Tuesday News Brief

GENESEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT

A Romulus man is facing a felony charge after Genesee County Sheriff’s deputies say he allegedly hid a camera inside a USB wall charger and placed it in a bathroom at a home in the Town of Darien.
Forty-one-year-old Joshua Nichols is charged with second-degree unlawful surveillance. Investigators say the incident dates back to December 2025. Nichols was arrested last week and held at the Genesee County Jail pending arraignment in CAP Court.
In other Sheriff’s Office activity, Nathaniel Salverson of Alexander was jailed on criminal mischief and harassment charges following a domestic incident. John Lang, who is listed as homeless, was charged with petit larceny after allegedly stealing an alcoholic beverage from a store in Elba. Deputies also arrested Alissa O’Neil of Lockport, Elizabeth Salas of Kenmore, Mackayli Taylor of Rochester, William Yohn of Eden, Amira Woods of Parma, Ohio, and Xavier Jordan of Jamestown following incidents at the Ne-Yo and Akon concert at Six Flags Darien Lake. They face charges including trespass, harassment, and obstruction of governmental administration and were released with appearance tickets.

PRIEST BARRED FROM RETURNING TO ACTIVE MINISTRY

A Catholic priest who previously served several Genesee County parishes will not be returning to active ministry following an investigation by the Diocese of Buffalo. Reverend Patrick O’Keefe was removed from ministry in October of last year after allegations of inappropriate workplace and ministerial misconduct involving sexual harassment.
The Diocese says an investigation by retired police detective Jacqueline Sullivan found the allegations involving inappropriate conduct toward adults were substantiated. The Independent Review Board has recommended that O’Keefe not resume active ministry at this time. Bishop Michael Fisher says he’s discussing what steps would be required before any future appointment could be considered. Diocese officials stress the allegations did not involve children or criminal conduct.
The Diocese also announced it’s accelerating efforts to remove Reverend Jeffrey Nowak from the priesthood following his federal child pornography charges. Nowak, who previously served at Holy Family Parish in Albion, remains jailed as he awaits further court proceedings. The recommendations involving both priests were unanimously accepted by Bishop Fisher.

VOLUNTEER SEEKS HELP IDENTIFYING “OLEAN JOHN DOE”

A Western New York volunteer is asking the public to help identify a man known only as the 2023 Olean John Doe.
The man, described as about 6-foot-1 and more than 300 pounds, collapsed on a sidewalk in Olean and later died at Buffalo General Hospital on July 31, 2023, without being identified.
The volunteer has created a Facebook group called “Who is the 2023 Olean John Doe” and is sharing posters across the United States and Caribbean, hoping someone recognizes him. She says every person deserves to have their name restored and their family notified.

TRUMP SAYS UPCOMING IRAN TALKS ARE ‘LAST CHANCE’ TO AVOID MORE STRIKES

President Donald Trump says newly planned talks with Iran represent what he calls the country’s “last chance” to reach a deal and avoid a new round of U.S. military strikes. Speaking Monday at the White House, Trump said negotiations are expected to begin within the next day or two and focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing concerns over Iran’s nuclear program.
Trump says the first phase would reopen the vital shipping route, while a second phase would focus on what he called denuclearization. He also claimed Iran is privately negotiating despite public denials from Tehran. Iranian officials insist they are only discussing shipping issues with Oman and are not holding direct talks with the United States. Trump had called off planned strikes over the weekend, saying Gulf allies urged him to give diplomacy another chance.

IDAHO FAST-FOOD SHOOTING UNDER INVESTIGATION

Police in Idaho are continuing to investigate a weekend mass shooting that left three people dead and seven others injured at an In-N-Out Burger in Twin Falls. Authorities say 24-year-old Chad Williams opened fire Saturday afternoon before taking his own life. Investigators say Williams acted alone, and his family is cooperating with the investigation.
Police say an off-duty Idaho State Police trooper and an armed civilian exchanged gunfire with the suspect, helping divert him away from the crowded restaurant. Among those killed was an In-N-Out employee, while seven others were wounded. Two victims have since been treated and released from the hospital, three remain in stable condition, and two others are listed in critical condition.
The restaurant had opened just over a week earlier as part of the chain’s expansion into Idaho. Authorities have not identified the victims as they continue notifying family members, and investigators are still working to determine what motivated the deadly attack.

BATAVIA DOWNS RECAP

Saratoga shippers continued their strong start to the Batavia Downs harness racing meet on Sunday as Larry Stalbaum swept both $13,500 Open events. Rocknroll Runa A captured the Open Pace in gate-to-wire fashion, winning by nearly three lengths in 1:53.3 after making his first start since March.
Stalbaum completed the double in the Open Handicap Trot as Makeorbreakzaz S recovered from an early break in stride to rally for a dramatic victory in 1:55.4. Driver Drew Monti also enjoyed a big afternoon, posting four wins to increase his meet-leading total to 18. Live racing returns to Batavia Downs Wednesday evening with a first post of 5 o’clock.