Brockport Police seek to close bar after bribe allegations

Brockport, N.Y. - Police said a popular bar in Brockport is being investigated after reports of underage individuals paying off bouncers to get inside.

According to police, people under the age of 21 have been frequenting Rocco's Bar. Information has come forward that these people are allowed to enter the bar if a certain amount of money is paid to the doorman.

Police said criminal charges will be forthcoming in the near future against those who allegedly took the bribes.

"If anybody puts themselves in their parents shoes and thinks from their perspective, ultimately what we're trying to do is protect their children when they're away at college," said Lieutenant Mark Cuzzupoli.

Additionally, Brockport Police requested that the bar's liquor license be "immediately suspended and subsequently revoked out of concern for the health, safety and welfare of the Brockport Community."

Rocco's has been the site of several incidents involving police investigations in the last several years, including a murder, stabbing and several assaults.

24-year-old Noel VanDorn was stabbed and killed outside the bar in 2013. His family said the bar should have been closed then.

"We were upset that they didn't close this down then, but anytime is better than never," said Cheryl Brice, VanDorn's aunt.

Some neighbors in the area also said the bar has been a problem spot. David Markham has had his fence broken twice, and property damaged on multiple occasions.

"I have the only owner-occupied house here because no one else will live here because Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights are like being in New Orleans for Mardi Gras," said Markham.

Brockport Police expect to hear back from the New York State Liquor Authority regarding the status of Rocco's Bar this week.