Antwan L. Odom, 18, of Batavia was arraigned in Genesee County Court on Tuesday morning and pleaded not guilty after being indicted in December on the charges of assault 1st, a class B violent felony and criminal possession of a weapon 4th, a misdemeanor.
On August 4, 2018 in the area of 153 Ross street, Odom is accused of causing serious physical injury to another person, Raymond L. Leach III, by means of a dangerous instrument, that being a knife.
Odom is accused of possessing a dagger, dangerous knife, dirk, stiletto, imitation pistol or other dangerous instrument with intent to use unlawfully against another person.
A temporary order of protection was then requested by District Attorney Larry Friedman on behalf of Ray Leach.
Frank Housh, Odom’s attorney, then requested to amend the temporary order of protection to allow Odom to attend school at Batavia High School.
Since the incident, The Batavia City School District made the decision to expel Odom from the high school due to the seriousness of the offense, according to Housh
Housh says the District expelled Odom without a hearing and then sent another letter changing their explanation from the allegations are serious to there is a stay away order of protection.
In court, Friedman told Judge Zambito that he is opposed to any modifications to the temporary order of protection because this is a serious matter and the defendant stabbed the victim 12 times with a knife.
Currently, Odom is attending BOCES and has a tutor.
Housh says Odom is far behind in his classes and he is not getting a good education.
“This has happened only because the District has made the determination to protect Ray Leach and punish Antwan Odom,” says Housh.
Housh also was concerned about Ray Leach continuing to go into his clients place of employment trying to provoke another confrontation with him.
“We know that Leach instigated the violent confrontation in August. He went to my clients house and called him out until he came out of the house and then proceeded to beat my client into unconsciousness. Ray Leach should not be going into my clients place of employment seeking to provoke him.”
Judge Zambito did not make a decision today in regards to modifying the temporary order of protection so Odom can attend Batavia High School.
Housh will submit paperwork to request a hearing on a modification.
Bail was continued and Odom will remain out of jail on $15,000 cash or $30,000 bond bail.
The next scheduled court appearance is for oral arguments March 18, 2019 at 9:00a.m.