MEDINA – A Medina man pleaded guilty in Orleans County Court today to criminally negligent homicide, admitting to driving at a high rate of speed and through a stop sign in an accident that resulted in the death of Gabriel J. Casanova, 19, on June 25, 2023.

Rashawn Bloom, 20, was driving a 2009 Lincoln Navigator with three other passengers at about 2:30 a.m. They had just left a bonfire on East Countyhouse Road when District Attorney Joe Cardone said Bloom drove off at speeds topping 85 miles per hour. He also went through the stop sign at Countyhouse Road and Route 98 and then lost control of the vehicle on West Countyhouse Road. The vehicle overturned multiple times.

Casanova died from blunt force trauma to the head and other parts of his body, Cardone said in court today.

Bloom was charged by State Police in April for first-degree reckless endangerment, a D felony with a maximum sentence of seven years in state prison.

Bloom agreed to a plea deal today with the District Attorney’s Office, where he will face a split sentence of six months in the county jail and five years of probation. He will be sentenced on Nov. 25.

County Court Judge Sanford Church went over the meaning of criminally negligent homicide, where a person creates a substantial risk by being reckless, inattentive or careless, leading to the death or another person. The defendant faces this charge shows a “gross deviation from the standard of care by a reasonable person,” Church said.

Bloom was released on his own recognizance at the town court level, before the case was moved to County Court. Judge Church decided to set bail at $1,000 cash or $2,500 bond.

Press Release, Medina Sandstone Society

MEDINA – The Sandstone Trust of Medina is accepting grant applications from not-for-profit organizations and/or programs in in Orleans County, which benefit the residents of Medina, Ridgeway and Shelby.

The community endowment program will make several thousand dollars available in December; funding is intended for purposes that clearly benefit the community. Grants generally range from $500 to $750.

Grant application forms can be obtained: in person at Michael Zelazny CPA, 511 Main St.; by regular mail request sent to Sandstone Trust, P O Box 25, Medina, NY 14103; or electronically at www.sandstonesociety.org.

Completed applications are due by Oct. 31. They should be mailed to Sandstone Trust, PO Box 25, Medina, NY 14103.

For more information, email sandstonesociety@gmail.org or call Michael Zelazny at 585-798-1006.

BATAVIA – The Genesee County Fairgrounds on Tuesday hosted 70 companies in the region who introduced students to a number of trades, agriculture, construction and advanced manufacturing skills. It was part of the sixth annual GLOW With Your Hands: Manufacturing event.

There were about 1,250 students from 30 school districts in the four-county GLOW region. There were about 200 students from the five school districts in Orleans County at the event, including about 40 each from Holley and Kendall, 55 from Albion, 35 from Lyndonville and 19 from Medina.

Albion High School senior Joseph Schoberlein said he learned about many careers that he could pursue after he graduates.

“There are a number of jobs you learn about at GLOW With Your Hands that you do not experience in a traditional classroom setting,” he said. “A lot of these careers do not require a college degree. I can enter the workforce immediately out of high school with a good-paying job without taking the college route.”

Sophia Bridge, a seventh-grader at Elba, gives brick laying a try with some guidance from Robert Sotir of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Union in Rochester. The union did a brick mockup on how to build a brick wall. Students used a trowel to put mortar between the bricks.

The event introduces students from Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties to employers and careers with in-demand jobs. About 70 businesses provided hands-on activities and simulations.

“We have seen GLOW With Your Hands participants grow into successful professionals, and businesses that participate in our manufacturing and healthcare event grow their next generation,” said GLOW With Your Hands co-chair Karyn Winters. “Having over 1,000 students and a record number of employers at our event reaffirms that there is a significant need for these connections and a significant benefit created at our events.”

“Our goal is to provide local youth with family-sustaining career opportunities that lead to fulfilling lifestyles and positively impact local communities,” said GLOW With Your Hands co-chair Angela Grouse. “By getting hands-on and informational experiences, our students are taking the first step toward that goal.”

