Press Release, Medina Police Department

MEDINA – During the month of May, the Medina Police Department received several complaints of counterfeit money being passed around at local businesses. As the cases were investigated it was learned the money was being manufactured locally and was largely used to purchase illegal drugs.

This money was also disseminated and intentionally passed to businesses knowing that the money was forged. On May 5, suspects successfully passed counterfeit money to a business on Maple Ridge Road in Medina. On May 8, the same suspects and additional suspects successfully passed counterfeit money again to four other businesses.

Not all transactions were identified immediately as most bills were caught after being deposited at local banks. This caused some of the cases to go unreported as long as two or three weeks later, or not reported at all.

An investigation by the Medina Police Department was able to develop information that identified four individuals who have been arrested. The investigation is still ongoing, and further arrests are pending.

The following have been arrested:

Peter Jones, 21 of Medina, charged with two counts of Possessing a Forged Instrument 1st Degree (C Felony);

Michael Burch, 18, of Medina, charged with Possessing a Forged Instrument 1st Degree (C Felony);

Kyle Allport, 18, of Medina, charged with Possessing a Forged Instrument 1st Degree (C Felony);

Sebastian Bonk, 24, of Medina, charged with two counts of Possessing a Forged Instrument 1st Degree (C Felony) and Criminal Tampering with Physical Evidence (E Felony).

The Medina Police encourage patrons, as well as businesses to work together in an attempt to identify counterfeit bills. Businesses should use counterfeit markers whenever practical and be observant for the obvious indicators such as no ribbon printed in the bill, off center cut edges, and the way the bill feels compared to others.

When receiving multiple bills at one time try to check serial numbers as counterfeit bills will usually have the same number. As a customer, beware that a business may receive the bill and then accidently pass it as change. Identifying forged money as quick as possible greatly increases the chances of solving these cases and catching those responsible.

This investigation was conducted by officer. Brian Marsceill. Assisting was officer Greg Fraser. Anyone having additional information on these cases involving counterfeit money or other cases please contact the Medina Police Department at 585-798-5602.

ALBION – An inmate at the Orleans Correctional Facility in Albion had another 1 ½ to 3 years added to his prison sentence today after being sentenced for attempted promoting of prison contraband in the first degree.

Scott Briggs, 31, of Broome County is an inmate at the prison in Albion, serving a 6- to 7-year sentence for burglary and possession of stolen property. His mother Lori Briggs, 54, of Endicott allegedly mailed her son a painkiller on three occasions and also had it during a prison visitation.

She admitted in Orleans County Court on May 2 to mailing Suboxone to her son, who said in court that he requested his mother mail it to him.

The younger Briggs requested to be sentenced to a drug treatment program through the state correctional system, but Orleans County Court Judge James Punch declined that request today. Punch said Briggs twice had his probation revoked.

“You never took it seriously,” the judge told Briggs during sentencing this afternoon.

Correctional Facility staff intercepted the Suboxone sent by Briggs’ mother. She faces a maximum sentence of 1 to 3 years in prison as part of a plea deal when she is sentenced on July 25.

In other cases in court today:

Brandie Sumeriski, 21, of Albion was sentenced to six months in the county jail in an intermittent sentence from 6 p.m. on Mondays to 8 a.m. on Fridays.

Sumeriski was sentenced for violating her probation. She admitted during a June 6 court appearance to violating probation by drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana, socializing with people she wasn’t supposed to be around, not earning her GED, not completing her community service, and not attending mental health sessions regularly. Judge Punch said those represent “substantial violations” of probation.

David M. Mitchell, 27, pleaded guilty to first-degree attempted promoting prison contraband. Mitchell, an inmate in the Orleans Correctional Facility in Albion, allegedly sharpened two metal instruments to use as weapons in the prison. Those weapons were confiscated on Feb. 22. He has prior felony convictions.

Mitchell admitted in court today to having two metal shanks in prison. He will be sentenced at 2 p.m. on Oct. 3 and faces a maximum of an additional 1 ½ to 3 years in state prison.

Marcie Conlon of Holley admitted to violating her probation after being charged with driving while intoxicated, driving while ability impaired by drugs, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, going to Monroe County without permission from probation, drinking alcohol, and using hydrocodone twice without a prescription.

Punch said those represents “substantial violations of probation.”

She could face up to two years in prison when she is sentenced at 2 p.m. on Aug. 8.

