Press Release, U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, Western District of New York
BUFFALO – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Kyle Stack, 39, of Medina was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession of child sexual abuse material involving prepubescent minors, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in December 2019, Adobe Systems Inc. reported that four images containing child sexual abuse material were uploaded to Adobe’s servers from screen/username “Kyle Stack.”
Subsequent investigation traced the uploads to the defendant. In July 2020, the New York State Police executed a search warrant at Stack’s Bates Road residence, seizing six electronic devices, two of which were later found to contain child sexual abuse material.
A forensic review of Stack’s cell phone recovered a total of 4,822 images and 32 videos of child sexual abuse material, as well as 2,319 images and four videos of child erotica, and 25 animated child sexual abuse material. A review of his laptop recovered 3,476 images, eight animated images, 16 images of child bestiality and bondage, 5,930 videos, three animated videos, and 43 child bestiality and bondage videos.
Stack made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was detained.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
MEDINA – Orleans/Niagara BOCES would like to issue a huge thank you to Community Action of Orleans & Genesee’s Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts and More for giving our students a “Cinderella” moment!
Store manager Cassie Healy brought in prom dresses for our students at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center and the Orleans Learning Center so they would feel like the a million dollars at their proms.
“It looks like we had 29 girls get dresses, which would make it the most successful event we had to date,” Healy said. “We definitely hope to come back next year!”
Orleans Learning Center School Counselor Melissa Gailie said, “We can’t thank Cassie enough for the dresses. It was such a wonderful experience for all of the students!”
From left include Molly Wadhams (Trainer at Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts and More), Cassie Healy (Store Manager, Classroom Instructor and Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts and More) and Jackie Dunham (COO of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 April 2025 at 8:44 am
Governor willing to delay state budget until changes with discovery requirements
Photo by Mike Groll/Office of Governor – Governor Kathy Hochul on March 24 convenes a domestic violence prevention roundtable with survivors, advocates and law enforcement. She said “technicalities” are causing too many cases to be dismissed due to the discovery laws where the prosecution has strict timelines to turn over evidence.
Gov. Kathy Hochul said too many cases in the court system are being dismissed due to “technicalities” on how quickly the prosecution has to turn over evidence to the defense.
She is demanding changes in the discovery laws that set strict timelines for handing over evidence to the defense. She is joined by the district attorneys around the state in seeking changes to the discovery laws.
Hochul is so adamant she is willing to hold off on approving the state budget.
“I’m really proud to be fighting on their behalf, and people all over this state who are denied the justice because of some technicality in the discovery laws that are written out,” Hochul said on Thursday in Albany after meeting with domestic violence survivors. “And they put their heart and soul into trying to get justice and it’s thrown out because something minor, irrelevant, is missing — I’m going to keep fighting until we fix this. I’m going to keep fighting to put this in the budget.”
The Orleans County Legislature on March 24 also passed a resolution seeking changes in the discovery laws.
The Legislature said early and thorough discovery of evidence is not only fair to defendants, “but also facilitates meaningful plea discussions and efficient resolution of cases.”
However, the state’s reformed discovery laws in 2019 have put an “unreasonable drain on resources and forces DA offices to make difficult decisions on which cases they can prosecute,” county legislators said.
The new laws force prosecutors to collect all material that “relates to” a case within short timeframes, and then to certify the entirety of evidence by filing a Certificate of Compliance.
“The breadth and scope of discoverable material under New York’s new discovery statute is unparalleled nationwide, and includes any material that merely ‘relates to’ an incident regardless of its utility, relevance, or admissibility,” according to the Legislature’s resolution.
New York is the only state that allows cases to be dismissed due to minor discovery violations. Since the new discovery laws were enacted, speedy trial dismissals in the state are up from 12,398 cases in 2019 to 42,212 cases in 2023, according to the Office of Court Administration.
The District Attorneys Association of the State of New York wants the discovery laws amended.
Orleans County District Attorney Susan Howard is among the district attorneys seeking discovery law changes. Before 2020, it was a much simpler process of handing over the paper police reports to defendants, she said.
