession of stolen property Wedensday, city police said. Sprague is accused of stealing DVDs from a family member that Say then allegedly took to a local store in an attempt to sell them.


Dustin Say, 17, of Alexander, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana Thursday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said.

On the Beat: Other uses for diaper bags

By Philip Anselmo

Three young parents have been accused of trying to steal "numerous" items from Kmart in Batavia Tuesday morning by stuffing them into their children's diaper bags, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Natalie M. MacArthur, 25, of Rochester; Melissa J. Ricigliano, 28, and Nicholas M. Ricigliano, 24, both of 132 State St. (Lower), Batavia, were charged with petit larceny. Three children were with the parents at the time: a 3-year-old, a 10-month-old and a 4-week-old.


Robert Sanfilippo, 49, of Depew, was charged with aggravated harassment Tuesday for an incident that occurred on October 1, deputies said. Sanfilippo is accused of making threatening phone calls to another individual's cell phone.


Derek G. Thomas, 32, of no permanent address, was charged with aggravated harassment Tuesday, city police said. Thomas is accused of grabbing a female acquaintance by the neck and slamming her into a wall during a dispute at a residence on South Main Street Sunday evening.

News roundup: Hiding in the dirty laundry

By Philip Anselmo

Bobby G. Mullen, 32, of Bergen, was picked up on a warrant for a felony charge of third-degree grand larceny Friday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Mullen was found hiding under a pile of clothes in a bedroom closet. He is accused of stealing approximately $4,200 and two cartons of cigarettes from the Wilson Farms store in Oakfield on August 1. Mullen was an employee at the time, though the theft is believed to have occurred following his shift that morning. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bail.


Aaron M. Shaffer, 23, of Byron, was charged with driving while intoxicated early Sunday morning on Route 5 in Stafford, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said.


Matthew P. Stearns, 26, of Albion, was charged with felony driving while intoxicated Thursday night, city police said. Stearns was stopped by a police Stop-DWI patrol for a lighting defect on Ellicott Street. He was also ticketed with violation of a conditional license, refusal to take breath test and insufficient lights.


John J. Smalley, 46, of Oakfield, was charged with second-degree reckless endangerment and third-degree unauthorized use of a motor vehicle Sunday night, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Smalley is accused of taking his girlfriend's vehicle without her permission. When the girlfriend tried to take back her vehicle in the parking lot of the Oakfield Hotel, Smalley allegedly pressed the accelerator from the passenger side of the vehicle while she was driving, causing it to strike a utility pole.


Rita K. Cintron, 18, of New Jersey, was charged with second-degree criminal trespass Sunday night for allegedly getting into an altercation in Maple Hall at Genesee Community College after she had been previously banned from the College Village, sheriff's deputies said.


Damien R. Graham, 36, no permanent address, was charged with second-degree burglary and petit larceny Saturday, city police said. Graham is accused of breaking into the apartment of an acquaintance on Swan Street in Batavia and stealing the resident's dog.

On the Beat: Menacing and Contempt

By Philip Anselmo

Larry S. Yoho, 36, of 111 Liberty St. (Room G), Batavia, was charged with second-degree menacing and second-degree criminal trespass Thursday morning, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Yoho is accused of entering a home on East Main Street Road while the occupants were sleeping and threatening the property and the individuals. Yoho also allegedly swung a hammer at the individuals in the home. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $2,000 bail. An order of protection was issued for the residents.


James J. Preedom, 24, of 18 East Ave., Batavia, was charged with first-degree criminal contempt and second-degree harassment Thursday for an incident that occurred Wednesday, city police said. Preedom is accused of harassing an individual who held an order of protection against him. He was sent to Genesee County Jail without bail, pending a court appearance this morning.

On the Beat: DWI in Elba

By Philip Anselmo

Isaac A. Arias-Perez, 26, was charged with driving while intoxicated Sunday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Deputies were investigating a reported domestic incident on Oak Orchard Road in Elba in which Arias-Perez was allegedly involved. He had left before deputies arrived but returned while they were still on the scene. Arias-Perez was allegedly intoxicated and driving without a license, for which he was ticketed. Arias-Perez was later sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $700 bail. Arias-Perez does not have a permanent address, and deputies report that there is a "federal detainer warrant" for his "alleged illegal entry into the United States."

On the Beat: Another Batavia burglary?

By Philip Anselmo

Batavia city police say that no charges have yet been filed, but they are talking with potential suspects in what was reported as a burglary Monday afternoon. An initial call came in shortly before 11:00am yesterday morning for a "burglary in progress" at 120 State Street in the city. A young male had been seen leaving the residence and was later spotted walking down the street with a young female.

Det. Richard Schauf said later in the afternoon that police were still looking for the male suspect.

"The person has not yet been found who was described at the scene," he said. "We're talking with anyone who has information. It was reported as a burglary to a home on State Street, but we're still determining if it is or not."

Several downtown businesses, at least one church and a school were burglarized over the past few months, including Dan's Tire, Ponderosa and Palace of Sweets in the mall. No information has yet become available that would link those crimes. Investigation continues.


Jeffrey T. Peyman, 19, of 5204 Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, was charged with petit larceny and unlawful possession of a hypodermic needle Friday afternoon, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Peyman was picked up by deputies on an allegation of stealing from the K Mart store in Batavia.


Ritchie L. Kirkum Sr., 47, of Oakfield, was charged with second-degree unlawful imprisonment, fourth-degree criminal mischief and endangering the welfare of a child last night, deputies said. Kirkum allegedly prevented an ex-girlfriend from leaving his residence and pushed her several times while she was holding a child. When she attempted to call 911, he then allegedly took her cell phone and threw it into the yard. Kirkum was also charged with second-degree harassment and sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bail. A stay away Order of Protection was issued.

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