The judge set bail at $150,000 for a Medina woman facing drug charges. Erika H. Poole, 36, of 4335 Salt Works Rd. was charged last week with one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (Class B felony) and one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree (Class D felony). She has prior felony convictions.

District Attorney Joe Cardone said in court today that Poole will likely face a weapons charge after an unregistered gun was found in her apartment during a search by police.

Another man charged with reckless endangerment for firing shotgun

MEDINA – Four people were arrested on Wednesday after an investigation into the sale and distribution of crack cocaine in Medina, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force reported today.

The Task Force, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, the Medina Police Department, and the New York State Division of Parole stopped a vehicle in the Village of Medina. As a result, investigators seized a quantity of crack cocaine and arrested the driver and passenger on drug charges and parole warrants, the Task Force said in a news release.

The investigation then led investigators to an apartment house located at 4335 Salt Works Road in the Town of Shelby, where investigators seized a quantity of crack cocaine from an individual at that location.

During the course of the investigation at 4335 Salt Works Road, an additional person who lives in an adjoining apartment fired a shotgun out a second-story window towards the back of the residence. The individual who fired the shot was subsequently placed into custody by deputies and appeared to be highly intoxicated at the time, the Task Force said.

Law enforcement, as part of the investigation, seized more than 20 grams of crack cocaine, cash, two shotguns and other drug paraphernalia.

The following were arrested:

Erika H. Poole

Erika H. Poole, 36, of 4335 Salt Works Rd., Medina. She was charged with one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (Class B felony) and one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree (Class D felony).

Calvin S. Carver

Calvin S. Carver, 27, of 4335 Salt Works Rd., Medina. He was charged with one count of CPCS in the third degree and CPCS in the fifth degree.

Harold D. Hill Jr.

Harold D. Hill Jr., 38, of 198 Pine St., Lockport. He was charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree.

Bradley J. Bentley

Bradley J. Bentley, 50, of 4335 Salt Works Rd., Medina. He was charged with one count of reckless endangerment in the first degree for firing the shotgun (Class D felony).

All four were arraigned in the Shelby Town Court by Town Justice Joseph Kujawa. Both Poole and Hill were committed to the Orleans County Jail and held without bail due to their previous criminal histories. Both are to return back to Shelby Town Court on today at 6 p.m.

Carver was committed to the County Jail on $50,000 bail and is to return back to the Shelby Town Court on July 11 at 9 a.m.

Bentley was committed to the County Jail on $10,000 cash bail or $100,000 bond and is to return to the Shelby Town Court today at 6 p.m.

Poole and Carver are also being held on parole warrants issued by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

State Police also assisted at 4335 Salt Works Rd.

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KENDALL – Orleans County Court Judge James Punch today set bail at $500,000 for David P. Perry Sr., a Kendall resident who faces 32 counts of charges related to sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of five girls ranging in age from 13 to 15.

Perry first appeared before Punch in court on Monday. The arraignment was completed today when the judge set bail and Perry appeared with assigned counsel, David Morabito of East Rochester.

Morabito entered a not guilty plea on behalf of Perry.

The judge assigned counsel after determining that Perry, who is on Social Security, had an income that qualified for an assigned attorney.

Perry, a resident of Norway Road, was arrested on March 9. He allegedly forced juvenile victims to smoke marijuana and drink alcoholic wine and vodka over several months in 2015. At times, the victims would reportedly consume these substances to the point of becoming impaired and intoxicated, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office reported when he was arrested.

Perry would allegedly make them undress, then he would perform various criminal sexual acts and sexual abuse. It is also alleged that Perry would force the victims to pose for pictures while undressed or partially dressed.

Judge Punch issued orders of protection for the five alleged victims in case. He told Perry that also means he can not have any communication through social media with the girls.

On Monday, he appeared in Orleans County Court in front of Judge James Punch. Perry was arraigned on three counts of third-degree criminal sexual act, 14 counts of first-degree unlawful dealing with a child, 10 counts of sexual abuse in the third degree, and five counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

He also  was arrested on May 12 on child pornography charges, including 15 counts of possession of an obscene sexual performance by a child less than 16 years old.

Approximately 15,000 images of suspected child pornography were found on Perry’s devices, District Attorney Joe Cardone said today in court.

Cardone said the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Buffalo may pursue federal prosecution as well for child pornography crimes.

