Upstate NY sheriff says law lacks consequences: ‘It’s a joke’Published: May. 22, 2026, 1:04 p.m.
By Geoff Herbert
syracuse.comAn Upstate New York sheriff is speaking out after multiple fights this past week, including at the Rochester Lilac Festival and Ontario Beach Park.
Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter told WHAM that current laws are preventing police from stopping so-called “teen takeovers.” Even fighting, if no one is hurt or no property is damaged, likely won’t end up with anyone in jail, he said.
“We want to make the arrest, but the point is there’s no teeth in the system,” Baxter told the Rochester TV station. “We know that we created this culture of lawlessness.”
The sheriff said criminals are taking advantage of what he sees as weaker consequences, including stolen vehicles, public brawls and “smash-and-grabs.” Paperwork takes longer, too, taking law enforcement away from patrols and other police work.
“It’s a joke,” he said. “It changes no behavior when I’ve got to give that person an appearance ticket, and the perpetrator knows I’ve got to give an appearance ticket. What are we doing here? This is madness.” ...
