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FELONY ARREST IN THE TOWN OF AVON

  • 19 hours ago
  • 2 min read
AVON - Sheriff Thomas J. Dougherty reports the arrests of three Livingston County residents on felony and misdemeanor charges following an investigation by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office.
AVON - Sheriff Thomas J. Dougherty reports the arrests of three Livingston County residents on felony and misdemeanor charges following an investigation by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office.

 

On April 17th 2026, at approximately 8:15 pm, Investigator Shawn Whitford conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 390 in the Town of Avon after he observed a violation of the NYS Vehicle and Traffic law. The operator of the vehicle was identified as 37-year-old Robert Gelser of Nunda.  There were two passengers in the vehicle who were identified as 37-year-old John Kennedy Jr., also of Nunda, and 42-year-old Meghan Soto of Geneseo.

 

During the initial encounter, the Investigator suspected that there was drug activity in the vehicle and conducted a drug investigation.  As a result of the investigation, Gelser, Kennedy and Soto were found to be in possession of methamphetamine.  All occupants were arrested and charged with felony Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree. 

 

It was found that Kennedy had an active order of protection against him, requiring him to stay away from Soto. Kennedy was additionally charged with misdemeanor Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree and felony Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree due to him being in possession of metal knuckles.

 

Soto, Kennedy and Gelser were transported and turned over to Central Booking Deputies at the Livingston County Jail for processing and pre-arraignment detention.  All three were later arraigned at the Livingston County Centralized Arraignment Part (LC-CAP) at the Livingston County Jail before Town of York Justice Koch.  The Judge did release Soto and Gelser on their own recognizance as the charges do not qualify for bail under the NYS Bail Reform Act.

 

The District Attorney’s Office recommended that Kennedy be held on $6,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond.  The Judge did remand Kennedy to the custody of the Sheriff on $3,000 cash bail or $15,000 bond.

 

The Livingston County Public Defender’s Office was present and represented Gelser, Kennedy and Soto at their court arraignments for their defenses.  The Livingston County District Attorney’s Office also appeared to represent the People.

 

Assisting with the investigation for the Sheriff's Office was Deputy Pilkenton, Deputy Cornelius, and Deputy Vandewalker.


 
 
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