Ben Wild, right, and Isaac Herman of Attica try soldering in a demonstration run by James Ely, a technical assistant at Monroe Community College.

“It’s pretty awesome,” Wild said about the day, trying different skills. “It’s interactive. It’s hands-on work.”

Nick Cosimeno of Batavia also learned about soldering. He enjoyed the many activities as part of the day.

“It’s interesting,” he said. “It’s a fun experience.”

Darlene Cooper, left, and her daughter-in-law Emily Cooper were tour guides during the event for Lyndonville students. The Coopers are shown after they sampled some of the maple syrup at the maple syrup demonstration. They both work for the state Department of Labor. Darlene is a labor service representative at the Albion Career Center, and Emily is a supervising labor service representative at the Batavia center.

“This gives exposure to the trades that most kids don’t get in school,” Emily Cooper said.

Darlene said the event has grown with more students attending and more companies doing demonstrations.

“It’s hands-on,” she said. “They can run machinery. They can weld. The future is bright for these kids.”

Cheyenne Jablonsky of Dansville tries hoof trimming in a demonstration run by Zane Hendrickson, a hoof trimmer from Perry. It is one of many local careers available in the agricultural community.

Abby Hunt, left, and Naeve Nothnagle of Caledonia-Mumford race to push a wheelbarrow with a cinder block through a course. The activity was set up by John Guilford Sr., in back in orange, who is a trainer with the Rochester Laborers Training & Apprentice Fund Local 435.

Students were able to operate an excavator at one of the stations.

The students each received a hard hat as they went about the fairgrounds, trying the different activities and skills.

Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt

LYNDONVILLE – Wednesday night marked a special occasion for the Lyndonville Lions Club as members celebrated 50 years of remarkable service to their community and its sponsorship of one of the largest 4th of July parades in the area.

Proclamations were presented to the Lyndonville Lions Club from the offices of Senator Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Steve Hawley to honor the anniversary and commemorate the club’s outstanding service to the community.

“The Lions Club motto is ‘We Serve’ and the Lyndonville chapter certainly exemplifies that,” said Senator Rob Ortt. “I’m proud of my partnership with the Lyndonville Lions Club and truly enjoy marching every year in what has to be the biggest 4th of July parade in Western New York. It wouldn’t be possible without volunteers from the Lion’s Club, and for the past 50 years, the Lyndonville Lions Club has done a remarkable job incorporating the entire community and surrounding areas.”

“The Lyndonville Lions Club has been a staple in our community and has worked to bring its neighbors together for the last 50 years,” said Hawley. “From organizing our amazing 4th of July parade to putting together countless humanitarian projects across the region, the Lions Club has been an invaluable asset to the Western New York community. I’m grateful for the hard work this organization has put in over the last 50 years and I look forward to seeing the impact it will have in the years to come.”

Wednesday’s meeting also brought in four new recruits, one of the highest ever from a single event.

Frontier Heating & A/C Service named Business of the Year

Press Release, Orleans County Chamber of Commerce

ALBION – The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce has announced its annual award winners. They will be honored on Thursday, Oct. 17, at the White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville, starting at 5:30 p.m.

The winners for 2024 include:

• Business of the Year – Frontier Heating & A/C Service
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Dave Mitchell – Mitchell Family Cremations and Funerals
• Phoenix Award – Tapped on Main – Mark’s Pizzeria
• New Business of the Year – Chop’s Shop Bar and Grilled North
• Community Service Award – Community Action of Orleans & Genesee
• Agricultural Business of the Year – Roberts Farm Market
• Businessperson of the Year – Bob Gibbs – Environmental Construction Group
• Small Business of the Year – Rudy’s Diner
• Hidden Gem – Captain’s Cove Motel & Marina

By Dr. Sarah Smith and Dr. Kelsey Izzo, pediatricians at Oak Orchard Health.

Now that kids are back in the classroom, we want to help you make sure they get as much out of their school days as possible. That means staying healthy, getting plenty of rest, and practicing all-around good habits. Here are some tips to help your family thrive this school year.