Now, there is a digital management system where a the initial discovery obligations must be submitted within 20 calendar days after arraignment if the defendant is in custody, and 35 calendar days if the defendant is not in custody.
“That’s not a lot of time,” Howard said. “Small departments don’t have the staff to download and get in the files. The discovery laws have made it very difficult for us.”
Hochul is seeking to not have cases be automatically dismissed if the all the evidence isn’t turned over in the time frames. The governor also wants to narrow the required materials to be those “relevant” to a case and not “related” – which would lower the workload on law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney offices.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 April 2025 at 6:53 pm
An executive order from Gov. Kathy Hochul prevented fired corrections officers on strike from seeking jobs with local municipalities.
That order from March 10 sparked widespread opposition from counties around the state, including Orleans County, which wanted to interview the COs for vacancies in local government.
But the counties, towns, villages and school districts weren’t able to hire the fired COs, based on Hochul’s order. Orleans County officials passed a resolution on March 20, calling for Hochul to rescind her executive order.
County legislators said the terminated COs should be considered to help fill vacancies in the county government.
“The governor’s executive order does a disservice to the public by taking away a pool of highly qualified applicants from jobs we need filled,” Legislator John Fitzak, a retired CO at Orleans Correctional, said on March 20. “It is mean-spirited, revengeful, and immoral and, as such, should be immediately repealed.”
The governor has allowed that executive order to expire on Wednesday.
The ban on the 2,000 fired COs from jobs in state government remains in effect.
The state fired the officers after they refused to meet a deadline for reporting to work on March 10 after a strike at state prisons that lasted 22 days.
Press Release, U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, Western District of New York
BUFFALO – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Norman Kelly, 68, of Albion pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to receipt of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a fine of $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Maeve E. Huggins, who is handling the case, stated that between March 12 and Sept. 20, 2023, Kelly used his laptop computer to entice minors to engage in sexually explicit behavior for the purpose of producing images, which he would receive via the internet.
On March 12, 2023, Kelly received a sexually explicit image of a female child, approximately 10-12 years old. On July 20, 2023, he received a sexually explicit video file of an infant female, approximately 1.5 to three years old. Kelly possessed approximately 475 image files and 377 video files of child sexual abuse material. Some of the images included depictions of violence against children.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan. Additional assistance was provided by Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations in Detroit, Michigan.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand introduced the Raise the Wage Act alongside 32 of her colleagues in the Senate and 146 members of the House of Representatives.
This bicameral legislation would raise the minimum wage to $17 for all workers and gradually eliminate subminimum wages for tipped workers, workers with disabilities, and youth workers.
Last year, nearly one in four workers in the U.S. made less than $17 per hour. In New York, the minimum wage is currently $15.50 in most parts of the state and $16.50 on Long Island and in New York City, and Westchester. According to analysis by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), passing the Raise the Wage Act would provide raises to 213,000 New Yorkers.
“A living wage is critical to make sure that Americans can pay their bills, feed their families, and put a roof over their heads,” Senator Gillibrand said. “No one working full-time in the United States should be living in poverty. This legislation will help lift workers out of poverty, drive economic growth, and reduce income inequality, and I am committed to working with my colleagues to get it passed.”
Today, the value of the current federal minimum wage – $7.25 per hour – is the lowest it has been since 1956 and has declined significantly since it was last increased in 2009. Black and Hispanic workers disproportionately feel the burden of these low wages as compared to their white counterparts, and that disparity is even worse for women of color. Nearly 40 percent of Hispanic women and 35 percent of Black women make less than $17 per hour.
Gillibrand is joined on the Raise the Wage Act by 32 senators: Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
Additionally, over 85 organizations endorsed the legislation, including Service Employees International Union (SEIU), AFL-CIO, American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), Business for a Fair Minimum Wage, Communications Workers of America (CWA), Economic Policy Institute (EPI), Equal Pay Today, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA), National Education Association (NEA), National Employment Law Project (NELP), The National Partnership for Women & Families, National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), One Fair Wage, Oxfam America, Patriotic Millionaires, UNITE HERE, United Autoworkers (UAW), United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), United for Respect, and United Steelworkers (USW).
