Latest news with #GenevaPoliceDepartment
Chicago Tribune
25-06-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Geneva police add Golden Retriever comfort dog to the force
The newest member of the Geneva Police Department's force is a 20-month-old Golden Retriever named Tommy, who will be part of the city's new comfort dog program, according to a news release from the city of Geneva and its police department. Tommy was sworn in at Geneva's special City Council Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday. The goal is for him to provide a calming presence and emotional support during difficult situations, according to the release. Tommy's placement with the Geneva police is part of a partnership with Healing Hearts Comfort Dogs, a Tinley Park-based nonprofit. Per the release, Tommy's responsibilities will include attending local events and presentations, fostering a positive relationship between police and residents, participating in employee wellness events, visiting schools and educational institutions and providing comfort to those in crisis. The program will not include apprehension or narcotics- or enforcement-related activities. 'To be able to offer something like this is an amazing gift to the community,' said Geneva Police Chief Eric Passarelli at Monday's meeting. Tommy's primary handler will be Geneva Police Community Services Officer Brad Koontz, according to the release. Members of the public can request a visit from Tommy by filling out a form at this link:
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Special prosecutor will be assigned to former Geneva officer's case
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — A special prosecutor is being assigned to the case of Michael Tapscott, the former Geneva police officer accused of selling drugs on duty. Ontario County DA James Ritts announced that his opponent in this year's election, Ontario County Attorney Jason MacBride, exchanged texts with Tapscott. It was alleged that MacBride was seeking Tapscott and the Geneva Police Department's endorsement for DA. The texts, according to Ritts, happened over several months before Tapscott was arrested. Ritts said that, in light of these accusations, the DA's Office will seek a special prosecutor from outside Ontario County to ensure all defendants are brought to justice without impropriety. 'Although I am disappointed there is a need for a Special Prosecutor in this case, prosecutorial ethics require me to take this action,' Ritts said in a statement. News 8 has reached out to the DA's Office and MacBride for further comment on this matter. The Ontario District Attorney's Office declined to provide any further comment and directed us to the Wayne County District Attorney, who will be the special prosecutor for the case. Tapscott, a former D.A.R.E. officer, was arrested earlier this month for allegedly selling drugs to someone at a local business in Geneva while in uniform and operating a police car. Investigators said they found evidence that Tapscott provided a form of Adderall. Tapscott was charged with fifth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance and official misconduct. He was arraigned and released on his own recognizance. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
Two more Geneva PD members on leave ahead of criminal investigation
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Two additional members of the Geneva Police Department have been placed on administrative leave ahead of a criminal investigation by the Ontario County Sheriff's Office, a release from the Geneva Police Department confirmed Friday. Chief Ronald Eveland said the placement of the members on leave stems from Wednesday's announcement that 13-year-veteran Officer Michael Tapscott was placed on leave pending an investigation and subsequent arrest. Former Geneva police officer accused of selling drugs while on duty Officer Tapscott submitted a letter of resignation to Geneva Police Tuesday before he was charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, and official misconduct relating to the sale of a form of Adderall. It's alleged this happened while the officer was on duty and operating a police car. 'If true, the allegation against Mr. Tapscott is deeply unsettling. However, we trust and faith in our judicial system to conduct a thorough investigation resulting in the appropriate outcome,' Chief Eveland said in a statement. 'This is an extremely difficult time not only for our police department family, but for the Geneva community and for any innocent parties involved.' The Ontario County Sheriff's Office released a statement shortly after Chief Eveland's letter to the community. 'We understand that the allegations in this case are troubling, and the public wants to know the extent of criminality involved.' Sheriff David Cirencione said in a statement. The Ontario County Sheriff's Office remains committed to conducting a thorough, unbiased investigation, and we are going to continue to pursue our findings, wherever they lead. Further information will continue to be released as appropriate to maintain the integrity of the investigative process.' Sheriff Cirencione urged anyone with information relating to the case to contact or utilize 'Submit a Tip' on the 'OntarioSheriffNY' mobile app. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Yahoo
Geneva honors police
GENEVA — Members of the Geneva Police Department were honored on Monday evening during a city council meeting. Michael Smith, who joined the department in 2022, was named Officer of the Year and commended for his work making traffic stops in the city, Geneva Police Chief John Camper said. He said Smith also received the Ashtabula County Safe Communities Officer of the Year, as well. Brittany Brantley received the Dispatcher of the Year award, and was honored for her work in communicating information to other departments. Lynn Gersper was honored as part-time Officer of the Year. She has been on the department since 1975, Hamper said. He commended all the members of the department. 'You guys have been very easy to work with,' he said. Hamper discussed his hopes that the canine unit will be up and running by August, with Smith as the potential canine handler. City Councilman Jeff Griffiths asked Hamper to provide a full budget for the proposed program. Geneva City Manager Joseph Varckette said the details of the program are still being decided, and council will have a chance to approve the program before it is finalized. Camper said he believes a canine unit is needed in the city. He said many city residents have asked him about a canine unit, which was discussed as a possible addition to the city during a 2019 levy campaign that passed by four votes. Camper said the department is 'more or less' at full staff, but still struggling to keep employees. He said the department will soon need a radio system update, new Tasers and body cameras.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Yahoo
Geneva man acquitted in death of 2-year-old boy
An Ontario County jury Friday acquitted a Geneva man accused of manslaughter in the death of a 2-year-old. Jarrid Mix was charged with manslaughter in the September 2022 death of a 2-year-old boy, the son of Mix's then-girlfriend. Mix, now 25, was arrested in March 2023. Geneva police said the boy suffered severe internal injuries to his abdomen and torso areas. The prosecution contended that the injuries occurred while the child was in the care of Mix. The defense argued that the boy had fallen down some stairs several days prior to the recognition of his injuries, and that the fall could have been at the root of the injuries, according to trial coverage by WHAM-TV. Assistant Ontario County Public Defender Mollie Dapolito, who represented Mix, said in a statement that the jury clearly was convinced of his innocence. 'Both the verdict, and the swiftness of the verdict, speaks volumes about Jarrid Mix's undeniable innocence,' she said. 'Jarrid Mix is grateful to the jury for their care and attention to his case, and is looking forward to rebuilding his life.' In a statement Ontario County District Attorney Jim Ritts said, "We are deeply disappointed in the verdict in the Mix case. However, the difficulties inherent in the investigation and prosecution of cases involving the death of a child are real. "While we accept the jury's decision, the verdict does not take away from the hard work and relentless pursuit of justice by both the Geneva Police Department and my office. Unfortunately, in our criminal justice system, we are not always satisfied by the outcome." — Gary Craig is a veteran reporter with the Democrat and Chronicle, covering courts and crime and more. You can reach Craig at gcraig@ He is the author of two books, including "Seven Million: A Cop, a Priest, a Soldier for the IRA, and the Still-Unsolved Rochester Brink's Heist." This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Jarrid Mix acquitted in death of 2-year-old boy