Avoid sickness—and prevent spread.

Start by getting your kids this year’s flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccinations can help protect your kids from getting these viruses (and minimize symptoms if they do). Good hand hygiene goes a long way, too. Be sure kids wash their hands with soap and warm water and use hand sanitizer throughout the day.

If your kids get sick with fever, vomiting, and diarrhea they must stay home until symptoms have resolved. They can return when symptom free including fever-free without medicine for 24 hours.

Fuel their day.

A good day at school starts with good nutrition. Make sure your kids eat breakfast, whether at home or through a school meal program. Remember, a nutritious breakfast should include some form of protein or fruit. Protein at breakfast could come from eggs, and if you’re short on time, prepare them ahead as grab-and-go egg bites baked in muffin tins (here’s a great recipe: loveandlemons.com/egg-bites-recipe). Other protein sources include Greek yogurt, peanut butter, cheese, and nuts, which you can sprinkle over cereal.

If your school permits it, send your kids to school with a snack, too, so they have something to munch on during the day if they feel hungry. Granola bars, cheese sticks, and prepackaged small bags of nuts are good options.

Teach good backpack habits.

Kids can develop sore muscles and injuries from improperly packed or oversized gear. Make sure the backpack is the appropriate size for your child, and work with them on how to pack it so that the items inside are distributed evenly. Make sure they wear the backpack using both shoulder straps to avoid putting a strain on one side of their body. Make sure the straps are adjusted so that the bottom of the backpack sits just above the student’s waist. We recommend that parents routinely remind their kids to remove unnecessary items from their backpack to reduce excess weight.

Make sure they get their rest.

Getting back into a good sleep routine after summer break is vital. Create a good bedtime routine that eases them to sleep, such as a bath or reading books together. Consistency is essential—make sure that routine happens every night, even on weekends. Be sure your kids shut off all their screens and devices at least an hour before bed to help them wind down.

Watch for signs of anxiety.

The school year can be a source of great anxiety for kids. If you are struggling to get a child ready for school, it may be anxiety. Tummy aches—especially on a Sunday night—can be a red flag, too. So can frequent trips to the nurse’s office. Talk with your kids to reassure them. Bring them to school and drop them off for a few days if your schedule allows. And if symptoms of avoidance continue to the point that they are missing school, talk to your pediatrician. At Oak Orchard Health we have an expanded Behavioral Health Program for Children and Adolescents. We have therapists with a specialty in pediatric behavioral health that can collaborate with your pediatrician.

Encourage safe travel.

Do your kids know how to look both ways before crossing the street to get to their bus? Be sure they do. If their bus has seatbelts, remind them to wear them during the ride. If you drive your kids to school, the same rule applies to seatbelt use, of course. If you have a child who requires a car seat or booster seat, make sure they have the proper one for their height. Remember, children should always ride in the back seat until they turn thirteen.

Help your preschoolers adjust, too.

Watching their older siblings leave for school every day can be upsetting for preschool-aged children. Help them manage expectations by talking with them and creating a routine that includes when to expect their big brother or sister to return. There are also children’s books on this subject that can be helpful for preschoolers.

Need support as a parent? We’re here.

Oak Orchard Health (OOH) pediatricians are happy to work with parents on the issues they face with their growing families. To make an appointment, contact your nearest office at (585) 637-3905 or find an OOH pediatrician online at https://bit.ly/4eD6yhZ

“Jimmer” Szatkowski will be pushed 26.2 miles in a fundraiser for the Tackle ALS Foundation

Provided photo: Anthony “Jimmer” Szatkowski, a Medina native suffering from ALS, is paralyzed and on a ventilator due to the disease. He is shown here with his children, Samantha, Jack and Hunter and his wife Betty. Jimmer is determined to complete his fourth marathon Oct. 20 in Syracuse. Family and friends are stepping up to volunteer to push him the 26.2 miles. His goal is to raise $1 million for the Tackle ALS Foundation whose benefactor is the Sean M. Healey Center at Massachusetts General Hospital, the leading ALS clinic in the United States.

