Friday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on August 1, 2025
Crack Cocaine Arrest in Genesee County
A 43-year-old Batavia man is facing multiple felony charges after a six-month investigation by the Genesee County Drug Task Force into the sale and distribution of crack cocaine.
Marcos A. Torres was taken into custody on July 18th on a sealed indictment warrant after allegedly selling crack cocaine to an undercover agent on several occasions. When deputies attempted to execute a search warrant on his vehicle, Torres reportedly fled, leading police on a pursuit through the Town and City of Batavia and the Town of Stafford before crashing in Bethany. He then allegedly ran into the woods, where he was captured with the help of Deputy Stack and K9 Rayzor.
A subsequent search of his Batavia home allegedly revealed individuals actively using drugs with children present.
Torres is charged with six counts of criminal sale and possession of a controlled substance, attempted assault, reckless endangerment, unlawful fleeing, obstruction, and various traffic violations. More charges are expected as the investigation continues.
LOU GRAMM ROCKS BATAVIA DOWNS TONIGHT
The iconic former lead singer of Foreigner takes the stage tonight at Batavia Downs as part of the 2025 Rockin’ the Downs Summer Concert Series. Gates open at 4 p.m. with music all evening. Gramm, a 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, is set to perform classic hits like “Juke Box Hero” and “I Want to Know What Love Is.” Tickets start at $20 and are available at BataviaConcerts.com or the Lucky Treasures Gift Shop in the Downs lobby.
Road Work
Drivers in Batavia should expect traffic delays on Monday, August 4th, from 3 a.m. to 5 p.m. due to milling operations. Work areas include the TVFCU and Dan’s Tire parking lots, State Street between Alva Place and Washington Avenue, the Summit Street Extension, and South Lyon Street. Local traffic will be allowed, but residents are asked not to park on the road and to use caution in construction zones. For questions or concerns, contact the Bureau of Maintenance at 585-345-6400, option 1.
Savarino Sues GCEDC Over Pulled Tax Incentives for Ellicott Station Project
A lawsuit has been filed against the Genesee County Economic Development Center by Ellicott Station developer Sam Savarino, who is seeking the restoration of $3.6 million in tax incentives for his Ellicott Street apartment and brewery project.
Filed Wednesday in Genesee County Supreme Court, the complaint accuses the GCEDC of breaching agreements that provided mortgage, sales tax, and PILOT benefits. The agency is now trying to revoke $1.1 million in incentives, claiming the residential project is in default over tenant income verification from a 2023 lottery.
Savarino’s legal team argues that the project complied with all agreements and that GCEDC’s shifting demands—including raising income thresholds—halted construction last year and were “improper and wrongful.”
The suit seeks full reinstatement of financial assistance, damages, and a court order requiring GCEDC to rescind its terminations.
Savarino says the process is moving forward, with construction expected to finish by November.
Mark Masse of GCEDC says he hasn’t seen the lawsuit yet.
Farmers Market
Looking for something local and lively this weekend? Head to the LeRoy Farmers Market at Trigon Park this Saturday, August 2nd, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Enjoy fresh produce and handmade goods while acoustic duo Nancy & Tom perform live as part of the market’s summer music series.
It’s a great way to support local vendors and soak in some sounds while you shop. That’s this Saturday morning at Trigon Park in LeRoy.
Muckdogs
The Batavia Muckdogs’ postseason schedule is shifting. The PGCBL East Division Final between Amsterdam and Saugerties was rained out Thursday and moved to Friday night at 6:35.
That pushes the Championship Series back a day. The Muckdogs will now play game one on Saturday and game two—and if needed, game three—on Sunday.
If Amsterdam wins, Batavia hosts game one Saturday. If Saugerties wins, the Muckdogs start on the road and host Sunday.
