A Batmobile replica, Hot Rod Ranch: What's behind allegations in Reilich, Greece lawsuit

The sleek Batmobile replica had much to recommend it beyond its stylish and vibrant black-and-red hues, its fealty to the film and TV versions of the DC superhero's speedy vehicle, and its make-believe bat phone within reach of the driver.

There was also the autograph on the door from actor Adam West, who portrayed Batman in the campy and popular 1960s TV series, as well as photos showing that Julie Newmar, the actress playing Catwoman in the same series, had once ridden in the car.

At the 2018 auction in Pennsylvania, the replica, built upon a Lincoln chassis, sold with little trouble. There to watch his refurbished vehicle be auctioned, while donning his own Batman t-shirt, was Greece Supervisor Bill Reilich.

Now, that car and numerous others have become central ingredients in a federal lawsuit in which a former town employee, Deputy Public Works Commissioner Robert "Bobby" Johnson, alleges that he was forced to do odd jobs and mechanical work for Reilich and Deputy Town Supervisor Michelle Marini. The lawsuit has also sparked an investigation by the Monroe County District Attorney's Office.

Johnson is suing the town, Reilich, Marini and other officials.

Reilich and Marini said in a statement before papers were officially served, "Although the Town has not yet been formally served with a complaint, we are aware of the allegations levied by Robert Johnson. The Town looks forward to vigorously defending against this lawsuit in a court of law."

Reilich last week declined to comment further. He said attorneys have advised him not to comment because of the pending litigation.

Hot Rod Ranch

In the Town of Sweden, tucked into the woods off of Swamp Road, is Reilich's "Hot Rod Ranch," as it advertises itself on its gate (which is under the watchful gaze of a security camera). The wooden gate is also marked by a metal piece of artwork reminiscent of gearhead movie posters from decades ago: A buxom woman, her skirt hiked much closer to her hips than her knees, sits on the hood of a car as the driver, his hair tightly gelled and his grin wide and toothy, rests coolly with his arm draped out the window.

The Batmobile was just one of many cars Johnson alleged he worked on at Reilich's orders. According to records the Batmobile sold at auction for more than $195,000. (A seller also pays a commission to the auction house.)

Other vehicles Johnson alleged that he repaired and refurbished included a "1980 Shay Model A replica, a 1991 Crown Victoria Station Wagon, a 1998 Lincoln, a 1971 Corvette, a Bentley, a 1955 Chevy, a 1968 Mustang, a 2005 green Thunderbird, a Volkswagen Bug, a 2005 Corvette, a 1950’s Truck, (and) a 1947 Ford."

Reilich has long been known for his affinity for vintage cars. Among his past businesses were Upstate Motor Car of Rochester and Rochester Auto Design. A former Assemblyman, Reilich previously served as chair of the national State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus.

"Assemblyman Reilich immediately demonstrated his desire to get involved in keeping the laws in New York fair and hobby-friendly when he joined the Caucus in 2006," the association said in a newsletter. "Reilich helped defeat a bill to effectively ban the use of brush and grille guards on New York public roads." (The guards attach to the front of vehicles. Some lawmakers said they were more dangerous to pedestrians, a claim that many say were without solid proof.)

In the newsletter, Reilich said: "As a New York State Legislator, I have been diligent in my efforts to protect the interests of automobile enthusiasts in my state. When researching bills dealing with vehicle modification, I am careful to share with my colleagues the whole and accurate picture regarding proposed legislation. Those that don't share our love of the automobile are often unaware of the unintended effect of many of the bills."

As WXXI News reported in its coverage of the lawsuit, "In 2011, (Reilich) introduced a bill to exempt hot rods from certain equipment and emission requirements, but it was never brought to the floor for a vote."

Reilich purchased the Ranch property over a decade ago for $82,500. The property, almost 20 acres, has been advertised as: "Perfect for hunters, landscapers, nature enthusiast. Salmon Creek runs through the back. Poll barn w/ 4160sq. ft of space. Includes a generator to power out building."

The previous owner used the property for "an informal gun club ... where games birds are raised," according to minutes from the Town of Sweden Planning Board.

The allegations

The allegations against Reilich and Marini paint a picture of untoward influence over a town employee, who claims he did multiple jobs for the pair and was forced to use paid time off, or PTO, for some. Reilich allegedly had him at the Ranch on Saturdays, before the use of PTO, and paid him minimally. He was not paid minimum wage or overtime, the lawsuit alleges.

He alleges that Marini once told him, "If you are working for Bill then you are working for the town."

Johnson alleges that his retirement was prompted by the District Attorney's Office investigation into the 2021 drunken driving crash of former Police Chief Andrew Forsythe. Johnson alleges that Reilich said he should be prepared to lie if he was questioned about the work done for Reilich and Marini.

Johnson also alleges that the town has withheld his retiree health care from him.

Johnson's attorney, Maureen Bass, said Johnson has receipts and photos that undergird the allegations. Among those are numerous Saturday breakfast receipts from a restaurant about three miles from the Ranch.

The lawsuit alleges that Johnson in late 2020 asked his supervisor, Kirk Morris, to intervene and "stop the unlawful labor practices and protect his job." Instead, Johnson alleges, Marini or Reilich learned of his complaints and Johnson was stripped of his supervisory role and reassigned.

Johnson had then been deputy commissioner for 14 years "without so much as a single write-up, counseling memo, or suspension," according to the lawsuit.

Johnson worked for the town for 36 years, starting as a part-time automotive worker while in high school.

It was those abilities, according to the lawsuit, that led Johnson to the Ranch and Reilich's constant rotation of used and vintage automobiles.

His jobs, he alleges, were plentiful, if not well compensated.

Among his jobs, according to the lawsuit, were, "working on headliners, grills, pressing bearings, repairing CV (constant velocity) shafts, replacing brakes, replacing clutches, replacing fuel and brake lines, replacing water pumps, replacing radios, replacing broken tail and head lights, replacing window and wiper switches, repairing and replacing electrical systems, installing wiring, removing plow frames, suspension and driveline work, radiator repair, body work, welding and repairing motors."

Johnson is seeking more than $4 million in the lawsuit. Under federal court procedures, it will now go to attempted mediation.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Hot Rod Ranch and a Batmobile replica: Behind Reilich, Greece lawsuit