Latest news with #Ritts
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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.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
20-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Moontower Comedy Festival brings laughs, economic boost to area
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Moontower Comedy Festival is wrapping up its final shows in Austin, marking the end of a more than week-long celebration of comedy that has become a staple in the industry. The festival, which attracts big-name acts, has drawn approximately 65,000 attendees this year, significantly boosting the local economy, organizers said. 'We'll do something around 65,000 people in attendance of the festival,' said Jim Ritts, CEO of the Austin Theatre Alliance. The non profit runs the Paramount Theater which hosts the annual festival. The festival has grown from its humble beginnings off Congress at the State and Paramount theaters since it began in 2012. It's now in more venues, and more venues mean more people, and more money. 'We really do drive the economy around this. I think our economic contribution from all of this is somewhere between $7.5 to $10 million,' Ritts added. Despite its growth and the presence of huge stars, the festival maintains a focus on economic accessibility, ensuring that as many people as possible can enjoy the performances. 'We try to make sure that economic access isn't a barrier for being able to see comedy. So you can go to clubs and see it for $20, or buy a badge for $100 that lets you hop from club to club, as well as all the headliners,' Ritts said. As the festival concludes, organizers hint at further expansion and the potential for comedy specials to be filmed at the Paramount for platforms like Netflix or Hulu. All facts from this article were gathered by KXAN journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by KXAN staff. Read about our approach to using AI tools. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Yahoo
Report: Ontario County DA employees drank alcohol during workplace party
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — The Ontario County DA's Office is facing criticism after allegations of a 'Fall Fest' party involving alcohol in the workplace. An investigation report detailed an event known as 'Fall Fest,' an alleged event held annually by the DA's Office. The report says it grew over the years from a cook-off and games during a lunch break to a day-long event involving alcohol, decorations, and karaoke. According to the report, the workplace was decorated, and employees were in costume for the November 5, 2024, event. One employee allegedly dressed up as a stripper and decorated their office to resemble the 'Bada Bing!,' a fictional strip club from 'The Sopranos.' The report also says that some employees purchased alcohol and brought it into the courthouse. Some of them admitted to bringing drinks into the jury and courtrooms. Ontario County DA Jim Ritts allegedly admitted that he drank at work after 4 p.m. the day before 'Fall Fest' and drank during last year's event. News 8 reached out to Ritts for comment. Jason MacBride, who is running for Ontario County DA, released a statement Friday morning criticizing Ritts for being 'untruthful' when questioned during the investigation into the party. MacBride says this is not about 'silly politics,' but says the residents of Ontario County deserve 'leadership rooted in'integrity, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to justice.' ONTARIO-DA-1Download Stay with News 8 WROC as we continue to update this developing story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Yahoo
Man faces 81 charges in Ontario County drug and firearm investigation
The Ontario County District Attorney's Office has filed an 81-count indictment related to a long-term, multi-agency firearms and narcotics investigation. Ronnie Boswell Jr., also known as "Spaz," faces multiple charges, including criminal sale of a firearm, criminal possession of a weapon in the second and third degrees, conspiracy, and several drug-related offenses, such as criminal sale and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree. According to Ontario County District Attorney Jim Ritts, the charges involve crimes that allegedly occurred between Oct. 1, 2024, and Jan. 2, 2025. As part of the investigation, 14 firearms, 13 large-capacity magazines, and approximately 2,600 fentanyl pills were seized. The 81 charges originated from a narcotics investigation in Geneva, which began in August 2024 after tips from community members about suspected drug use, loitering, and other quality-of-life issues in the city's downtown. Geneva Police Chief Ronald Eveland said these tips led authorities to Boswell, expanding the investigation into a multi-agency effort. Through the investigation, 14 firearms were purchased and seized, including five assault weapons, along with 13 large-capacity feeding devices and about 2,600 fentanyl pills. The operation involved several agencies, including the Ontario County District Attorney's Office, ATF, Geneva Police Department, New York State Police, Ontario County Sheriff's Department, and the Seneca County Sheriff's Department, Ritts confirmed at a press conference on Thursday. Ritts also stated that Boswell was arrested on Jan. 2, 2025, following a buy-bust operation. On the day of the bust, Boswell allegedly sold 200 fentanyl pills, a semi-automatic rifle, large-capacity ammunition magazines, and ammunition. The buy money was recovered when Boswell was taken into custody. Ontario County Sheriff David Cirencione noted that Boswell was allegedly operating out of Rochester but was attempting to sell these firearms to individuals he believed were based in Ontario County. Cirencione added that authorities are continuing to investigate the origins of the weapons and whether they were involved in any prior crimes. 