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 April 2025 at 11:13 am
Arthur Barnes receives Lifetime Achievement Award and Lyndonville Lions named ‘Supporter of the Year’
Photos courtesy of GO Art! – (Left) Arthur Barnes accepts a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO Art!) on March 29 during the annual Genean Awards celebration at Go Art!’s Seymore Place in Batavia. Gregory Hallock, Go Art! executive director, is at right. (Right) Bruce Schmidt from the Lyndonville Lions Club accepts the award for the Lions Club, which was named “Supporter if the Year.”
BATAVIA – The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO Art!) on March 29 honored important contributors to the local arts and culture scene.
The annual Genean Awards were presented at the Seymore Place in Batavia. The honorees include:
Lifetime Achievement Award: Arthur Barnes of Millville
A self-taught artist, Barnes’ work has defined the visual identity of Orleans County for nearly four decades, GO Art! said in presenting the award.
“Arthur’s murals, drawings, and paintings are not only beautiful—they are historic documentation,” said Gregory Hallock, Go Art! executive director. “Through his eyes, we see the Erie Canal, our rural landscapes, and our communities as they were, and sometimes as they still are.”
Barnes painted mural about the canal that are featured in Medina, Knowlesville, Albion and Holley.
“His commitment to preserving a historic cobblestone Quaker meeting house as his studio only deepens the story of his life and work,” Hallock said. “Arthur, you are truly one of a kind.”
Lifetime Achievement Award: Lorie Longhany of Le Roy
From Go Art!: “Lorie’s legacy as an artist is expansive—pointillistic drawings of historic places, murals, public commissions, and works featured in everything from t-shirts to museum displays.
“Her impact extends beyond her own artwork into her role as a mentor and educator—teaching seniors, students, and developmentally disabled adults with grace and passion. Lorie is proof that an artist’s reach goes far beyond the canvas. Thank you for a lifetime of creativity and generosity.”
Individual Artist of the Year: Bryan Wright of Batavia
GO Art!: “Bryan Wright, is a native of Charleston, South Carolina, who now calls Batavia home. Bryan draws inspiration from water and oceanic life, infusing his artwork with a sense of depth, fluidity, and emotion that reflects both his roots and his new surroundings.
“He is a multi-medium artist whose work offers quiet yet powerful reflections of the world around him. Nominated by Jim Burns, Andrew Fisher, Tina Burns, and Brianne Wright, Bryan’s passion and dedication shine through in every piece he creates.”
Supporter of the Year: Lyndonville Lions Club
GO Art!: “The Supporter of the Year award goes to the Lyndonville Lions Club, a cornerstone of community spirit and celebration.
“From organizing one of the most spectacular July 4th fireworks shows in Western New York, to their Street Dances, park concerts, and their newly launched Oktoberfest—this organization knows how to bring people together.
“For over 50 years, they’ve shown that arts and culture thrive when communities care. Nominated by Lynne Johnson, we are proud to recognize the Lions for their outstanding and ongoing contributions.”
Visionary Artist Award: Frank Corbiserie of Batavia
GO Art!: “When we think of vision, we think of someone who sees not just what is, but what could be. Frank Corbiserie, this year’s Visionary Artist Award recipient, has brought something entirely new to Batavia: a thriving stand-up comedy scene.
“Before Frank, you had to go to Buffalo or Rochester to find local comedy. Now, thanks to his passion and talent, we can laugh, connect, and discover local comedic voices right here in our own community. He’s not only hilarious himself, but he’s also a builder of spaces—literal and creative—where joy happens. Frank, thank you for making us laugh and believe in the power of the arts to transform community.”
Volunteers of the Year: Thea Anderson & Kyle Moore
GO Art!: “The Volunteers of the Year, Thea Anderson and Kyle Moore, represent the spirit of selfless dedication. Whether it’s helping set up events, managing behind-the-scenes logistics, or simply showing up again and again with a can-do attitude and a love for the arts—they make things happen. Volunteers are the heartbeat of nonprofit arts organizations, and Thea and Kyle beat strong and steady. We’re incredibly grateful for their contributions.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 April 2025 at 9:13 am
CLARENDON – The Clarendon Boy Scout Troop 59 welcomes the community for an Easter egg hunt on Sunday at the Disciples United Methodist Church, 4410 Holley-Byron Rd.
