Greece police are searching for Matthew Belk, 35, the owner of Jackson’s Bakery, which was recently shut down by town and county officials due to serious health and safety violations.
Belk is wanted on charges of fourth-degree grand larceny, a felony, and third-degree unauthorized use of a vehicle, a misdemeanor, related to an incident in the Town of Greece, according to the Greece Police Department. Further details about the alleged incident were not released.
Belk was also arrested last month in Ontario County, where he faces multiple charges, including three counts of fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property. He is accused of driving a stolen van, possessing two stolen credit cards, and having a substance believed to be cocaine, deputies said.
Anyone with information is asked to call 911, contact Greece Police at (585) 581-4016, or email GPDTips@GreeceNY.gov.
Jackson’s Bakery closed after failing health inspection
Belk, who started working at Jackson’s Bakery at age 16 and bought the business in 2021, was already in the spotlight last month when the Town of Greece and Monroe County Department of Public Health shut down the bakery following a failed inspection. According to county reports, inspectors found:
The bakery’s operating permit was suspended on June 25, and the business has been mostly closed since May.
A long history in the community
Jackson’s Bakery was founded in 1947 by Jack Symonds, who opened the German-style bakery in Greece. His son Jim Symonds later ran the business for more than 25 years.
Belk, a longtime employee, took ownership in 2021.
For 78 years, Jackson’s was a local favorite, known for its kuchens, cakes, and baked goods.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Owner of popular Greece bakery wanted by police: What to know
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
