FAQ's about the new gun laws can be found on the following website: www.nysafeact.com.

Toll free number for persons seeking information about the NY SAFE ACTgun law.  Questions about the new law can be answered by calling (855)-LAW-GUNS (855-529-4867)

OPT-OUT-FORM for dissemination of pistol permit application, or license pursuant to FOIL request can be found below (Instructions how to complete and return form along with form found by clicking on the link below)

01-17-2013 The Seneca County Sheriff's Office report  that a South County resident received a telephone call advising that they had won a new car along with $5.5 million dollars and the car and money were in Buffalo awaiting her arrival. The caller stated that all they had to do was go to either Wal-Mart or CVS and obtain a $500 money order and send it to to the caller and they would award the prizes. The caller gave the name as Michael Anderson with a 929 area code telephone number. According to the Sheriffs Office, this is another twist on scams being tried all across the Country.  The Sheriff's Office reminds residents not to fall victims to these various types of scams and NEVER SEND MONEY OR MONEY ORDERS in response to these get rich schemes.  If you are contacted by one of these scammers, ask yourself "Does this sound too good to be true?" If it does - it usually is.

The search for Christopher Dennis will resume at 8:00 am Friday.  Thursday, searchers from the Seneca County Sheriff's Office, New York State Police, New York State Park Police, Yates County Sheriff's Office, joined members from the Aurora, Seneca Falls, Border City and Romulus Fire Departments searching Cayuga Lake.

Aviation assets from the New York State Police and Civil Air Patrol in Ithaca assisted in search efforts.

A large volunteer contingent of Cornell University students walked the shorelines on both the West and East side of Cayuga Lake and assisted in the search efforts.

On May 23, 2013 at 1053 a.m. Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of a personal injury auto accident at the intersection of State Route 5 and State Route 96a in the Town of Waterloo. A car driven by Donald C. Friday age 65 of 136 Washington Street Geneva, NY was slowing in traffic on State Route 5 in a easterly direction. A second vehicle alos easterly on State Route 5 operated by Emmett J. McMahon age 84 of 3464 Route 21 south Canandaigua came from behind and did not stop striking the Friday vehicle. Border City Fire Department and North Seneca Ambulance responded to assist at the scene. Friday was treated at the scene and then transported to Geneva General Hospital. According to Sheriff’s Deputies the cause of the accident was due to McMahon falling asleep behind the wheel. There were no other injuries reported and no tickets were issued.

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Seneca County Sheriff Jack Stenberg reports that Sheriff's Deputies are investigating a possible boating incident / missing person case. Deputies state that Christopher T Dennis, age 22, of Cayuga Heights Rd, Ithaca NY, left a campsite in the Town of Covert at approx 5am by himself and put a canoe into Cayuga Lake.  When he had not returned friends began checking and a canoe was found overturned in the middle of the lake at approx 1230 pm. A 911 call was made. The Seneca County Sheriff's Navigation Patrol along with the Romulus Fire rescue boat searched the area. The Sheriff's Office reports that further investigation and search efforts will resume in the morning. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Sheriff's Office at 315 539-9241.

**NOTE ** Photo is being sent in separate email with jpeg 

On 05/16/2013 at about 04:56 pm, Seneca County Sheriff Deputies responded to the intersection of State Route 96 and Shannon Dr for a personal injury motor vehicle accident. A 2011 Cheverolet Silverado operated by Joseph G. Stevens (43) of Waterloo was southbound on 96 when he attempted to make a U-turn at the above intersection and failed to observe a 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee also traveling southbound operated by Bridget L. Perrine (33) of 3917 State Route 96A, Geneva. Stevens began to pull onto Shannon Dr and cut back onto 96 to make the U-turn and collided with Perrines vehicle. A passenger Chelsey M. Bussey (11) also of 3917 State Route 96A was uninjured. Perrine complained of minor pain and was transported by Fingerlakes Ambulance to Newark Hospital for a checkover. Waterloo Fire Department responded to assist. Stevens was uninjured in the incident and cited for moving from lane unsafely. 

On May 16th, 2013, at about 3:05pm, the Seneca County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Unit arrested two people following an incident in the Town of Seneca Falls.

Sheriff's Investigators observed Joseph N. Brown, 23, of 192 Ovid Street, Lot 162, Seneca Falls, New York, in a vehicle on Ovid Street.  At the time, Brown was wanted by the Waterloo Police Department for failing to pay a fine on a charge of Criminal Mischief in the fourth degree.  Brown was subsequently taken into custody and turned over to the Waterloo Police Department.  Additionally, Brown was also charged by Sheriff's Investigators with Facilitating Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the third degree.

Sheriff's Investigators also arrested Jennifer L. Heidemann, 26, of 1326 West Townline Road, Phelps, New York, on charges of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the third degree.  Heidemann was found to be in possession of a quantity of cocaine and held a suspended driver's license at the time of the incident.  Heidemann was released on appearance tickets and is to appear in the Seneca Falls Town Court on July 11, 2013 at 10am.

(Romulus, NY) 05-16-13 Eighteen new corrections officers began their careers today after graduating from the 6^th annual Basic Corrections Officer Academy held at the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office.  The Corrections Officers representing the Seneca, Livingston, Wayne and Ontario County Sheriff’s Office completed the seven week, 246 hour Basic Corrections Academy which is mandated for all Corrections Officers working in local Correctional Facilities across New York State. 

Seneca County Sheriff Jack Stenberg and Undersheriff Gary Sullivan were joined by Livingston County Sheriff Jack York, Wayne County Sheriff Barry Virts and Ontario County Corrections Lt. Chris Smith in congratulating the graduates and conferring their certificates of completion.  Command representatives from each of the Sheriff’s Office’s joined over 100 family, friends and invited guests of the graduates honoring their graduation.

Correction recruit candidates received both classroom and practical instruction in such topics as Ethic’s, Constitutional Law, Search and Seizure, Security and Supervision, Stress Management, Incident prevention  management, Fire Prevention, Crime Scene preservation, First Aid, CPR, Defensive Tactics, Chemical Agents, Firearms, Effective Communication, Direct Supervision, Suicide Prevention and Inmate Classification.  Course instructors came from all Divisions of the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office.

“This by far has been the largest graduating class to date since we began hosting and delivering the Basic Corrections Academy in 2009” said Sheriff Jack Stenberg.  “We long ago recognized the personnel we have here at the Sheriff’s Office were more than capable of delivering a quality educational experience and the graduation today demonstrates once again that other Sheriff’s believe in us too” continued Stenberg.The following graduates began their corrections careers today:

Seneca County Sheriff’s Office                                                   Livingston County Sheriff’s Office

Shelli R. DiCicco                                                                                 Heather M.Benjamin

Michael D. Hefferon                                                                         Jennifer M. Boyer

Jason R. Hurdle                                                                                    Jonathan M. Canty-Marozzi

Zachary P. Nelson                                                                              Ronald Merrick

Joshua N. Schreier                                                                            Joshua A. Parmele          

Matthew J. Stahlnecker                                                                  Jamie L. Sargeant

David J. Standish Jr.                                                                          Kerry Ann Wood 

Ontario County Sheriff’s Office                                                  Wayne County Sheriff’s Office

Richard M. Avery                                                                                 Jodi A. Hares

Jessica F. Roach                                                                                   Jacquelyn K. Thompson 

05-16-13 - Seneca County Sheriff’s Investigators arrested Kevin A. Bradley, 45, no permanent address, on two counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree, Class E Felonies.

The charges stem from an incident where Bradley was found to be in possession of another person’s debit cards when he was being processed in the Seneca County Correctional Facility after being arrested on a Seneca County Family Court warrant.

Bradley was arraigned in the Lodi Town Court and released on his own recognizance.  Bradley is to reappear in the Romulus Town Court on May 24th, 2013 at 10:30am.  Bradley is currently incarcerated in the Seneca County Correctional Facility.

05-10-2013 Seneca County Sheriff Jack S. Stenberg announced the launch today of the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office mobile app.  The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office is only one of six Sheriffs’ Offices in the State of New York to have this mobile application which will allow smartphone users to access a wealth of information about the Sheriff’s Office.  Sheriff Stenberg credited Undersheriff Gary S. Sullivan with the development and launch of the Seneca County Sheriff’s mobile app.   

“Today, we are connected as never before and this new smartphone app allows users to download a free app called Mobile Patrol from either iTunes , Google Play or directly via a link from the Seneca County Sheriff’s website at http:\\sheriff.co.seneca.ny.us .  Once downloaded smartphone users select New York State and then Seneca County Sheriff which will allow users to view all or search for specific inmates incarcerated in our jail, search for all or specific sex offenders living in Seneca County, enroll in VINE to get immediate telephone, text or email alerts when there is a change in an offender’s custody status, receive real time alerts sent by the Sheriff’s Office, view news items, report crime tips, view and with one touch calling to all Sheriff’s divisions, get directions to the Law Enforcement Center and much more” said Undersheriff Sullivan.  “Shortly, we will be adding all wanted persons to the app, so users can send tips to help us track down persons wanted on warrants” continued Sullivan.  

“This new app is yet one more tool we have employed to make the Sheriff’s Office more accessible to the public.  In the past year, we have made it possible for families to add money to an inmate’s commissary account or post bail on line, made it possible for persons to pay civil assessments on line and have put a variety of forms in electronic format on our website to help persons transact business with the Sheriff’s Office,” said Sullivan. 

“Coming soon, we are in the process of developing and launching other platforms which will allow us to better interact with the public we serve utilizing various social media outlets” said Undersheriff Sullivan .

05-08-2013 Seneca County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Casey J. Monahan, age 28, 1328 Strang Road, Junius, NY on an Arrest Warrant. The Warrant was issued as a result of a domestic violence incident that occurred at the Strang Road address on 05/08/13 at approximately 8:45am where it is alleged that Monahan was involved in a physical altercation with a 25 year old female. Monahan was arrested for Unlawful Imprisonment 2nd degree, Petit Larceny, Criminal Mischief 4th degree, Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation, and Harassment 2nd degree. Monahan was arraigned in Waterloo Town Court and committed to the Seneca County Jail on $3,000.00 cash bail or $6,000.00 Bond. He is due to reappear in the Junius Town Court on May 16, 2013.

Seneca County Sheriff’s Investigators arrested and charged Eric Lee Bradley, 22 of 34 Burrows Street, Rochester NY on a charge of Promoting Prison Contraband in the First Degree, a class D Felony.  It is alleged that while being detained in the Seneca County Correctional Facility for the US Marshall’s service, Bradley was found to be in possession of a home made shank made. The shank was discovered during a search by correction officers of Bradley. Bradley was arraigned before Town Justice Gruele and was released back to the correctional facility pending a court appearance on  05-24-13.  Bradley was returned to the Seneca County Correctional Facility where he continues to be held for the US Marshal’s Service.

On May 2, 2013 at about 11:20am, the Seneca County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Unit arrested Natalie R. Osorio, 27, of 8569 Bishop Road, Lyons, New York, on a bench warrant issued out of the Seneca Falls Town Court for failure to pay fines related to an August 2012 arrest on charges of Unlawfully Dealing with a Child in the first degree and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana in the Town of Seneca Falls.  It is alleged that Osorio allowed children to be in the presence of drug activity.  Osorio was arraigned in the Seneca Falls Town Court and sentenced to the Seneca County Correctional Facility to sixty days of incarceration or a fine of $255.00.

Seneca County Sheriff Jack S. Stenberg reports that the recent DEA sponsored National Drug Take Back Day in Seneca County yielded over 150 pounds of unused or outdated medications.

Every year, this event grows in popularity as a way for persons to dispose of unused or outdated medication in a safe and responsible manner. 

This year is no exception as we had 60 citizens who took advantage of two drop off sites manned by Sheriff’s Deputies.  Since participating in this National program over 200 pounds of prescription medication in Seneca County alone have been disposed of in a proper manner and won’t be flushed down the drain or left in homes as an attractive target for thieves.

“Any resident at any time can contact the Seneca County Sheriff’s throughout the year and turn over unused or outdated medication which will be properly disposed of”, said Sheriff Stenberg

 The Seneca County Sheriffs Office reports on April 27, 2013 around 9:53 pm, Deputies arrested Timothy D. Sullivan age 53 of 53 Leicester Street, Perry NY for Driving While Ability Impaired, Drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle, and Failed to Yield Right of Way at a yield sign. The charges stem from a traffic stop that occurred on State Route 414 in the Town of Seneca Falls where Sullivan failed to yield the right of way at a yield sign when merging onto State Route 414 nearly running into a marked Sheriff's Patrol Vehicle. Sullivan was issued appearance tickets and is to appear in the Town of Seneca Falls Court on May 30, 2013 to answer to the charges.

Seneca County Sheriffs Office reports, Deputies arrested Christopher M Knell, 21, of 3619 West Ave Interlaken NY for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. Sheriff’s Deputies report that they responded to a complaint of a house fire and upon investigating the complaint, found that Knell was in possession of Marihuana. Knell was released on an appearance ticket and is to appear in the Town of Covert Court on May 27^th 2013, to answer the charges

On April 26, 2013 at 2:23 p.m. Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Roy C. Cuffe age 26 of 5630 State Route 96 Romulus. Cuffe was wanted out of Seneca Falls Town Court on a Bench Warrant for fail to pay a fine. Cuffe was arraigned before Seneca Falls Town Court Justice Mahoney, paid his fine and released.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports on April 25, 2013 at 10:45 pm Sheriff Deputies arrested Thomas K Neal, age 55 of 48 Clarner St Pawtucket, Rhode Island for Driving While Intoxicated, Driving with BAC greater that .08% and Failure to Keep Right.  The arrest is the result of an investigation into a tractor trailer motor vehicle accident that occurred on State Route 414 in the Town of Junius.  Deputies responded to the report of a tractor trailer off the roadway.  Upon further investigation it was discovered that the operator Thomas Neal was in an intoxicated state.  Neal was arraigned at the Junius Town Court where he was remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility in lieu of $1,000 cash, $2,000 secured bond.  He is to reappear on May 16, 2013. 

On April 14, 2013 at   Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Timothy M. Law age 19 of 3546 State Route 89 Seneca Falls and Jordan P. Reukauf age 19 of 7010 County Road 132a Apt.# 203 Ovid for Criminal Mischief 3th, a class E Felony. The charges stem from a vandalism investigation at the Hernon Park on First Street in Willard.

It is alleged that Law and Reukauf went to the park on April 5^th and intentionally did damage to a covered pavilion. They are accused of tearing down electrical wiring and conduit as well as damaging outlets and a service panel. Estimate of damages are in excess of $500.00.  Both were issued appearance tickets to appear in Romulus Town Justice Court at a later date.   

The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports on April 23, 2013 at 3:45pm Sheriff Deputies responded to the intersection of State Route 96A and West River Rd for a two car personal injury motor vehicle accident.  A vehicle operated by Paul D Sabin age 34 of 5471 East Lake Rd Romulus, was northbound on State Route 96A when a second vehicle operated by Jeffery D Rook age 42 of 78 W Bayard St Seneca Falls, traveled eastbound through the intersection into the path of the Sabin's vehicle causing a collision.  Sabin’s vehicle left the roadway and overturned twice before coming to rest.  Sabin was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital by North Seneca Ambulance for back and neck injuries.  A passenger in Sabin’s vehicle, Amanda C Roberts age 24 of Hall, NY was treated at the scene for minor lacerations to her face.  Both vehicles sustained heavy damage and needed to be towed from the scene.  Rook was uninjured and was issued a citation for failure to yield right of way.  Assisting at the scene was the Border City Fire Dept.

Seneca County Sheriff's Investigators arrested David C. White, of 204 S. Main Street Homer, NY. after an investigation into construction fraud in the Town of Waterloo.  White was placed in custody in the Town of Skaneateles. It is alleged that White took a deposit of over $5000.00 for a construction job that he never returned to do and never ordered any materials to do.  White was charged with one count of Grand Larceny 3rd, a class D felony.  He was arraigned in the Town of Waterloo court where he was committed to the Seneca County Correctional Facility without bail.  White is due back in Town court on 04/25/13 at 4:30 pm. 

Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports the arrest of Rebecca L. VanNorman age 42 of 393 Wagner St. Lot 33 Waterloo, NY. VanNorman was charged with one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child following an investigation of an incident on April 16th where it is alleged that VanNorman while in an intoxicated state engaged in a verbal and physical altercation while in the presence of a 15 year old female. VanNorman was taken into custody on April 17th, 2013 and appeared in the Village of Waterloo Court for an arraignment on the charge. During the arraignment VanNorman was remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility in lieu of $750.00 cash bail or $1,500.00 secured bond and is scheduled to re-appear in court on May 1st 2013 to answer the charge. 

The Seneca County Sheriffs Office reports Deputies responded to a one car PIMVA on Caroline Rd in the Town of Junuis.  Kimberly J. Bennett age 44, of 907 Caroline Rd was traveling southbound on Caroline Rd when she drove off the edge of the roadway causing the vehicle to strike a tree.  Bennett complained of stomach, neck, and back pain and was flown to Strong Memorial Hospital by Mercy Flight.  The backseat passenger, Stephen L. Short age 2 1/2, of 850 Dublin Rd suffered an abrasion to his forehead and was taken to Geneva General Hospital as a precaution.  Magee Fire Department, North Seneca Ambulance and Fingerlakes Ambulance were on scene to assist.

The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit arrested two people following an investigation into the sale and possession of heroin in the Village of Waterloo.   

Members of the Narcotics Unit, the New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET), the Waterloo Police Department, and the Sheriff’s Uniform Road Patrol executed a search warrant in the Town and Village of Waterloo.  Following the execution of the search warrant, Sheriff’s Investigators seized nineteen baggies of heroin, a quantity of marihuana, drug packaging materials, a scale, and a quantity of Unites States Currency. 

The following people were charged:  Juan R. Torres, 33, and Jessica M. Tandle, 21, both of 133 East Williams Street, Waterloo, New York, were both charged with: 

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree – Class B Felony 

Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the second degree – Class A Misdemeanor 

Unlawfully Dealing with a Child in the first degree – Class A Misdemeanor 

Unlawful Possession of Marihuana – Violation  

It is alleged that Torres and Tandle possessed the heroin while in a vehicle in the Town of Waterloo.  It is further alleged that Torres and Tandle allowed a child to live in a residence while drug activity took place. 

Torres and Tandle were both arraigned in the Waterloo Town Court before Justice Folk.  Torres was remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $4,000 cash bail/$8,000 secured bond.  Tandle was remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $1,000 cash bail/$2,000 secured bond.  Both are to reappear in the Waterloo Town Court on April 18, 2013 at 5:30pm.

The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit arrested four people this week in connection with separate narcotics investigations in Seneca County. 

The following people were arrested:  April 9, 2013

John F. Meyer, 27, of 227 East Williams Street, Waterloo, New York, was charged with:

Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the third degree (two counts) – Class B Felonies

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree (two counts) – Class B Felonies

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the fifth degree – Class D Felony 

It is alleged that Meyer sold a quantity of cocaine to another person in the Town of Seneca Falls on two separate occasions and was in possession of cocaine when taken into custody by Sheriff’s Investigators.  Meyer was arraigned in the Waterloo Village Court and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $1,000 cash bail/$2,000 secured bond.  Meyer is to reappear in the Waterloo Village Court on April 12, 2013 at 10am.  

April 9, 2013

Amy L. Marro, 44, of 2841 Farron Road, Seneca Falls, New York, was charged with:

Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the third degree – Class B Felony

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree – Class B Felony

It is alleged that Marro sold a quantity of heroin to another person in the Town of Seneca Falls.  Marro was arraigned in the Lodi Town Court and was released on her own recognizance.  Marro is to reappear in the Lodi Town Court on May 16, 2013 at 10am.   Marro is currently released from the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $2,500 cash bail/$5,000 secured bond due to a 02-28-13 arrest in the Town of Junius where she was allegedly in possession of thirty baggies of heroin.  

April 10, 2013

Jacob J. Stone, 37, of 55 West Bayard Street, Apartment 14, Seneca Falls, New York, was charged with:

Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the third degree (two counts) – Class B Felonies 

It is alleged that Stone sold a quantity of hydrocodone to another person on two separate occasions in the Town of Seneca Falls.  Stone was arraigned in the Waterloo Village Court and was remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on no bail.  Stone is to reappear in the Seneca Falls Town Court on April 17, 2013 at 10am.  The Seneca County Probation Department assisted Sheriff’s Investigators in the arrest.  

April 11, 2013

Tara E. Oldfield-Parker, 20, of 13 West Main Street, Waterloo, New York, was charged with:

Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the third degree – Class B Felony           

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that on 4-10-13 at approx 1245 Sheriff's Deputies arrested Tara E Oldfield-Parker age 20 of 13 West Main St, Waterloo on warrant issued by the Fayette Town Court for violation of a conditional discharge. Sheriff's Deputies report that Oldfield-Parker was arrested on a Criminal Tampering charge in April 2012 and after being given a conditional discharge, has failed to perform the required community service and has since been arrested on other unrelated charges. Oldfield-Parker was arraigned in the Town of Fayette Court and committed to jail in lieu of $1500 cash / $3000 bail bond and is to reappear in the Town of Fayette court on May 1st at 7pm

The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that on April 9th , 2013 at 12:37 AM, Seneca County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Charles G Morrow, age 34, of 2476 Covert Rd Interlaken NY, at the intersections of  CO RD 143 and Burdick Rd in the Town of Covert. He was charged with Driving While Intoxicated with 0.08% BAC or greater, Driving While Intoxicated, and Improper Right Turn. The charges stem from an accident where Morrow failed to negotiate a right turn and entered into the ditch located on CO RD 143. Morrow was uninjured and Interlaken Fire Department responded to the scene to assist. Morrow is to appear before the Town of Covert, Justice Shaw on April 29^th , 2013 to answer the charges.

Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports, on April 6th, 2013 at 9:12 PM, Sheriff's Deputies investigated a one car personal injury motor vehicle accident on State Route 96 in the Town of Fayette. Alan M. Whitmore age 21, of 17 West Genesee Street Clyde, was traveling north on State Route 96 when he veered to miss an unknown southbound vehicle. Whitmore struck a ditch and overturned in a field. Whitmore complained of back pain and was transported to Geneva General Hospital by North Seneca Ambulance. Waterloo Fire Department and South Seneca Ambulance assisted at the scene. No tickets have been issued at this time. The investigation is continuing.

Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that on March 29^th 2013 at 1146 a.m. Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Sean M. Gerry age 21 of 25 Peterman Road Apr A1 Seneca Falls for Violation of Probation. It is alleged that Gerry violated his terms and conditions of his probation. Gerry was committed to the Seneca County Correctional Facility in lieu of no bail and will appear in Seneca County Court at a later date.

Again this year, Seneca County Sheriff’s Office will be participating in the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) National Drug Take Back Day on  Saturday, April 27, 2013 from 10AM-2PM This most important program provides Seneca County citizens an opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted, unused or expired prescription drugs.

There will be two collection sites. North Seneca County residents can drop off their drugs at the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Waterloo station located at 44 West William Street, Waterloo, N.Y., 13165. South Seneca residents can drop off at the Seneca County Law Enforcement Center located at 6150 Route 96, Romulus, N.Y. 14541. 

There are no questions asked and no paperwork to fill out.  

Please note that needles are not collected. Prescription drugs that have expired or are no longer being used can present potential health risks, especially if children in a home can access these drugs.

Over 50 percent of adolescent misused prescription medications originate from the home. Removing these drugs from the home can help prevent pill misuse and reduce the risk of theft. Improper disposal of these drugs, such as flushing them, can cause environmental contamination.

Last year, more than 188 tons of prescription drugs were brought to more than 5,000 take back disposal sites across the country. In Seneca County alone, over the past two years over 200 pounds of unused, expired and unwanted medications have been turned in for destruction.

The Seneca County Sheriff's office reports that on 03-20-13 at 1105 hrs deputies arrested Willie E. Love 49, of 192 Ovid St. lot 160 Seneca Falls, NY. 

Love was arrested on a warrant from the Seneca County Court for Violation of Probation. Love was arrested while being held at the Seneca County Correctional Facility on separate charges.

Love is to appear 03-22-13 in front of the Seneca County Court for further court action. 

On March 19, 2013, the Seneca County Sheriff's Office arrested Richard C. Parish, 34, of 3778 Route 89, Seneca Falls, New York, following an investigation into the growing and possession of marihuana at his residence.

A joint investigation between Seneca County Child Protective Services and the Sheriff's Office led to the discovery of seventeen marihuana plants and about two ounces of dried marihuana. 

Parish was charged with Growing of Cannabis by Unlicensed Persons and Criminal Possession of Marihuana in the fifth degree.  Parish was released on appearance tickets and is to appear in the Fayette Town Court on April 17, 2013 at 7pm.  

Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports on March 18, 2013 at 3:40 a.m., Deputies arrested Timothy M Anderson, 20, of 1326 Hecker Rd Waterloo NY on Harassment in the Second Degree. The arrest stems from a domestic incident where it is alleged that Anderson struck a Town of Waterloo resident. Anderson was issued an appearance ticket and is to appear on April 11th 2013 to answer the charges. Deputies’ report while investigating the incident Anderson was found to be wanted by the New York State Police on a Bench Warrant issued out of Seneca County Court for Failure to Pay Fines. Anderson was then turned over to the New York State Police for further action.