The Scouts have led the egg hunt the past four years and usually have 35 to 40 kids at the event, said Randy Moore, the scoutmaster.
The egg hunt is free to kids ages 3 to 10 and starts at 1 p.m. It is sponsored by the Boy Scout Troop, Disciples United Methodist Church and Clarendon Historical Society.
“Besides candy, kids can find a select few eggs that are redeemable for baskets donated by local businesses and people,” Moore said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 April 2025 at 9:01 am
ALBION – Albion Merchants Association is hosting its 4th annual Albion Easter Hop on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children can get a free Easter basket at three starting locations: Bloom’s Flower Shop, Pretty Sweet Bakery and Confection Connection. Each basket has a list of participating businesses offering an Easter treat.
The following Saturday, on April 19, the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries will lead its fourth annual Easter Egg Hunt with thousands of eggs on the courthouse lawn. The egg hunt starts at noon with kids separating in three age groups, (1-5), (6-9) and (10-14). The children need to be present with an adult. Two golden eggs will be hidden per egg group.
The event includes free Easter baskets (while supplies last), free barber cuts from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., free food from the Masonic Lodge from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and free face painting from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be other prizes and giveaways.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 10 April 2025 at 7:52 am
Provided photo: Heritage mason Brian Daddis repairs a stone wall on a cobblestone building. He will conduct a hands-on historic masonry workshop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 17 at the Thompson-Kast Visitors Center, across from the Cobblestone Universalist Church.
CHILDS – The Cobblestone Museum has announced a hands-on historic masonry workshop on May 17, featuring heritage mason Brian Daddis.
The workshop will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Thompson-Kast Visitors Center at the corner of Ridge Road and Route 98. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The full day workshop will focus on maintaining a historic masonry structure. Topics will include the importance of using lime mortar when reconditioning historic masonry structures, with a hands-on demonstration involving repointing a stone foundation, repointing brick, extracting and replacing bricks and composite patching of bricks.
“Maintaining historic mortar with quicklime products requires a careful approach to preserve your building’s authenticity and integrity,” said Doug Farley, director of the Cobblestone Museum. “Proper preparation and application are key and avoiding modern additives that could damage the masonry over time. Regular inspections and gentle repairs will help keep the building’s historic charm intact. Brian is a local expert on historic mortar and this class is a must for anyone who wants to maintain their older home.”
Cost for the full day workshop, including lunch, is $90 for Cobblestone Society members and $100 for all others.
Reservations may be made by sending a check payable to Cobblestone Museum, 14389 Ridge Rd. W, P.O. Box 363, Albion, 14411; or calling (585) 589-9013 to charge on a credit card.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 9 April 2025 at 8:37 pm
MEDINA – Medina Area Partnership is kicking off the spring season with two very special events.
First is the annual Easter Bunny and Golden Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
The event will include the Easter Bunny, who will be stationed at Rotary Park from noon to 2 p.m. Kids will be able to visit with the bunny, take a picture and get a chocolate bunny sucker. There will also be 12 golden Easter eggs hidden in the windows of various downtown businesses (chosen at random), as well as five colored eggs that will be hidden up high. Last year’s eggs were hidden near street signs and in trees, etc.
The second exciting event will be the third annual murder mystery. Murder on the Orleans Express will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 3. Those attending will be asked to sign in at the Medina Senior Center by noon.
This event is gaining in popularity every year, said Ann Fisher-Bale, event coordinator for MAP. She said they tried to incorporate elements from Medina’s history when planning the event.
As background for the event, Murder on the Orleans Express is a 1940’s-themed murder mystery. The Pickle Factory, a processing facility of the largest pickle producer in the state, has been run for years by Noah Lott. It is now time for him to retire, and to celebrate his successful leadership of the Factory and for Medina, his secretary Mary Nade has arranged for a special train excursion on the Orleans Express.
All the important people from the Factory and Medina, his family and, hopefully, people from the parent company itself will be joining the luxuriously fabulous expedition. Mary has arranged for a meal on the train, entertainment and multiple presentations to laud her boss.
