Wednesday News Brief

Wilcox Sentenced to 6 Years in State Prison for Probation Violation in Assault on Sgt. Sanfratello

Lyndsey J. Wilcox has been remanded to state prison after violating the terms of her probation in Genesee County.
Wilcox originally pleaded guilty to Assault in the Second Degree in connection with the March 2024 assault of Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello at Batavia Downs. She was sentenced in January to six months in jail — already served — plus five years of probation.
But on August 29th, Judge Melissa Lightcap Cianfrini revoked that probation after Wilcox was caught out after curfew, leaving the country without permission, consuming alcohol, and being a passenger in a vehicle that fled police.
Wilcox was resentenced to a six-year determinate prison term, along with three years of post-release supervision. She had faced a maximum of seven years.
The probation violation comes on top of pending charges of criminal contempt in Batavia Town Court.

Oil Painting Classes Begin Today at GO ART!

Oil Painting with Dr. Cristiano Pereira kicks off this afternoon at GO ART! in Batavia. The class runs from 4 to 6 p.m. and will continue every Wednesday through September.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced painter, Dr. Pereira will guide students step-by-step through the fundamentals of oil painting, helping each participant create their own masterpiece.
The cost is $100 per month, not including supplies, and pre-registration is required. For details, visit GO ART! at 201 East Main Street or call 343-9313.

Batavia Man Killed in Overnight Ridgeway Crash

A Batavia man, 47-year-old Brad Ohlson, was killed after striking a utility pole around midnight on Route 104 in Ridgeway, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke said.
Ohlson’s vehicle caught fire, and live power lines blocked emergency responders from reaching it immediately. National Grid crews disconnected power, allowing Ridgeway firefighters to extinguish the blaze.
Ohlson was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office for further examination.
Authorities say the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed and struck multiple objects before overturning. Several properties, including utility poles, a mailbox, fencing, and a tree, were damaged.
The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the crash.

Three Guaranteed Pools Set for Batavia Downs This Weekend

Batavia Downs ramps up betting excitement this weekend with three guaranteed pools.

Friday, Sept. 5, the first race Pick-5 carries a $1,113.57 carryover and will be guaranteed at $5,000.
Saturday, Sept. 6, during the $2.4 million New York Sire Stakes Night of Champions, two Pick-4 pools—race 3 and race 7—will each be guaranteed at $7,500.
These guarantees are part of the USTA Strategic Wagering Program, and free past performance program pages are available at ustrotting.com.
Fans can also download full live card programs at bataviadownsgaming.com and watch races for free on Batavia Downs’ YouTube page.

Former OTB CEO Wojtaszek Eyes Niagara County Board Seat

Howard Owens with the Batavian reports, Niagara County’s representative on the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. board has resigned, and former OTB president and CEO Henry Wojtaszek is seeking the seat.
Elliott Winter, who has held the seat since 2016, stepped down, citing growing business and family commitments. Winter praised the staff and culture at Batavia Downs, saying he hopes to remain involved as a fan.
Wojtaszek, who led OTB from 2016 to 2024, says he wants to use his experience to enhance customer service and employee relations. Winter believes Wojtaszek’s institutional knowledge makes him well-suited for the board.
The Niagara County Legislature will vote on the appointment at its Sept. 16 meeting. WROTB has not yet been officially notified of the new appointment.
Under current leadership, including CEO Byron Brown, Batavia Downs has seen increased attendance, revenue growth, and profitable summer concerts, signaling a positive trajectory for the organization.

Guest Speaker on Genesee Valley Canal at Holland Land Office Museum

Join the Holland Land Office Museum this evening at 7 PM for the next Guest Speaker Series event. Jules Hoepting, park educator at Letchworth State Park, will present on the Genesee Valley Canal.
Admission is $5, or $3 for museum members. For questions or to RSVP, contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.

Recent Arrests in Genesee County

Several arrests were reported in Genesee County over the past few weeks:
8/27/25: Nathan T. Stanton, 21, of Le Roy, NY, was charged with Trespass and Obstructing Governmental Administration 2nd degree after allegedly refusing to leave UMMC and obstructing police. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.
8/26/25: Gloria L. Peckham, 65, of Batavia, NY, was charged with Harassment 2nd degree for allegedly spitting on another person. She was issued an appearance ticket and released.
8/23/25: Stephen C. Lopez, 41, of Medina, NY, was charged with DWI and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd degree (intent to sell) after police found him intoxicated and in possession of a large quantity of narcotics while investigating a harassment complaint. He was taken to Genesee County Jail and arraigned in CAP Court.
8/19/25: Lisa R. Richmond, 37, of Batavia, NY, was arrested on three warrants after failing to appear in court on multiple criminal matters. She was taken to jail and arraigned in CAP Court.
8/16/25: Tierance J. Davis, 38, of Batavia, NY, was charged with Criminal Obstruction of Breathing, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and Obstructing Governmental Administration 2nd degree after allegedly holding a victim in a chokehold and resisting police. He was arraigned in CAP Court and is due in Batavia City Court.
8/13/25: Andrew J. Draper, 46, of Batavia, NY, was arrested on two bench warrants for failing to appear in court on larceny and DWI charges. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court.