David P. Perry

KENDALL – A Kendall man was arraigned in Orleans County Court on Monday on 32 counts of charges related to sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of five girls ranging in age from 13 to 15.

David P. Perry Sr., 67, of Norway Road was arrested on March 9. Perry allegedly forced juvenile victims to smoke marijuana and drink alcoholic wine and vodka over several months in 2015. At times, the victims would reportedly consume these substances to the point of becoming impaired and intoxicated, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office reported when he was arrested.

Perry would allegedly make them undress, then he would perform various criminal sexual acts and sexual abuse. It is also alleged that Perry would force the victims to pose for pictures while undressed or partially dressed.

On Monday, he appeared in Orleans County Court in front of Judge James Punch. Perry was arraigned on three counts of third-degree criminal sexual act, 14 counts of first-degree unlawful dealing with a child, 10 counts of sexual abuse in the third degree, and five counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

Perry is due back in Orleans County Court today at 11:30 a.m. for a full arraignment with a lawyer. Judge Punch is determining if Perry, who is on Social Security, is eligible for the public defender. Perry needed to fill out a financial form.

The judge also declined to set bail on Monday, but will during today’s court appearance. Perry is being held without bail until the judge sets the amount.

Perry was arraigned on May 12 by Murray Town Justice Ted Spada, who set bail at $250,000. Perry was arraigned on May 12 on child pornography charges, including 15 counts of possession of an obscene sexual performance by a child less than 16 years old.

The initial allegations resulted in a search warrant that was executed in January 2016. A computer and portable hard drive were submitted to the Western New York Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory in Buffalo for analysis.

Approximately 15,000 images of suspected child pornography were found on Perry’s devices that were submitted for analysis. Many of the images found were children between the ages of 2 and 9 years of age, Undersheriff Chris Bourke said last month.

In addition to the charges in Orleans County, Bourke said that Sheriff’s investigators and the Orleans County District Attorney’s office will be working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Buffalo for possible federal prosecution as well.

ALBION – Orleans County Court Judge James Punch arraigned several people in court for crimes in the county, including burglaries, larcenies and driving while intoxicated.

The following were arraigned:

Daniel Brusie, 40, of Medina was arraigned for fourth-degree grand larceny for allegedly stealing a lawn mower on March 30. He is a persistent felon with two prior felonies, four misdemeanors and three probation revocations, said Judge Punch, who set bail at $100,000.

Evan J. Vanskiver, 24, of Lawrence Road in Hilton was arraigned for felony DWI and criminal possession of a stolen property. He was allegedly driving a stolen vehicle when he was arrested for DWI in Albion on Feb. 25.

He pleaded not guilty. He has a prior felony and two misdemeanors, District Attorney Joe Cardone said in court. The judge set bail at $2,500.

Zachary A. Deville, 22, of Brown Street in Albion and Michael Borrero, 17, of Washington Street in Albion were both arraigned for third-degree burglary, fourth-degree grand larceny, and two counts of criminal mischief in the fourth degree.

The two both allegedly broke into The Vape Shop on East Bank Street in Albion on April 11, damaging a door and a laptop computer, and stealing several items, the DA’s Office said.

Trevor Gray, 22, of Maple Road in Corfu was arraigned on charges of third-degree burglary and fourth-degree criminal mischief. He allegedly broke the window of the EZ Shop in Lyndonville, while attempting to break in on May 11.

A former Medina resident pleaded guilty to criminal mischief in the fourth degree and could face a maximum of a year in jail when he is sentenced on Sept. 26. Hamzah Abdur-Rasheed, 22, formerly of East Center Street in Medina admitted in court to damaging a door on May 19, 2014.

ALBION – Two people have been arrested after cocaine with a street value of $150,000 was seized on Friday, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force is reporting today.

Police seized 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of cocaine that was hidden in the engine compartment of a vehicle that was stopped on East Avenue in Albion. The arrests were made following an investigation into the sale and distribution of cocaine from Texas to Orleans County.

Daniel Guzman

Luis Alberto Sanchez-Garza

The Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force along with the Albion Police Department, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department stopped the vehicle in Albion and detained the driver and passenger of the vehicle.

Upon further investigation by the Task Force and a K9 sniff conducted by the Albion Police, a search warrant was obtained for the vehicle and subsequently executed. Police seized 1 kilogram of cocaine hidden in the engine compartment of the vehicle.

