Midday News Brief
Written by Dan Fischer on August 3, 2021
Gov. Andrew Cuomo
State AG Letitia James
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is facing serious charges of sexual harassment. Attorney General Letitia James announced the findings of her five-month investigation into allegations from multiple women that Cuomo created a sexually hostile work environment. The report cites numerous women, including current and former state employees, who claim the Democrat touched their “intimate body parts” and made unwanted advances. In one instance, a staffer said Cuomo reached under her blouse and touched her breasts. James said she has proof that Cuomo’s office intimidated witnesses and created a “toxic work environment” based upon 74,000 pieces of evidence.
Deputies say speeds reached 100 miles an hour chasing down a suspect for speeding on Route 33 in Stafford.
23-year-old James Lepore of Chili was finally stopped with spike strips deployed by lawmen on Route 98 just north of the city.
Lepore was charged with Reckless Endangerment, criminal possession of a firearm, speeding and 21 additional traffic offenses.
Deputies, who were assisted in the chase by State and Batavia Police, said Lepore recklessly engaged in conduct that created a grave risk of death. Police said Lepore intentionally crossed over into the opposite lane causing other motorists to swerve out of the way. Speeds were estimated at 90 to 100 miles an hour.
Lepore was arraigned in thew Town of Batavia Court and under the terms of bail reform, he was released on his own recognizance.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s office is having telephone trouble. The administrative phone number, 345-3000, is not working. 9-1-1 emergency service is not affected.
Batavia’s Peace Garden, the line of international flags along West Main Street near the Holland Land Office, has been vandalized.
Peace Garden officials say volunteers spent hours and hours over the past two months decorating 100 stones and seashells for the landscape as part of an art project.
The peace garden is a popular place for people to just relax, take in the site, and enjoy the day. The stone project was completed on Tuesday, July 20.
By Wednesday morning, all 100 were gone, stolen in the night.
Officials say they will not replace them.