'The fact is, he was able to obtain these weapons easily and was proactively reaching out to the officers working this case, looking to sell guns almost daily,' Cirencione said. The indictment reveals that Boswell had a prior conviction for attempted criminal possession of a weapon in December 2016 in Monroe County. Ritts said that given his prior felony convictions, Boswell could face a sentence of 25 years to life. Boswell is currently being held at the Ontario County Jail awaiting arraignment. — Madison Scott is a journalist with the Democrat and Chronicle who edited our Weld Street Project and also did reporting for it. She has an interest in how the system helps or doesn't help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@ This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Ronnie Boswell faces 81 charges in Ontario County drug investigation
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ontario County DA race: Prosecutor Jason MacBride to challenge incumbent James Ritts
CANANDAIGUA, NY — Republican Jason MacBride, a career prosecutor, has announced his candidacy for Ontario County District Attorney in the upcoming 2025 election. MacBride will be running up against the incumbent DA, James Ritts, who announced in October that he will be seeking this third term for DA. Currently, MacBride serves as an Assistant County Attorney for Ontario County as a juvenile prosecutor. He also counsels the Ontario County Department of Social Services in investigations and court proceedings involving child abuse and neglect. According to his statement, MacBride was the First Assistant District Attorney for Ontario County for over 10 years before joining the County Attorney's Office. He also worked as a prosecutor at the Monroe County District Attorney's Office for eight years. In a statement, MacBride said he would be entering the race with a commitment to deliver justice and to restore a "collaborative and respectful partnership with the law enforcement community." 'The DA's Office, and the victims it serves, deserves a leader who will do everything in his power to protect the children and families of Ontario County, ' MacBride said. 'I am ready to fight and restore the public's trust in our top law enforcement office.' The incumbent Ontario County District Attorney James Ritts, who is also running as a Republican for his third term as the DA, said he was shocked to learn about MacBride's campaign announcement. "But what I will say is every victim has always had a voice in my office. Every victim has always been supported, and every victim will be supported under my administration," Ritts said. The two will be gunning for the republican spot in the Ontario County Primary Election, which will be held on Tuesday, June 24. Ritts believes that he and his staff have been running the office with integrity, honor and honesty, he said. He said that he runs his office based on the county he represents and that his team has been dedicated to making sure that every victim has a voice, which he said he plans to continue doing moving forward. The decision will be left up to the Republican Party. "We'll see what the party does," Ritts said. "You know, I sit here as an incumbent with 26 years of experience with a staff that is available and works 24 hours a day, seven days a week when necessary. You're not going to find a better staff and a more dedicated staff than we have in this office right now." According to MacBride's statement, if he gets elected as the DA in the upcoming election he pledges to: Aggressively prosecute child rapists and murderers. Lock up dangerous drug dealers who seek to destroy our community. Prevent and crack down on drunk drivers who endanger our streets. Treat each and every crime victim with the respect they deserve. Restore a strong partnership with our law enforcement agencies. To learn more about the electoral process or review your voter registration, visit the Ontario County Board of Elections website at For more information, you can contact the board by phone at 585-396-4005 or online at — Madison Scott is a journalist with the Democrat and Chronicle who edited our Weld Street Project and also did reporting for it. She has an interest in how the system helps or doesn't help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@ This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Ontario County DA race: Jason MacBride to challenge James Ritts
