Morning News Briefing

Assemblyman Steve Hawley of Batavia joined law enforcement professionals, lawmakers and family members of crime victims at a press conference in Albany calling for a repeal of new bail reform laws that he says are leading to serial criminals being released before trial.
Joining lawmakers at the press conference yesterday were several women whose families have been negatively effected by the early release of criminals due to the new reforms.
Hawley wants to see the new reforms repealed…

The Assemblyman said judges are being restricted by New York City politicians from holding criminals in custody who are at risk of re-offending.

Credit Card fraud under investigation in Batavia.
Batavia Police have been investigating several cases where credit card numbers have been used fraudulently at businesses in the City of Batavia.
The suspect reportedly does not show a physical credit card but instead requests store clerk type in the numbers manually.
The transactions are initially approved, however they are declined approximately a month later after the suspect has made off with the merchandise.
Police encourage businesses to ensure customers have their physical credit card with them and to ask for identification with every card transaction, making sure the names on both the ID and card match.

A Batavia woman busted for child endangerment.
43 Year old Jeanette Higgins of Ganson Ave Batavia was arrested by Batavia Police following investigation into an incident that occurred on January 3rd at an Evans Street residence in the City.
Higgins is facing a count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child for allegedly encouraging a juvenile to engage in a physical altercation.
She is scheduled to appear in Batavia City Court next Tuesday.

The Genesee County Sheriff Office has five new Deputies.
Sheriff William Sheron has filled several vacant positions with the hiring of Kenneth Quackenbush III, Jared Swimline, Nicholas Chamoun, Jordan Alejandro and Brock Cummins.
All five Deputies recently completed their field training programs after graduating from the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy at Niagara University on Sept. 11.

Former Republican Congressman Chris Collins will be finding out tomorrow how much time he’ll be spending behind bars.
Collins pleaded guilty to federal insider trading charges last year and faces a maximum sentence of 57 months.
But, the U.S Probation Office is recommending the ex-27th District representative only spend a year and a day in prison.
Collins’ lawyers are planning to request he spend no time in custody because they don’t believe the 69 year old is a threat to society.

The Buffalo Sabres will be on the road tonight in search of a third straight win.
They’ll be taking on the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center.
Buffalo currently sits in fifth place in the NHL’s Atlantic Division, 17 points behind the Boston Bruins.
Faceoff for tonight’s contest is set for 8:30 p.m.