03-13-2013 Members of  the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit arrested four individuals following an investigation into the sale and possession of narcotic drugs in the Town of Lodi.  Investigators from the Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant at 8612 Lodi-Covert Townline Road in the Town of Lodi.  Following the execution of the search warrant, Sheriff’s Investigators seized quantities of crack cocaine, oxycodone, marihuana, drug paraphernalia, and United States currency. 

The following people were charged:  

Debra A. Rousseau, 52, of 8612 Lodi-Covert Townline Road, Lodi, New York     CHARGES:           

Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the third degree (Class B Felony)           

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree (Class B Felony)

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the fourth degree (Class C Felony)

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree (Class A Misd)     

Unlawful Possession of Marihuana (Violation)                       

Rousseau was arraigned in the Waterloo Village Court and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $15,000 cash bail/$30,000 secured bond.  Rousseau is to reappear in the Waterloo Village Court on March 19, 2013 at 10am. 

Philip L. Coleman, 29, no permanent address    

CHARGES:           

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree (Class A Misd)   

Unlawful Possession of Marihuana (Violation)

Coleman was released on an appearance ticket and is to appear in the Lodi Town Court on April 3^rd, 2013 at 10am.  Investigators also discovered that Coleman was wanted by the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office on a charge of Aggravated Harassment in the second degree.  At the conclusion of the search warrant, Coleman was turned over to the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office. 

Timothy C. Griffith, 60, of 2097 West Seneca Street, Ovid, New York    

CHARGES:

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree (Class A Misd)                       

Griffith was released on an appearance ticket and is to appear in the Lodi Town Court on April 3^rd, 2013 at 10am. 

Pamela S. Merilahti, 51, of 8612 Lodi-Covert Townline Road, Lodi, New York     CHARGES:           

Possession of a Controlled Substance outside the original prescription container (Violation)           

Unlawful Possession of Marihuana (Violation) 

Merilahti was released on an appearance ticket and is to appear in the Lodi Town Court on April 3^rd, 2013 at 10am. 

The Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit was assisted by members of the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division (CID), Uniform Road Patrol, and K-9 Unit.

03-13-2013 Seneca County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Matthew L. Carlsen-Derby, age 17, of 5 Seneca Circle, Seneca Falls, NY with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana after a traffic stop on Waterloo Geneva Road in the Town of Waterloo. Carlsen-Derby was in possession of a small quantity of maijuana. Carlsen-Derby was issued a appearance ticket and is to appear before the Town of Waterloo Court on April 4th, 2013 at 5:00PM to answer the charge.

The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that on March 12^th, 2013 at 12:31 am, Seneca County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Joseph C Smith, age 33, of 91 State Route 318, Phelps NY 14532, on State Route 318 in the Town of Junius.  He was charged with Driving While Intoxicated with a BAC of .08% or more, DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the 2^nd Degree and Failure to keep right and was arraigned in the Town of Tyre Court, Justice Mills where he was committed to the Seneca County Correctional Facility in lieu of $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 secured bond. Smith is due to reappear in the Town of Junius Court on 03-21-13 at 7:00pm to answer the charges.

Seneca County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Jacob M. Dixon, 21, of 2551 Brewer Rd Waterloo,NY, on two counts of Menacing in the 2nd Degree, Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Attempted Assault in the 2nd degree. Deputies state that Dixon allegedly threatened two Town of Waterloo residents with  a chair during a domestic dispute in which a 1 year old child was present. While effecting the arrest Deputies report that Dixon allegedly attempted to head butt a Deputy. Dixon was arraigned in the Town of Waterloo Court and was remanded to the SCCF in leiu of $2,000 cash bail or $4,000 insured bond. Dixon is to reappear in Court on a later date.

03-07-2013 Seneca County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Nicole M. Thuering, 24, of 2124 Water Street, Ovid, NY, for Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Assault in the 3rd Degree. The arrest stems from a physical altercation with another female in the Town of Ovid while a child was present. Thuering is to appear before the Town of Ovid Court on March 19th, 2013 to answer the charges.

Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that on March 6th 2013 at 1:47 AM Sheriff Deputies arrested Daniel N Millen age 32 of 6762 Log City Rd Ovid NY for Felony Aggravated DWI with a BAC of 0.18% or greater, Felony DWI and Felony AUO 1^st Degree. Deputies received a report of a suspicious vehicle on Ridge Rd in the Town of Fayette. It was reported that a truck was stuck in a laneway and was spinning its tires trying to get out. When Deputies arrived on scene Millen was identified as the operator and during the investigation it was determined that Millen was under the influence of alcohol. When Millen was arrested it was discovered that he had a revoked driver’s license and had a prior DWI conviction within ten years. Millen was arraigned before the Town of Fayette Court and released. Millen is to answer for the charges on 04-03-13 at 7:00pm back in the Town of Fayette Court.

Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports, on March 6th, 2013 at 5:54 PM, Sheriff's Deputies arrested Jessica R. Foulkrod age 21, of 5 Heath Street apartment 2 Seneca Falls, New York for Criminal Possession of a Hypodermic Instrument, a class A misdemeanor. Foulkrod was in possession of a hypodermic needle after a drug complaint was called in to the City of Geneva Police Department. Sheriff's Deputies located Foulkrod in a vehicle pulling into a Town of Seneca Falls business. Foulkrod was arraigned at the Seneca Falls Town Court and ROR'd. Foulkrod is to reappear before the Town of Seneca Falls Court on March 27th, 2013 at 10:00 AM.

Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports, on March 5th, 2013 at 1910 hours, Sheriff's Deputies arrested Crystal M. Sachs age 30, of 1525 Burgess Road Waterloo on a Family Court Warrant issued out of Seneca County Family Court. Sachs was arraigned before the Town of Junius Court and remanded to the Seneca County Jail in lieu of $1,500.00 bail. Sachs is to reappear before Seneca County Family Court at a later date.

03-04-2013 Members of the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit arrested Nicole M. Ramirez-Mariano, 26, 25 Peterman Road, Apartment J3, Seneca Falls, New York, following an investigation into the sale of narcotic drugs in the Town of Seneca Falls. 

Ramirez-Mariano was charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B Felony, and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, Class B Felonies.  It is alleged that Ramirez-Mariano sold a quantity of morphine to another person and was in possession of sixty-seven (67) morphine pills when taken into custody by Sheriff’s Investigators.  Ramirez-Mariano did not have a prescription for the morphine.  

Ramirez-Mariano was arraigned in the Waterloo Village Court and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $1,500 cash bail/$3,000 secured bond.  Ramirez-Mariano is to reappear in the Seneca Falls Town Court on March 8, 2013 at 9:30am. 

The Sheriff’s Office Uniform Road Patrol assisted in the arrest.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Amber M Maddox age 18 of 10 Swift St Waterloo on an arrest warrant for Criminal Possession of Marihuana in the 5th degree, issued from the Village of Waterloo Court. Sheriff's narcotic investigators report that Maddox was found to be in possession of a quantity of marihuana while at a Village residence in October 2012. Maddox was arraigned in the Village of Waterloo Court and committed to jail in lieu of $2000 cash / $4000 bail bond and is to appear on the 20th of March at 9am to answer the charge.

Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports, on March 1st, 2013 at 2028 hours, Sheriff's Deputies responded to a chimney fire at 4723 East Lake Road in the Town of Varick. The home, owned by Christopher M. Smith age 32 of the same address suffered extensive fire damage but was contained to a small portion of the residence. Smith was at home at the time of the fire and escaped without injury. Firefighters from Varick, Border City, Waterloo, Ovid and Fayette responded and quickly extinguished the fire. New York State Police also assisted at the scene. The home is insured.  

02-28-2013 – A joint investigation focusing on the sale and distribution of heroin in Seneca County conducted by the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit and the New York State Police, Community Narcotics Enforcement Team resulted in the arrest of the following two persons:  

Mark S. Snyder, 52, of 11490 Route 31, Clyde, New York, was charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the third degree (Class B Felony) and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree (Class B Felonies).   

Amy L. Marro, 44, of 2841 Farron Road, Seneca Falls, New York, was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree (Class B Felony) and Criminally Possessing a Hypodermic Instrument (Class A Misdemeanor). 

It is alleged that Snyder and Marro were in possession of fifty (50) individually packaged baggies of heroin after the vehicle the pair were in was stopped by Investigators in the Town of Junius.  Investigators also recovered eleven hypodermic needles/syringes and a quantity of United States currency.  It is further alleged that Snyder sold a narcotic drug to another person in January of 2013 in the Town of Seneca Falls.   

Snyder was arraigned in the Lodi Town Court and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $20,000 cash bail/$40,000 secured bond.  Snyder is to reappear in the Lodi Town Court on March 6, 2013 at 11am.  Snyder is also wanted by the Irondequoit Police Department for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree. 

Marro was also arraigned in the Lodi Town Court and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $2,500 cash bail/$5,000 secured bond.  Marro is to reappear in the Lodi Town Court on March 21, 2013 at 7pm.   

The Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit was assisted at the scene by members of the New York State Police and the Sheriff’s Office Uniform Road Patrol.  Sheriff’s Narcotics Detector K-9 “Aken” assisted in the search of the vehicle.

The Seneca County Sheriffs Office reports Deputies responded to a one car personal injury motor vehicle accident on CR 131 in Ovid on Feb 22 2013 @ 0645. The vehicle being driven south bound by Thomas F. Cash age 61, of 5871 E Lake Way Romulus lost control and ended up flipping over in the ditch along the eastside of the roadway.  Driver Thomas complained of arm pain, and passenger Virginia M. Cash age 61, of the same address complained of chest pain; both were transported by South Seneca Ambulance to Geneva General Hospital.  The Ovid Fire Department assisted on Scene. 

On February 27, 2013 at 1038 hrs Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 51 year old Ronald P. Betts of 4694 Kearney Road Stanley. It is alleged that Betts was hunting Coyote on Yellow Tavern Road in the Town of Fayette on February 18^th 2013 and discharged a firearm from his vehicle while on the roadway. Through the investigation Sheriff’s Deputies also discovered that Betts had a prior felony conviction for DWI in 1986. Betts was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4^th, Possession of a loaded gun in a vehicle. He was also charged under the NYS Environmental Law for Taking Wildlife from a Vehicle, and Shooting from a Public Highway. Betts was issued appearance tickets to appear in Fayette Town Court to answer the charges on March 6^th 2013 at 7 pm. The Sheriff’s Office were assisted in the investigation by NYS  DEC Environmental Conservation Officers.

02-25-2013 -  Members of the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit and the Uniform Road Patrol Division arrested the following two females following a joint investigation. Arrested were the following: 

Brianna S. Long, 27, of 2133 Routes 5 & 20, Apartment 4D, Seneca Falls, New York, was charged with:

Driving while Ability Impaired by Drugs

Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a child less than sixteen years of age (“Leandra’s Law”)

Following Too Closely 

It is alleged that Long was operating a motor vehicle on East Main Street in the Village of Waterloo while under the influence of heroin.  At the time of the incident, Long had two children (ages 1 and 4) in the vehicle.  Due to the children being in the vehicle at the time of the traffic stop, the charge is elevated to a felony under “Lendra’s Law.”  Long was arraigned in the Waterloo Village Court and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $5,000 cash bail/$10,000 secured bond.  Long is to reappear in the Waterloo Village Court on February 28, 2013 at 11am.  The Waterloo Police Department assisted at the scene.  Sheriff’s Investigators are working on the investigation closely with Seneca County Child Protective Services.  

Jessica R. Foulkrod, 21, of 5 Heath Street, Apartment 2, Seneca Falls, New York, was charged with:

Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs

Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign·         Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree

Unlawful Possession of Marihuana 

It is alleged that Foulkrod was operating a motor vehicle on Pre-Emption Street in the Town of Waterloo while under the influence of heroin.  Foulkrod was alone in the vehicle at the time of the incident and failed to stop for a stop sign.  It is further alleged that Foulkrod possessed a small quantity of heroin and marihuana in the vehicle.  Foukrod was released on appearance tickets and is to appear in the Waterloo Town Court on March 28, 2013 at 5pm.

The Seneca County Sheriffs Office reports that on February 24th 2013 at 0147AM, Seneca County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Roger J Trapp, 20, of 112 Lake Ave Ithaca NY, on State Route 96A in the Town of Lodi. He was charged with Driving While Ability Impaired, Failure to Keep Right and Speeding. Trapp was released on appearance tickets and is to appear in the Town of Lodi on March 13th 2013 to answer the charges.

The Seneca County Sheriffs Office reports that on February 23, 2013 at 03:16AM, Seneca County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Zachary J Marro, age 21, of 2841 Farron Rd, Seneca Falls, NY, on State Route 96 in the Town of Waterloo. Marro was charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Driving with more that .08 or more and Speeding. Marro was released on appearance tickets and is to appear in the Town of Waterloo Court March 14th, 2013 to answer the charges.

Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Robert J Stevens age 40 of 1171 Leader Rd Fayette NY on February 22nd 2013 at 04:46AM on a Bench Warrant for Failure to pay fine. Stevens was arrested after being release from the Ontario County Jail. Stevens was arraigned before Town of Romulus and released on his own recognizance and will make arrangements, with the court to pay the fine.

The Seneca County Sheriffs Office reports Deputies arrested Brian E. Brown, age 22, of 351 Lake Arrowhead Road, North Myrtle Beach North Carolina on a bench warrant issued out of the Town of Seneca Falls Court.  The bench warrant stems from failing to pay fines dating back to December of 2011.  Brown was arraigned in the Town of Seneca Falls Court (Justice Mattoon) and remanded to the SCCF in lieu of $5000 cash bail $10000 secured bond.  Brown is to return to court March 6th to answer the charges.

The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports, Deputies arrested James A Crossno, age 42 of 21 Hoffman St Geneva NY on February 17 ^th 2013 at 2202 State Route 96 in the Town of Ovid for Falsely Reporting an Incident in the Third Degree a Class A Misdemeanor. The arrest stems from an Incident where it is alleged that Crossno allegedly reported to law enforcement officers an emergency incident that, in fact did not occur. Crossno was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear at the Town of Ovid Court on March 19th 2013 to answer the charges.

On February 5^th 2013 at 2:30 p.m.  Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Jason A. Mix age 37 of 3694 Railroad Avenue Interlaken for Aggravated Harassment 2^nd. It is alleged that Mix called a Town of Ovid resident and threaten bodily injury to the person. Mix was arraigned in the Town of Ovid and released to reappear on February 12, 2013 at 1000 hrs. A class “A” order of protection was issued for the Town of Ovid resident.

Seneca County Sheriff Jack S. Stenberg announced today the dates and times of upcoming Boater Safety Courses to be held at the Seneca County Law Enforcement Center. 

The courses will be held: March 2nd, March 23rd, April 13rd and June 29th 2013, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Seneca County Law Enforcement Center 6150 Route 96 Romulus N.Y. 14541.  This free course is for adults and children and provides students with Personal Watercraft (Jet Ski) certification for persons 14 years of age and older and motor boat certification for persons age 10 to 17.  At the successful completion of the course students will receive their certification immediately.  

Space is limited attendees must register in advance by calling Lt. John Cleere at 315-220-3443 or e-mail jcleere@co.seneca.ny.us   

Attendees are requested to a writing instrument and pack a lunch.

02-01-2013 Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Investigators arrested Matthew D. Delpapa, 31, of 1739 Blue Sky Road, Waterloo, New York, following an investigation into heroin and cocaine activity in Seneca County. It is alleged that Delpapa was operating a motor vehicle on Route 318 in the Town of Junius while under the influence of heroin.  Sheriff’s Narcotics Investigators executed a search warrant on the vehicle operated by Delpapa and discovered a quantity of heroin, crack cocaine, and hypodermic needles.            

Delpapa was charged with:            

*Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree – 2 counts (Class B Felonies)

*Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the fifth degree (Class D Felony)           

*Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs (Misdemeanor) 

Delpapa was arraigned in the Junius Town Court and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility I lieu of $5,000 cash bail/$10,000 secured bond.  Delpapa is to reappear in the Junius Town Court on February 6, 2013 at 7pm. 

The Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit was assisted by the Sheriff’s Uniform Road Patrol and the New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team.

On February 1^st 2013 at 1125 Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Michael P. Fox age 52 of 78  Parce Avenue Fairport. Fox was taken into Custody by Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputies following an accident investigation in Monroe County. He was transferred to Seneca County Deputies on a Seneca County Family Court Warrant for fail to appear. Fox was arraigned before Town of Romulus Justice Donald Greule and committed to the Seneca County Correctional Facility in lieu of $2000 cash or $4,000 bond. Fox will appear in Seneca County Family Court at a later date.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that on 02-01-13 at 0959 hrs Deputies arrested Garrett A. Smith, age 18 of 2146 West Seneca St. Ovid NY. Smith was charged with two counts of Petit Larceny. Smith is accused of taking two electronic items from a Town of Ovid resident on two separate occasions in late 2012. Smith was charged and released on an appearance ticket and is to appear 02-19-13 at 1000 hrs in front of the Town of Ovid court to face the charges.

On January 25, 2013 at 1156 a.m. Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that Sheriff’s Deputies investigated a three car personal injury auto accident at the intersection of State Route 96 and Leader Road in the Town of Fayette.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE(Romulus, NY)

Today, I returned from a week-long Conference in Albany where I joined with fifty-three other Sheriffs’ from across New York State.  One of the main topics of the conference was the recently enacted NY SAFE ACT recently signed by the Governor dealing with gun control issues.  I purposely withheld public comment on the new law knowing that we would be meeting this week to review the language of this complex law and now would like to make my comments available.  As Seneca County Sheriff, I join with my fellow Sheriffs’ of New York State to go on record supporting many of the provision of the SAFE Act, and believe that they will enhance public safety and help shield citizens from gun violence.  However, there are also parts of this new law that need clarification and some that we think should be reconsidered and modified to address the concerns of the law enforcement community and the public at large.             

I concur with my fellow Sheriffs’ the following six provisions of the new law are helpful and will increase the safety of our citizens. 

·         Restriction on FOIL requests about pistol permit holders.  By granting citizens the option of having their names and addresses withheld from public disclosure, the new law does provide a mechanism to allow people to decide for themselves whether their personal information should be accessible to the public.  We believe, however, that no one should have to explain why their personal information should remain confidential.  A better procedure, we believe, is simply to exempt all this personal information from FOIL disclosure.

·         Killing of emergency responders. The new law makes killing of an emergency first responders aggravated or first degree murder, enhancing penalties for this crime and requiring life without parole.  First responders need the protection, evidenced all too often by attacks on them when they attempt to provide help, and in special recognition of the terrible attacks on two firefighters in Webster, NY and attacks on first responders in Jefferson County.

·         Requirement of NICS checks for private sales (except between immediate family). We believe that this will ensure that responsible citizens will still be able to obtain legal firearms through private transactions, with the added assurance that private buyers are approved by the Federal National Instant Criminal Background Check System.  We remain concerned that this provision will be very difficult to enforce and will likely only affect law abiding citizens.

·         Comprehensive review of mental health records before firearms permits are granted and review of records to determine if revocation of permits is required. Sheriffs believe that there is an urgent need to increase funding for mental health care. The new law imposes reporting requirements on many mental health care professionals and others who make a determination that a person is a danger to himself or others. The law further gives needed authority to courts or others who issue firearms permits to deny permit applications or to revoke permits already issued. We believe that this issue demands a much more full and detailed discussion about how to keep guns out of the hands of such people.  The Sheriffs of New York want to pursue these issues with the Governor and State Legislature.

·         Safe storage of firearms.  The new law provides that guns must be safely stored if the owner lives with someone who has been convicted of a felony or domestic violence crime, has been involuntarily committed, or is currently under and order of protection.  We agree that firearms owners should have the responsibility to make sure that their weapons are safeguarded against use or access by prohibited persons, and the new law adds these protections to ensure that weapons are safely and securely stored.

·         Increased penalties for illegal use of weapons. The new law adds several increased sanctions for violation of New York gun laws and creates new gun crime which did not previously exist.  These new provisions will provide added tools for law enforcement to prosecute such crimes.  We further believe that the new provisions should help deter future misuse of firearms.  We also suggest the legislature consider limitations on plea bargaining for all gun crimes. 

As Seneca County Sheriff, I join with my colleagues to affirm that we understand our Constitutional obligations and concerns of our constituents.  Sheriffs’ and other law enforcement officers are not called upon by this new legislation to go door-to-door to confiscate any weapons newly classified as assault weapons, and will not do so.

Sheriffs’ represent all the people, and we take an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the Constitutions of the State of New York.  Sheriffs’ will continue to enforce all laws of the state and will protect the rights of all citizens, including those rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New York.

It is my view and that of my colleagues that anytime government decides it is necessary or desirable to test the boundaries of a constitutional right that it should only be done with caution and with great respect for those constitutional boundaries.  Further, it should only be done if the benefit to be gained is so great and certain that it far outweighs the damage done by the constriction of individual liberty.  While many of the provisions of the new law have surface appeal, it is far from certain that all, or even many, of them will have significant effect in reducing gun violence, which is the presumed goal of all of us.  Unfortunately, the process used in adoption of this act did not permit the mature development of the arguments on either side of the debate, and thus many of the stakeholders in this important issue are left feeling ignored by their government.  Even those thrilled with the passage of this legislation should be concerned about the process used to secure its passage, for the next time they may find themselves the victim of that same process.  In 2012, Senator Michael Nozzolio and Assemblyman Brian Kolb introduced bills in their respective chambers which would allow me as Sheriff to appoint Peace Officers who with the required training could be deployed to such tasks as Marine Patrol, Court Security and County Office Building Security, saving taxpayers thousands of dollars each year.  Both bills were debated in their respective chambers and committees for an entire legislative session and then sent to the Governor for his signature.  The Governor with the stroke of his pen vetoed these bills and several similar bills across the State.  The debate that went into both of the minor bills was given far more attention and debate than the recently hastily enacted NY SAFE ACT.  

As Sheriff’s we will work the Governor to address some of the problems that arose due to the enactment of this law, such as:

Assault weapon ban and definition of assault weapons.  We believe that the new definition is too broad, and prevents the possession of many weapons that are legitimately used for hunting, target shooting and self-defense.  Classifying firearms as assault weapons because of one arbitrary feature effectively deprives people the right to possess firearms which have never before been designated as assault weapons.  We, as Sheriff’s are convinced that only law abiding gun owners will be affected by these new provisions, while criminals will still have and use whatever weapons they want.  

Inspection of schools by State agencies.  The new law transfers to State agencies the responsibility to review school safety plans. We expect that funding will be transferred to these State agencies to implement safety proposals.  Sheriffs and local police provide this service in all parts of the State, including here in Seneca County, and can perform these duties efficiently.  As the chief law enforcement officer of the county, Sheriffs are in the best position to know the security needs of schools in their own counties, and the State should help to fund these existing efforts by Sheriffs and local police departments to keep our schools safe. Because Sheriffs and local police are already deeply involved with school safety plans, have developed emergency response plans and are familiar with structural layouts of schools in their counties, they should be included along with State counterparts in an effort to review school safety plans.

Reduction of ammunition capacity.  The new law enacts reductions in the maximum capacity of gun magazine.  As Sheriffs, we believe based on our years of law enforcement experience that this will not reduce gun violence.  The new law will unfairly limit the ability of law abiding citizens to purchase firearms in New York.  It bears repeating that it is our belief that the reduction of magazine capacity will not make New Yorkers or our communities safer.

Five year recertification of pistol permit status and registration of existing assault weapons.  The new law delegates the State Police the duty to solicit and receive updated personal information of permit holders every five years in order to maintain these permits.  Further, the law requires existing firearms now classified as assault weapons to register these with the State Police within one year.  The recertification and registration conflict with Sheriffs’ duties regarding issuance of pistol permits.  All records should be maintained at the local, and not the State level. This information should be accessible to those who are responsible for initial investigation of permit applications.  Pistol permit information should be maintained in one file at the local level, and forwarded, to a state-wide database for law enforcement use only.  It bears repeating that is our belief as Sheriffs’ that pistol permit and any registration information required by the law should be confidential and protected from FOIL.

Sale of ammunition.  The new law imposes several new provisions regarding how, and from whom, ammunition can be lawfully purchased.  The law should be clarified about the use of the internet as a vehicle for these sales, out-of-state sales to New York residents and other issues.  Businesses have said that they do not understand the new provision and are concerned that they will have to cease operations.

Law enforcement exemptions must be clarified.  The new law has many provisions that might apply to law enforcement officers and there has been much confusion about whether existing law enforcement exemptions continue to apply. We understand that Governor and Legislature have already agreed to review and modify these provisions where necessary, and the Sheriffs’ want to be a part of the discussion to make the changes effective.  Additionally, the exemptions should apply to retired police and peace officers and to others in the employ of the Sheriff and other police agencies who perform security at public facilities and events.