As the speeches drone on, everyone is toasting Noah Lott, and the glasses are refilled time and time again. The fifth speaker is Beau Degas, owner of the local grocery mart. As Beau finishes speaking and everyone imbibes one more time, Mary collapses.
Someone has murdered the secretary extraordinaire.
Businesses and attendees are encouraged to dress up in 1940’s era garb and have fun at this event.
Tickets are $20 and provide participants with an Investigator’s Booklet, which can be used to compile notes and clues.
The event is also Kentucky Derby Day and participating businesses are being urged to run suitable specials or features that day.
Fisher-Bale said MAP hopes the event will bring several hundred people to downtown Medina to enjoy a fun spring day, visit the local businesses and maybe catch a “killer.” After deciding who they think committed the murder, attendees can e-mail their answer to MAP the next day. A winner will be drawn from the correct answers and will win a gift basket with a value of at least $200.
Press Release, U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, Western District of New York
ELBA – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Luis Castro Mayancela, 24, a citizen of Ecuador, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with re-entry after prior removal, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sasha Mascarenhas and Andrew J. Henning, who are handling the case, stated that on March 26, law enforcement was conducting surveillance on Mill Street in Buffalo. The target was an illegal alien who unlawfully entered the United States. A vehicle arrived at the Mill Street address and two Hispanic males exited the target residence and entered the vehicle.
Investigators continued to surveil the vehicle, eventually conducting an investigative vehicle stop near Ford Road in Elba. Four people were inside the vehicle, including Mayancela. Record checks determined that he was illegally present in the United States, having been ordered removed from the United States in December 2019.
Mayancela made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was detained.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Emergency Removal Operations, under the direction of Acting Field Office Director Steven Kurzdorfer.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
TOWN of ALABAMA – The New York State Department of Transportation, in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration, is advising motorists that State Route 63 through the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge in the Town of Alabama, Genesee County, will be closed effective April 14th and remain closed for approximately a month to accommodate an ongoing federal culvert replacement project.
We appreciate the public’s patience as this important project progresses.
Motorists are encouraged to follow the posted detour that utilizes State Route 77, Gasport Road, and State Route 31. Local traffic will be able to access Route 63 up to the immediate work zone. Access to the refuge will remain open for the duration of the closure.
Additionally, on Thursday, April 10, and Friday, April 11, Route 63 through the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge will be reduced to a single lane with alternating traffic controlled by flaggers from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Motorists should anticipate travel delays and build extra travel time into their schedule. Construction activities are weather dependent and subject to change based on conditions.
Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.
CARLTON – At 4:37 p.m. on Tuesday, the Carlton Fire Company, along with automatic mutual aid from Kendall Fire Department, were dispatched by the Orleans County 9-1-1 Communications Center for a structure fire with people trapped at 1171 Kent Rd. in the Town of Carlton.
First arriving units reported that there was a working fire, and that all occupants were out of the structure. The fire had quickly spread through the attic space of the home and wind conditions hampered the firefighting efforts.
The fire proved to be very labor intensive, and several interior firefighters were needed to make access to void spaces in the structure where there was no access.
There were no injuries to any of the residents that were home at the time or to any of the firefighters that responded.
In addition to the initial assignment the following agencies assisted at the scene: Mercy EMS, Albion, Barre, Brockport, Clarendon, Hamlin, Medina, Murray, Ridgeway, Shelby, Orleans County Emergency Management and the Orleans County Fire Investigation Unit, Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, American Red Cross, Town of Carlton Highway Department and National Grid.
The following agencies provided coverage within the county, while crews operated on scene: Barker, Town of Batavia, East Shelby and Spencerport.
The fire is currently under investigation by the Orleans County Fire Investigation Unit. All units cleared the scene at 9:04 p.m. and were back in service at 11 p.m.
The members of the Carlton Fire Company would like to thank everyone that responded and assisted yesterday, the dispatchers working at the Orleans County 9-1-1 Communications Center, The Carlton Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary for providing refreshments, and our families for their patience and understanding. Our thoughts and prayers are with the residents as they recover from this tragic event.
