Morning News Briefing
Written by WBTA STAFF on March 22, 2019
Batavia resident pleads guilty to sex crimes against a 13 year old.
36 year old David Somerton of Kelsey road Batavia has waived his right to a grand jury proceeding and pleaded guilty to attempted use of a child in a sexual performance.
Somerton appeared in Genesee County Court on Monday where he admitted to sex offenses involving a 13 year old child.
Somerton was initially charged with multiple counts of disseminating indecent material to a minor, possession of obscene sexual performance by a child, and use of a child in a sexual performance after being arrested in November.
Investigation began when the child’s parents found communication with Somerton on their phone.
Somerton is under supervision of Genesee Justice until his sentencing scheduled for May 21st.
He could spend 2 to 7 years in prison on the charge.
State Street woman jailed for Forgery and Identity Theft.
City Police have arrested 33 year old Amanda Bowles of State Street in Batavia following investigation into multiple stolen credit cards.
Bowles was accused of using various stolen credit cards at multiple locations around the city and allegedly completed some of the transactions by forging signatures.
She was ultimately charged with four counts of Forgery and five counts of both Identity Theft and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property.
Bowles was arraigned in Batavia City Court yesterday where she was remanded without bail to the Genesee County Jail.
The Chief Deputy in Genesee County law enforcement is heading for retirement.
Genesee County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Jerome Brewster announced his retirement yesterday morning as he was a featured guest on WBTA’s “Main & Center”.
Brewster ran down the start of his 44 year career as a lawmen…
Brewster heads up the investigation division for the sheriff’s office.
His last day on the job will be April 12th.
An Attica man arrested under Leandra’s Law.
31 year old Cody Landin was apprehended Wednesday night in Stafford by State Police based out of Batavia.
He was charged with a felony count of Aggravated DWI for allegedly driving drunk with a child in the car.
He was additionally charged with refusing a breath test and Obstructing Governmental Administration and was released with appearance tickets.
A new report is shedding light on the dangers of riding a snowmobile.
The New York State Snowmobile Association says 20 people have been killed on those machines this season.
Only seven people lost their lives during last season.
Experts aren’t sure what’s responsible for the spike since weather conditions have been similar to last year.
The state parks office says the most common factors in these tragedies are alcohol and speeding.
New data shows the flu is spreading again statewide.
According to the health department, there were over 71-hundred new cases reported during the week ending March 16th.
That’s a ten percent increase from the week before.
There have been over 83-thousand cases of the flu reported this season.
Doctors say it’s never too late to get your flu shot.