MEDINA – Two brothers from Medina are gearing up to complete a marathon, one in a wheelchair and the other pushing him.

Andrew Szatkowski and his brother Anthony “Jimmer” Szatkowski will participate in the Great New York State Marathon Weekend Oct. 20 in Syracuse.

The race was organized by Dan Gustafson and was started by his daughter Kelleigh Gustafson to raise awareness of the rare and life threatening disease, arteriovenous malformations. Andrew said the family has been very generous in allowing them to join in the race and raise money for Jimmer’s cause.

Jimmer grew up in Medina and graduated from Medina High School. He met his wife Betty in college and they have three children. He had embarked on a career with IBM for 20 years, until one day he decided he needed a change.

“He was driving down the road in Raleigh, N.C. and saw a crowd of people at a Chick -fil-A,” Andrew said. “He came back home and opened the first one in Central New York in Cicero.”

The restaurant was immediately a success, and Kevin Curtis, senior principal leader at Chick-fil-A, became an avid supporter of Jimmer and his fight to raise money for ALS research.

Three years ago, Jimmer, now 52, was diagnosed with ALS and today he is paralyzed and on a ventilator.

Andrew Szatkowski, left, will push his brother Jimmer in next month’s marathon in Syracuse.

“When he lost the ability to move his arms and feet, his heart and mind became super powers,” Andrew said.

Jimmer and Andrew are both athletic and love to run. Jimmer has run three marathons, including a Half Ironman, and Andrew has run two.

Jimmer continues to visit his store six days a week. Curtis a week ago announced a goal to raise $50,000 for ALS and within four days, they were at $47,000. Jimmer had previously announced he wanted to raise $1 million for the Tackle ALS Foundation, a charity created by NFL player and children’s book author Tim Green.

Curtis will also be running the marathon and helping push Jimmer. Jimmer will be in a special wheelchair which was acquired through connections Andrew made while running the Rochester Flower City half marathon. There he met Scott Strang, who is part of Ainsley’s Angels, an organization that connects people with disabilities with runners. Ainsley’s Angels provides chairs and structure for the disabled to take part in races.

“I met him while he was pushing his son Drew, and he connected me to this special chair for Jimmer,” Andrew said.

Andrew said they are in need of more people to help push Jimmer’s wheelchair. There is a minimum fee to enter the Great New York State Marathon, but in support of Jimmer, that has been set at $50. People can volunteer to run a mile or any portion of the marathon they wish. They can sign up by calling Andrew at (585) 205-0581.

Click here for more information on how to donate.

Press Release, Genesee Community College

BATAVIA – Genesee Community College is proud to welcome eight new full-time faculty members for the 2024-2025 academic year. These distinguished educators bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to our campus, enhancing our commitment to academic excellence and student success.

“As we welcome these talented educators to Genesee Community College, we look forward to the fresh perspectives and innovative teaching methods they will bring to our classrooms,” said Genesee Community College President, Dr. Craig Lamb. “Their arrival marks an exciting chapter in our ongoing mission to deliver high-quality education and support the success of our students.”

The faculty members include:

Ariane Bianchi, Instructor of Nursing – Bianchi comes from Golisano Children’s Hospital Pediatric Cardiac Care Center and has been a pediatric clinical instructor for GCC. She earned her associate degree in Nursing from GCC and her bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Rochester. She intends to pursue her master’s in nursing education in the coming year.

Jillian Eberlin, Instructor of Mathematics – Eberlin was a Mathematics teacher at OneSchool Global North America, Rochester Campus, and has taught several semesters as a math adjunct instructor at Bryant & Stratton College. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and master’s degree in Mathematics from SUNY Brockport.

Kathryn Edwards, Nursing Clinical Coordinator – Edwards was a pediatric nurse practitioner at Stony Brook Pediatrics and prior to that worked at Golisano Children’s Hospital. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Buffalo and her master’s degree from the University of Rochester. She most recently completed her post-master’s dual certification in the Family Nurse Practitioner Program at St. John Fisher University.