The following were charged:

Daniel Guzman, 29, of 8305 Park Place Mt. Blvd., Houston, Texas. He was charged with one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the first degree, a Class A-1 felony.

Luis Alberto Sanchez-Garza, 31, from Mexico. He was charged with one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class A-1 felony.

Guzman and Sanchez-Garza were arraigned in Town of Albion Court, by Town Justice Gary Moore. They were committed to the Orleans County Jail without bail. Both are to return to Town of Albion Court on June 28 at 9 a.m.

This investigation is ongoing and further charges and arrests are pending, said Joseph Sacco, supervising investigator for the Task Force.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration also assisted in the investigation.

ALBION – Three brothers who faced grand larceny charges as part of a food stamp scheme were sentenced to four months of intermittent time in jail today, as well as an order to pay about $164,000 in restitution.

“You guys were running a crooked business,” Orleans County Court Judge James Punch said at sentencing today.

He said they failed to pay their honest share of taxes, and were cheating the government.

Myron, Olec and Alexander Salamaca were arrested on Oct. 27 following a 15-month investigation where the Salamacas and some employees allowed customers to illegally exchange food stamps in the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) at 70 percent of their value, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force said then.

The Salamacas would swipe electronic DBT cards and give customers cash back or allow them to buy alcohol, untaxed cigarettes, gas and other items unauthorized by the program, District Attorney Joe Cardone said in court on April 4, when the brothers pleaded guilty to grand larceny.

Myron and Olec are the owners of the store. Charles Rogers, attorney for Alexander Salamaca, said his client was only an employee at the store, and was just following directives from his brothers.

“The two brothers gave him instructions on what to do and he did it,” Rogers said on behalf of Alexander Salamaca.

“I don’t think you’re absolved by just saying, ‘I was following orders,'” Judge Punch responded. “I think you’re equally culpable.”

The judge gave Alexander the same punishment of four months in jail, plus five years on probation. Punch said the restitution schedule will be determined after consulting with Probation.

Ben Bonarigo, attorney for Olec Salamanca, said the family has owned the Murray Superette for 37 ½ years.

“These are hard-working men,” Bonarigo said.

The Salamacas attempted to sell the business before, but couldn’t get a buyer. They started to cheat other people and the government, Bonarigo said.

“He knows what they did was wrong,” Bonarigo told the judge on behalf of Olec.

Punch said the brothers had other options and didn’t need to resort to their scheme.

“It doesn’t fly with me that you were in a difficult business and decided to cheat people,” Punch said.

The brothers will spend partial weeks in jail over the next four months with Myron in jail from 6 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Monday, Olec from 6 a.m. Sunday to 7 a.m. Wednesday and Alexander from 6 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. on Friday.

They will pay a joint restitution of $15,000 to the New York State Department of Taxation for sales tax on untaxed cigarettes. They will also pay $149,102 to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for abuses in the food stamp program.

Thomas Burns, attorney for Myron Salamaca, said the brothers “have been cooperative throughout the entire process.”

Punch said as terms of their probation they are not to consume alcohol, but they will be permitted to sell it at the Murray Superette.

ALBION – Two men accused of trying to smuggle cocaine went before Orleans County Court Judge James Punch today to determine their bail.

Punch said one of the men arrested, Daniel Guzman, 29, of Texas, will be held without bail due to “repeated out-of-state convictions,” Punch said in court today. Guzman, a resident of Houston, also is wanted on a warrant from Texas.

Punch said there is question if Guzman provided the right identification to law enforcement.

He was arrested on Friday along with Luis Alberto Sanchez-Garza, 31, from Mexico. The judge set bail for Sanchez-Garza at $500,000.

Police seized 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of cocaine that was hidden in the engine compartment of a vehicle that was stopped on East Avenue in Albion. The arrests were made following an investigation into the sale and distribution of cocaine from Texas to Orleans County.

Both men face Class A-1 felony charges. The cocaine seizure was the largest in Orleans County history. The drug seized has a street value of about $150,000.

ALBION – It was a busy court calendar Monday in Orleans County Court. Several people were arraigned for alleged crimes in the county.

Dameon K. Holtfoth, 19, of East Shelby Road in Medina was to be arraigned for first-degree rape, first-degree sexual abuse and third-degree incest for an incident on March 15.

