Morning News Briefing

Sentencing deal reached for a Sex Offender looking at possible life behind bars.
Convicted Sexual Predator Marlek Holmes of Batavia has agreed to a deal that will leave him locked up for 25 years.
The Level Three Sex Offender received two consecutive five-year terms for his assault convictions as part of the deal.
Holmes had to drop current his appeals and waive his right of appeal as well.
Per the agreement charges of failing to register his change of address as a sex offender in Genesee County were dismissed.
According to Genesee County District Attorney Lawrence Friedman Holmes is considered one of the most hardened criminals he has ever prosecuted.

Holmes latest trial was scheduled to start Monday however a metal object was detected in his body by Auburn Prison Officials before he was to be transported to court.
Holmes had to “clear” the object, before he was moved.  By accepting the deal Holmes avoided a hearing to declare him a persistent violent felony offender, which could have led to a life sentence.

Drones have been added to the crime fighting arsenal for Troopers in Batavia.
State Police housed at Troop A headquarters in Batavia have been provided two new two high-tech drones which will be put to use throughout Troop A’s jurisdiction in Western New York.
The drones are not going to violate anyone’s right to privacy according to Captain Scott Reichel.

16 such drones have been purchased for use across the state. They cost about $7,000 each.

Batavia Police announce joining the SafeTrade initiative.
SafeTrade is a simple program for police and sheriff’s departments to encourage transactions at their facilities.
The announcement comes after the arrest of two local men accused of setting up a phony Craigslist ad to lure in robbery victims.
Online sellers or buyers can insist on using SafeTrade by conducting their transactions only at a local police or sheriff’s office.
The Batavia Police Department have designated a spot at the rear of the Department in the vestibule. This area is marked with a SafeTrade sign, and is under 24 hour video surveillance.

The flu season in New York is getting worse.
The state department of health just released their latest report showing a record number of confirmed flu cases and related hospitalizations.
Western New York still has one of the highest flu rates in the state.
Governor Cuomo signed an executive order yesterday allowing pharmacists to give flu shots to minors as young as two-years-old.

County law enforcement cracking down on drunk driving during the big game.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, City of Batavia and Village of LeRoy Police Departments will participate in the special enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving.
The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown efforts start on Super Bowl Weekend from February 2nd through February 5th.