Metin Eroglu, Instructor of Mathematics – Eroglu has been in higher education since 2008 as a student, full-time instructor, and tutor most recently working for SUNY Buffalo and Wyzant. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from The University of Texas and his master’s degree in Statistics from Michigan State University.

Katie Jennings, Instructor of Nursing – Jennings was a Clinical Resource Nurse at Rochester Regional Health in Batavia and has been a Clinical Nursing Instructor for GCC. She earned her associate degree in Nursing from GCC, her bachelor’s degree in Nursing from SUNY Brockport and is pursuing her master’s degree in Nursing at Western Governor’s University.

Krysia Mager, Instructor of Business – Mager worked as an adjunct at GCC and is coming from Tompkins Community Bank in Batavia where she was the Assistant Vice President of Creative Content. Krysia earned her associate degree in Communication from GCC, her bachelor’s degree in Journalism Communication from SUNY Brockport and her master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Marist College.

Dr. Timothy McCorry, Assistant Professor of Social Sciences/Coordinator of Special Programs – Dr. McCorry has 25 years of experience teaching various courses in sociology, psychology, and criminal justice at the University at Buffalo, Buffalo State University, and Medaille University. This past spring, he began to adjunct at GCC. He earned his associate degree from Nassau Community College, his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from St. John’s University and his Ph.D. from the University at Buffalo.

Dr. Scott Wilson, Assistant Professor of Veterinary Technology – Dr. Wilson was an Associate Emergency Veterinarian/Urgent Care Veterinarian at the Greater Buffalo Veterinary Emergency Clinic. He received both his associate and bachelor’s degrees in Veterinary Technology from Medaille College and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University School of Medicine.

MEDINA – Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and boys from the community are invited to Medina Conservation Club for a Taste of Scouting on Saturday.

Scout campouts used to be done many years ago, said Jessica Bonham, director of the Western New York Scout Council.

“We are bringing it back in hope of making it an annual event,” Bonham said.

Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts from Medina and Lyndonville will be participating, with Troop 28 taking charge of activities for the boys.

Bonham said they are inviting any boy in the community from kindergarten through fifth grade to attend and take part in activities from 2 to 4 p.m.

“Like so many organizations, membership is down since COVID,” Bonham said. “We are hoping to renew interest and recruit more boys to Scouting.”

Saturday’s activities will include fishing, archery and making smores.

Jim Olinger, treasurer of the Conservation Club, said they plan to open the skeet fields to let the older boys shoot clay targets under supervision.

He said he was excited when Dean Bellack, a member of the club, contacted him earlier in the summer about using the grounds for an event to involve the community.

“Not a lot of kids are involved in outdoor activities these days,” Olinger said. “It’s great to get them involved.”

Medina Conservation Club was incorporated in April 1940 for the purpose of protecting and restoring America’s woods, wildlife and waters, particularly in Orleans County; to provide its facilities to the Boy Scouts of America, Cub Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America and similar organizations for camping, hiking, fishing and participation in outdoor sports and conservations programs; and other causes in regard to increasing opportunities for outdoor recreation and to safeguard public health.

The Conservation Club currently has 140 members, Olinger said. It is located at 3748 Bates Rd., Medina.

Anyone interested in becoming a Scout can contact Bonham at (585) 993-5359.

ROCHESTER – ESL Federal Credit Union will be acquiring the assets of Generations Bank, which operates a branch in Medina, the two organizations announced today.

Generations merged with the former Medina Savings & Loan in 2018. Generations is based at Seneca Falls and has nine locations including a site in Medina on Maple Ridge Road.

ESL said the acquisition allows the banking institution to significantly grow its presence throughout the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region, bringing personal banking, business banking, mortgage services, wealth management and its superior customer experience to customers throughout Seneca, Cayuga, and Orleans counties, while expanding its footprint in Ontario County.

Upon completion of the transaction with generations, ESL is expected to have total assets of approximately $9.6 billion and will increase its footprint to more than 30 full-service branches throughout the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region.