But Holtfoth did not show up in court. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

A Medina man was arraigned for attempted promotion of a sexual performance of a child and endangering the welfare of a child. Judd A. Farewell Jr., 24, of Countyline Road allegedly tried to solicit an underage girl to send him naked pictures of herself.

District Attorney Joe Cardone said Farewell gained access to the alleged victim through social media. Judge James Punch set bail at $100,000 for Farewell and issued an order of protection for the alleged victim.

Betty Russell, 56, of West Avenue in Medina was arraigned on two counts each of criminal possession and criminal sale of a controlled substance in the fifth degree.

She allegedly twice sold hydrocodone and acetaminophen pills. The judge continued her bail at $5,000.

Allen Snook, 33, was partially arraigned in County Court on two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third, and one count of CPCS in the fifth degree.

Snook allegedly sold morphine twice and had the opioid pain medication in his possession. The court is determining whether there is a conflict in the public defender’s office to represent Snook. He will be fully arraigned on June 20. The judge set bail at $25,000.

Wade Sargent, 22, of West Shelby Road in Middleport was arraigned on fourth-degree grand larceny. He allegedly stole a handgun from his father and sold it for money to buy heroin, District Attorney Joe Cardone said in court.

A full arraignment will be completed on Friday when Sargent has counsel. Judge Punch set bail at $2,500.

ALBION – Four people will spend time in either the Orleans County Jail or state prison for crimes in Orleans County, Judge James Punch decided today in County Court.

A Medina man was given 1 ½ to 3 years in state prison for attempted assault in the second degree. Michael B. Collier Jr., 23, of East Oak Orchard Street admitted in a previous court appearance to using a knife to stab a 16-year-old on Oct. 24. The teen has recovered from the attack.

Collier is a second felony offender, which made a state prison sentence mandatory, Punch said in court.

The charge of attempted assault in the second degree normally carries a maximum sentence of 2 to 4 years in state prison. As part of a plea deal, Collier faced 1 ½ to 3 years in prison. The judge gave Collier the maximum in the plea deal.

Collier’s attorney Michael O’Keefe said Collier has drug and alcohol problems that were a factor in the crime. O’Keefe asked that Collier be sentenced to the Willard drug treatment program for state inmates. Punch declined that request.

“This is a violent crime, a serious crime and you have a serious criminal history,” the judge said.

Collier also was ordered to pay a $325 court surcharge and $50 DNA fee.

In other cases:

A Brockport man was sentenced to 2 ½ years in state prison on drug charges. Jerry Walls, 46, was arrested in December 2014 with two others following a five-month investigation into the sale and distribution of prescription narcotics in the Village of Albion, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force reported on Dec. 4, 2014.

Walls is a second felony offender, previously convicted of grand larceny in the fourth degree in Orleans County Court on July 20, 2009.

In addition to the state prison time, Walls was sentenced to three years of post-release supervision, had his license suspended for six months, and ordered to pay a $325 court surcharge and $50 DNA fee.

A Waterport woman was sentenced to a year in jail for attempted burglary in the second degree.

Mary Golding, 51, of Harris Road in Waterport admitted in a previous court appearance she went to a neighbor’s house on Harris Road on Nov. 8 and stole a jewelry box so she could feed her heroin addiction. Golding said she has since been in rehab.

The charge normally carries a maximum of 2 to 7 years in state prison. As part of a plea deal, Golding faced a maximum of a year in the county jail. Punch said documented mental health issues for Golding convinced him not to send her to state prison.

The judge declined to sentence her to probation, because she has been on probation before but was unsuccessful.

“You have a long history of petty crimes and refusing to cooperate on probation,” the judge said.

He also ordered her to pay the $325 court surcharge and $50 DNA fee. He also issued an order of protection for the victim of the crime.

A Holley woman was sentenced to six months in jail attempted promotion of prison contraband in the first degree.

Stephanie M. Rauch, 27, of North Main Street admitted in a previous court appearance to bringing a controlled substance into the Orleans County Jail on Oct. 1. Rauch tried to bring suboxone into the jail to give to an inmate. She was stopped at the jail gate. The substance was tested at the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department lab and found to a controlled substance and narcotic, District Attorney Joe Cardone told Judge Punch.

Rauch could have faced up to 4 years in state prison. Her attorney, Michael O’Keefe, asked the judge to sentence her to probation.

