Tuesday News Brief

Batavia Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy in Sex Trafficking Case

Joseph Barsuk, 67, of Batavia, has pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. The charge carries a potential life sentence and a fine up to $250,000.
Prosecutors say Barsuk met a woman battling addiction at Pharaoh’s Gentlemen’s Club in 2015. Over the next year, he provided her with housing, a vehicle, and money for drugs. When she experienced withdrawal symptoms, Barsuk coerced her into sexual acts before helping her obtain more drugs.
He also conspired with employees at the club to facilitate these acts, even paying them while engaging in sexual activity with the victim.
The plea follows an FBI investigation led by Acting Special Agent Mark Grimm. Barsuk is scheduled to be sentenced on December 23rd by U.S. District Judge Lawrence Vilardo.

ARC GLOW

Today at 4 p.m., Dan Crofts will speak about his memoir, The Nine Lives of Autism, at the Arc GLOW Community Center in Batavia. Crofts shares his journey living with Asperger’s Syndrome, exploring challenges like sensory struggles, social anxiety, and OCD. The talk draws inspiration from the nine Greek Muses, blending imagination and personal insight. Copies of the book will be available for $13. For more information, email PR@ArcGLOW.org.

Deputy Exam

The deadline to apply for the Deputy Sheriff civil service written exam and the Correction Officer training questionnaire is this Wednesday, August 13th. New York State has raised the age limit for Deputy Sheriff candidates to 42. Candidates must be at least 19 by September 20th, 2025, and no older than 42 to take the test.
Exams are now offered on a continuous recruitment basis, meaning you can test multiple times to improve your score and stay on the eligibility list for one year. For more info, check out Sheriff Graff’s video and get your application in before the deadline.

Free Concert

Tonight at 7 p.m., catch Goldpine live in concert at River Spring Ministries in Attica. The show takes place in the River Spring Chapel at 909 Creek Road. Admission is free, with donations welcome during the performance. Enjoy an evening of great music in a warm, welcoming setting.

Spartans

The Genesee County Spartans’ season ended Saturday with a 20-6 loss to the Buffalo Stampede in a Northeastern Football Alliance semifinal at Lockport’s Outwater Park. Buffalo took an early 6-0 lead before Genesee County tied it 6-6 after a strong drive capped by a Jzon Henderson touchdown run. Buffalo added two more scores before halftime to lead 14-6.
A crucial interception late in the third quarter led to Buffalo extending the lead to 20-6. Despite two strong drives in the final quarter, the Spartans couldn’t close the gap. Buffalo advances to the AA Division title game next week against the Ithaca Warriors.
The Spartans finish their season with a 3-6 record after a hard-fought playoff battle.

Batavia Teacher Resigns After Inappropriate Assignment Sparks Concern

Joanne Beck with the Batavian reports that earlier this year, a seventh-grade English teacher at Batavia Middle School, Collin Schreiner, faced controversy over an inappropriate year-end assignment involving song lyrics with sexual undertones. The activity was quickly stopped by the school principal after student concerns.
Superintendent Jason Smith confirmed Schreiner was asked to resign in April, effective July 1, and is no longer with the district. The school board accepted his resignation after an investigation into the incident and other concerns, including allegations of video recording students, which the district says were handled appropriately.
A letter was sent to families explaining the situation and emphasizing the district’s commitment to a safe, respectful environment. Superintendent Smith assured that all personnel matters are taken seriously and that staff performance issues are addressed promptly.
The district encourages parents to report concerns and promises transparency in protecting student safety and maintaining professional standards.