“This deal is a strong fit for ESL and Generations because both organizations are committed and dedicated to serving their employees, customers and their communities.  We look forward to our future as a stronger, growing financial institution, and bringing the superior experiences we are known for to employees and customers in new communities,” said Faheem Masood, President and Chief Executive Officer of ESL Federal Credit Union.

As part of the agreement, ESL will pay Generations $26.2 million in cash and Generations Bank will retain its equity at the effective time of the purchase and assumption transaction, less certain reductions and additions, according to a press release from ESL and generations.

The deal is expected to close late in the second quarter or in the third quarter of 2025, subject to receiving all regulatory approvals, approval by Generations Bancorp’s shareholders and other customary closing conditions.

Following the completion of the transactions and after all of the respective obligations of Generations Bancorp and Generations Bank are settled, Generations Bank will liquidate and Generation Bancorp will distribute its assets to its shareholders, likely in two separate payments.

Generations Bancorp’s shareholders are currently estimated to receive an aggregate of between $18.00 and $20.00 in cash in exchange for each share of Generations Bancorp common stock owned. Currently, Generations Bancorp has 2,241,801 outstanding shares of common stock.

“We are very excited about our new partnership with ESL Federal Credit Union,” said Angela Krezmer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Generations Bank. “The synergy created by combining these two companies coupled with the financial strength of the combined institution will assure that our customers, our employees and our communities have expanded financial services and membership benefits going forward. We also believe it reflects our commitment to enhance the value to our shareholders.”

MEDINA – On Oct. 5, the Knights-Kaderli Walk/Run will celebrate its 36th year of honoring the memory of two Medina natives.

Since 1989, the community has gathered for this event in honor of Richard Knights and Sue Kaderli, both pillars of their community who died from cancer.

“Our event will continue as an untimed walk/run so registrants can participate in a leisurely walk with family and friends, or set their watches for a 5K run,” said Stacey Knights Pellicano, Knights-Kaderli board member and daughter of Richard Knights.

This year’s event will resemble the more casual family atmosphere of the walk’s earlier years, Pellicano said.

As always, participants and the community are encouraged to support their basket raffle.

The walk/run begins at 11 a.m. at East Shelby Fire Hall. Participants may register in person beginning at 10 a.m. or online at Knights-Kaderli’s’ website prior to the race.

Lunch will be served immediately following the race and guests may eat outside under the pavilion.

Walkers/runners are encouraged to photograph their event and tag Knights-Kaderli on Facebook and Instagram at #KnightsKaderli5K for the opportunity to win some fun prizes.

Pellicano shared quotes from family members about the event.

“This is our favorite time of year. We look forward to being with all of our supporters,” one member said.

“This is one of our major fundraisers for the year,” another said. “We know the community will show up to support their neighbors who are living with cancer.”

Richard Knights and Sue Kaderli were known for their spirit of community, and the family is honored to remember them in this way.

“This foundation was founded in memory of our loved ones, Richard Knights and Susan Kaderli, two lifelong residents of Orleans County,” Pellicano said. “We raise funds through annual events and various contributions made by individuals, organizations and memorials. Funds thus far have assisted families with nutritional supplements and prescriptions, as well as medical supplies and bills. Run by a board of directors, there are no administrative costs, thereby allowing almost 100% of money raised to be used to assist Orleans County cancer patients and their families.”

Since its inception, the Knights-Kaderli Fund has helped 850 patients totaling $862,301, said Mary Zelazny, daughter of Sue Kaderli.

Anyone wishing more information or financial assistance can contact Zelazny at (585) 746-8455, Melissa Knights Bertrand at (716) 983-7932 or Pellicano at (716) 998-0977. Donations may be made through Penpal or Venmo.

Photos courtesy of Medina Central School: Raquel Russell, Bella Fischer, Justine Fitzsimmons, Cole Callard and Trenton Morley chat with Samantha Covis, assistant library director at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library.