As Seneca County Sheriff, I urge the Governor and Legislature to revisit this hastily crafted law and set chairs at the table for all sides in hope that we can offer meaningful insight to make New York safer while respecting our Constitution.

01-23-2013 The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office has completed its investigation surrounding the death of an infant child in Romulus, New York. 

On Friday, 09/14/12 Seneca County E-911 received a report of a child not breathing in the Hamlet of Romulus.  South Seneca Ambulance, Romulus Fire Department Rescue and Seneca County Sheriff’s Deputies arrived and attempted to resuscitate one year old Dieter Tackett II, who was not breathing.   The infant was transported to Geneva General Hospital and later transported to the pediatric intensive care unit at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester where he died later that evening.  

The Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office has determined the cause of the infant's death was Lymphocytic Leptomeningitis, which is a form of viral meningitis.  

“There was not then, nor is there now, any evidence to suggest foul play.  Based on our investigation and that of the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office this was a tragic death of an infant and our hearts go out to the family and friends of Dieter Tackett II” said Sheriff Stenberg.   

The Sheriff had harsh words for at least one news organization “One news organization falsely reported a cause of death within hours which frankly is very troubling.  A family in the depths of grief had to not only deal with the loss of a loved one, but, had to endure the effects of irresponsible reporting which is very sad” said the Sheriff. 

Sheriff's Investigators worked with the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office and Seneca County Child Protection Services during the course of this investigation.   

On January 19, 2013, the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit arrested three individuals following an investigation into the sale of cocaine in the local community.

Arrested were the following: 

Tyler J. Parshall, 21, of 4490 Dilts Road, Romulus, New York, was charged with:

*Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree – 3 counts

               (Class B Felonies)

            *Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the third degree (Class B Felony)

            *Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the second degree (Class A Misdemeanor)

*Unlawfully Dealing with a Child in the first degree – 2 counts

              (Class A Misdemeanors) 

Matthew J. Tyler, 22, of 38 East Main Street, Waterloo, New York, was charged with:

            *Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree – 2 counts

                (Class B Felonies)           

           *Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the third degree (Class B Felony) 

Brianna S. Long, 27, of 4490 Dilts Road, Romulus, New York, was charged with:

            *Unlawfully Dealing with a Child in the first degree – 2 counts

                 (Class A Misdemeanors)            

It is alleged that Parshall and Tyler worked in concert to sell cocaine in the local community.  During the arrest, Investigators found Parshall and Tyler to be in possession of cocaine that was intended to be sold.  A quantity of United States currency was also seized.           

It is further alleged that Parshall possessed a quantity of cocaine, packaging materials used for selling cocaine, and a cutting agent inside his home where two young children reside. 

Parshall and Tyler were both arraigned in the Waterloo Village Court and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $10,000 cash bail/$20,000 secured bond.  Both are to reappear in the Waterloo Village Court on January 23, 2013 at 3pm. 

Long was released on an appearance ticket and is to appear in the Varick Town Court on February 6, 2013, at 7pm. 

The Narcotics Unit was assisted by members of the Sheriff’s Office Uniform Road Patrol and the Waterloo Police Department.

01-18-2013 Seneca County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Christine M. Kinsman, age 24, of 3028 Seneca Blvd., Waterloo,NY on a Family Court Warrant issued out of Seneca County Family Court. Kinsman was arraigned in the Village of Waterloo Court and committed to the Seneca County Jail in lieu of $2,500.00 bail. Kinsman is to appear before Seneca County Family Court at a later date.

01-18-2013 The Seneca County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a two car personal injury motor vehicle accident that occurred on State Route 414 at the entrance to State Thruway Exit 41. A Hyundai Elantra operated by Rebecca J Brosh, age 24, of 1428 Sheridan Drive, Buffalo,NY, was attempting to make a left turn towards the toll booths when she failed to yield the right of way to a Chevrolet Impala being operated by Sharon L Kier, age 45, of 18 Reese St., Clyde,NY.  Both drivers as well as a passenger in the Chevrolet Impala, Bruce J. Morley, age 51, of 18 Reese St., Clyde,NY were uninjured.  A passenger in the Hyundai Elantra, Susan M. Mardino, age 55, of 3706 Wabash Ave, Blasbell, NY suffered injuries and was transported to Geneva General Hospital via North Seneca Ambulance.  Brosh was issued a citation for failure to yield right of way.  The Hyundai Elantra suffered heavy damage and needed to be towed from the scene.  Also assisting at the scene was the Magee Fire Department. 

01-17-2013 Seneca County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Douglas K. Albro, age 43, of 55 W. Bayard St., Apt #4. Seneca Falls, NY, on a charge of Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree.  It is alleged that Albro violated a stay away order of protection by contacted a protected person on two occassions.  Albro was arraigned in the Town of Ovid Court and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility in lieu of $2500 cash or $5000 bond.  Albro is to return to court on February 02, 2013 to answer to the charge. 

Seneca County Sheriff's Investigators and the US Marshals Service received information with regards to a Level Three Sex Offender originally from Altoona, PA who was believed to be residing in Seneca County. 

Following an investigation, Sheriff's Investigators arrested Gregory A. Kuttruff, also known as Gregory A. Grove, age 35, of 4333 State Route 414, Seneca Falls, NY was arrested on 01-16-2013 at 11:23 am in the Town of Seneca Falls.  Kuttruff is also a wanted person from the State of Pennsylania for not living at his registered address there as a convicted Level Three Sex Offender.  Kuttruff was living under the name Gregory A. Grove in Pennsylvaina but used the name Gregory A, Kuttruff while living in Seneca County.  Kuttruff was charged with failing to report an address change in New York, a class E felony.  He was also charged as a fugitive from justice from Pennsylvania.  He was arraigned in Town of Lodi Court where and committed to the Seneca County Correctional Facility without bail.  The investigation is continuing.

The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office states that Investigators arrested four juveniles for the offenses of Burglary in the third degree a class D felony, Criminal Mischief in the third degree a class E felony and Petit Larceny a class A misdemeanor. It is alleged that the four juveniles, two 13 year olds and two 15 year olds, whose names are being with held due to their ages, left the campus of Hillside children’s center where they are being held and walked to a Town of Fayette business. While there the four youths took rocks from the roadside and threw them through the front window of the building. They then pushed out the broken glass and entered the building. While inside the four youths stole cartons and packs of cigarettes, cigars and lighters. After removing the stolen items from the building the youths went back to the campus of Hillside children’s center where they hid the stolen property for use at a later time. All involved have been arrested and are to report to Seneca County Probation to commence court action for the crimes.

The Seneca County Sheriffs Office reports that on January 13, 2013 at about 5:20PM, Seneca County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Ronald J. Caramella age 53 of 1001 Depa Lane Camillus NY, on State Route 414 in the Town of Lodi. He was charged with  Driving While Ability Impaired by alcohol, and Speeding. Caramella was issued appearance tickets and is to appear in the Town of Lodi Court on February 13, 2013 to answer the charges. 

On January 6, 2013 at 2:26 p.m. Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that Sheriff’s Deputies investigated a personal injury auto accident on State Route 414 in the Town of Fayette. A vehicle driven south on State Route 414 by 65 year old George T. Hunt of 4237  State Route 414 Seneca Falls was waiting in traffic stopped to turn left into his driveway when a vehicle driven by 27 year old Ashley A. Pasqua-Godkin came from behind and struck the stopped Hunt vehicle. The collision caused the Hunt vehicle to go off the east side of the road and come to rest in a snow bank. Hunt was treated at the scene by North Seneca Ambulance for a head injury. Hunt was then transported by North Seneca Ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital. Pasqua-Godkin was treated at the scene for a minor injury. Pasqua-Godkin was issued a traffic ticket for Speed not reasonable and prudent for special hazards. Pasqua-Godkin will have to appear in Fayette Town Court to answer the charge. Fayette Vol. Fire Department also responded to the scene to assist. 

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports on January 5, 2013 at 8:20pm Sheriff Deputies arrested Paul A Hennigan, age 31 of 2133 State Route 318 in the Town of Junius on the charges of Unlawful Imprisonment 2nd and Harassment 2nd.  The charges stem from a domestic incident that occurred on January 3, 2013 where it is alleged that Hennigan subjected a female victim to unwanted contact and restricted her movement.  Hennigan was arraigned at the Junius Town Court where he was committed to the Seneca County Correctional Facility in lieu of $2,000 cash, $4,000 secured bond.  Hennigan is scheduled to reappear on January 17, 2013.  

Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that on December 31^st 2012 Sheriff’s Investigators arrested Richard W. Heichel, age 44, of 17 Clinton Street Seneca Falls, NY  Heichel was charged with Grand Larceny in the fourth degree along with fourteen counts of Petit Larceny in the Town of Ovid. It is alleged that Heichel made multiple purchases of goods and services using debit cards linked to the South Seneca Community Volunteer Ambulance Corp. Inc.’s general/ primary bank account for his own personal benefit, resulting in the Petit Larceny charges. The Grand Larceny fourth degree charge stems from the alleged theft of money raised during a community fundraiser held by members of the South Seneca Community Volunteer Ambulance Corp. Inc. in October 2012. Heichel was released with appearance tickets and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Ovid Court on January 15^th 2013 at 10:00am to answer the charges.  

Heichel was also charged with one count of Petit Larceny in the Town of Seneca Falls. This charge is the result of an incident where it is alleged Heichel made a cash withdrawal of Ambulance Corp. funds for his personal gain at an ATM machine in the Town of Seneca Falls. He was also released with an appearance ticket on this charge and is expected to appear in the Town of Seneca Falls Court on January 17^th 2013 at 10:00am to answer this charge.

The arrest in this case follows an investigation which was requested by members of South Seneca Community Volunteer Ambulance Corp Inc. after questions were raised regarding possible unauthorized use of ambulance corp. funds. Heichel was the President of the Corporation during the time the incidents in question occurred. This case is still open and the investigation is continuing.

Seneca County Sheriff Jack Stenberg has issued a travel advisory for Seneca County. The roads in Seneca County ARE OPEN but Sheriff Stenberg asks that you restrict travel to only that which is necessary so State, County and Town Highway crews can continue their snow removal efforts.   

Sheriff Stenberg asks, that if you must go out to use caution as roads in Seneca County are snow covered and slippery but passable with caution. Remember to give yourself extra braking distance and travel at speeds that are appropriate for the condition of the road you are traveling.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that of December 22nd at 8:44pm, Deputies arrested 58 year old Barbara Wright of 130 Pool Street Rochester New York on one count of Petit Larceny. The charge, a class A misdemeanor was committed at a Town of Junius business where it is alleged that Wright stole items. Wright was arraigned in the Town of Junius and committed to the custody of the Sheriff in lieu of $1,000 cash $2,000 bond. Wright is to re-appear in the Town of Junius Court on the 17th of January 2013 at 7:00pm to answer the charge.

Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that on 12/20/2012 Deputies arrested William G. Powell, age 20 of 50 Border City Road for Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Harassment 2nd degree. Charges stem from an incident where Powell punched a 13 year old male in the stomach. Powell was issued appearance tickets and is to appear in the Town of Waterloo Court on January 24, 2013 to answer the charges.

Seneca County Sheriff Jack Stenberg announced that the Sheriff's Civil Division will officially move from its current location at the Seneca County Office Building to the Seneca County Law Enforcement Center, 6150 State Route 96, Romulus, New York and be open to transact business on Wednesday, January 2, 2013.  In November, voters approved a referendum allowing the Civil Division to move to the County Law Enforcement Center in Romulus, New York.

Sheriff Stenberg reported that after the close of business on Friday, December 28, 2012, civil division files, computers and records will be moved to the Law Enforcement Center and will be open to transact business with the public on Wednesday, January 2, 2013.  The Sheriff indicated that persons who have conducted financial transactions electronically will still be able to do so without interruption during this transition and afterwards.

Effective with the opening on January 2, 2013, the Sheriff's Civil Division telephone number (315)539-1706 will remain the same, however, the fax number has been changed to (315)539-1699.  In addition, users of the services of the Civil Division are encouraged to review mileage rate adjustments which will be in effect starting on January 2, 2013.  Those rates and other information about the Civil Division services and fees can be found on the Sheriff's website at:  http://sheriff.co.seneca.ny.us and clicking on the Divisions tab and Civil Division.

The Sheriff's Civil Division is authorized by law to act as the enforcement arm for all courts including Local, County, State and Federal jurisdictions.  The Civil Office serves and executes the numerous legal processes issued by non-criminal courts.  Among  the legal processes served for the general public and the Courts are notices, summonses, subpoenas and warrants of evictions.

12-17-2012, The Seneca County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Unit arrested two persons following a drug investigation in the Town of Seneca Falls.  Members of the Sheriff's Office Narcotics Unit and Uniform Road Patrol  executed a search warrant at 2 Fall Street, Apartment 13, in the Town of Seneca Falls.  Seized pursuant to the search warrant were phenobarbitol, morphine, marihuana, packaging commonly used in the sale of illicit drugs, scales, daggers, knives and a quantity of US currency.   

Arrested were the following:

Ryan M. Hampp, age 32, of 2 Fall Street, Apartment 13, Seneca Falls, New York, was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree, a Class C Felony, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree, a Class D Felony, Four Counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, Class D Felonies, Two Counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree, Class A Misdemeanors, and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana.  Hampp was arraigned in the Seneca Falls Town Court and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on no bail.  Hampp is to reappear in the Seneca Falls Town Court on December 21, 2012 at 4pm.

Kariann E. Zeger, age 24, of 2 Fall Street, Apartment 8, Seneca Falls, New York, was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marihuana.  Zeger was released on an appearance ticket and is to appear in the Seneca Falls Town Court on January 10, 2013 at 10am.

The Seneca Falls Police Department assisted in the execution of the search warrant. 

Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that on December 16, 2012 at 08:30pm Seneca County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Lewis C. Carvalho, age 51, of 2177 E. Seneca Street, Lodi, NY, on State Route 414 in the Town of Ovid. Carvalho was charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Driving with .08% of .1% or more, and Failure to Keep Right. Carvalho was released on appearance tickets, and is to appear in the Town of Ovid Court on 01/08/2013 to answer the charges.

On 12/11/2012, at 8:40 PM, Seneca County Sheriff's Office responded to a burglary alarm at a Town of Fayette business. Deputies discovered that a forced entry had been made along with beer and cigarettes being stolen. Two juvenile suspects were apprehended not far from the scene. The juveniles, both males, age 13 and 14 were subsequently charged as juvenile delinquents for:

Burglary in the third degree, Criminal Mischief in the third degree and Petit Larceny. Both juveniles were issued appearance tickets to appear at Seneca County Probation at a later date to answer the charges.

The New York State Police assisted at the scene.   

Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports, on December 13th, 2012 at 5:55 PM Sheriff's Deputies investigated a two car fatal motor vehicle accident at the intersection of State Route 96 and Brewer Road in the Town of Waterloo. Sheriff's Deputies report Jean V. White age 59, of 1357 Story Road Waterloo was operating a vehicle north bound on Brewer Road when she failed to yield the right of way at the intersection at State Route 96. White's vehicle attempted to cross State Route 96 and was struck by a eastbound pick up truck operated by Stephen G. Lansing age 70, of 1305 Grange Hall Road Phelps. Both vehicles came to rest in a ditch on State Route 96. White had to be extricated from the vehicle by Waterloo Fire Department and was airlifted by Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital where she was later pronounced dead. Lansing and passengers Samantha L. Merkley age 11 and Zack S. Merkley age 9 were checked out at the scene by North Seneca Ambulance personnel and released with minor injuries. Both vehicles sustained heavy damage and were towed from the scene. The Seneca County Sheriff's Accident Reconstruction Team responded to the scene and a portion of Route 96 was closed for a little over 2 hours. Along with Waterloo Fire Department, the Border City Fire Department assisted at the scene.

Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports, on December 7th, 2012 at 4:30 PM, Sheriff's Deputies responded to a two car personal injury motor vehicle accident at State Route 96A and West River Road in the Town of Fayette. Sheriff's Deputies report a vehicle being operated by Gabriel J. Canino, age 16 of 8295 Hoyt Road Weedsport, was traveling west on West River Road when he failed to yield the right of way at State Route 96A. Canino's vehicle entered the intersection and was struck by a northbound vehicle operated by Jeremy M. Slentz age 30, of 3158 Disinger Road Waterloo. Canino and a passenger, Steven T. Young, age 30, of 107 Washington Street Auburn had to be extricated from the vehicle by fire personnel. Canino and Young were flown out by Mercy Flight. Young was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester and Canino was taken to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse both with head injuries. Slentz was uninjured. Seneca County Sheriff's Accident Reconstruction responded to the scene. New York State Police, North Seneca Ambulance, Finger Lakes Ambulance, Border City Fire Department, Geneva Fire Department and New York State DOT assisted at the scene. A portion of State Route 96A was shut down during the reconstruction of the accident. Both vehicles sustained heavy damage and were towed from the scene.  Charges are still pending and the accident is still under investigation.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that on 12-6-12 at 728pm, Deputies arrested 23 year old Nicholas P. Clancy age 23 from 1505 East Genesee St. Syracuse N.Y. for Grand Larceny 4th, a Class E Felony. It is alleged that Clancy stole over $1,000 worth of merchandise from a Town of Junius business. Deputies observed Clancy walking out of the business with the stolen items and he was subsequently arrested. Clancy was arraigned in the Town of Junius Court and committed to the Seneca County Correctional Facility in lieu of $5,000 cash bail, $10,000 bond. A felony hearing was set for 12-11-12 at 7:30pm in the Town of Junius Court.

On December 2^nd 2012 at 7:39 hrs Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that Deputies investigated a personal injury auto accident on County Road 139 in the Town of Ovid. A vehicle being driven westbound on County Road 139 by 29 year old Natalie L. Covert of 2119 Chapman Street Ovid struck a westbound horse drawn buggy with 6 Amish occupants.  The buggy flipped over and the 6 occupants were ejected or partially ejected. Inside the buggy was the driver 39 year old Benjamin S. Esh, his wife 37 year old Fannie S. Esh, 1 year old Benjamin S. Esh, 3 year old Abner B. Esh, 16 year old Katie F. Esh and 7 year old Sierra F. Esh all of 8613 Tunison Road Interlaken. Ambulance crews from South Seneca, North Seneca, Trumansburg and Hector responded to the scene to assist. The driver of the buggy 39 year old Benjamin Esh and 16 yr old Katie Esh were transported by ambulance to Strong Memorial, where they were both treated and released. 3 year old Abner was also transported to Strong Memorial by Mercy Flight Central where he is still listed in guarded condition. Fannie Esh was treated at the scene by ambulance personnel. The other occupants of the buggy were transported to Cayuga Medical Center in Tompkins County for treatment of non-life threatening injuries and released to family. The Sheriff’s Office Accident Investigation Unit responded to the scene and County Road 139 was closed off for about 3 ½ hours during the reconstruction. Also assisting at the scene were the members of the Ovid Fire Department. Covert was issued a ticket for Fail to Reduce Speed Approaching a Horse and will have to answer the charge in Ovid Town Court.

Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports, on December 1st, 2012 at 9:48 PM, Sheriff's Deputies arrested Jeffrey A. Sussman age 30, of 1109 Cunningham Drive Victor, New York with Unlawful Possession of Marihuana after a traffic stop on State Route 414 in the Town of Tyre. Sussman was issued an appearance ticket and is to appear before the Town of Tyre Court on January 8th, 2013 at 5:00PM to answer the charge.

SHERIFF STENBERG EXTENDS THANK YOU TO SENECA COUNTY EMPLOYEES AND RESIDENTS FOR DONATIONS TO HURRICANE SANDY RELIEF EFFORT  

(Romulus, NY) Seneca County Sheriff Jack Stenberg would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to Seneca County employees and residents who were so generous in providing donations to the Statewide Sheriff’s Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.  The response by Seneca County employees and residents has been nothing short of remarkable in helping our neighbors impacted by Hurricane Sandy.  We collected over 400 pounds of blankets, batteries, diapers, cleaning supplies and other non-perishable items which along with items from Sheriff’s Offices’ across the State are on their way to the hardest hit areas in New York.  The outpouring of support from Seneca County demonstrates the true meaning of helping our neighbors.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports on November 25th at 10:00 pm Sheriff Deputies investigated a one car personal injury motor vehicle accident and the intersection of State Route 414 and Leader Rd in the Town of Fayette.  A Vehicle being operated by Stanley D Weiler, age 17 of 4218 St Rt 89 Seneca Falls, was southbound on Route 414 and attempted to make a left turn onto Leader Rd when the vehicle left the roadway striking a ditch.  Passengers in the vehicle included Delbert A Hoover age 17 of 3005 Noble Rd Seneca Falls, Alvin M Snyder age 17 of 8463 E Loop Rd Port Byron, Eli C Horst age 21 of 14154 Savannah Spring Lake Rd Savannah, and Delmar J Reiff age 17 of 1131 Sherwood Rd Aurora.  Reiff sustained a minor head injury and was transported to Geneva General Hospital by North Seneca Ambulance.  There were no other injuries reported.  The vehicle sustained heavy damage and needed to be towed from the scene.  Weiler was issued a citation for failure to reduce speed. Assisting at the scene was the Fayette Fire Dept.  

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that on 11/24/2012 at 3:24pm Sheriff's Deputies responded to a barn fire at 5907 Rt 414 Romulus. Upon Deputies arrival the barn was fully engulfed in flames. The homeowner - Jesse Stoltzfus age 26 reported burning some debris behind the barn, then later finding his barn on fire. He attempted to enter the burning building to rescue his 2 cows and a horse, but was repelled by the flames and the animals perished. Deputies report Stoltzfus suffered some burns to the hands but will seek treatment on his own. Fire Depts from Romulus, Varick, Fayette, Ovid, Lodi and Interlaken were on the scene along with Seneca County Emergency Management. The barn was a total loss but a nearby barn structure that contained numerous chickens was saved by firefighters. The dollar amount of loss is unknown at this time. The structure was insured by Amish Insurance. 

(Romulus, NY)                                                             FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

A joint investigation conducted by the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, Violent Crime Investigation Team, Seneca County District Attorney’s Office and the New York State Department of Financial Services, Insurance Frauds Bureau resulted in the arrest of Karl H. Karlsen, age 52, 885Yale Farm Road, Romulus, New York on the charge of Murder in the Second Degree.   

It is alleged that on November 20, 2008, Karl H. Karlsen intentionally caused the death of his son, Levi, age 23, at 885 Yale Farm Road, Romulus, New York. 

Seneca County Sheriff Jack Stenberg reported that on November 20, 2008, at 4:00 p.m., Seneca County Sheriff’s Deputies and South Seneca Ambulance personnel responded to a 911 ambulance call from Cindy Karlsen, the wife of Karl Karlsen reporting that her stepson was trapped underneath a vehicle he had been working on in an adjacent barn.   

Arriving Sheriff’s Deputies were met by a distraught Karl Karlsen who reported that Levi was working underneath a jacked vehicle when he and his wife left to attend a family event at around noon on November 20, 2008.  Karlsen reported that when they returned home at about 4:00 p.m., he went to the barn to check on Levi and found the vehicle had fallen off the jack and Levi was lying motionless pinned underneath the vehicle.  Levi Karlsen was transported to Geneva General Hospital by South Seneca Ambulance and pronounced dead on arrival. “There were no indications of foul play and from all signs this appeared to be a very tragic accident,” said Sheriff Stenberg.   

In March 2012, Sheriff’s Investigators developed new information that indicated Levi’s death may not have been accidental. According to Sheriff Stenberg, it was determined that a substantial life insurance policy was taken out on Levi days before his death naming Karl Karlsen as the sole beneficiary. Also, circumstances surrounding the accident surfaced suggesting that the actions of Karl Karlsen resulted in the truck falling and pinning Levi underneath. Karl then left the residence to attend a family event, returning four hours later. He then went into the barn, pretended to discover the accident, and told his wife, prompting a 911 call. “To think that a father could cause a vehicle to fall off a jack crushing his son and then leave for four hours knowing all the time that his son was pinned under the truck apparently dead is unconscionable.  Then, to put on an act for arriving first responders was part of a well-planned event staged by Karl Karlsen” Stenberg said. 

The Sheriff’s Office teamed up with New York State Police Violent Crime Investigation Team and initiated an eight-month investigation that resulted in the arrest Friday night of Karl Karlsen on a charge of Murder in the Second Degree.   

Additionally, Sheriff’s Investigators, State Police and Insurance Fraud Investigators are also looking into a 1991 fire in California which claimed the life of Karlsen’s first wife, Christena. 

“We will be talking with Investigators in California in the coming days as there are certain events surrounding the death of Karlsen’s first wife that cause us concern,” said the Sheriff.

Stenberg credited the excellent team work and cooperation of his Deputies, Troopers and Investigators working on the case.  “This has been difficult on all the investigators working this case and I am proud of the professionalism they displayed in being Levi’s voice,” said Sheriff Stenberg. 

11-18-12 Seneca County Sheriff's Deputies responded to 1185 Birdsey Rd., Waterloo, NY, for the report of a domestic dispute. Upon investigating the incident, Deputies arrested Michael S. Green, age 38, of the above address, and charged him with Harassment 2nd and Menacing 3rd. Green was arraigned at the Town of Junius Court where he was committed to the Seneca County Correctional Facility in lieu of bail. He is scheduled to reappear on 12/20/2012 at 7:00PM. A class "A" Order of Protection was issued on behalf of the victim.

11-16-12 Seneca County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Anthony J. Wickum, age 20, of 2295 West Tyre Road, Seneca Falls, NY, for Criminal Mischief 4^th. It is alleged that Wickum poured white house paint all over the paved driveway at a residence in the Town of Tyre and drove his truck on the lawn causing damage to the grass. Wickum was arraigned before Town of Junius Court and committed to the Seneca County Correctional Facility in lieu of $1,000 cash or $2,000 bond and will have to appear in Tyre Town Court on November 20^th 2012 at 5 pm.  

Seneca County Sheriff Jack Stenberg Participating in Statewide Donation Drive for Hurricane Sandy Victims Sheriffs Offices Collecting Donations at the Seneca County Law Enforcement Center, November 20-27, 2012 Romulus, NY (November 16,2012)  – Although it has been almost three weeks since Hurricane Sandy hit, the need for relief remains great. Many people still have no home, no heat, no food or basic necessities. As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, Seneca County Sheriff Jack S. Stenberg is holding a donation drive to collect most needed items for the people of New York City, Long Island, and the surrounding New York counties that were severely impacted by the storm.  

The donation drive is part of a statewide effort organized by the New York State Sheriffs’ Association in cooperation with the Salvation Army. Sheriffs’ offices around the state will collect donations of essential items during Thanksgiving week and the Sheriffs’ Association will coordinate delivery of the supplies to the Salvation Army for distribution to those in need. 

“This week, as we celebrate Thanksgiving and give thanks for all of our blessings, it is a great time for us to reach out to the people of our state who have been hit so hard by the devastation of Hurricane Sandy and share our blessings with them,” said Seneca County Sheriff Stenberg. Donations will be accepted at the Seneca County Law Enforcement Center, 6150 State Route 96, Romulus, New York between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., beginning on Tuesday, November 20 and ending on Tuesday, November 27. Sheriffs’ offices across the State are collecting the items listed below. For health reasons, donated items such as towels and blankets should be new. For logistical reasons, donations of used items, such as clothing and furniture, are not being collected at this time. 

New, Inexpensive Towels            

New, Inexpensive Blankets

Flashlights

Batteries

Toiletries

Non-Perishable Foods

Cleaning Supplies

Work Gloves

Garbage bags

Baby wipes/diapers

Cases of water 

The sheriff’s office does not have the ability to accept monetary donations. To donate directly to the Salvation Army, please mail a donation to: The Salvation Army, 117 Nelson Avenue, Peekskill, NY 10566. 

The New York State Sheriffs’ Association, Inc. (NYSSA) is a not-for-profit corporation, formed in 1934, for the purpose of assisting sheriffs in the efficient and effective delivery of sheriffs’ services to the public. It comprises all of the elected and appointed sheriffs of New York State. Visit www.nysheriffs.org.

On 11-11-12 at 5:50 PM Seneca County Sheriff's Deputies investigated a one car minor personal injury accident that occurred on State Route 96 in the Town of Romulus.  A vehicle driven by Jaclyn A Kvasnicka age 25 of 1233 Faichney DR Watertown was northbound when she struck a deer that had entered the road.  Kvasnicka suffered some minor abrasions on her arm from the air bag.  A passenger in the vehicle Adam J Good age 28 of 309 North Daniels St Springfield Illinois suffered a minor cut to his foot.  Both driver and passenger were treated at the scene by South Seneca Ambulance.  The vehicle sustained heavy damage and was towed from the scene. 

On November 8, 2012 at 0830 hrs Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Gary D. Vagg age 38 of 6771 County Road 129 Ovid, NY. Vagg was arrested after a Seneca County Family Court warrant of arrest was issued for not appearing for a support matter. Vagg was arraigned before Town of Lodi Justice VanCleef and committed to the Seneca County Correctional Facility in lieu of $100 cash or $500 bond. Vagg will appear in Seneca County Family Court on November 13^th2012.

Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that Sheriff's Investigators arrested Kalenna E. Partin age 29 of 5040 State Route 414 Romulus, NY 14541. Partin was arrested on a warrant issued out of the Village of Waterloo Court charging her with three counts of Offering a false instrument for filing in the 1st degree and one count of Welfare fraud 3rd degree. The charges stem from an investigation following multiple incidents where it is alleged that Partin provided false information to Seneca County Division of Human Services in order to receive food stamp benefits which she was not entitled to. Partin was released on her own recognizance and is scheduled to reappear in the Waterloo Village Court on December 5th 2012 at 9:00 a.m. to answer the charges.  

The Seneca County Sheriff Office reports on November 5, 2012 at 9:30 pm Sheriff Deputies arrested Arthur W Hennigan, age 37 of 1149 Waterloo Geneva Rd for Harassment 2nd degree, Unlawful Imprisonment 2nd degree and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana.  The arrest stems from a Domestic Incident where it is alleged that Hennigan subjected a female victim to unwanted physical contact and did also restrain said female.  Hennigan was arraigned at the Fayette Town Court where he was released on his own recognizance.  He is scheduled to reappear at the Waterloo Town Court on November 8, 2012.  An order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim. 

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports on October 31, 2012 at 6:15 pm Sheriff Deputies responded to a one car personal injury motor vehicle accident on State Route 89 in the Town of Fayette.  A 2002 Mitsubishi, being operated by Lisa A Dyson, age 50, of 394 Bostwick Rd, Waterloo was northbound on Rt 89 when it went off the roadway on the east side, striking a guard rail and then coming to rest in a small creek.  Two passengers in the vehicle, Sara G Incarnato, age 33 and Zachary T Incarnato, age 3, both of 61 West Bayard St Seneca Falls.  Lisa Dyson and Sara Incarnato were both flown to Upstate Medical Hospital via Mercy Flight.  Zachary Incarnato was transported to Upstate Medical Hospital by North Seneca Ambulance. The vehicle was towed from the scene.  The accident is still under investigation by Sheriff's deputies.

As domestic violence awareness month comes to a close in October, Seneca County Sheriff Jack Stenberg wants to remind victims of domestic violence about the SAVIN-NY program.  The Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification system is a free service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to crime victims who have been granted a Family Court Order of Protection in New York State. 

“The alert system’s main function is to protect domestic violence victims when they are at high risk – in the hours and days immediately after an order of protection is issued. During that time those who have been handed the orders often become irate and may confront their accusers, a situation that can be dangerous if not deadly,” said Sheriff Stenberg.  This system provides domestic violence victims who register with SAVIN-NY the choice to be notified by e-mail, text, iPhone/iPad app, telephone, fax or query, when a law enforcement reports the Order of Protection as being served” said Sheriff Stenberg.  

The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office was one of twenty-three Sheriff’s Office’s Statewide to initially implement the SAVIN-NY program.  “We are proud to have been one of twenty three Sheriff’s Office in the State to test this system and look forward to someday this important service being expanded to include all Orders of Protection” continued the Sheriff. 

“As soon as one of our deputies serves a Family Court Order of Protection that service is immediately entered into the SAVIN-NY database which in turn alerts the victims, provided they have registered with the SAVIN-NY program” said Stenberg. 

Anyone interested in registering for the SAVIN-NY program can do so by visiting the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office website at http://sheriff.co.seneca.ny.us and clicking on the SAVIN-NY logo on the main screen.  Users will be taken directly to the NY-Alert registration page where you will need a valid e-mail address to register and will also need the name of the Family Court that issued the order, the Docket Number and the Order of Protection Number, all of which can be found at the top of the Order of Protection.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that on 10-31-12 at 0653 hrs deputies responded to a two car personal injury accident in the Town of Lodi. Kathleen A. Bellinger 53, of 474 Penna Ave. Waverly NY was traveling north on RT 414 when she made a left hand turn and collided with a vehicle traveling south on RT414 operated by William H. Barnett III 43, of 3383 RT 89 Seneca Falls NY. Both drivers were transported to local hospitals where they were treated and released for minor injuries. Both vehicles were towed from the scene with heavy damage. Bellinger was ticketed for failing to yield the right of way while making a turn. Lodi Fire Dept., Hector and South Seneca Ambulance assisted at the scene.  

On Election Day the voters of Seneca County will have the opportunity to vote on Proposal Number One, County Proposition Number One relating to my request to move the Civil Office from the Village of Waterloo to the law Enforcement Center in Romulus. It is as  follows:  “Shall the Civil Office of the Seneca County Sheriff’s be permanently removed from its present location at the Seneca County Office Building, 1 DiPronio Drive, in the Village of Waterloo, New York, to the Seneca County Law Enforcement Center located in the Town of Romulus at 6150 Route 96, Romulus, New York?”

The Civil Office is authorized by law to act as the enforcement arm for all courts including Local, County, State and Federal jurisdictions. The Civil Office serves and executes the numerous legal processes issued by non-criminal courts. Among the legal processes served for the general public and the courts are notices, summonses, subpoenas and warrants of eviction. The Seneca County Civil Office handles in excess of $400,000 each year.

Today the majority of transactions performed in the Civil Office are completed by telephone, mail or electronically. Payments to the Civil Office can be made electronically without appearing at the office. Because of these reasons and the fact that our Fiscal Manager works in the LEC and should have daily oversight of the Civil Office and the monies handled thru the office, I have requested that the Civil Office be moved to the Law Enforcement Center in Romulus. An office is present at the LEC for the public to deal directly with the Civil Office personnel while in the main lobby.

To the Seneca County voters, I am asking that next Tuesday when you go to the polls you vote YES on Proposal Number One, County Proposition Number One and help me continue to make your Sheriff’s Office more streamline and efficient by moving the Civil Office to our law enforcement location.

Sheriff Jack Stenberg

10-28-12 Seneca County Sheriff's Deputies stopped a vehicle on N. Walnut St. in the Village of Waterloo. While deputies were approaching the vehicle, a passenger, Jordan P. Yells, age 21, of 408 West Main St, Waterloo, NY exited the vehicle and fled on foot and led the deputies on a brief foot chase down Main St. Deputies located Yells behind a residence where he was detained pending an investigation into the incident. A Seneca County Sheriff's Narcotics Detector Canine searched the vehicle and located a quantity of marihuana.  The driver of the vehicle, Robert D. Stevens, age 20, of 38 Center St. was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. Deputies also searched the area where Yells was located and discovered a second quantity of marihuana. Yells was also charged with Unlawful Possesion of Marihuana. Both Yells and Stevens are scheduled to appear at the Village of Waterloo Court on 11/28/2012 at 9:00AM. Deputies were assisted at the scene by the Waterloo Police Department and the Seneca Falls Police Department.

10-25-12 Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit Investigators arrested Brian E. Swinehart, 32, of 10 Swift Street, Apartment D, Waterloo, New York, following a joint investigation with the Waterloo Police Department into suspected alleged drug activity at his residence. 

Members of the Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, Uniform Road Patrol and Criminal Investigation Division along with members of the Waterloo Police Department executed a search warrant at 10 Swift Street, Apartment D, in the Village of Waterloo.  A quantity of Marihuana, US currency, drug paraphernalia and two weapons were seized from the residence during the search warrant execution.  Swinehart was charged with two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, Class D Felonies and one count of Criminal Possession of Marihuana in the Fifth Degree.           

Swinehart was arraigned in the Waterloo Village Court and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on no bail.  Swinehart is to reappear in the Waterloo Village Court on October 31, 2012 at 11:30am.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports, on 10/22/2012 at 2:30PM Deputies responded to a Car vs. Bicycle motor vehicle accident on W. River Rd. in the Town of Fayette. A vehicle being operated by Mary M. Sindoni, age 43 of 2815 Miller Rd. Lot D, Waterloo, NY was Westbound when she attempted to avoid a bicycle being operated by Michael F. Elliot, age 59 of 720 Kennedy Rd., Romulus, NY. Elliot was also Westbound when he entered in to the path of Sindoni’s vehicle after being chased by a dog. Sindoni's vehicle struck the Southside ditch and spun causing her rear bumper to strike Elliot's bicycle. Sindoni was transported to Geneva General Hospital with rib pain by North Seneca Ambulance. A passenger in her vehicle, Angelina S. Sindoni, age 18, of the same address, was also transported to Geneva General Hospital with a complaint of head pain. The bicyclist, Elliot, was treated and released at the scene for multiple abrasions. The vehicle Sindoni was towed from the scene. The Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by the Waterloo Fire Department.

Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that on 10-19-12 at 2:27 pm Sheriff's Deputies responded to a car pedestrian accident at 2202 State Route 96 (Fastrac) in the Village of Ovid NY. Jane D. Stephany age 76 of 5432 E. Lake RD Romulus NY was pulling into a parking space at the Fastrac when her foot slipped off of the brake and onto the accelerator causing the car to drive over the curb and struck Margaret E. Thomas age 40 of 7134 Main ST. Ovid, NY pinning Thomas against a Red Box DVD rental machine. Thomas sustained injury to her left knee and was transported to Geneva General Hospital by South Seneca Ambulance. The Red Box Machine was destroyed from the impact. Ovid Fire and Rescue assisted at the scene.

On October 13, 2012 at 1133 am. Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Joseph N. Seguin age 21 of 112 Central Avenue Keuka Park, NY. Yates County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Seguin on a Seneca County Family Court issued bench warrant and turned him over to Seneca County Deputies. Seguin was arraigned before Town of Fayette Justice Sapio and committed to the Seneca County Correctional Facility in lieu of $1,500 cash or $3,000 bond. Seguin will appear in Seneca County Family Court at a later date.

On October 12, 2012 at 3 p.m. Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Sean C. Joyner age 39 182 Glascow Street Clyde. Joyner was arrested on a Bench Warrant for fail to appear in Seneca Falls Town Court. Joyner was arraigned before Town of Seneca Falls Justice Mahoney and sentenced to the Seneca County Correctional Facility in lieu of $1100 cash or 45 days.

On 10/10/2012 at approximately 05:52 pm Sheriff Deputies arrested Thomas G. Henry, 40, of 9329 Main St, Taberg, NY, for Aggravated DWI BAC greater than .18, and failure to use designated lane. The charges stem from a one vehicle property damage accident on ST RT 96 in the Town of Covert in which Henry's vehicle left the roadway and struck a ditch. Deputies found Henry to be behind the wheel and in an intoxicated state and placed him in custody. Henry was arraigned in the Town of Covert Court and ROR'd. Henry is scheduled to reappear on 11/05/2012 to answer the charge. 

On October 10, 2012 at 1130 Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that Sheriff’s Deputies arrested George G. Stetson Jr age 29 of 246 East Main Street Apt #3 Palmyra NY. Stetson was arrested on a Seneca County Family Court issued bench warrant for fail to appear. Stetson was arraigned before Town of Seneca Falls Justice Mahoney and committed to the Seneca County Correctional Facility in lieu of $1,500 bail or $3,000 bond. Stetson will have to appear in Seneca County Family Court at a later date.

On October 6^th 2012 Seneca County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Daniel M. Dixon,40, and Jacob M. Dixon, 20, both of 2551 Brewer Rd, Waterloo for Criminal Contempt 1st and Assault 3rd. Charges stem from a physical fight between the two while a Class B order of protection was in place on both of them. Both Daniel and Jacob suffered physical injuries and were transported to GGH for treatment. After treatment and release they were both arraigned in the Town of Waterloo Court, Jacob Dixon was remanded to the Seneca County Jail on $2000 bail, $4000 bond. Daniel Dixon was also remanded to the Seneca County Jail on $2500 bail, $5,000 bond. They are both to reappear in the Town of Waterloo Court on October 11^th 2012 at 04:30pm. 

10-04-12 – Members of the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division arrested three subjects following an investigation into the sale of heroin in Seneca County.  A search warrant executed in the Town of Waterloo by members of the Sheriff’s Narcotics and Road Patrol Divisions and the New York State Police, Community Narcotics Team uncovered a quantity of heroin, marihuana and other drug related paraphernalia.   

The following subjects were charged as follows: 

Pablo L. Soto Burgos, 38, 11 Lakeview Terrace, Rochester, New York was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree; Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree, and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana.  It is alleged that Soto Burgos possessed a quantity of heroin, packaged in a manner with intent to sell and other drug related paraphernalia commonly used in the sale of controlled substances and did possess a quantity of marihuana. Soto Burgos is currently on felony probation for other drug related charges in Monroe County. Soto Burgos was arraigned in Waterloo Town Court and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility without bail and is scheduled to reappear in Waterloo Town Court on 10-10-12. 

Julio R. Garcia, 30, 14 Gates Avenue, Geneva, New York was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marihuana found in his possession during the execution of the search warrant.  Investigators also discovered Garcia was wanted by the Geneva Police Department on a warrant charging Robbery in the Third Degree.  Garcia was released to Geneva Police Department and is to appear in Waterloo Town Court on 10-25-12. 

Luis N. Diaz, 32, 17 Pultney Street, Geneva, New York was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marihuana found in his possession during the execution of the search warrant.  Diaz was released on a appearance ticket to appear in Waterloo Town Court on 10-25-12.  

10-01-12 – Members of the Sheriff’s Narcotics Division arrested Patricia A. Bruno, 52, 2022 Balsey Road, Apartment 125, Seneca Falls, New York following an investigation into the sale of prescription medications. Bruno was charged with two counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree, class D Felonies.  It is alleged that Bruno sold a quantity of Lorazepam, a Schedule IV controlled substance on two different occasions in the Town of Seneca Falls. Bruno was arraigned in Junius Town Court and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $250 cash or $500 bond bail.  Bruno was scheduled to reappear in Junius Town Court on 10-4-12.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that Sheriff's Investigators arrested Erin Gagnon age 22 of Waterloo.  Gagnon was charged with Grand Larceny in the fourth degree (class E felony) following an investigation into the theft of money from a business located in the Town of Junius where Gagnon was employed.  It is alleged that Gagnon stole approximately 1,140.00 from the business.  Gagnon was released on an appearance and is scheduled to appear in front of the Town of Junius Court on 10/30/12 to answer the charge.   

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that on 9-29-12 at 10:22pm, Deputies arrested 52 year old Glenn A. Bixby of 2309 South Street Ovid N.Y. 14521 for one count of DWI, one count of Operating a Motor Vehicle with  .08% or more BAC and one count of Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign. The arrest stems from a traffic stop on State Route 96 in the Town of Ovid where Bixby was observed failing to stop at a stop sign in the north bound lane of the Ovid four corners. Bixby was released on tickets and is to appear in the Town of Ovid Court on the 23rd of October 2012 at 10:00am to answer the charges.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports, Deputies responded to the Horseheads Police Department and placed Rebecca L. Rice, age 29, of 4750 ST HY 89, Romulus, NY in to custody. Rice was being held at the Horseheads Police Department on an outstanding warrant issued out of the Town of Seneca Falls Court for Violation of Probation. Rice was originally charged with Petit Larceny and failed to adhere to the stipulations of Probation. Rice was arraigned at the Town of Seneca Falls Court and committed to the custody of the Sheriff in lieu of no bail. She is scheduled to reappear on October 24th, 2012 at 10:00AM for a Probation Hearing.

On 09/23/2012 at 12:27 pm Seneca County Sheriff's Deputies responded to the intersection of State Route 89, Wiley and Armitage Roads for the report of a personal injury motor vehicle accident. The accident occurred when Dennis E. Colegrove age 56 of 536 Olmstead Rd. Savannah, NY who had been stopped at the intersection on State Route 89 facing Armitage Road, began to proceed westbound through the intersection to drive onto Armitage Road. At the same time Steven Nicklus age 32 of 13493 Mixer Rd. Red Creek NY was traveling southbound on Wiley Road approaching the intersection in his vehicle. Nicklus then swerved and drove off the road into a ditch on the southwest side of the intersection. A passenger in Nicklus's vehicle, Michelle Nicklus age 25 of the same address was transported from the scene to Newark Wayne Community Hospital for treatment of chest pain. No other injuries were reported. Colegrove was issued a traffic ticket for failing to yield the right of way at the intersection returnable to the Town of Tyre Court on October 24th 2012 at 7:00 pm. Sheriff's Deputies were assisted at the scene by Savannah Fire Department and Wayne County EMS

On 09/23/12, at about 2:33 PM, Seneca County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a residential structure fire   located at 1621 Pre-Emption Rd., in the Town of Junius. When deputies arrived on scene Junius Fire Department was battling flames on the east side of the structure caused by the electrical service on the outside of the home.  Fire Departments from Serven FD, Waterloo FD, Magee FD, Fayette FD, Oaks Corners FD, Fire fighters maintained the fire, saving the structure of the home until NYSEG arrived on scene and shut down the electric going to the residence. An estimated damage to the home was between $10,000 and $15,000. After an investigation it was determined that a water pipe was leaking into an old fuse box located in the basement. The American Red Cross responded to the scene and assisted the home owner, Joseph Foss and his sister Marlene Colarocco with housing for the night. Sheriff Deputies were assisted at the scene by the New York State Police and North Seneca Ambulance and Seneca County Code Enforcement.

On 09-20-12 Sheriff's investigators arrested Michael J Cornish AGE:24 of 5488 State Route 96 Romulus NY 14541 for Rape in the 3rd degree.

 It is alleged that during the month of June 2012. Cornish had intimate sexual contact with a female Seneca County resident. it was found that the Resident was fifteen years old at the time of the encounter. Cornish was arrested and arraigned before Town of Romulus Justice Gruele for the Offense of Rape in the third degree subsection 2 of the Penal Law. Cornish was released on his own recognicence. A order of protection barring Cornish from any contact with the Seneca County resident was issued, and Cornish is to reappear on 09-28-12 at 10:30 hrs for further court action.

09-20-12 The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division arrested four subjects following an investigation into marihuana sales in the Town of Romulus.  Sheriff’s Investigators received information from a concerned parent that a Town of Romulus resident was selling marihuana to minors and they immediately initiated an investigation.  Following the investigation, a search warrant was executed by members of the Narcotics Division, Criminal Investigations Division, and Uniformed Road Patrol and a quantity of marihuana and United States currency were seized.  Investigators uncovered an unlawfully possessed pistol and a defaced rifle during the execution of the search warrant.  The investigation also revealed the presence of five children ranging in age from age one to nine years old reside in the home at the time marihuana was being sold. 

The following people were charged as a result of the investigation: 

Robert J. Taylor, 38, of 1547 Main Street, Willard, New York, on charges of Criminal Sale of Marihuana in the fourth degree, Unlawful Possession of Marihuana, and five counts of Unlawfully Dealing with a Child in the first degree.  Taylor was arraigned in the Romulus Town Court and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $500 cash bail/$1,000 secured bond.  Taylor is to reappear in the Romulus Town Court on September 28, 2012 at 10am. 

Jacob J.R. Taylor, 16, of 1547 Main Street, Willard, New York, on charges of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the fourth degree and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana.  Taylor was arraigned in the Romulus Town Court and released on his own recognizance.  Taylor is to reappear in the Romulus Town Court on September 28, 2012 at 10am. 

Heather M. Coyle, 29, of 1547 Main Street, Willard, New York, on charges of five counts of Unlawfully Dealing with a Child in the first degree.  Coyle was released on an appearance ticket and is to appear in the Romulus Town Court on September 28, 2012 at 10am.   

Samantha C. Taylor, 20, of 1547 Main Street, Willard, New York, on a single charge of Unlawfully Dealing with a Child in the first degree.  Taylor was released on an appearance ticket and is to appear in the Romulus Town Court on September 28, 2012 at 10am. 

Sheriff’s Investigators were assisted by the Seneca County Child Protective Services. 

The Sheriff’s investigation is continuing. 

“This is a clear case of someone seeing something that didn’t look right and reported those suspicions to law enforcement. In this case, we have one or more adults selling marihuana to school kids and the fact that a person took the time to make us aware of it enabled us to conduct an investigation, execute a search warrant and make arrests.  If it weren’t bad enough that adults were selling pot to school kids, the most troubling part of this case is the fact that a 16 year old child possessed a pistol and a defaced rifle and the parents knew it and did nothing about it.”, said Sheriff Stenberg.        

Seneca County Sheriff Jack Stenberg has imposed limited boating restrictions on the north end of Seneca Lake this weekend for the Hydro Bowl Hydro Plane Races. 

"Pleasure boating traffic will be restriced from an area north east of the Ramada Inn in Geneva easterly to past the judges stand on the Seneca Lake walkway.  We have set up an exclusionary zone which is approximately 100 yards around the race course to ensure everyone's safety", said Sheriff Stenberg. Sheriff's Navigation units will be lining the exclusionary zone throughout the weekend and boaters are asked to heed any directions given them by Marine law enforcement.  "There will be plenty of great viewing locations on the water for boaters to see the races and these limited restrictions on boat traffic will contribute to a safe weekend for not only the race participants, but, the boating public as well", continued Sheriff Stenberg.  The restrictions will be in place Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 AM thru 6:00 PM.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Navigation units are being supported by Marine Units from the Yates, Ontario, Cayuga County Sheriff's Office and New York State Park Police.

September 29, 2012
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office in cooperation with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled another National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day which will take place on Saturday, September 29, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity for those who missed the previous events, or who have subsequently accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs, to safely dispose of those medications.

There will be two collection sites: 44 West William Street, Waterloo, N.Y., 13165 at the Sheriff's Office substation and at the Law Enforcement Center 6150 Route 96, Romulus, N.Y. 14541. Deputies will be on hand to collect these unwanted drugs with no questions asked and no paperwork to fill out.

Sheriff Jack Stenberg states that he was pleased at the response from Seneca County citizens at previous "Drug Take Back" events and urges all Seneca County citizens to participate in the effort against prescription drug abuse. Unwanted prescriptions drugs, when improperly disposed of can make their way in the hands of our youth or contaminate our enviroment. A home with unwanted prescription drugs can also become a target for thieves.

Anyone with questions can call the Seneca County Sheriff's Office at 315-220-3240. 

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that on September 15, 2012 at 7:00PM Sheriff Deputies arrested Fox Hamilton, age 16, of 4887 State Route 96A Romulus, NY for Falsely Reporting an Incident in the 2nd Degree.  The arrest stems from an incident that occured on September 8, 2012 where it is alleged that Hamilton initiated a false report of a fire while at a business in the town of Varick, knowing no fire existed.  Hamilton was issued an appearance ticket and is to appear in the Town of Varick court on October 10, 2012 at 7:00PM.

212

A joint investigation conducted by the Seneca County Sheriff’s and District Attorney’s Office resulted in the arrest of the following persons:

Virginia L McWhorter, 54, 4438 County Road #121, Romulus New York 14541

Charge:  Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree.

Abraham Shamah, 43, 4301 Ridge Road, Fayette, New York

Charge: Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree and Petit Larceny

Jeffrey S. Ball, Jr., 22, 4301 Ridge Road, Fayette, New York

Charge: Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree and Petit Larceny

It is alleged that McWhorter, Shamah and Ball went to a private residence in the Town of Varick to check on the well being of two horses. While there, it is further alleged, McWhorter, Shamah and Bell, threatened and intimidated the horse owners into signing over custody of the horses in order to avoid prosecution and fines. 

Shamah and Ball then took custody of the horses along with Tack and failed to return the Tack to the owners.

All there have been issued appearance tickets and Shamah and Ball are to appear on 09-28-12 at 1930 hrs to the Town of Varick Court to answer the charges. McWhorter is to appear on 10-05-12 at 1930 hrs to answer the charges against her in the Varick Town court.

The horses in question are being held at a farm in Ontario County pending court action.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that on Sept 8th 2012 at 1:57 am, Deputies arrested 34 year old Shane M. Spicer of 4365 West Seneca Rd lot 11, Trumansburg NY. on one count of DWI and one count of Aggravated DWI. The arrest stems from a traffic stop on State Route 96A in the Town of Lodi. Spicer was also issued tickets for Speeding and Failure to Keep Right. Spicer was arraigned in the Town of Lodi Court and committed to the SCCF in lieu of $500 cash bail. Spicer is to return to the Town of Lodi court on the 20th of September to answer the charges.

On 09/03/2012 at approximately 8:45 PM Seneca County Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched to a personal injury motor vehicle accident at the intersection of State Route 96A and Boodys Hill Rd.  Sara A Ellington, age 24, of North Ave. Newark, NY was crossing over SR 96A from Boodys Hill Rd. heading East when she failed to yield the right of way to a south bound vehicle being operated by Gerald A Bond, age 68, of 3904 Willowdale Lane Geneva, NY.  North Seneca Ambulance, South Seneca Ambulance and Border City Fire Department assisted on scene.  Ellington was flown by Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital with injuries to her face and multiple broken bones.  Bond was checked over by South Seneca Ambulance and released to be taken to Geneva General Hospital by personal vehicle.  Ellington was charged with Driving While Intoxicated and Failed to Yield Right of Way at a Stop Sign.  She is to appear in the Town of Fayette court on October 17th, 2012 at 7:00PM.

On September 1st 2012 at 03:40 am. Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports Deputies arrested Brian T. Rogers age 29 of 134 State St. Seneca Falls NY for DWI and Harassment in the second degree.  The charges stem from a physical domestic incident where Rogers showed up at a Town of Waterloo residence intoxicated and got into an argument with a female there.  It is alleged that Rogers pushed her up against a garage door and then down on the ground.  Deputies allege that Rogers drove to the scene in an intoxicated state.  He was arraigned in the Town of Waterloo Court and remanded to the Seneca County Jail in Lieu of $500 cash or $1000 bond bail.  A full stay away order of protection was also issued for Rogers to stay away from the victim.   A return court date has been set for October 2, 2012 for Rogers to answer to the charges.    

Seneca County Sheriff's Office Investigators arrested Gerard Burtes, age 45 of 672 Packwood Road lot #1 Waterloo, NY for Failing to notify an address change, a class E felony.  Burtes, who is a level three sex offender, had moved to Waterloo from the Bronx, NY without notifying police of the address change within 10 days.  On August 30th 2012 at 11:44 am Burtes was arrested by Sheriff's Investigators at his residence.  Burtes was arraigned in the Town of Seneca Falls Court where he was committed to the Seneca County Correctional Facility in lieu of $5,000.00 cash or $10,000.00 bail bond.  Burtes is due back in Town of Seneca Falls Court on September 4th at 10:30 am for a hearing.  Sheriff's Investigators were assisted by members of the New York Police BCI.

Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports Deputies arrested Eric W. Jones, age 42, of 98 N. Applegate Rd. Enfield NY on August 28th for Failure to Pay Fines. Jones owed $1466.00 to the Town of Ovid Court for a previous conviction of Obstruction of Breathing and Harassment in the 2nd degree. Jones was arraigned in the Town of Romulus Court and committed to the Seneca County Jail in lieu of the fines owed. Jones is scheduled to reappear in court on September 4th at 10:00a.m.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that on August 27th 2012 at 10:32am, Deputies arrested 16 year old Joshua T. Bajdas, of 4887 State Route 96A, Romulus N.Y. for Falsely reporting an incident in the second degree, a class E Felony. The arrest stems from Bajdas pulling a fire alarm in a Town of Varick residential facility. Bajdas was released on an appearance ticket and is to appear in the Town of Varick Court on the 12th of September at 7pm to answer the charge.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that on August 25th 2012 at 3:40 AM Deputies arrested Kyle P. Collins, age 23, of 8262 CR 129 Interlaken.  The arrest stems from a PIMVA were Collins went off the roadway and struck several trees in the area of Sampson State park.  Upon investigation it was found that Collins was intoxicated and he was subsequently arrested for DWI.  Collins was transported to Geneva General Hospital for a check over and released.  Collins is to appear in Romulus Town Court on 9/28/12 at 10am. 

On August 20th 2012 at 1:30AM Seneca County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Laurie A. Gushlaw, age 23, of 714 Deal Road in Romulus, NY for Unlawfully Dealing with a Child in the First Degree. Gushlaw was charged after Deputies investigated a report of an underage drinking party. Gushlaw was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Varick Town Court on October 3rd at 7:00 p.m.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that on 8-21-12 at 10:43am, Deputies arrested 39 year old Shara K. Brown of 2781 St. Rt. 88, Newark N.Y. on a Warrant issued out of the Town of Junius Court for Probation Violation. Brown was arraigned in the Town of Junius Court and committed to the SCCF in lieu of $2,000 cash and $4,000 bond. Brown is to re-appear in the Town of Junius Court on September 20th at 7pm. The Wayne County Sheriff's Office assisted in the arrest.

Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that on 08-20-12 4:16 pm Sheriff's Deputies responded to 2877 Route 96 Waterloo, NY for a report of a domestic dispute. Upon arrival Deputies arrested Michael J. Greco age 20 of the same address. Greco was charged with 4th degree Criminal Mischief, Criminal contempt 2nd. It is alleged that Greco took a bottle of perfume and smashed it on the floor causing the perfume to shatter, while a class B- order of protection was in effect from the Town Of Canandaigua. The victim was a 19 yr old female from the city of Rochester. Greco was arraigned in the Village of Waterloo Court where he was committed to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $1,500.00 cash or $3,000.00 bond. Greco is to appear in the Town of Fayette Court on 09-05-12 at 7:00 pm to answer to the charges

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that Deputies arrested Haleigh M. Wright, 17, of 2588 S. Townline Rd. Geneva NY and Venasia D. Jones, 19, of 10 Goodman Ave. Geneva NY on 8/15/12 at 0400 hrs. Deputies responded to 3709 S. Parker Rd in the Town of Fayette for the report of loud individuals. When Deputies arrival they spoke to Wright who admitted to providing alcohol to the 5 other people at the residence that were drinking. Deputies arrested Wright for Unlawfully Dealing with a Child in the 1st degree, Criminal Nuisance in the 2nd degree, Unlawful Possession of alcohol under 21 and resisting arrest.  Jones was arrested for Obstructing a Governmental Agency in the 2nd degree, Unlawful possession of alcohol under the age of 21 and Disorderly Conduct. Deputies said that while effecting the arrest of Wright, Jones was yelling obscenities in the street at Deputies and Jones attempted to interfere with the arrest of Wright. Both Wright and Jones were taken to the Fayette Town Court where they were arraigned. Wright and Jones were committed to the Seneca County Correctional Facility in lieu of $750 cash bail or $1500 insured bond. Both are to re appear on 9/5/12 at 7pm. to answer the charges.

On 08-14-2012 Members of the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division arrested Annilace P. Wills, age 30 and Rick T. Currier, age 38, no current address and believed to be homeless, were arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the second degree (Class A-II Felony) and Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine in the third degree (Class D Felony) following an investigation into the possession and manufacture of methamphetamine in the Town of Seneca Falls. 

Information was received that a homeowner suspected that two recent guests, may had left behind methamphetamine and components to manufacture methamphetamine after they were asked to vacate a home on Porter Street following a dispute on Sunday, August 13, 2012. 

Wills and Currier reportedly came to New York from the State of Louisiana on about July 29, 2012 and had been living in the Town of Seneca Falls since their arrival.  It is believed Wills and Currier had been living on the streets in Seneca Falls since Sunday. 

On Monday, August 14, 2012, the homeowner became suspicious after observing various drug related items discarded in a trash container and contacted the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office. Seneca County Sheriff’s Narcotics Division Investigators and Seneca Falls Police responded to the Porter Street residence where they located various components and precursors to manufacture methamphetamine.  The New York State Police Contaminated Crime Scene Emergency Response Team (CCSERT) responded to the scene and arranged for the proper disposal of the drug making components. 

Sheriff’s deputies located Wills and Currier at the Seneca County Department of Social Services where they were applying for emergency housing assistance.  Both were taken into custody without incident.  Further investigation revealed that the two had recently “cooked” methamphetamine in a wooded area in the northwest area in the Town of Seneca Falls.  This location was located and determined to be safe by the Seneca Falls Police Department. 

“This is a clear example of a person who saw something that peaked their suspicion and contacted law enforcement to investigate.  This is the sixth methamphetamine lab or disposal site we have been involved with this year in Seneca County.  Components to commonly manufacture methamphetamine are readily available over the counter and separately pose no threat; however, when put together during the meth cooking process, these components become highly volatile.  Often the remnants of the cooking process are discarded in trash containers or disposed of along the highway” said Sullivan.  “Anyone who observes discarded plastic soda bottles, tubing, cold packs, lithium batteries, drain cleaner, pseudoephedrine blister packs, aluminum foil, sodium hydroxide or ammonium nitrate are urged to contact law enforcement to investigate.  Often the contents of these plastic soda bottles used in methamphetamine manufacture are still in a state of chemical reaction and pose an explosion hazard if not properly handled and disposed of” continued Undersheriff Sullivan. 

Sullivan credited the work of not only Sheriff’s Investigators but also Seneca Falls Police and the New York State Police CCSERT who were on the scene throughout the day on Monday.   

Wills and Currier were arraigned in Seneca Falls Town Court and committed to the Seneca County Correctional Facility in lieu of $50,000 cash bail/$100,000 secured bond. Both are to reappear in the Seneca Falls Town Court on 08-17-12 at 3pm         

08-13-2012 Seneca County Sheriff Jack S. Stenberg announced today that Robert Lahr, a nineteen year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office has been appointed to serve as Chief Deputy, replacing James D. Spike who retired earlier this year.   

In making the announcement, Sheriff Stenberg said “Rob has been a faithful and dedicated member of the Sheriff’s Office serving the citizens of Seneca County for almost two decades.  He has not only the respect of the fine men and women of this Office, but from law enforcement agencies we work with on a daily basis.  He comes to the Chief Deputy position following a fifteen year assignment in the Criminal Investigations Division.  During that time his responsibilities included responding to all types of crime scenes and conducting felony level investigations.  Lahr serves as a member of the Accident Reconstruction Team is an advanced computer voice stress analysis examiner.  He has attended numerous law enforcement classes and seminars throughout his career. 

Lahr will be responsible for exercising command and administrative oversight along with the Sheriff and Undersheriff Sullivan of the law enforcement division. “We have brought about a great deal of change for the positive to the Sheriff’s Office since taking office and there are many more programs we would like to institute and Chief Deputy Lahr will take a lead role in those changes” said Stenberg. 

Lahr will be required to take and pass a civil service examination and score in the top three to qualify for the position on a permanent basis.  The examination is scheduled for October 21, 2012.

The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division arrested two subjects following an investigation into crack cocaine sales in the Town of Seneca Falls.           

On August 10, 2012, Sheriff’s Investigators arrested and charged:  

Stanley E. Smith, 22, of 9505 Old Route 31, Clyde, New York, with two counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, Class B Felonies, two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, Class B Felonies, Unlawfully Dealing with a Child in the First Degree, Class A Misdemeanors, and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana, a violation.  It is alleged that Smith sold crack cocaine on two separate occasions in the Town of Seneca Falls.  It is further alleged that Smith sold the crack cocaine in the presence of two children and possessed marihuana at the time of his arrest.  Smith was arraigned in the Ovid Town Court and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $15,000 cash bail/$30,000 secured bond.  Smith is to reappear in the Lodi Town Court on August 16, 2012 at 9:30am. 

Natalie R. Osorio, 26, of 8659 Bishop Road, Lyons, New York, was also charged with two counts of Unlawfully Dealing with a Child in the first degree, Class A Misdemeanors, and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana, a violation.  It is alleged that Osorio possessed marihuana in the vehicle at the time of the traffic stop while there were two children present.  Osorio was released on an appearance ticket and is to appear in the Seneca Falls Town Court on September 6, 2012 at 10am  

Members of the Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division and Uniform Road Patrol were assisted by the Seneca Falls Police Department.

Update:

 On Aug 10^th 2012 at approximately 5:00 PM Simba I. Modeste died, at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, from the injuries sustained in the MVA that occurred on the same date at 12:19 AM. The Sheriff’s Office investigation has determined that Modeste had drifted across the center line and into the path of Lounsberry’s vehicle causing the collision. Sheriff’s Deputies reports they are awaiting toxicology results.   

Original Press release:

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that on 8-10-12 at 0019 hours, Sheriff's Deputies are investigating a two car head-on PIMVA that occurred on Rt 96 in the Town of Romulus. Deputies state that Robert L Lounsberry age 20 of 1768 McHenry Valley Rd, Almond NY was southbound on Rt 96, when a northbound vehicle, a 2000 Chevy Malibu ,driven by Simba I Modeste age 19 of 3735 South Parker Rd Seneca Falls NY, crossed over the center line of the highway and struck Lounsberry's 1993 Toyota pickup head on. Lounsberry was treated at the scene by South Seneca Ambulance and transported to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse where he is being treated for facial injuries, and rib fractures. Modeste was also treated at the scene by South Seneca Ambulance and transported to Geneva General Hospital then transferred to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester where he is currently being treated for head trauma and internal injuries. Deputies report that both vehicles were heavily damaged and were towed from the scene. Deputies were assisted at the scene by Ovid Fire Dept, and the New York State Park Police. Deputies report that the investigation is on-going and charges against Modeste are pending. 

Seneca County Sheriff Deputies responded to a motorcycle accident that occurred on Dublin Rd in the Town of Junius on 08-12-12 at about 6 pm. It is reported that a motorcycle which was operated by Curtis J Thorn age 40 of 3126 Arcadia Zurich Norris Rd Lyons NY was traveling east on Dublin Rd in the area of Justice Olp Rd. When Thorn crested the hill at that location he observed a vehicle operated by Jason M Messina age 35 of 49 E 9^th ST Oswego NY conducting a U turn at the base of the hill. Thorn attempted to brake to avoid hitting Messina’s vehicle causing him to lose control of the bike. Thorn slid several feet along the road and came to a rest in the grass along side of the road. Thorn was air lifted to Strong Memorial Hospital for injuries to his chest, arms and head. Messina was issued a ticket for improper U turn at a grade. Assisting at the scene was Junius Fire Department, North Seneca Ambulance and Mercy Flight.

Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that On August 12, 2012 at 2:16 pm  Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Melissa A. Norris age 29 of 3 West Main Street apt#9 Macedon, NY for Petit Larceny from a Town of Junius business. Norris was issued an appearance ticket to appear in Junius Town Court on September 13^th 2012 at 7 p.m.

Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that On August 12, 2012 at 2:16 pm  Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Jessica L. Hawkins age 22 of 769 State Route 31 Macedon, NY for Petit Larceny from a Town of Junius business. Hawkins was issued an appearance ticket to appear in Junius Town Court on September 13^th 2012 at 7 p.m.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that Deputies arrested Samuel B. Santiago, 29, of 649 Jay St. Rochester NY on 8/10/12 at 0741 am on St Rt 414 in the Town of Fayette. Deputies responded to a suspicious person complaint on St. Rt. 414 and found Santiago walking in the area. Further investigation revealed that Santiago was on Parole and was in violation of the conditions set forth by Parole. A NYS Parole Officer responded to the scene and issued an arrest warrant for Santiago. Santiago was taken to the Seneca County Jail where he is detained pending a Parole Hearing.

On August 5th 2012 at 2:38 pm Seneca County Sheriffs Office reports that Sheriff's Deputies arrested Deann R. Hennigan age 42 of 4587 State Route 31 Port Gibson. Hennigan was arrested on a Waterloo Village Court issued bench warrant for fail to pay fine. Hennigan was arraigned before Waterloo Village Court and posted her $100 bail.

Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that on August 4th 2012 at 2 pm Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Pamela  S. Merilahti  age 51 of 9142 Keady Road Lodi on a Lodi Town Court issued bench warrant for fail to pay fine. Merilahti was arraigned before Town of Romulus Justice Greule and committed to the Seneca County Correctional Facility in lieu of $285.00, the amount of her fine. Merilahti will have to appear in Lodi Town Court at a later date.

Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that on August 4th 2012 at 9:40 am.Sheriff’s Deputies arrested James L. Clark age 37 of 224 Fall Street Seneca Falls. Clark was arrested after the Town of Ovid Court issued a bench warrant for fail to pay fine. Clark was arraigned before Town of Ovid Justice VanCleef and released to reappear in Ovid Town Court on August 8^th 2012 at 1000 hrs.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that on 08-05-12 at 0105 hrs Deputies arrested Brandon A. Aragon 16, of 4887 Rt. 96A Romulus NY on a charge of Falsely Reporting an incident in the Second degree. The charge stems from an incident at a business in the Town of Varick where it is alleged that Aragon intentionally activated a fire alarm knowing there was no fire. The Varick Fire department responded and assisted at the scene. Aragon was released on an appearance ticket and is to appear before the Town of Varick court 08-29-12 at 07:00 pm to answer the charge.

Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that on August 3rd 2012 at approximately 5:19pm Deputies responded to a property damage MVA on Kings Corners Rd. Town of Varick. While investigating the accident it was determined that Thomas Hageman, age 54, of 6740 Rt. 96 Romulus, was traveling Southbound when he attempted to avoid a vehicle being operated by James Deal, age 59 of 4750 Kings Corners Rd Romulus. Deal had pulled out of his driveway and began to travel Northbound. Hageman lost control of his vehicle due to a brake issue and struck the front end of Deal's vehicle with the left rear of his truck. It was also determined that Hageman was intoxicated and was charged with Felony DWI, Felony Aggravated DWI and Improper Brakes. Hageman was transported to the Town of Romulus Court for arraignment where he was committed to the custody of the Sheriff in lieu of $500. He is scheduled to reappear on August 10th 2012 at 11:00am for a Felony Hearing. Both vehicles sustained extensive damage and were towed from the scene.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that on August 1, 2012 at approximately 07:50 pm Sheriff Deputies arrested Tanya M. Sakowsky, age 31 of 8120 County Road 141 Interlaken for Driving While Intoxicated, Driving with BAC .08% or greater and Consumption of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle.  The arrest stems from a traffic stop that occurred on State Route 96A in the Town of Ovid.  Sakowsky was released on traffic tickets and is scheduled to appear at the Ovid Town Court on August 14, 2012 to answer the charges. 

Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports on July 31st 2012 at 07:12 a.m. Sheriff's Deputies responded to the area of 3967 County Road 143 in the Town of Covert for the report of a personal injury motor vehicle accident. Once on scene Sheriff's Deputies determined that a vehicle, being operated by Jessie L. Anderson, age 24 of 126 Bank St. Newfield, NY.  was traveling eastbound on County Road 143 and attempted to avoid a deer in the roadway. Anderson's vehicle left the north side of the highway at which time it overturned into a cornfield. Anderson was transported by Trumansburg Ambulance to Cayuga Medical Center for treatment of back and leg pain. The Sheriff's Office was assisted on scene by Trumansburg Fire Department and Ambulance. 

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that on 07-31-12 at 0155 hrs Deputies arrested Joseph J. Knapp 36, of 2147 West Seneca St. Ovid NY on a charge of Unlawfully Dealing with a Child in the First degree. The charge stems from a disorderly conduct investigation in the Town of Ovid on 07-31-12 at 0056 hrs where a minor was found to be intoxicated. Deputies later found a large amount of alcohol at Knapp's residence where it is alleged that he gave to and allowed the minor to consume which led to the minor's intoxication. Knapp was released on an appearance ticket and is to appear before the Town of Ovid court August 14th 2012 to answer charges.

Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that Deputies arrested Tina L. Smith, 43, of 292 Seymore St Auburn NY on an arrest warrant for Issuing a bad check. The arrest stems from an incident on 9/1/11 where Smith issued a check to a Town of Waterloo business without sufficient funds to cover the check. Smith was taken into custody by Auburn Police Department and turned over to the Seneca Co. Sheriff's Office. Smith was arraigned in Fayette Town Court in front of Justice Sapio. Smith was ROR'd and is to appear in the Town of Waterloo Court on 8/2/12 at 5pm to further answer the charges.

Seneca County Sheriff Deputies investigated a one vehicle rollover on Nine Foot Rd, in the Town of Junius. Shortly after 9pm on 07-25-2012, a vehicle operated by Amber M. Maddox (17) of 572 Harbor Lane, Waterloo was southbound on Nine Foot Rd when her vehicle left the east side of the roadway, striking a large tree and rolled over. Inside the vehicle was Sean L. Bounds (23) of 1340 St Rt 336, Waterloo, Michael J. Greco (20) of 2877 St Rt 96, Waterloo, and Joseph M. Jarlenski (18) of 1925 Townline Rd, Geneva. All occupants suffered minor injuries and were transported to Strong Memorial Hospital and Geneva General Hospital for treatment. The cause of the crash is believed to have been the result of unsafe speed for the road condition. Junius Fire Department responded along with North Seneca, Finger Lakes, and Phelps Ambulances. Maddox was cited for unsafe speed and driving to the left on a hillcrest/curve.

On July 26th, 2012, at about 3:25pm, the Seneca County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Division arrested Brenda L. Maslyn, 52, of 1021 Waterloo/Geneva Road, Lot 21, Waterloo, New York, for two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree and one count of Unlawful Possession of Marihuana.  It is alleged that Maslyn was in possession of quantities of oxycodone, codeine, and marihuana when Sheriff's Investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in the Town of Waterloo on June 5, 2012.  Maslyn was released on an appearance ticket and is to appear in the Waterloo Town Court on August 23rd, 2012 at 5pm.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that on 7-24-12 at 11:19 PM Deputies arrested Tiffany L. Manino, age 26 of 5854 State Route 96 appt. 237D, Romulus N.Y. for Criminal Contempt 2nd, a class A misdemeanor. The charge stems from Manino violating an order of protection issued out of the Seneca County Family Court prohibiting her from possessing alcoholic beverages. It is alleged Manino did posses alcohol in her home on the night of July 23rd 2012. Manino was released on an appearance ticket and is to appear in the Town of Romulus Court on August 3rd 2012 at 10:00am to answer the charge.

While Sheriff’s Deputies were interviewing the occupants, they detected the odor of marijuana.  A search of the vehicle was conducted and numerous items related to production of methamphetamine were located. 

Further investigation indicated the occupants were allegedly enroute to a remote location to “cook and manufacture” methamphetamine.  

The following individuals were all charged with Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine, a Class D Felony: 

Joshua D. Norcott, 24, of 5 North Gorham Street, Waterloo, New York, was arraigned in the Waterloo Town Court and was released on his own recognizance.  Norcott was to reappear in the Fayette Town Court on July 18^th, 2012. 

Jonathan D. Molina, 24, of 120 East Main Street, Apartment 3, Waterloo, New York, was arraigned in the Fayette Town Court and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $5,000 cash bail/$10,000 secured bond.  Molina is to reappear in the Fayette Town Court on July 20, 2012 at 1:30pm 

Nhoy S. Khounpachamsy, 26, of 75 Virginia Street, Apartment 6, Waterloo, was arraigned in the Junius Town Court and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $5,000 cash bail/$10,000 secured bond.  Khounpachamsy is to reappear in the Junius Town Court on July 24, 2012 at 7:30pm.

On July 20, 2012, the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division arrested Christine L. Cirre, 29, of 2022 Balsey Road, Apartment 200, Seneca Falls, New York, on drug charges following an investigation. 

Cirre was charged with one count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B Felony, and one count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor.  It is alleged that Cirre possessed nine individually packaged bags of heroin and a small amount of crack cocaine when stopped by Sheriff’s Investigators and Uniform Road Patrol members.  It is also alleged that Cirre intended to sell a quantity some of the heroin.   

Cirre was arraigned in the Waterloo Village Court and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $5,000 cash bail/$10,000 secured bond.  Cirre is to reappear in the Waterloo Village Court on July 24, 2012 at 1pm.

Seneca County Sheriff's Office Investigators report that on 07-21-12 Quentin J Gonnella Age21 was arrested for two counts of Grand larceny 4th, Petit Larceny, Burglary 2nd and Criminal Mischief 3rd. It is alleged that from July 13th 2012 until July 21st 2012 Gonnella was unlawfully residing in a seasonal home in the Town of Romulus. While there he had used credit and debit cards to purchase items on line and for access to paid internet sites on the home owner’s computer. Gonnella was also using the personal items in the house as his own. It was found that he had broken a window in order to gain access to the home. It is alleged that Gonnella was using this home as if it was his as he is currently homeless and allegedly from the Kentucky and Auburn areas. Upon discovering Gonnella in the home he fled the scene and was apprehended a short time later after a foot chase. Gonnella was arraigned before Justice VanCleef and was committed to jail in lieu of $5,000.00 cash or $10,000.00 secure bail bond. He is to reappear on 07-25-12 @ 1030 hrs to answer the charges.  The New York State Park Police assisted in the apprehension of Gonnella.

 The Seneca County Sheriffs Office reports, Sheriff Deputies arrested David G. Brownell age 49 currently of 6150 Rt 96 (Seneca County Correctional Facility) Romulus, NY on the charge of grand larceny in the 3rd degree.  Charges stem from Brownell allegedly charging over $22,000 worth of merchandise illegally on credit cards of a victim from the Town of Waterloo.  Brownell was arraigned before the Town of Waterloo Court; ROR'd and is to return on 08/09/12 at 5pm to answer to the charges.  Brownell is currently remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on separate pending charges with out bail  

Tucker, age16, of 4887 St Rt 96A Romulus NY on charges of Harassment 2nd degree and Intimidating a Victim or Witness in the 3rd degree on 7/17/12at about 10:56 PM .It is alleged that Tucker slapped another Town of Varick resident. Deputies state that while investigating the Harassment 2nd allegation against Tucker, Tucker threatened the victim with physical harm if charges were pressed. Tucker was taken into custody and arraigned in the Town of Lodi Court in front of Justice VanCleef. Tucker was ROR'ed and is to appear in the Town of Varick Court on 7/25/12 at 7pm to answer the charges. A class B order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim.

Seneca County Sheriff's Investigators arrested James P. Long Sr., age 53 of 1809 Coddington Rd Brooktondale, NY on a charge of Assault 2nd, a Class D Felony.  The charge stems from an incident in which Long stabbed a Town of Covert resident with a knife during an altercation at a residence in the Town of Covert back on June 22nd 2012.  The victim was treated and released at Cayuga Medical Center back on the original date. Long was arrested at his residence on July 13th 2012 at 1:11 PM and then arraigned in the Town of Lodi Court where he was committed to the Seneca County Correctional Facility in lieu of $2000.00 cash or $4000.00 bail bond.  Long is to return to Lodi Court on July 19th 2012 at 10:00 am to answer the charge

Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that Sheriff's Deputies arrested Tina R. Brooks, age 39, of 1157 Waterloo Geneva RD, apt# A, for Falsifying Business Records 1st and Petit Larceny. It is alleged that while Brooks was working at a Town of Tyre business she did three fictitious returns using false customer names and then signed the false name to the receipt keeping the cash. Brooks was processed and released with an appearance ticket to appear in the Town Of Tyre Court on July 31st 2012 at 5:00 pm to answer to the charges.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that Deputies arrested Joseph L. Osterhout, age 20, of 3031 Owasco Dr. Waterloo N.Y. on 7/11/12 at 12:37 am. Deputies report the arrest stems from a traffic stop on Rte 96 in the Town of Waterloo where Osterhout failed to signal his turn. During the traffic stop Deputies found that Osterhout was in possession of marijuana and Cocaine. Osterhout was charges with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th and Failure to Signal Turn. Osterhout was arraigned in the Town of Waterloo Court and was remanded to the SCCF in lieu of $250 cash or $500 bond. Osterhout will return to Waterloo Town Court on 8/9/12 at 5pm.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that on 07/09/12 Deputies investigated a personal injury motor vehicle accident on Burgess Rd. in the Town of Waterloo at 1:00 PM.

Annette Y. Carter 61 of 1772 Burgess Rd. Waterloo was stopped awaiting traffic to make a left hand turn when her vehicle was struck from behind. The second vehicle operated by Paul Jackson 87, of 2 South Walnut St. Waterloo struck her vehicle causing moderate damage to both vehicles. Carter was treated at the scene by North Seneca Ambulance. Jackson was uninjured Waterloo fire also assisted at the scene. Jackson was ticketed for following to close.

The Seneca County Sheriff reports that Deputies arrested Craig G. Cavanaugh 29, of 5322 Rt. 89 Romulus NY on charges of Menacing 2nd degree, Harassment 2nd degree and three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child

The charges stem from a domestic incident between Cavanaugh and a Town of Varick resident where Cavanaugh is accused of striking the Varick resident in the face and then threatening a Town of Seneca Falls resident with a baseball bat. The alleged incident took place in front of three children all under seventeen years of age resulting in the Endangering charges. Cavanaugh was arraigned before the Fayette Town Court where he was sentenced to the SCCF on $1500 cash or $3000 secured bond. Cavanaugh is to appear before the Varick court 08-01-12 for further court action. An order of protection was issued.   

Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports at 4:20 PM on July 7^th 2012 Deputies arrested Robert L Lord, age 17, and Kaitlyn M Fredette, age 16, both of 4887 State Route 96A Romulus NY.

 Lord was charged with Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation, Menacing in the 3^rd degree and Harassment in the 2^nd degree.

Fredette was charged with Menacing in the 3^rd degree and Harassment in the 2^nd degree.

On July 5th 2012 at 7:02 a.m. Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that Sheriff’s Deputies investigated a report of smoke in the basement of a residence located at 4121 Canoga Shores in the Town of Fayette. Upon the arrival of Sheriff’s Deputies the fire was contained to one room and extinguished quickly by Firefighters from Canoga and Fayette Fire Department. One room in the residence received minor damage and there was smoke damage throughout the entire residence. The homeowners John Riley age 81 & Anne Riley age 80 were home at the time of the fire. The cause of the fire was determined to be a malfunctioning dehumidifier. There were no injuries reported. The residence was insured.

On July 3rd, 2012, the Seneca County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Division arrested Travis M. Vorhis, 22, formerly of 12 1/2 South Virginia Street, Waterloo, New York, on two counts of Sale of an Imitation Controlled Substance.

The charges stem from an investigation where Vorhis allegedly sold imitation controlled substances on two separate occasions in the Village of Waterloo.  It is alleged that Vorhis claimed the substances were Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (commonly known as "LSD" or "Acid").  Vorhis is currently remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility without bail on a violation of parole.  Vorhis will appear in the Waterloo Village Court on July 11, 2012 at 9am to answer the charges.

Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that on June 30^th 2012 at 8:35pm Deputies arrested Michael P Darling, age 46, of 1875 Burgess Rd Waterloo NY on Burgess Rd in the Town of Waterloo. Darling was charged with Driving While Intoxicated and Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with .18 or more blood alcohol content. Darling was released on  appearance tickets and is to appear before the Town of Waterloo Court on July 12^th 2012 to answer the charges.

The Seneca County Sheriffs Office reports Deputies responded to a fire that occurred at a Sawmill behind the residence at 5004 RT 414 in the Town of Varick on 6/30/2012 at 1:58 AM.  The owner of the Sawmill is Ruben Z. Stoltzfus, age 50 of the same address.  The cause of the fire in unknown but suspected to be an overheated bearing from a wood saw.  The property was insured by Amish Aid, and an approximate loss of $40,000 was incurred.  Fire Departments on scene included Varick, Fayette, Canoga, Romulus, Ovid, Interlaken, Lodi, Waterloo, Seneca Falls, and Border City. South Seneca Ambulance was also on scene.  

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports, on 06/29/2012 at 4:14PM, Deputies investigated a Property Damage Accident at the intersection of E. Elisha St. and Virginia St. in the Village of Waterloo. Scott L. Kidder, age 46 of 2506 Edwards Rd. Waterloo, NY was attempting to make a right hand turn on to E. Elisha St. when he struck a vehicle waiting at the stop sign. As a result of the Deputy's investigation, Kidder was arrested and charged with Felony Driving While Intoxicated, Felony Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated .18% or Greater, and Improper Right Turn. Kidder was arraigned at the Village of Waterloo Court and committed to the custody of the Sheriff in lieu of $2000. He is scheduled to reappear on 07/05/2012 at 11AM for a Felony Hearing.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports, on 06/28/2012 at 9:20PM Deputies responded to Sampson State Park for the report of an out of control male. Upon arrival it was discovered that Jacob R. L. Williams, age 18, of 6460 Rt. 41 Lot 5, Homer, NY, was using profanities and caused damage to a park owned bench. Williams was charged with Criminal Mischief 4th, and Disorderly Conduct. Williams was released on appearance tickets and is scheduled to appear at the Town of Romulus Court on 07/27/2012 at 10:00AM. Deputies were assisted at the scene by the New York State Park Police.

Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that Sheriff's Deputies responded to 2670 Swick Rd in the Town Of Romulus for a structure fire at the Hollow Creek Farm Market. When Deputies arrived on scene the structure that housed the refrigerator compressors was fully engulfed. The structure was a total loss. Two other structures, the grocery store and garage had damaged as well. The estimated dollar loss was approx. $40,000.00. The business is owned by Emma Swary age 57 of the same address. The owner was burning a pile of boxes, near the structure that spread causing the building to catch fire. The Romulus Fire Dept, The Ovid Fire Dept. were on scene and extinguished the fire. South Seneca Ambulance and Seneca County Codes also responded to the scene. The structures were insured by Amish Aid, and no one was in the business at the time of the fire.                                             

    Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports on 06-23-12 at 11:46 pm, Deputies arrested Jayson L. Greenfield age 38 of 5339 Rt. 96 Romulus on a bench warrant from the Town of Ovid Court for Failure to Pay a Fine.  Greenfield was arrested at his home after Deputies responded to an unrelated call.  Greenfield was arraigned in the Town of Romulus Court, paid the $165.00 fine and was released. 

On 06/22/12, Seneca County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a Petit Larceny complaint in the Town of Junius. Deputies’ report that Mirelsa Galdon, age 22, of 304 Baker Ave, Apt 1, Syracuse, NY was arrested for Petit Larceny after she was caught on security surveillance video stealing property at a Town of Junius business. Galdon was taken into custody and processed through the Seneca County Correctional Facility. Galdon was issued an appearance ticket and will appear before the Town of Junius court on July 24, 2012 to answer the charges

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports, on 06/15/2012 at 1881 Seneca St., Romulus, NY, (The Mt. Green Cemetery), Deputies arrested Nicholas J. Baker, age 17, of 5580 SR 96, Romulus, NY. for Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Unlawful Possession of Marihuana, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th. The arrest stems from an incident where it is alleged that Baker supplied marijuana to a person under the age of 16 and then smoked the marijuana with the victim prior to Deputies arrival. While placing Baker in to custody, he was found to be in possession of a butterfly knife and also eight separate bags containing suspected marijuana.  Baker was arraigned at the Town of Lodi Court where he was committed to the custody of the Sheriff in lieu of $750 cash, $1500 bond. He is scheduled to appear at the Town of Romulus Court on 06/22/2012 at 10:30AM.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports, on 06/21/2012 at 5:15PM Deputies arrested Kurt C. Jones, age 33, of 8480 S. Maple St., Lodi, NY on a Warrant issued out of the Town of Ovid Court for Failure to Pay Fine. Jones was originally convicted of Offering a False Instrument for Filing 2nd. Jones set up a payment plan with the Court and was released on his own recognizance.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that on 6/14/2012 at 11:58pm, Deputies arrested Matthew R. Utter, age 23 of 5854 St. Rt. 96 APT. 235A, Romulus N.Y. for Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or blood circulation and Unlawful Imprisonment in the second degree, both class A misdemeanors. The Charges stem from a domestic incident where it is alleged Utter choked a female victim while holding her in a doorway, not allowing her to move. Utter was committed to the Seneca County Correctional Facility in lieu of $500 cash/$1,000 secured bond. Utter is to re-appear in the Town of Romulus Court on the 22nd of June, 2012 at 10:30am to answer the charges. A class A order of protection was issued to Utter baring contact with the victim.

06-14-2012 - The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division arrested six individuals following an investigation into alleged drug activity at a Town of Seneca Falls residence. 

Members of the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team and Seneca Falls Police executed a search warrant at 8 Montgomery Street in the Town of Seneca Falls shortly after 9:00 AM this morning.  The search warrant led to the seizure of a quantity of marihuana in various forms including marihuana plants, scales, drug paraphernalia, and other items related to illegal drug trafficking.  The following subjects were charged as a result of the execution of the search warrant:  

Adam D. Lyman, 23, of 8 Montgomery Street, Seneca Falls, New York, was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marihuana, Unlawful Growing of Cannabis, and Criminal Nuisance in the second degree.  Lyman was arraigned in the Seneca Falls Town Court and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $2,500 cash bail/$5,000 secured bond.  Lyman is to reappear in the Seneca Falls Town Court on June 27, 2012 at 9am. 

Sara E. Walker, 18, of 8 Montgomery Street, Seneca Falls, New York, was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marihuana and Unlawful Growing of Cannabis.  Walker was arraigned in the Seneca Falls Town Court and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $1,000 cash bail/$2,000 secured bond.  Walker is to reappear in the Seneca Falls Town Court on June 27, 2012 at 9am. 

Nicholas A. Wheeler, 20, of 74 State Street, Seneca Falls, New York, was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marihuana and Unlawful Growing of Cannabis.  Wheeler was arraigned in the Seneca Falls Town Court and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $1,000 cash bail/$2,000 secured bond.  Wheeler is to reappear in the Seneca Falls Town Court on June 27, 2012 at 9am. 

Nicholas D. Fischer, 24, of 49 Green Street, Seneca Falls, New York, was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marihuana and Unlawful Growing of Cannabis.  Fischer was arraigned in the Seneca Falls Town Court and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $1,000 cash bail/$2,000 secured bond.  Fischer is to reappear in the Seneca Falls Town Court on June 27, 2012 at 9am. Tama M. Walker, 44, of 8 Montgomery Street, Seneca Falls, New York, was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marihuana and Unlawful Growing of Cannabis.  Walker was arraigned in the Seneca Falls Town Court and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $1,000 cash bail/$2,000 secured bond.  Walker is to reappear in the Seneca Falls Town Court on June 27, 2012 at 9am. 

Jeffrey C. Smith, 35, of 2285 Townline Road, Geneva, New York, was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marihuana, Operating with a Suspended Registration, and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the second degree.  Smith was released on an appearance ticket and is to appear in the Seneca Falls Town Court on June 28, 2012 at 10am.

Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that on June 13, 2012 at 12:26 p.m. Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 20 year old Jeremy J. Johnson of 4056 Ridge Road Fayette for Speeding and DWAI drugs following a traffic stop on Yellow Tavern Road in the Town of Fayette. Johnson was released on uniform traffic tickets to appear in Fayette Town Court on July 18^th 2012 at 7 p.m.

Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports, Deputies arrested Karen A Cator, age 65, of 2556 State Route 318 Seneca Falls NY on June 11th 2012 at 5:00pm for Criminal Trespass in the 2nd Degree a Class A Misdemeanor. It is alleged Cator unlawfully entered the dwelling of a Town of Tyre resident. Cator was arraigned in the Town of Tyre Court and committed to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $500cash bail $1000secured bond. Cator is to reappear in the Town of Tyre Court on July 18th 2012 to answer the charges.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that Sheriff's Investigators arrested Steven W. Campbell, age 46 of 13 VanRenssalaer Street, Lot 13 Seneca Falls, on six counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.  It is alleged that Campbell, while in the Town of Seneca Falls committed a sexual act while in the presence of a four year old female child six times since January 1st 2012.  Campbell was arrested and arraigned in the Village of Waterloo where he was committed to the Seneca County Correctional Facility in lieu of $5000.00 cash or $10,000 bail bond.  He is to reappear in Town of Seneca Falls court on June 27 2012 at 9:00 am for further court action.

Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that Sheriff’s Deputies investigated a personal injury auto accident on State Route 96 north of Yellow Tavern Road at 4:31 am on June 12, 2012. A vehicle driven by Mary J. Harris age 64 of 2494 State Route 336 Romulus was north bound when she lost control and left the east side of the roadway striking a mailbox. Harris then struck a ditch and over turned numerous times before the vehicle she was driving came to rest on the roof. Harris was trapped in her due to the seatbelt and was able to free herself. Harris was treated at the scene by North Seneca Ambulance and transported to Geneva General Hospital for a minor hand injury. The vehicle was heavily damaged and towed from the scene. State Police assisted at the scene. No other vehicles were involved and there were no tickets issued. The cause of the accident is still under investigation

Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that On June 11^th 2012 at 2:27 p.m. Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Paul. J. Weber age 32 of 8612 Lodi Covert Town line Road Interlaken on a bench warrant issued by the Town of Romulus. Sheriff’s Deputies stopped a vehicle, that Weber was a passenger in on Covert Road in the Town of Lodi for an unrelated vehicle and traffic offense. During the traffic stop Deputies learned that Weber had an outstanding warrant. Weber was arraigned before Town of Ovid Justice VanCleef and committed to the Seneca County Correctional Facility in lieu of $250.00 cash or $500 bond. Weber will have to appear in Romulus Town Court on June 15 Th 2012 at 1000 hrs.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports on June 9, 2012 at 3:07 pm Sheriff Deputies arrested Joshua T Bajdas, age 16 of 4887 State Route 96A Romulus for Criminal Mischief 3rd degree and Petit Larceny.  It is alleged that while at a business in the Town of Varick, Bajdas broke a window out of a motor vehicle and stole an iphone that was inside the vehicle.  Bajdas was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear at the Varick Town Court on June 27, 2012 to answer the charges

On June 5, 2012, members of the Seneca County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Division arrested David G. Brownell, age 48 and Karrie M. Greenfield-Maslyn, age 32, both of 1235 Route 96, Waterloo, New York on numerous charges following an investigation into the sale of heroin in Seneca County.

Members of the Sheriff's Uniform, Criminal Investigation and Narcotics Divisions, along with members of the New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team search warrants on the vehicle Brownell was driving and at their residence.  Brownell was found to be in possession of forty-three (43) individually packaged packets of heroin, a Billy Club and a self defense spray. 

Brownell was charged with two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and one count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, all Class B Felonies; Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, Class D Felony; and Unlawfully Dealing with a Child, A Misdemeanor. It is alleged that Brownell sold heroin to a person on another occassion.

Greenfield-Maslyn was charged with one count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and one count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, both Class B Felonies; and Unlawfully Dealing with a Child, A Misdemeanor.  It is alleged that Greenfield-Maslyn sold heroin to a person on another occassion.

The Unlawfully Dealing with a Child charges resulted from Brownell and Greenfield-Maslyn engaging in drug activity in the presence of children.

Brownell and Greenfield-Maslyn were arraigned in Waterloo Town Court and sent to the Seneca County Correctional Facility without bail.  Brownell and Greenfield-Maslyn are scheduled to reappear in Waterloo Town Court on June 7, 2012 at 6:00 PM

Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that on June 5^th at 8:07 a.m. Sheriff’s Deputies investigated a personal injury auto accident at the intersection of State Route 414 and County Road 148. A vehicle being driven south by Mark S. Jacobs age 46 of Alpine, NY collided with another vehicle that turned west in front of the Jacobs vehicle on to County Road 148. That vehicle was operated by 19 year old Kurtis R. Smith of 2633 Vineyard Road Romulus. After the collision Smith’s vehicle came to rest on its side in the ditch on the south west side of the road. South Seneca Ambulance responded to the scene and treated both occupants of Jacob’s vehicle. The passenger Jedediah E. Bradford age 24 of Odessa, NY suffered facial injuries. Jacobs complained of back pain. Romulus Volunteer Fire Department and New York State Police assisted at the scene as well. Smith, who was uninjured, was issued a traffic ticket to appear in Romulus Town Court for fail to yield the right of way. Both vehicles were heavily damaged and had to be towed from the scene.

On June 1, 2012, the Seneca County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Division arrested a 14 year old youth on charges of Burglary in the third degree and Unlawful Growing of Cannabis.  The charges stem from an investigation where it is alleged that the youth was growing marijuana in an empty building.  The name of the youth is undisclosed due to their age.  The youth was issued an appearance ticket and is to appear in the Seneca County Family Court at a later date.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports Sheriff's Investigators arrested Nicholas J. Genaro, age 19, formerly of 890 Waterloo Geneva Rd Lot 17 and currently an inmate in the Seneca County Correctional Facility, on June 1, 2012, on a charge of Promoting Prison Contraband in the second degree.  It is alleged that Genaro did possess contraband while in the Seneca County Correctional Facility.  Genaro is currently being held on a violation of probation and will appear in the Romulus Town Court on June 8, 2012 at 10am to answer the new charge.

A news conference has been scheduled for 5:15 pm at the Office for the Aging at the Seneca County Office Building, 1 DiPronio Drive, Waterloo, New York with regards to an update on the storm earlier this afternoon.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EDT 4:00 PM 

May 29^th, 2012

SENECA COUNTY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES

Waterloo, NY.

As of 2:30pm May 29, 2012, the Seneca County has declared a local State of Emergency in the Towns of Fayette, Waterloo, and Seneca Falls.  All roads within these towns are closed to all traffic until further notice due to downed trees and wires.

No unnecessary travel on all roads within the Towns of Fayette, Waterloo and Seneca falls until further notice. 

Severe storms passed through the area beginning around 1:30 pm, Tuesday. 

The public is urged to avoid downed power lines, and to not assume that downed wires are dead.  Please report downed lines to the Seneca County 911 Center, or to NYSEG at 1-800-572-1131

The Seneca County Emergency Operations Center was mobilized at 2:30.  County Sheriff, local fire and highway departments are responding to downed trees, power lines, and other storm-caused debris.

Seneca County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a PDMVA at the intersection of Rte 96 and Pre Emption Rd., in the Town of Waterloo. Deputies report that Jacinda Johnson, age 35, of 67 Rte 96, Geneva, NY, was traveling east on Rte 96, when she attempted to turn right on Pre Emption Rd. Johnson's vehicle was traveling to fast to negotiate the turn, striking a stop sign, then into an abandoned house. Johnson was checked over for injuries by North Seneca Ambulance personnel and released at the scene. Johnson was charged with DWAI Drugs and Failure to Keep Right. Johnson was issued appearance tickets and will appear in the Town of Waterloo court on July 5, 2012 @ 5 PM to answer the charges. Deputies where assisted at the scene by Border City Fire Department.

Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that Sheriff's Deputies arrested Peter J.Vega age 30 of 35 Genesee St. Clyde New York. Vega was arrested on an arrest warrant out of the Town Of Junius Court for AUO 3rd and unregistered vehicle. Vega was arraigned in the Town Of Waterloo Court and committed to the Seneca County Correctional facility on $1,000.00 cash or $2,000.00 bond. Vega is to appear back in the Town Of Junius Court on 06-21-12 at 7:00 pm to answer to the charges

Canal Corporation Announces Local Marine Patrol Grants
Funding Marks National Safe Boating Week

The New York State Canal Corporation today announced a $218,032 in grant funding to law enforcement agencies in seven counties across upstate New York for patrolling segments of the New York State Canal System. The announcement coincides with the annual observance of National Safe Boating Week, May 19-25.

"On behalf of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, and through these community-based grants, we are pleased to help local law enforcement officials reinforce their own, individual efforts to ensure a safe and enjoyable boating season this year along the Canal," said Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton. "And the annual observance of National Safe Boating week helps us bring attention to the critically important issue of boating safety. These community-based grants will ensure that our waterways are patrolled by marine units with the training, experience, and local knowledge necessary to fill this critical need." The reimbursement-basis grants will fund up to 75 percent of local Marine Safety Patrol operations conducted on waterways which are part of or contiguous to the 524-mile-long state Canal System. 

Sheriffs' departments in the counties of Erie, Albany, Oneida, Seneca, and Niagara were awarded individual grants of $30,000 each. The Monroe County Sheriff's Department was awarded $28,032, and the Cayuga County Sheriff's Department was awarded $10,000.  

Sheriff Craig Apple said: "The Albany County Sheriff's Office has been instrumental in maintaining safe waterways in Albany County for more than 35 years. We believe our enforcement efforts provide us with a unique opportunity to enforce maritime regulations prior to entry into the Canal system, thus making it a safer environment for its users. Program funding sources were being reviewed when we received notice that the Canal Corporation was accepting proposals from agencies to provide the very services we were going to have to cut." 

Sheriff Robert Maciol said: "The Oneida County Sheriff's Office is happy to partner with the New York State Canal Corporation, through its marine patrol grant, to increase our presence along the entire 32 miles of Canal that run through our county, as well as Oneida Lake, and to provide for the safety of our boaters. With this grant, we look forward to further deterring illegal activity while proactively keeping these areas safe and enjoyable for everyone's use." 

Sheriff Jack S. Stenberg said, "As the Seneca County Sheriff's Office expands our navigation and marine patrol this year, we welcome this additional funding from the New York State Canal Corporation, which will allow us to better patrol the waterways under our jurisdiction and provide for the safety of all those who enjoy our lakes and Canal during the boating season." 

Sheriff David Phelps said: "With sole responsibility for patrolling the vast majority of the 36 miles of Canal running through Monroe County, as well as the entire 990 square miles of navigable waters county-wide, the Sheriff's patrol is always looking for opportunities to increase and expand our marine patrols. The Canal Corporation's marine patrol grant allows us to dedicate extra patrols along the Canal and Canalway trail and better serve our residents while keeping our waterways safe." 

National Boating Week was officially proclaimed by an act of Congress in 1958. The program is observed in the 7-day period prior to Memorial Day weekend to reinforce the importance of staying safe on the water while enjoying a safe boating experience. 

Now in its 188th consecutive season of operation, the New York State Canal system is comprised of four historic waterways: the Erie, Champlain, Oswego and Cayuga-Seneca canals. Spanning 524 miles across New York State, the system links the Hudson River, Lake Champlain, Lake Ontario, the Finger Lakes and Lake Erie via the Niagara River.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports, Deputies arrested the following individuals on Bench Warrants issued out of the Town of Ovid Court:

Jonathan C. Steger, age 26, of 2445 County Road 130, Ovid, NY, was arrested on Main St. Ovid after Deputies observed him leaving a local business. Steger had a Bench Warrant for Violation of Conditional Discharge for a previous conviction of Driving While Intoxicated. Steger was arraigned at the Town of Ovid Court and committed to the custody of the Sheriff in lieu of $1000 cash $2000 Bond. He is scheduled to re-appear on 06/12/2012 at 10:00AM.

Thomas J. Staples, age 25, of 3623 Mechanic St., Interlaken, NY, was arrested at his home on a Bench Warrant for Failure to Pay Fine on previous convictions of Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Criminal Mischief 4th. Staples was arraigned at the Town of Ovid Court where he paid his fines and was released on his own recognizance.

Stacy W. Kelly, age 49, of 3714 County Road 150, Interlaken, NY, was arrested at his home on a Bench Warrant for Failure to Pay Fine on previous convictions of Driving While Intoxicated and AUO 3rd. Kelly was arraigned at the Town of Ovid Court where he paid part of his fine and was released on his own recognizance.  

Seneca County Sheriff Deputies arrested Julio C. Aponte age 27 of 53 Washington St. Waterloo, NY for DWI.  The arrest stems from an investigation into a minor property damage accident that occurred on W. River Rd. in the Town of Fayette on 05/23/12 at 2:07 am where Aponte's vehicle was stuck in a ditch.  Aponte was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated and he was arraigned in the Town of Fayette court and remanded to the Seneca County Jail in lieu of $500 cash or $1000 bond bail.  Aponte is scheduled to re-appear on June 6, 2012 to answer to the charge.

SENECA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE ANNOUNCESFIVE PERSONS ARRESTED FOR SALE OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS 

(Romulus, NY) Seneca County Sheriff Jack S. Stenberg announced today the culmination of a series of arrests that took place this week which focused on the sale of prescription drugs.  The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics and Uniform Division arrested five people in connection with an investigation into sales of prescription drugs in the Seneca County. 

Arrested this week were the following: 

(1)  Jessica M. Sullinger, 28, of 65 Church Street, Apt. A, Waterloo, New York   

CHARGES:    Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree - Class D Felony, Unlawful Possession of Marihuana.   It is alleged that Sullinger sold a quantity of Xanax to another person and was in possession of marihuana.  Sullinger was arraigned in the Waterloo Village Court and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $1,000 cash bail/$2,000 secured bond.  Sullinger is to reappear in the Waterloo Village Court on May 21, 2012 at 10am. 

(2)  Jeffrey P. Arnold, 35, of 1 Center Street  Apt. 4, Waterloo, New York 

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that on 5/7/2012 at 12:18pm, Deputies responded to State Route 89 in the Town of Fayette for a personal injury accident. Blonda B. Maitland, age 76 of 3419 route 89 in Seneca Falls New York was northbound on Route 89 when her vehicle left the roadway and drove into the ditch on the opposite side of the road, turning onto its drivers side and striking a tree. Maitland was transported to GGH via North Seneca Ambulance where she was treated for complaints of chest pain. The Canoga Fire Dept. assisted on scene

On 05/06/12 Sheriff's Investigators arrested Orlando Morales, age 53, of 473 Hamilton Street Apt. 17 Geneva for 2 counts of attempted Assault in the First Degree. Morales is accused of entering a residence in the Town of Waterloo armed with a knife and baseball bat and then waiting until the residents came home. He then assaulted a male and female with the baseball bat causing contusions and abrasions to their heads. Both victims were transported by ambulance to Geneva General Hospital for treatment. Morales fled the scene and was apprehended in the Town of Seneca Falls by a member of the New York State Park Police. Morales was charged with 2 counts of attempted Assault in the First Degree and he was arraigned before the Town of Waterloo Court where he was committed to the Seneca County Correctional Facility in lieu of $20,000 cash bail or $40,000 bond. He is scheduled to reappear in Court on 05/10/12 at 4:30pm. The Sheriff's Office was assisted by members of the NYS Police, Park Police and the Seneca Falls Police Department. The investigation is continuing and further charges are possible.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports, Deputies arrested Jason C. DelPapa, age 27, of 288 Gravel Road, Seneca Falls, NY. The arrest stems from an incident that occurred on 04/23/2012 in the Town of Tyre. It is alleged that DelPapa tattooed a female under the age of 18. DelPapa was charged on 05/04/2012 for one count of Unlawfully Dealing With a Child in the Second Degree. DelPapa was arraigned at the Town of Tyre Court where he was committed to the custody of the Sheriff in lieu of $500 cash or $1000 secured bond. He is scheduled to reappear on 05/15/2012 at 5:00PM. 

Seneca County Sheriff Deputies responded to a report of a canoe that capsized on Cayuga lake on 05/05/12 at about 02:05 am. Darin L. Schwartzman age 29 of 854 Ashbrook St Maysa, Arizona, David J. Blount age 34 of 3434 Choctaw Rd Choctaw, Oklahoma and Todd Belanger age 33 of 1545 W 18th ST, Washington DC were out on Cayuga Lake fishing in a small canoe. While fishing their boat capsized sending all three occupants into the water. When Sheriff Deputies arrived Schwartzman had swam to shore and alerted residence of the issue, Belenger and Blount were still in the water holding onto the boat. The boat followed the current south along Poplar Beach Rd until a Bystander in a small row boat was able to recover Blount and Belanger. Belanger was transported to Geneva General Hospital for treatment for hypothermic symptoms, Blount and Schwartzman were treated and released at the scene.

The NYSP, Romulus Fire Department, South Seneca Ambulance and Seneca Falls Fire Department also responded to the scene to assist.

Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports, Deputies arrested Jason L Tandle, age 22, of 13 Vanrenslear St Seneca Falls NY and Amber D Kronenwetter, age 19, of 2419 Easy St Seneca Falls NY for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. The charges stem from a traffic stop where it is alleged Tandle and Kronenwetter were found to be in possession of a quantity marijuana. Tandle and Kronenwetter were issued appearance tickets and are to appear in the Town of Tyre Court on May 30th 2012 to answer the charges

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports on April 29, 2012 Sheriff Deputies arrested James T Mazerolle, age 37 of 68 Sandpiper Drive, Ithaca NY on an Arrest Warrant issued out of Seneca County Family Court.  Tompkins County Sheriff Deputies took Maserolle into custody at his residence and was then turned over to Seneca County.  Mazerolle was arraigned at the Varick Town Court where he was committed to the Seneca County Correctional Facility in lieu of $1500 cash, $5000 secured bond.  Mazerolle is scheduled to appear at the Seneca County Family Court at a later date.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that Deputies responded to a PIMVA on Mills Rd., in the Town of Waterloo. Deputies report that Ralph Poormon, age 85, of 1476 Grange Hall Rd., Phelps, NY was traveling south on Mills Rd., when he left the east side of the roadway, striking a utility pole. Poormon suffered lacerations to his head and complained of chest pain and was treated at the scene by North Seneca Ambulance. Poormon was airlifted by Mercy Flight where he was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital for his injuries. NYSGE responded to the scene to replace the damaged utility pole. Deputies where assisted at the scene by NYSP and Magee FD. Poormon’s vehicle was demolished and towed from the scene. The cause of the accident is unknown and may have been a medical situation.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports, on 04/23/2012 Deputies arrested Frank B. Turo IV, age 25, of 1008 Waterloo Geneva Rd., Waterloo, NY on an Arrest Warrant issued out of Syracuse Police Department. Turo was wanted for a Petit Larceny charge. Turo was turned over to the NYSP-Waterloo for questioning about a previous domestic incident that occurred earlier in the evening. He was then turned over to the Syracuse Police Department.

Seneca County Sheriff’s Investigators arrested and charged James C. Reardon, 48, 24 Leland Drive, Seneca Falls, N.Y.with Petit Larceny and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th degree. It is alleged that Reardon stole prescription medication from a co-worker at his place of employment in the Village of Waterloo valued at approximately seven hundred and fifty dollars. Reardon was issued an appearance ticket to appear in Waterloo Village Court on May 9^th 2012 at 0900 hrs to answer the charges.

Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that Sheriff’s Deputies arrested David A. Pratowski age 42 of 142 Nursery Avenue Geneva on a Seneca County Family Court Warrant. Pratowski was arrested in Ontario County on unrelated charges. After he was released Pratowski was arrested on the Seneca County charges at the Ontario County Correctional Facility. Pratowski was arraigned before Village of Waterloo Justice Mattoon and committed to the Seneca County Correctional Facility in lieu of $2,500.00 cash or $5,000.00 bond. Pratowski will have to appear in Seneca County Family Court at a later date.

On April 28, 2012 the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office will be participating in “National Take Back Day”. This is initiative is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to reduce issues related to prescription drugs.

Sheriff's Deputies will be on site for anyone who has any outdated, unused, expired prescriptions they wish to dispose of.  Anyone may drop them off at either one of two locations in Seneca County between the hours of 10:00AM and 2:00 PM:

Sheriff's north substation, located at 44 West Williams Street, Waterloo, or at the

Seneca County Law Enforcement Center, 6150 State Route 96, Romulus,

Citizens will have the opportunity to prevent preseciption pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. This service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. Sheriff Jack Stenberg encourages citizens to take full advantage of this service and that the initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  "Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.  Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards", said Sheriff Stenberg.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports, Deputies responded to the Cortland County Jail and placed Michael C. Tottey Jr., age 40, of 147 Hartwell Rd., Berkshire, NY, in to custody on a warrant issued out of Seneca County Family Court. Tottey was arraigned at the Town of Lodi Court where he was committed to the custody of the Sheriff in lieu of $2500. He is scheduled to appear at the next available Family Court date.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Division arrested two individuals following an ongoing investigation into crack cocaine sales in the Town of Seneca Falls.  The arrests stem from indictments from a Seneca County Grand Jury.

James B. Curry, 40, of 133 Exchange Street, Geneva, New York, was arrested on charges of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the third degree, a Class B Felony, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree, a Class B Felony.  It is alleged that Curry sold crack cocaine to another person.  Curry was arraigned in the Seneca County Court and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $2,000 cash bail/$4,000 secured bond.  Curry is to reappear in the Seneca County Court on May 7, 2012 at 2pm.

Raymond W. Stonesifer, 48, no permanent address, was arrested on charges of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the third degree, a Class B Felony, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree, a Class B Felony.  It is also alleged that Stonesifer sold crack cocaine to another person.  Stonesifer was arraigned in the Seneca County Court and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $2,000 cash bail/$4,000 secured bond.  Stonesifer is to reappear in the Seneca County Court on May 7, 2012 at 2pm.

The Geneva Police Department and the Ontario County Sheriff's Office assisted in the arrests.

Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Kemal D. Rideout age 17 of 4887 State Route 96A, Romulus N.Y. for Falsely Reporting an Incident 2^nd. It is alleged that on April 15^th 2012 at about 1230 p.m. Rideout activated a fire alarm at a residential facility in the Town of Varick when there was no fire, causing the Varick Fire Department to respond.  Rideout was issued an appearance ticket to appear in Varick Town Court on May 2^nd 2012 at 7 p.m. to answer the charge.   

Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports, Deputies arrested William Rivera, 51, 2478 Reed Rd, Waterloo NY. While investigating a domestic incident at Rivera's residence he was found to have an active warrant out for his arrest, issued out of the Town of Seneca Falls Court for Forcible Touching a Class A Misdemeanor. Rivera was turned over to the Town of Seneca Falls Police Department for further action.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that on 4/13/12 Deputies arrested Nathaniel E. Swett, age 36, of 1965 CO RT 1 Oswego NY, on the charges of Att. Assault 2nd degree, Menacing 2nd Degree, Criminal Mischief 4th Degree, and Disorderly Conduct.  The Arrest stems from a fight at a Town of Ovid establishment where it is alleged that Swett struck another male in the face with a pool stick and threatened other people in the establishment.  Swett was arraigned in the Town of Romulus Court and remanded to the SCCF in lieu of $1000 cash/ $2000 Bond.  Swett it to appear in the Town of Ovid Court on 4/17/12 @ 10am to answer the charges. 

On April 10, 2012, the Seneca County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Division arrested Brian J. Belcher, 34, of 15 South Seneca Street, Apartment 1, Waterloo, New York, following an investigation into alleged narcotics trafficking.

Members of the Sheriff's Office Narcotics Division, Sheriff's Office Uniform Road Patrol, the Waterloo Police Department, and the New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team executed a search warrant at Belcher's residence.  Upon the execution of the search warrant, Belcher was found to be in possession of nine individually packaged baggies of cocaine that weighed about ten grams.

Belcher was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree, a Class B Felony.  Belcher was arraigned in the Waterloo Village Court and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $10,000 cash bail/$20,000 secured bond.  Belcher is to reappear in the Waterloo Village Court on April 13, 2012, at 11am. 

Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that on Monday April 9^th at 11:50 a.m. Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a 15 year old Town of Varick resident for Falsely Reporting an Incident 2^nd. Charges stem from intentional fire alarm activation on Sunday April 8^th at about 1:30 p.m. at a Town of Varick residential facility. It is alleged that the 15 year old activated the alarm when there was no fire or any threat of a fire. The 15 year old was issued an appearance ticket and will have to answer the charge in Seneca County Family Court at a later date. 

Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that on April 2^nd 2012 at 1000 hrs Sheriff’s Deputies arrested William G. McIlroy age 31 of 8761 Lodi Covert Townline Road for Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Criminal Mischief 4^th and Harassment 2nd. The charges stem from a domestic incident at a residence in the Town of Covert where it is alleged that McIlroy subjected a 27 year old victim to unwanted physical contact in the presence of a 20 month old child. Then damaged a door handle of a pick up truck the victim was operating to try and get away from McIlroy during the dispute. McIlroy was arraigned in the Town of Covert Court and committed to the Seneca County Correctional Facility in lieu of $500 cash or $1,000 bond. McIlroy will reappear in Covert Town Court on May 7^th 2012.  An order of protection was issued for the victims.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that Deputies arrested James M. Scutt, age 51 of 120 Lewis St. Geneva, NY after a traffic stop on State Rte 5 and 20 in the Town of Waterloo. Scutt was charged with Felony Driving While Intoxicated, Felony Aggravated DWI .18% or higher, Failure to Keep Right, and Failure to Use Designated Lane. Scutt was arraigned at the Town of Waterloo Court where he was released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to re-appear at the Town of Waterloo Court on 04/12/2012 at 5:00PM.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that Deputies are investigating a PIMVA that occurred at approx 3:09 am on Rt 96a in the Town of Varick . Sheriff's Deputies report that Ashley Prindle age 26 of 1808 Conklin Road, Conklin NY was southbound on Rt 96a, when another southbound vehicle was passing Prindle and possibly made contact with her vehicle - causing her to leave the road and overturn. Prindle was transported to Geneva General Hospital by South Seneca Ambulance for contusions and abrasions and was treated released. The vehicle sustained heavy damage and was towed from the scene. Sheriff's Deputies are continuing their investigation and are asking if anyone has any information about this accident to contact the Seneca County Sheriff's Office at 315 539-9241.

Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that on March 31^st 2012 at 03:55am, Seneca County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Shawn A Ocorr, age 25, of 329 Maple St Oswego NY on State Route 96 in the Town of Waterloo. Ocorr was charged with Driving While Intoxicated a Felony stemming from a prior conviction in the previous ten years and Operating with Insufficient Tail Lamps. Ocorr was arraigned in the Town of Waterloo Court and committed to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $2,000 cash bail $4,000 secured bond and is to reappear before the Town of Waterloo, Justice Folk on April 12^th 2012 to answer the charges.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that on 03/30/12 Sheriff's investigator's arrested Sean C. Loucks, age 25, of 1536 Whiskey Hill Road Waterloo for Promoting Prison Contraband in the second degree. Louck's is accused of bringing contraband into the Seneca County Correctional facility on 03/26/12 while he was being booked in on an unrelated crime. Loucks was issued an appearance ticket for the Town of Romulus Court and is scheduled to appear on 04/20/12.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that on 03-28-12 Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Jonathan M. Van Norman age 36 of 5449 Wilkinson Rd, Hector NY on an arrest warrant from Seneca County Family Court. The Warrant was for failure to pay child support.  Van Norman was arraigned in the Town of Lodi and remanded to the Seneca County Jail in Lieu of $2500 cash or $5000 bond bail.   He is to re-appear in Family Court at a later date.

Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 3 men from Syracuse following a larceny investigation at a Town of Junius Business.

On March 27th 2012 at 1:05 p.m. Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Jason A. Clark age 28 of 702 Pond Street Syracuse, Anthony J. Cummins Jr age 20 of 1224 Park Street Syracuse and Christopher J. Mothersell age 18 of 508 Wolf Street Syracuse. They were charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 5^th following an investigation into a report that the 3 men were stealing items from numerous Town of Junius Business’s. All 3 were issued appearance tickets to appear in Junius Town Court on May 1^st 2012 at 7 p.m. to answer the charges.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that on 3-25-2012 at 3:35am Sheriff's Deputies arrested Byron M Cole age 23 of 10 Goodman St E 43 Geneva NY on Rt 5 in the Town of Waterloo. Deputies state that Cole was charged with Failure to keep right, unlicensed operator, Aggravated Unlicensed operation in the third degree, DWI, and having a BAC of .08% or more. Deputies also state that a quantity of marihuana was found in the vehicle and Cole was charged with unlawful possession of marihuana. Cole was arraigned in the Town of Waterloo Court and committed to jail in lieu of $750 cash / $1500 bail bond and is to appear on April12th 2012 at 5pm in Town of Waterloo Court for further court action.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports on March 22, 2012 Sheriff Deputies responded to the Willard Wildlife Management Area Access Rd in Ovid for a one car personal injury motor vehicle accident.  A 1997 Ford Crown Victoria being operated by Brandon D Casey, age 18 of 2134 Water St Ovid was westbound on the Wildlife Access Rd when Casey lost control of the vehicle causing it to go off the roadway and strike several small trees.  There were five other occupants in the vehicle, Cayli L Casey age 14 also of 2134 Water St Ovid, Kiya J Woodard age 15 of 2782 County Rd 139 Ovid, Hunter D Smith age 14 of 6797 County Rd 129 Romulus, and Matthew J Soda age 20 and Cheli E Austin age 14 both of 2146 West Seneca St Ovid.  The driver Brandon Casey as well as passengers Cayli Casey and Cheli Austin were transported to Geneva General Hospital for possible head and neck injuries.  Passenger Kiya Woodard was transported to Cayuga Medical Center for possible head and neck injuries.  Brandon Casey was issued citations for Speed not Reasonable and Prudent, Unlicensed Operator and was also charged with 4 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a child.  Matthew Soda was issued a citation for permitting unlicensed operation.  Both are scheduled to appear at the Ovid Town Court on April 17, 2012.  Also assisting at the scene was the Ovid Fire Dept, South Seneca Ambulance and North Seneca Ambulance.

03-22-2012 

Seneca County Sheriffs Office reports, Deputies arrested Jonathan S Pierce -Wells,17, of 4887 State Route 96A, Hillside Childrens Center located in the Town of Varick, for Harassment in the 2^nd degree. The charge stems from an incident on March 15^th at approx 02:00pm, where it is alleged  Pierce-Wells physically grabbed a Town of Varick resident by the throat and shoved him to the ground. Pierce-Wells was issued an appearance ticket and is to appear in the Town of Varick Court on April 25th 2012, to answer the charges.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Division arrested Robert L. Blood, 49, of 252 Lafayette Avenue, Apartment Five, Geneva, New York, on numerous charges following an investigation into alleged crack cocaine sales in the Town of Seneca Falls. 

Blood was charged with three counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree, Class B Felonies, and two counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the third degree, Class B Felonies.  It is alleged that Blood sold crack cocaine on two separate occasions in the Town of Seneca Falls.  While Blood was being arrested, a quantity of crack cocaine was seized from him and it is believed that he intended to sell it. 

Blood was arraigned in the Seneca Falls Town Court and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $7,500 cash bail/$15,000 secured bond.  Blood is to reappear in the Seneca Falls Town Court on March 23rd, 2012 at 4pm.  Members of the Sheriff's Office Uniform Road Patrol and the Waterloo Police Department also assisted in the arrest.

Seneca County Sheriff's Office conducted a one day check of all sex offenders in Seneca County.  All level one, two, and three offenders were checked in their homes on 03/08/12 by Investigators and Road Patrol Deputies. Officers responded to all registered sex offender's residences where they physically verified the sex offender's address. As a result of this Sex Offender Sweep there were two arrests made and one arrest warrant issued. 

Arrested were:

Kenneth R. Livingston, age 52 now of 5854 State Route 96 Apt. 207 Romulus, NY 14541.  Livingston was found to no longer be living at his registered address, he was charged with failing to register a address change as a registered sex offender, a class E. Felony.  Livingston was issued a appearence ticket and is to appear in Town of Romulus Court on 03/30/12 to answer the charge. 

Tina M. Lane, age 40 of 8570 Mill Street Lodi, NY was charged with Offering a false instument for filing 1st, a class E Felony and Making a punishable false statement, a class A misdemeanor.  The charges stem from Lane submitting false documents to Seneca County DHS to obtain welfare benefits and giving a false statement to Investigators.  These charges were discovered when checking the residence of a sex offender and it was discovered there were more people living at the residence then Seneca County D.H.S. was aware of.  Seneca County D.H.S. investigators assisted in this arrest.  

An Arrest warrant was obtained for a third sex offender who was found not to be living at his registered address.  Monti C Hawkins, age 37, unknown address is a level two sex offender.

Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that Deputies investigated an one car personal injury motor vehicle accident that occurred on Packwood Road in the Town of Waterloo on March 17th 2012 at approx. 5:10 pm. Deputies report that a vehicle driven by Russell K Logue, 62, of 79 Serenity Dr. Geneva NY was west bound on Packwood Rd when he lost control rounding a curve and over corrected and then crossed the east bound lane, left the road on the south side and rolled several times after striking several trees. Logue was flown by Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital were he was admitted for back injuries and fractured ribs. Logue was charged with Speed Not Reasonable and Driving While Intoxicated. Logue will appear in the Town of Waterloo court on April 26th 2012 to answer to the charges.  

03-16-2012

Seneca County Sheriff's Deputies report that Smantha J Knuutila age 18, of 759 Hayts Rd, Ithaca NY 14850 was arrested for DWI with a BAC of 0.08% or greater, DWI and failure to signal turn. The charges stem from a traffic stop that occurred on Mill St in the Town of Lodi where Knuutila failed to signal the turn onto Mill St. Upon further investigation it was determined that Knuutila was intoxicated. Knuutila was charged with DWI with a BAC of 0.08% or greater, DWI and failure to signal turn. Knuutila is to appear in the Town of Lodi Court on April 18th, 2012 at 10:00 am to answer for the charges.

03-15-2012

Seneca County Sheriff's Deputies and Investigators arrested Nicholas R. Stultz, age 23, with a last known address of 2246 Co. Rd. 139, Ovid, NY and charged him with Sexual Abuse 3rd, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. It is alleged that Stultz was having sexual relations with a female under the age of 17. Stultz was committed to the Seneca County Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000/$20,000 secured bond. He is scheduled to re-appear at the Town of Ovid Court on 04/17/2012 at 10:00AM A class "A" order of protection was issued on behalf of the Victim.

     Seneca County Sheriff Deputies responded to a Criminal Mischief complaint in progress at the Hillside Children Center in the Town of Varick. Deputies arrested a Hillside Center client, Shania R. Williams, age 16, of 4887 Rte 96A, Romulus, NY.

The charges stem from Williams becoming upset with staff and punching an office window causing damage to the window. The damage was estaimated at about $400.00. Williams was taken into custody and charged with felony Criminal Mischief in the third degree.

 Williams was given a appearence ticket to appear in the Town of Varick Court on 04/11/12, at 7PM to answer the charge.

03-15-2012

Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports, Sheriff's Deputies arrested Brent M. Hagen, age 22, of 86 Orchard St., Auburn, on a arrest warrant issued out of Seneca County Family Court. Hagen was arraigned before the Town of Seneca Falls Court and committed to the Seneca County Jail in lieu of $3,000.00 bail or $6,000.00 bond. Hagen is to appear before Seneca County Family Court at a later date.

03-15-2012 

Each year the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office actively participates in the New York State Sheriff’s Association’s Summer Camp Program at Camp Iroquois along Keuka Lake in PennYan.   We look forward to carrying on this tradition during the 2012 camping season. 

This year the Sheriff’s Office has the opportunity to send ten children from Seneca County, between 9 to 12 years of age, to summer camp.  Camp Iroquois is intended for children who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend Summer Camp and is offered at no cost to the child or their family.    Camp Iroquois is a fully staffed overnight camp and offers boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, sporting events, arts/ crafts, live demonstrations and presentations, and much more.  The camp will run from July 29, 2012- August 4, 2012.

If you would like an application or more information for Camp Iroquois, please contact Inv. Kipp M. Goodman of the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office at kgoodman@co.seneca.ny.us or (315) 220- 3444.

03-14-2012

12:18 p.m. - Seneca County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a personal injury motor vehicle accident on Route 5 in the Town of Waterloo.  Deputies report a vehicle driven by Daniel Aumell, 26, of 1753 Stump Road, Marcellus, New York was traveling east on Route 5 and made  a left turn into the path of a vehicle traveling westbound operated by Pauline Incanado, 88, 280 Fall Street, Seneca Falls, New York.  Incarnado complained of chest and leg pain and was transported to Geneva General Hospital by North Seneca Ambulance and later to Strong Memorial Hospital by Mercy Flight.  Incarnado was listed in critical condition at Strong Memorial Hospital.  Aumell complained of leg pain but refused treatment at the scene.  Aumell was ticketed for failure to yield the right of way left turn.  Sheriff’s Deputies were assisted by the New York State Police, Border City Fire Department and North Seneca Ambulance.  Both vehicles were heavily damaged and were towed from the scene.  The investigation is continuing.

03-14-2012 

Seneca County Sheriff"s Deputies arrested Gary A Goodman, 58, of 136 Franklin St, Auburn NY, on a Bench Warrant issued out of the Town of Romulus Court for Failure To Pay A Fine on the original charge of Criminal Mischief In The 4th Degree.  Goodman was arraigned in the Town of Lodi Court and was committed to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $205.00 cash bail. Goodman is to reappear in the town of Romulus Court on March 16th 2012 to answer the charges.

03-09-2012

Seneca County Sheriff's Investigator's arrested Kyle T. Schroeder, age 22, of 690 West Washington Street, Geneva, N.Y., for 2 counts of Burglary in the 2nd degree, Criminal Mischief in the 2nd degree, Criminal Mischief in the 3rd degree, Grand Larceny in the 3rd degree and Grand Larceny in the 4th degree. Schroeder is accused of breaking into a house in the Town of Varick on 10/20/11 and stealing more than $8,000 in jewerly. He is also accused of breaking into a house in the Town of Fayette on 12/21/11 and stealing a flatscreen TV. Schroeder was arraigned before the Town of Varick Court and was committed to the Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000 cash bail or $25,000 insurance bond. 

03-12-2012

Seneca County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Rafael Aguilera-Orozco, age 25, 37 LaFayette Avenue, apt#2, Geneva, NY for Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated following a motor vehicle accident investigation on State Route 414 in the Town of Lodi.  Aguilera-Orozco was driving northbound on State Route 414 when he went off the east side of the road and struck a ditch. Aguilera-Orozco was additionally charged with moved from lane unsafely, possesion of open container, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 3rd, and Unlicensed Operation. Aguilera-Orozco was arraigned before Town of Ovid Justice VanCleef and committed to the Correctional Facility in lieu of $1,000 cash or $2,000 bond and will have to appear in Lodi Town Court 03-15-2012 at 1000 hrs.

Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that an investigation into domestic violence that began on 12/17/2011 has culminated into the arrest of a Lodi man for four counts of Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child—(class AII felonies). Arrested was Timothy L Knapp, age 37, of Lodi New York The following is a recap of this lengthy and intense investigation.

On 12/17/2011 Sheriff’s deputies responded to a Town of Lodi residence for a report of domestic violence. At that time Knapp was arrested for two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. The allegations were that Knapp punched a 13 year old female in the mouth and also used her to drive him around in a car. Knapp was committed to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $5000.00 cash bail or $10,000 secured bond. The case was turned over Sheriff’s investigators for follow up as there was suspicion of further abuse.

Numerous interviews of children and adults were conducted over the course of several days. Evidence of further crimes committed by Knapp was uncovered.  On 01/19/2012 Knapp was arrested again by Sheriff’s investigators with the additional charges of Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Circulation and five counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. The allegations were that Knapp punched an eleven year old child in the chest and repeatedly spit in her face, and choked a seven year old female picking her up by her neck. Also alleged was domestic violence toward an adult female committed in the presence of several children. Knapp was again arraigned and was committed to the Correctional Facility on $20,000 cash or $40,000 secured bond.

Sheriff’s investigators joined forces with the Elmira Police Department and the Chemung County District Attorney’s Office as they uncovered evidence of sexual abuse that occurred in several different jurisdictions including the City of Elmira. Alleged were incidents that Knapp subjected an eleven year old female to numerous incidents of sexual activity and conduct. A horrific account of children and an adult female being sexually and physically abused unfolded as investigators continued with the case.

On 03/09/2012 Knapp was turned over to Elmira Police Department from the Seneca County Correctional Facility on a warrant alleging four counts of Predatory Sexual Abuse Against a Child. Knapp was subsequently arraigned in Chemung County and committed on $30,000 cash, $60,000 secured bond.

Sheriff Jack Stenberg credited a thorough investigation and excellent cooperation between agencies for Knapp’s arrests.

Also involved in the investigation were the Seneca County District Attorney’s Office and the Seneca County Child Protection Services unit.

The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division arrested Wessam Baroudi, 35, of 96 Hoffman Street  Apt. 3, in Newark, New York, following an investigation into crack cocaine sales in the Town of Junius.  Baroudi was charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the third degree, a Class B Felony, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree, a Class B Felony, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class A Misdemeanor.

            The charges stem from an incident where Baroudi allegedly sold crack cocaine at a Town of Junius business in December of 2011 in the presence of a three year old child.  Baroudi was arraigned in the Junius Town Court and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $10,000 cash bail/$20,000 secured bond.  Baroudi is to reappear in the Junius Town Court on March 13, 2012 at 6pm.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that Deputies arrested Sarah A Beniamino age 30 of 160 East North St Geneva on Rt 96A in the Town of Fayette. Deputies state that Beniamino was stopped at 02:24 am and charged with DWI, BAC over .08% and Crossing Over Pavement Markings. Beniamino is to appear on March 21 at 7pm in the Town of Fayette Court to answer the charge.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that on March 6th 2012 at 1208 AM Sheriff’s Deputies arrested David A Clair age 41 of 9339 Kingtown Beach Rd, Trumansburg NY for DWI, BAC .08 or More and Improper Right Turn. The charges stem from an accident where Clair was attempting to turn on to Kingtown Beach Rd when he turned too wide and entered into the ditch at the intersection. When Sheriff’s Deputies arrived Clair was walking towards his residence and during the investigation it was determined that Clair was intoxicated. Clair is to appear in the Town of Covert Court on 04-16-12 at 10:00 am to answer for the charges.

Seneca County Sheriff's Deputies investigated a one car personal injury accident that occurred on March 4, 2012 at 6:52 PM on Route 318 in the Town of Junius.  A vehicle driven by Loni J Horn age 30 of 57 Stevenson St Seneca Falls was east bound on Rt 318 when she lost control of the vehicle on slippery roads and struck a guide rail.  Horn complained of of back pain and was transported to Geneva General Hospital by North Seneca ambulnace to be checked over.

Horn was issued a ticket for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree and will appear in the Town of Junius court on April 3, 2012 at 7:00PM

 03-02-2012

Seneca County Sheriff Jack S. Stenberg reported today that four Seneca County youths have been arrested in connection with a stolen South Seneca School bus and a burglary to an Ovid business. 

The four were also responsible for a home invasion in Steuben County and a high speed chase in Landrum, South Carolina that resulted in their arrest and being taken into custody.Arrested and being  returned to Seneca County are the following:  Alexander S. VanVleet, age 19, County Road 139, Ovid, N.Y.; Adam Campbell, age 19, County Road 139, Ovid, N.Y.; Sarah Smith, age 17, West Seneca Street, Ovid, N.Y.; and a 15 year old male not named who is being withheld pending Juvenile Offender status.

Sheriff Stenberg reports the following sequence of events that led to today’s arrest:

On 02/19/2012 @ 0256 HRS - Seneca County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to Smith Road, Lodi, NY, and where they found a South Seneca school bus that had been stolen from the Main Street, Ovid school property. The bus, which had been heavily vandalized, had been involved in a property damage motor vehicle accident on County Road 131. 

On 02/22/12 @ 0301 HRS – Seneca County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a reported burglary at the Ovid Liquor Store, Seneca Street, Ovid, NY in which it was found that the front window of the business had been broken as several items had been stolen.

Seneca County Sheriff’s Deputies, working around the clock, were able to identify “four persons of interest” as having been responsible for both the store burglary and the stolen school bus. It was determined that they had fled Seneca County and were believed traveling to the Steuben County area. “Unfortunately, we had a large geographic area we were concentrating our search efforts on and we were not able to pinpoint their exact location. Our investigators were working closely with police in the Southern Tier/Steuben County area.

On 2/24/12, about 12:30AM, a home invasion took place in the Steuben County Town of Erwin in which two elderly persons were tied up and money and the victim’s vehicle were stolen.  Seneca and Steuben County investigators were able to quickly determine that we were all looking for the same individuals. The home invasion in Steuben County was not random, but rather, the victims were targeted due to a previous connection with at least one of our persons of interest.

Sheriff Stenberg advised that it was difficult to determine where the group had taken the stolen vehicle until information was developed that they had received substantial assistance from a family member which allowed them to be able to leave New York State. “What is troubling to us is the fact that anyone would render assistance to this group in light of their escalating level of violence” said Stenberg.

As these events were unfolding, Seneca County Investigators were able to gather enough evidence to obtain arrest warrants for VanVleet, Campbell, Smith and the 15 year old in connection with the school bus theft.

Working closely with the New York State Intelligence Center, Steuben County Sheriff’s a nationwide police alert was broadcast.

Stenberg reported Seneca County Sheriff’s Investigators developed information that group was headed to the Clemson, South Carolina area.  Police in that area were alerted.

On 2/25/12, police in Landrum, South Carolina spotted the stolen vehicle on I-26 and an attempt was made to stop the vehicle.  A 15 mile high speed chase ensued resulting in an accident and immediate apprehension of Campbell, Smith and the 15 year old. VanVleet fled on foot and after a short foot chase, he was apprehended and taken into custody. The stolen vehicle was recovered with investigators finding that the four had attempted to disguise the stolen vehicle by spray painting it with paint purchased at a Steuben County store.

The group was being held at the Spartanburg County Detention Facility, with the 15 year old being held in secure juvenile detention.

Seneca and Steuben County Investigators working with police in Landrum, South Carolina, were able to link the group to the school bus theft, the liquor store burglary and the home invasion in Steuben County.

All four have appeared in court in South Carolina, waived extradition and are being returned to New York by Seneca and Steuben County authorities. Today, our investigators who traveled to South Carolina were able to obtain the necessary evidence linking all four to all of the crimes allegedly committed.

Sheriff Stenberg credited not only his investigators, but also those from the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Intelligence Center and police in Landrum and Clemson, South Carolina along with the Seneca and Steuben County District Attorney’s Office and the Spartanburg Office of 7^th Judicial Solicitor.  “The arrests in this case demonstrate the high level of cooperation and coordination of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in both New York and South Carolina” said Stenberg.

Upon being returned to Seneca County later today, all four will be arraigned on a variety of criminal charges in connection with the stolen school bus and burglary.

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports, on 03/01/2012 Deputies responded to Waterloo Geneva Rd. in the area of Quiet Country Estates for the report of a personal injury motor vehicle accident. Upon arrival Deputies discovered a two car rear-end accident. It was determined that Anthony Lepki, age 43, of 5564 Rt. 96A, Romulus, NY was operating a 2005 Buick Rendezvous and attempting to make a left hand turn into Quiet Country Estates when his vehicle was struck from behind by a STS bus. The bus was being operated by Theresa M. Finn, age 46, of 9304 York Settelement Rd, North Rose, NY. There were four passengers on the bus at the time of the accident, two of which complained of an injury. The first injured passenger was Julie M. Monroe, age 34 of 78 Rivers Edge Commons Waterloo, NY. Monroe complained of a knee injury and was transported to Geneva General Hospital by North Seneca Ambulance. The second injured passenger, Robert J. Baker, age 79, of 28 Auburn Rd, Apt D1 Seneca Falls, NY complained of a small laceration to his hand and was treated at the scene by North Seneca. The other two passengers of the bus Danielle F Bulla, age 21 of 1004 Hunts Park, Farmington NY, and Chad C Carter, age 36 of 2 Fall St Seneca Falls, NY were not injured from the accident.  The driver of the bus Theresa Finn was issued a citation for following too closely.  Also assisting at the scene was the Waterloo Fire Dept. 

03/01/12

Seneca County Sheriff's Investigators arrested William W. Wallis, age 30, of 890 Waterloo Geneva Road Lot 9 for Falsely reporting an incident in the 2nd degree and Criminal mischief in the 4th degree. Wallis is accused of damaging a fire suppression sprinkler head causing a fire alarm activation and response from emergency responders. Wallis was issued an appearance ticket for the Town of Romulus Court and is scheduled to appear on March 23rd 2012 at 10:00am.

02-29-2012

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that deputies arrested Leea L. Vaughn 16, of 4887 Rte 96a, Romulus NY on a bench warrant from the Town of Varick Court. The warrant was issued as a result of Vaughn failing to appear for a scheduled court date. Vaughn was committed to the Seneca County correctional facility on $2500 cash bail or $5000.00 secured bond. She is to reappear March 28th 2012 at 7:00 pm to face further court action

02-29-2012

Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports the arrest of Freddy L. Karius age 50, of 6069 State Route 414 Hector, NY. Karius was taken into custody at the Seneca County Courthouse following an investigation into an incident which occurred in the Town of Lodi on February 27th 2012. Karius was charged with criminal contempt in the second degree and stalking in the fourth degree. It is alleged that Karius willfully disobeyed a court order issued by Seneca County Family Court and engaged in an ongoing course of conduct which caused the victim fear of harm to her health safety and or property. Karius was arraigned in the Lodi Town Court where he was remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility in lieu of $15,000.00 cash bail or $30,000.00 secured bond. Karius is scheduled to re-appear in the Lodi Town Court on March 15th 2012 at 10:00 a.m. to answer the charges.   

Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Ronald L. Castle Jr age 45 of 57 Stevenson Street Seneca Falls on a Seneca Falls Town Court issued Warrant of Arrest. Castle was charged with violating the conditions of his sentence from a previous charge. Castle was arraigned before Seneca Falls Town Court Justice Mahoney and committed to the Seneca County Correctional Facility in lieu of $2,500.00 cash or $5,000.00 bond. Castle will have to reappear in Seneca Falls Town Court on March 14^th 2012 at 1000 a.m.

The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division arrested Dylan C. Slack, 19, of 518 Yale Station Road, Geneva, New York on numerous charges following an investigation into alleged drug trafficking.

            On February 28, 2012, members of the Narcotics Division, Criminal Investigation Division, Uniform Road Patrol, New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team, and Seneca County Probation executed a search warrant at Slack’s residence.  Upon the execution of the search warrant, quantities of methamphetamine, oxycodone, and clonazepam were located and seized.  It is alleged that Slack possessed the methamphetamine and clonazepam with the intent to sell it.  Other items seized during the search warrant execution included an amount of United States currency, plastic baggies commonly used in the packaging and trafficking of illicit drugs, scales, hypodermic needles, fireworks, and a small amount of marihuana.  It is also alleged that Slack possessed the illicit drugs while living with a child and had sold illicit drugs on two separate occasions.

            Slack was charged with one count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the third degree, a Class B Felony, one count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree, a Class B Felony, one count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the fourth degree, a Class C Felony, two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the fifth degree, Class D Felonies, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree, a Class A Misdemeanor, and Unlawfully Dealing with a Child in the first degree, a Class A Misdemeanor. 

            Slack was arraigned in the Fayette Town Court and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $7,500 cash bail/$15,000 secured bond.  Slack is to reappear in the Fayette Town Court on March 2, 2012 at 8am.

02-29-2012

02-28-2012

02-28-2012

Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports Sheriff's Deputies arrested Susan Y. Hilkert age 50 of 22 Oak St. Seneca Falls NY. Deputies arrested Hilkert on a bench warrant issued from the Town of Waterloo Court for failure to pay a fine. Hilkert failed to pay a fine from a previous unlawful possession of marijuana charge in the Town of Waterloo Court. Hilkert paid the fine at which time she was released from the court on her own recognizance. 

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that Deputies arrested Dwayne D. Falbru age 34 of 72 Phelps St. Lyons, NY on an arrest warrant from Seneca County Family Court.  Falbru was arraigned in the Town of Fayette Court and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility in lieu of $2500 cash bail.  He is to re-appear in front of Judge Bender the next day the Family Court is in session.

2-23-12

Seneca County Sheriff Jack S. Stenberg announced today that four NYS Boater Safety Courses have been scheduled for the upcoming year.  The courses are scheduled for the following dates:

March 24, 2012

April 28, 2012

May 19, 2012

June 16, 2012

Each course will begin promptly at 8AM and conclude at 4PM at the Seneca County Sheriff's Office, 6150 State Route 96, Romulus, New York.  This free course is for adults and children and provides the students with personal watercraft (Jet Ski) certification for persons 14 years of age and older and motor boat certification for persons 10 years of age to 17.  At the successful completion of this course, students will receive their certification immediately.  Space is limited and interested persons are requested to register in advance by calling Lt. John Cleere at 315-220-3442 or by email at jcleere@co.seneca.ny.us.  Students should pack a lunch and bring writing materials.

02-21-2012

         Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports Sheriff's Deputies responded to 1081 Route 318 for the report of a fire inside of a storage container. Upon arrival at the scene Junius Volunteer Fire Department was at the location extinguishing the fire. The fire which was contained to the contents inside of the metal storage container was determined to be accidental in nature. Owner/ Resident of the property Kale Wilkins age 22 reports the fire was spotted by a passer by who called 911. Per Junius Fire Chief Michael Dewaele the fire was caused by a burning barrel which Wilkins was using to burn rubbish being too close to the storage container. Damages to contents were estimated to be in the $3,000.00- 4,000.00 range and the property was uninsured.

Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 31 year old David J. Markel of 58 Church Street Waterloo on a Seneca County Supreme Court issued Violation of Probation Warrant. It is alleged that Markel violated his terms and conditions of his probation that he was serving for being arrested for Felony DWI. Markel was committed without bail and will appear in County Court at a later date.  

02-17-12

  The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports that Deputies arrested Jason P. Griffin, who is currently incarcerated at the Seneca County Correctional facility in Romulus, on a Violation of Probation warrant issued by the Seneca County Court. Griffin is in the facility on unrelated charges; however those charges resulted in a violation petition being filed by Seneca County Probation Officers. Griffin will be arraigned before Judge Denis Bender the next day that the County Court is in session. Until then he will be held without bail.

02-10-12 - Members of the the Seneca County Sheriff's Office Uniform Road Patrol and Narcotics Division arrested Joseph L. Bongiovanni, 39, of 261 Roesch Avenue, Buffalo, New York, on charges of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the second degree, a Class A-II Felony, Criminal Possession of Marihuana in the third degree, a Class E Felony, and Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the second degree, a Class A Misdemeanor. 

The charges stem from an investigation of a burglar alarm at a Town of Lodi business.  The arriving deputy sheriff located a suspicious vehicle attempting to leave the business.  The vehicle was stopped and the occupant, Bongiovanni, was interviewed.  Upon further investigation, Bongiovanni was found to be in possession of two ounces of hallucinogenic mushrooms, two digital scales, and 87 plastic baggies commonly used for the packaging of illicit drugs.  Bongiovanni also possessed over eleven ounces of marihuana that were in various forms.  The marihuana included plant material, liquid marihuana, and hash.  

Bongiovanni was arraigned in the Lodi Town Court and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $100,000 cash bail/$200,000 secured bond.  Bongiovanni is to reappear in the Lodi Town Court on February 16, 2012 at 11:30am.

On 02/08-2012 - Members of the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics and Criminal Investigation Division, assisted by members of the Uniform Road Patrol arrested two persons in connection to methamphetamine production in the Town of Waterloo. 

Sheriff’s Deputies executed two search warrants and found numerous items relating to methamphetamine use and production.  The investigation is still in the preliminary stages and numerous seized items of evidence have been sent to the Monroe County Crime Laboratory for analysis.  Deputies expect additional charges to be lodged pending completion of forensic analysis.

Arrested yesterday were the following persons:

Kari L. Ludington, age 26,   890 Waterloo/Geneva Road,  Lot 8, Waterloo, New York

William W. Wallis, age 30,  890 Waterloo/Geneva Road,  Lot 8, Waterloo, New York

Both were each charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree.

Ludington was arraigned in the Waterloo Town Court and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $3,000 cash bail/$6,000 secured bond.  Ludington is to reappear in the Waterloo Town Court on March 8, 2012 at 5pm.

Wallis was also arraigned in the Waterloo Town Court and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility on $5,000 cash bail/$10,000 secured bond.  Wallis is to reappear in the Waterloo Town Court on March 8, 2012 at 5pm.

“What is most troubling about these arrests is the fact they possessed certain items used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine in a populated area in the vicinity of unsuspecting adults and children.  One mistake made by these individuals could result in a tragic ending.  We encourage anyone who may have information about drug use, sale or manufacture to contact our confidential drug tip line at the following number: 1-800-GO-TO-JAIL (1-800-468-6524)” said Sheriff Jack Stenberg.

The investigation is continuing.

02-05-2012 1010am- Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that Sheriff’s Deputies investigated a personal injury auto accident on State Route 96 in the Town of Varick. A vehicle driven north bound on State Route 96 by 19 year old Heather M. Valder of 4 East Elisha Street Waterloo went off the roadway and struck a ditch. The vehicle rolled over numerous times before coming to rest in a field. Valder was trapped in the vehicle for about 30 minutes and had to be extricated by Firefights from the Romulus Vol. Fire Department. Valder was treated at the scene by South Seneca Ambulance. Valder was then flown to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. Valder was listed as in guarded condition in the intensive care unit. Assisting South Seneca Ambulance was members from North Seneca Ambulance. Sheriff’s Deputies were on the scene investigating the accident for about 3 hours. Sheriff's Deputies were assisted at the scene by New York State Park Police and State Police from Romulus. The investigation is continuing.  

The Seneca County Sheriff's Office reports on February 3, 2012 Sheriff Deputies arrested Eric W Jones, age 42 of 3116 Perry City Rd Trumabsburg for Criminal Contempt 1st degree, Harassment 2nd degree and Criminal Trespass 2nd degree.  It is alleged that Jones unlawfully entered an apartment in the Town of Ovid and enganged in a physical altercation with a female while a Class A Order of Protection was in effect.  Jones was arraigned at the Lodi Town Court where he was committed to the Seneca County Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000 cash, $20,000 secured bond.  Jones is scheduled to reappear on February 6, 2012.