“I’m sorry and please give me a chance to prove I’m better than I’ve done,” she told the judge.

Punch noted she hadn’t been on probation before. In addition to six months in jail, he sentenced her to five years on probation.

“You need to stay sober and stop committing these petty crimes,” Punch told Rauch at sentencing. “You’re looking at state prison if you screw up again.”

Ronald W. Standish Jr.

ALBION – A corrections officer at the Orleans Correctional Facility, a medium-security men’s prison on Gaines Basin Road, has been charged with selling drugs, although law enforcement officials say it’s “undetermined at this time” if the corrections officer was providing drugs to inmates.

Ronald W. Standish Jr., 32, of Holley Road in Albion was arrested on Wednesday after an investigation into the sale and distribution of heroin and cocaine in Albion.

The Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department and the Albion Police Department K9 Unit executed a search warrant at Standish’s residence. As a result, investigators with the Orleans County District Attorney’s Office arrested Standish on numerous sale and possession charges.

Standish was charged with four counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree (Class B felonies) and four counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (Class B felonies).

He was arraigned in Albion Town Court by Justice Joseph Fuller. Standish was committed to the Orleans County Jail on $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bond. He is to return back to Town Court on Friday at 9 a.m.

Standish has been a correction officer for approximately four years.

“This investigation is ongoing,” said Joe Sacco, supervising investigator for the Task Force. “It’s undetermined at this time if Standish was supplying drugs to inmates within the prison. The New York State Department of Correctional Services Inspector General’s Office is assisting in this investigation.”

ALBION – Four people pleaded guilty on Monday to crimes in Orleans County, and could be sentenced to either jail or state prison.

Christopher J. Price, 28, of 1 Thomas St., Apartment D. in the Holley Hotel pleaded guilty to unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine in the third degree. As a second felony offender, he could be sentenced to a maximum of 1 ½ to 4 years in state prison on Aug. 15 at 2:30 p.m.

Price was arrested on Feb. 4 after an investigation into a methamphetamine manufacturing and distribution operation in Holley. Three others also were charged and their cases are pending.

Richard M. Fidanza, 39, of 243 East Ave., Albion, could be sentenced to up to 1 ½ to 3 years in state prison after he pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree.

Fidanza admitted he sold suboxone on Oct. 1, 2015. As a second felony offender, the maximum sentence would normally be up to 4 years, but his sentence will be no more than 3 years as part of a plea deal.

He will be sentenced on Aug. 15 at 2 p.m.

A Rochester man pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, which carries a maximum of 2 ½ years in state prison as a first-time offender.

Steven L. Carter, 23, admitted in court to having cocaine during a traffic stop in January on Clarendon Street in the Village of Albion. Carter has no prior criminal record and is a trustee in the county jail, where he has been since January. Orleans County Court Judge James Punch agreed to reduce Carter’s bail to $1,000 after a request for Carter’s attorney, Brian Degnan. Carter will be sentenced Aug. 29 at 2 p.m.

Brandie Sumeriski, 21, of Albion admitted to violating her probation by drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana, socializing with people she wasn’t supposed to be around, not earning her GED, not completing her community service, and not attending mental health sessions regularly. Judge Punch said those represent “substantial violations” of probation. Sumeriski will be sentenced on July 11 at 2 p.m.

In another case, a Brockport man was sentenced to three months in jail and ordered to pay $263 in restitution for allegedly taking that money.

Francisco Guerrero, 38, of Brockport allegedly broke into a home on Hurd Road on July 1 in Murray and stole items. The judge issued an order of protection for the victims.

Judge orders defendant to repay $19,317.87

Press Release, U.S. Attorney William Hochul’s Office

BUFFALO – U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. announced today that Heather Brooks, 33, of Medina, who was convicted of theft of public money, was sentenced to two years probation by U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott S. Allen, Jr., who handled the case, stated that between June 1, 2010 and May 1, 2013, the defendant willfully stole Social Security Income benefits from the United States Social Security Administration by purposely under reporting income she received from two separate employers.

Brooks was asked to recertify her income on two occasions, and on both occasions, she purposely under reported, Hochul’s office stated. In total, the defendant received $19,317.87 that she was not entitled to receive.  In addition to her period of probation, the defendant was ordered to pay restitution totaling $19,317 to the Social Security Administration.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Edward J. Ryan.