Press Release, Medina Central School

MEDINA – Participation in Government classes at Medina Junior-Senior High School present an interesting assignment to students each year.  Teachers Jennifer Ossont and Todd Bensley invite several non-profits to the high school cafeteria for a Community Service Fair.

The students are required to do ten hours of community service with at least three organizations so they can develop civic responsibility, learn new skills and gain a sense of their strength and talents. Once their internship is done, students prepare a presentation of their experiences for class.

“Many of the organizations are long-time participants,” Mr. Bensley said. “It is nice to know that they recognize the value of our Community Service Fair in connecting them to the next generation of volunteers in the community.”

Georgia Thomas of the Medina Historical Society talks with with students Lukas Grimes and Trenton Morley. Rob Klino of Friends of Boxwood Cemetery is in back.

Bella Fischer, Justine Fitzsimmons and Raquel Russell meet with Karen Canning from the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO Art!).

Paul Rutherford Jr. allegedly has stolen $200,000 worth of property in 2024

Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff’s Office

Photos from Orleans County Sheriff’s Office

ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office announces the arrest of Paul Rutherford Jr., 51, and his nephew, Cori J. Rutherford, 27, following a lengthy investigation across multiple agencies.

In February the Rutherfords conspired with other persons whose names are being withheld at this time to steal an enclosed trailer from Lake Shore Metals in the Town of Ridgeway. This trailer contained a type of roofing machine used to make metal panels, and is valued at over $102,000. The Rutherfords are alleged to have stolen this trailer during the early morning of Feb. 18 and in the same day transported it to Conover, North Carolina, receiving $4,000 in payment.

Paul Rutherford Jr. was additionally charged for his involvement of stealing diesel fuel, pumps, hoses and other equipment from Grow Mark FS Inc. located in the Town of Ridgeway.

Both Rutherfords were arraigned in Orleans County Court on Friday, Sept. 20, following the unsealing of an indictment charging them.

Cori Rutherford was charged with Grand Larceny 2nd (C Felony) and released on his own recognizance.

Paul Rutherford Jr. was charged with two counts of Grand Larceny 2nd (C Felony), two counts of Grand Larceny 3rd (D Felony), Burglary 3rd (D Felony), Criminal Mischief 4th (A Misdemeanor) with bail set at $25,000 cash, $50,000 bond. Paul later posted bail and was released on the same day.

As part of this indictment the New York State Police have charged Paul Rutherford Jr. with a burglary and theft of diesel from Elder Trucking located in Waterport and theft of a F350 Farm Truck from Root Brother’s Farm in Barre.

Paul Rutherford Jr. has an extensive criminal history being arrested more than 28 times since 1988, and has been convicted of 4 felonies in New York State. He was previously arrested on Feb. 23, 2024 following an investigation by the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office for the theft of diesel fuel from area farms, and the theft of tools from another location.

Through interagency cooperation, investigators used resources such as video surveillance, license plate readers, cellular mapping, and other digital new era tools to establish Paul’s connection to crimes in Niagara and Orleans counties.

Paul Rutherford Jr. was arraigned in Niagara County on Sept. 19, 2024 following the unsealing of an indictment by Niagara County Court. He was charged in connection to the theft of a hydraulic hammer from the City of Lockport, and the theft of diesel and a F250 Farm Truck from the Town of Newfane.

Paul has been charged with 3 counts of Grand Larceny 3rd (D Felony), two counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 3rd (D Felony), two counts of Grand Larceny 4th (E Felony). He has posted bond in Niagara County relating to his Feb. 23 arrest, and that bail remained the same at the time of his arraignment.

Paul Rutherford Jr. charges allege he has stolen approximately $200,000 worth of property since January 2024 in 8 different cases, with the possibility of additional charges forthcoming.

Multiple agencies involved across the two counties include the Orleans and Niagara County Sheriff’s Offices, New York State Police Albion and Lockport Barracks, City of Lockport Police Department, Niagara Intelligence & Crime Analysis Center, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, the National Insurance Crime Bureau, and the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina.