What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm

Erie County District Attorney

Home
United States
Buffalo, NY
Erie County District Attorney

DA John Flynn is the chief law enforcement official representing the citizens of Erie County

Operating as usual

01/13/2023

Phillip L. Jackson, Jr., 29, of Buffalo was sentenced to 2 1/3 to 7 years in prison. He pleaded guilty to two felonies, the highest sustainable charges, for killing a pedestrian in a hit-and-run crash on Ludington Street the city's Lovejoy neighborhood in November 2021. The defendant drove away without reporting the incident to police. The victim, 43-year-old Edwin Wesolowski, III of Cheektowaga, died from his injuries at the scene. https://tinyurl.com/25w3ftxe

Michael B. Rattle, 63, of Buffalo was sentenced to 5 years of probation. The defendant was found guilty of Manslaughter in the Second Degree for fatally shooting, Daniel Wolfe, 63, inside an apartment on Geary Street in South Buffalo in January 2021. https://tinyurl.com/ynj8wszh

A 16-year-old male was sentenced to 5 years of probation. He pleaded guilty, as charged, to a felony for bringing a loaded handgun inside of Bennett Community School Campus on Main Street in Buffalo in December 2021. https://tinyurl.com/mw9tffa6

DA Flynn announced four additional arrests for separate looting-related crimes that occurred in the City of Buffalo and Town of Amherst during the blizzard last month. To date, a total of 11 defendants have been arraigned on various charges.
https://tinyurl.com/5bz67ps2
https://tinyurl.com/5n96e8bc

01/12/2023

Today, Erie County DA John Flynn was invited to South Park High School to speak with 11th and 12th grade students about the role of the District Attorney's Office and the importance of jury duty for their "Civics in Action" class.

Erie County DA John Flynn reacts to Governor Kathy Hochul's "State of the State" address where she announced investments...

01/11/2023

ECDA Video Update: Reaction to "State of the State" Address

Erie County DA John Flynn reacts to Governor Kathy Hochul's "State of the State" address where she announced investments in programs to reduce recidivism, additional funding to support efforts to reduce gun violence, continued funding for prosecutorial discovery requirements and further discussion on bail reform.

Erie County DA John Flynn praises Governor Kathy Hochul's announcement on state funding to improve re-entry programs and alternatives to incarceration, suppo...

Every day, the Erie County District Attorney’s Office works alongside our local, state and federal partners in law enfor...

01/09/2023

ECDA Video Update: Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

Every day, the Erie County District Attorney’s Office works alongside our local, state and federal partners in law enforcement. Today, we acknowledge their commitment and recognize the difficult challenges of their profession by showing our support to the men and women who have dedicated their lives to serve and protect our communities.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTiOudvRSIk

January 9 is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Every day, the Erie County DA’s Office works alongside our local, state and federal partners in law e...

01/05/2023

Odell Malik Wilkins, 23, of Buffalo was sentenced to 20 years in prison and 5 years of post-release supervision. He pleaded guilty to one count of Manslaughter in the First Degree (Class “B” violent felony) for fatally shooting Patrick C. Kent, 22, in the area Bickford Avenue on October 31, 2020. tinyurl.com/5n8ka9fx

Joel Coleman, 41, of Buffalo was indicted on one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-I” felony), one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony) and one count of Menacing in the Second Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor). He is accused of fatally shooting Nicholas D. Petroski, 34, inside of a home on Jefferson Avenue in the City of Buffalo on September 20, 2022. He is also accused of threatening a female victim with a gun during the commission of the crime. His co-defendant, Azaliyah A. Serrano, 22, was indicted on a felony assault charge. She is accused of intentionally pouring bleach on the female victim. https://tinyurl.com/vzhhdc5c

Om D. Samant, 34, Amherst was arraigned on Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-I” felony). The defendant is accused of killing his mother by beating and stabbing her inside of their home on Thistle Lea on Monday, December 26, 2022. https://tinyurl.com/ka3hj6rc

Nicholas B. Turnquist, 37, of West Falls was sentenced to 4 years in prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of R**e in the Third Degree for engaging in sexual in*******se with an underage victim in the Town of Aurora in 2014. https://tinyurl.com/7997ftnt

An 18-year-old male from Buffalo pleaded guilty to all counts in the indictment against him as an accomplice in the assault of a student outside of McKinley High School last February. The victim, a 14-year-old boy, was stabbed by an unidentified person. The case against his co-defendant, another 18-year-old male, remains pending. The adolescent offender is accused of shooting a school security guard who attempted to intervene in the assault. A jury trial has been scheduled for February 27, 2023. https://tinyurl.com/mwyudtxh

David J. Smith, 20, of Buffalo was sentenced to 6 years in prison. He pleaded guilty to an attempted murder charge for shooting a victim on Hopkins Street in May 2022. He also pleaded guilty for possession of an illegal in a separate incident. tinyurl.com/mryn3e2c

A 16-year-old female from Buffalo was sentenced to 6 months in jail followed by 5 years of probation for stabbing another student inside Buffalo School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management in September 2022. The victim spent two days in the hospital for injuries to her backside. https://tinyurl.com/7f3e2srt

Joshua Gotthart, 29, of Buffalo pleaded guilty to a felony gun charge. The defendant, who was the subject of a search warrant, was found in possession of a "ghost gun" in April 2022. Investigators found additional guns inside of his Wright Avenue home. tinyurl.com/yr3x6mcr

Michael J. Cremen, 50, formerly of Franklinville, was returned to Western New York from Arkansas on a warrant to be prosecuted on a pending hate crime case. He was also indicted on a felony bail jumping charge. He is accused of repeated failure to appear in court. https://tinyurl.com/muzpzuwy

Former Buffalo Fire recruit Jordan X. Ernest, 26, of Buffalo pleaded guilty to a violation. In July, the defendant left the scene of a fire involving his vehicle on Elk Street without reporting the incident to police. https://tinyurl.com/2dhvzxhd

Seven defendants have been arraigned on various charges for committing looting-related offenses at stores in the City of Buffalo and Town of Amherst during the blizzard. The Buffalo Police Department Anti-Looting Task Force and other law enforcement agencies continue investigate additional looting incidents that occurred during a major snowstorm that impacted our region last month.
https://tinyurl.com/2s4m2j5j
https://tinyurl.com/4udcwf7w

District Attorney John Flynn reflects on tragedies that occurred in Buffalo this year. The Erie County District Attorney...

12/30/2022

ECDA Video Update: Reflecting on 2022

District Attorney John Flynn reflects on tragedies that occurred in Buffalo this year.

The Erie County District Attorney's Office extends our deepest condolences to the families of the 39 victims who died in Erie County during last week's blizzard.

We also extend our gratitude to the police, first responders, public works employees, emergency services workers, healthcare workers and the countless others who helped those in-need during this horrific snow storm.

We are proud to be a part of the City of Good Neighbors.

Our office wishes everyone a safe, healthy and happy New Year.

The Erie County District Attorney's Office extends our deepest condolences to the families of the 39 victims who died in Erie County during last week's blizz...

12/30/2022

Thank you to the Buffalo United Resiliency Center, Resource Council of WNY, Buffalo Police Department, Erie County Sheriff's Office, BPD Reserves, Buffalo Peacemakers, MVP's of Buffalo, Back to Basics, SNUG, Coordinated Care Services and the many volunteers who helped distribute hot meals and other items to individuals impacted by the blizzard.

12/30/2022

STARTING TOMORROW: Immediate food assistance will be available to anyone with a need at our Lovejoy pantry located at 139 North Ogden St., Buffalo.
The pantry will be open from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for those in need of emergency food assistance.

12/30/2022

Volunteers from the ECDA Community Outreach Team will help distribute food and other items to those affected by the blizzard TODAY at the Resource Council of WNY.

The Buffalo United Resiliency Center has resources available for those impacted by the Blizzard, they will be available tomorrow 10am-2pm, at our 347 East Ferry Street location. We also have the ability to deliver to you, please contact Char, directly at 716-574-5087.

We understand how difficult this time can be, if you need to connect with a counselor/personal services please contact 716-574-5087.

We are here to help, you are not alone!💜

12/27/2022

Grand Jury has been cancelled for Wednesday, December 28. If you have been summoned, please do not report to the courthouse. Thank you.

12/22/2022

DA John Flynn helped None Like You/We Care Outreach and the Buffalo Police Department give Christmas presents to a family who lost their Butler Avenue home in a fire in May. DA Flynn bought a TV for their new home on Milburn Street.

12/22/2022

Otis L. Johnson, Jr., 45, of Buffalo was arraigned on one count of Manslaughter in the First Degree (Class “B” violent felony). He is accused of stabbing his girlfriend during a fight inside the victim's Riley Street apartment on December 19, 2022. The victim, a 56-year-old female, died from her injuries. https://tinyurl.com/yc4arstm

Daiquan A. Busby, 20, of Buffalo was arraigned on one count of Manslaughter in the First Degree (Class “B” violent felony). The defendant is accused of intentionally causing serious physical injuries to the victim during an assault on Rodney Avenue on December 17, 2022. The victim, a 25-year-old male, was taken by ambulance to ECMC where he died from injuries to his head. https://tinyurl.com/264uj4jx

Nicholas J. Rosado, 37, of Mayville was indicted on one count of Leaving the Scene of an Incident Resulting in Death (Class “D” felony), one count of DWI and one count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th Degree (Class “A” misdemeanors). It is alleged that on Thursday, July 7, 2022, at approximately 10:00 p.m., the defendant was driving a pickup truck northwest on Abbott Road when he hit a bicyclist near Kenefick Avenue in the City of Buffalo. The defendant allegedly left the scene without reporting the incident. The victim, 27-year-old Theodore Dionne of West Seneca, died from his injuries. https://tinyurl.com/43pr27fe

Eric J. Reyes, 38, of Buffalo was indicted on two counts of attempted murder and other felony charges for injuring two victims in separate shootings in the City of Buffalo in September 2020 and September 2021. https://tinyurl.com/w9ywttd2

Diamond Gray, 34, and Dominique C. Gray, 35, were arraigned on assault and endangering the welfare of a child charges. The defendants are accused of assaulting the victim who was stabbed inside of Dr. Lydia T. Wright School in Buffalo on the evening of December 8, 2022. https://tinyurl.com/5c25452c

Michael M. Meyers, 60, of Hamburg was arraigned on felony charges and violation of probation. Erie County probation officers allegedly found eight homemade tubular improvised explosives inside of his residence during a routine visit last week. https://tinyurl.com/6c26nbdm

Adam A. Jones, 40, of Buffalo was arraigned on felony charges for allegedly causing damage to two homes in the Town of Eden by throwing rocks and a partial pipe bomb in three separate incidents earlier this year. https://tinyurl.com/39snehd8

Carmilla L. Smith, 48, of Buffalo and Calvin D. Pettiway, 32, of Kenmore have been arraigned on robbery and unlawful imprisonment charges. The defendants, while working in a store in Amherst, allegedly robbed the victim in November 2022. The defendants allegedly took the victim's cell phone and locked the door to prevent her from leaving the store. It is further alleged that defendant Smith choked and assaulted the victim during the incident. https://tinyurl.com/yc79ysrt

Kenyatta Lee, 19, of Buffalo was indicted on a felony gun charge. He was allegedly seen in possession of an illegal gun following a shooting that occurred inside of Zone One Complex in November 2022. The defendant was injured in the shooting, which remains under investigation at this time. https://tinyurl.com/3bhj2amp

Johnathan J. Rzoska, 40, of Williamsville was arraigned on felony charges for allegedly sending a threatening text message to the victim, while knowingly in violation of an order of protection, ahead of a scheduled court appearance on the morning of Friday, December 16, 2022. The reported phone threats toward the Williamsville Village Court and Erie County Court buildings remain under investigation at this time. https://tinyurl.com/24vdxncs

Joseph S. Chowaniec, 52, of Buffalo was arraigned on misdemeanor charges for allegedly placing threatening phone calls to two businesses the day after the shooting on Jefferson Avenue. Our office re-filed charges against the defendant. https://tinyurl.com/438e5x4f

Calvin D. Clemons, 20, of Buffalo was sentenced to 35 years to life in prison. He pleaded guilty to the highest charges for the murder of Felix Aguirre, 17, in December 2020 and the murder of Trenten Jacob Sink, 20, in March 2021. https://tinyurl.com/55fhvdcm

John M. Sauberan, 63, of Buffalo was sentenced to 25 years in life in prison. A jury found him guilty, as charged, of one count of Murder in the Second Degree for fatally stabbing Linda Tschari, 19, inside of her West Side home in February 1978. https://tinyurl.com/58rb94m8

Torrie Jones, 24, of Buffalo was sentenced to 15 years in prison. He pleaded guilty to an attempted murder charge for shooting the victim multiple times on East Delavan Avenue and Pansy Place in the City of Buffalo in April 2021. https://tinyurl.com/54auuj9j

Jeremiah Johnson, 21, of Amherst was sentenced to 13 years in prison. He pleaded guilty to attempted murder and assault charges for his role in a drive-by shooting in July 2021 that left the 17-year-old victim paralyzed. https://tinyurl.com/5xyejzr2

Jason E. Talley, 44, of Buffalo was sentenced to 6 years in prison followed by 5 years of post-release supervision for assaulting a woman in the Town of Eden in October 2021. A final order of protection was issued for the victim, which remains in effect until 2036. https://tinyurl.com/2jtc2y9p

Nateonna J. Roland, 26, of Buffalo was sentenced to 1-3 years in prison for attempting to assault a jail deputy while incarcerated at the Holding Center in January 2021. Her sentence will run concurrent to her sentence in a separate manslaughter case. https://tinyurl.com/26j55zu7

Former NFTA bus driver Antoinette Laney, 53, of Kenmore was sentenced to 5 years of probation. The defendant pleaded guilty to a felony charge for committing workers' compensation fraud between September 2018 and February 2020. https://tinyurl.com/yfw7m2dw

Andrew J. Marsh, 34, of Buffalo was sentenced to 2 years of probation for threatening grocery store employees on Elmwood Avenue two days after the tragedy at Tops on Jefferson Avenue. Our office consented to the plea to the misdemeanor and dismissal of the felony charge on the condition that the defendant participate in a drug treatment program. As part of his sentence, he was ordered to stay away from Tops Friendly Markets. tinyurl.com/2d5ehzbw

Caleb Grooms, 21, of Buffalo pleaded guilty to one count of Murder in the First Degree for fatally stabbing Malcalm Davis, 18, while burglarizing the victim's home on Lower East Lane in the City of Buffalo on November 9, 2021. https://tinyurl.com/2bes6wn2

Donald R. Thie, 60, pleaded guilty to all charges in the indictment against him for committing a series of bank robberies in South Buffalo in December 2021 and January 2022. http://tinyurl.com/4w3uyrx4

Former Town of Hamburg finance director Samantha Tarczynski, 33, pleaded guilty to a violation for misusing a town credit card. She was ordered to perform 50 hours of community service and pay a $275 fine. https://tinyurl.com/2pxxmzws

Suspended Buffalo Police Department cell block attendant Joseph Slomba, 41, of Buffalo pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor for fraudulently obtaining a prescription drug. He will be permitted to withdraw the plea and plead guilty to a violation after completing Drug Treatment Court program. https://tinyurl.com/57hxx3ys

12/21/2022

Erie County DA John Flynn, Monroe County DA Sandra Doorley and Washington County DA J. Anthony Jordan were recognized in City and State NY's "2022 Upstate Power 100" list. tinyurl.com/2zxpmr7s

12/20/2022

Thank you to everyone who supported the fundraiser for the annual "Shop with a Cop" youth program.

With donations from our community, the Buffalo Police Department Neighborhood Engagement Team was able to take 32 youth and their families shopping for Christmas gifts on Sunday and provide gift cards to Tops Friendly Markets.

Thank you to the Buffalo Police Department, Kids Event Tickets and the many businesses and organizations who supported this event and donated items to the basket raffle.

Soho Buffalo, NY
Bada Bing
Betty's
Caseys Downtown Black Rock
Cimasi Law Office
Free Street Tavern
The Grotto
Hagner Industries
Ilio DiPaolo's Restaurant and Banquet Facility
Imperial Pizza
JJ's Casa-Di-Pizza
JUST PIZZA & WING CO.
Lockhouse Distillery & Bar
LoTempio P.C.
M&T Bank
Picasso's Pizza
Pearl Street Grill & Brewery
The Place
Rivercrest Financial Services
Savoy Buffalo
Sidelines 189 Delaware Buffalo N.y. 14202
Wavelengths Hair Design

Address

Buffalo, NY
14202

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+17168582424

Website

http://www2.erie.gov/da/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Erie County District Attorney posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Videos

Adolescent Offender Arraigned on Stolen Vehicle Charges, Route 33 Crash Investigation Ongoing

TEEN ARRAIGNED ON STOLEN VEHICLE CHARGES AS KENSINGTON EXPRESSWAY FATAL CRASH REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION **Due to technical issues, the first few minutes of the press conference video are not available.** Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that a 16-year-old male from Buffalo was arraigned this morning before Youth Part Judge Brenda Freedman on one count of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree (Class “E” felony) and one count of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor). At this time, the crash remains an active investigation and additional charges may be filed against the accused driver. The adolescent offender is scheduled to return on Monday, December 12, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. for further proceedings. He was released under supervision with an ankle monitor device. MORE INFO: https://bit.ly/3zsAo6m

Adam Bennefield Indictment

Adam R. Bennefield, 45, of Cheektowaga was indicted on one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-I” felony), one count of Aggravated Criminal Contempt (Class “D” felony) and three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class "A" misdemeanors). The defendant is accused of intentionally shooting his estranged wife, Keaira Hudson, inside of a vehicle in the area of Richlawn Avenue and Shawnee Avenue in the City of Buffalo on October 5, 2022. He is also accused of committing the crime while knowingly in violation of an order of protection issued following a previous domestic violence-related arrest. The victim’s three children were inside of the vehicle during the homicide. Bennefield remains held without bail. More information on the case: https://bit.ly/3CWlrub

Erie County DA John Flynn discusses the charges against a 16-year-old female who was arraigned today in Youth Part for allegedly stabbing another female student inside the Buffalo School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management yesterday afternoon.

UPCOMING MARIJUANA CONVICTION EXPUNGEMENT CLINICS IN BUFFALO Erie County DA John Flynn was joined today by First Deputy DA Mike Keane, Kevin M. Stadelmaier, First Deputy Defendant – Criminal Division of the Erie County Bar Association Assigned Legal Counsel Program, Rev. Dr. T. Anthony Bronner of Elim Christian Fellowship, , Sarah Ryan, Managing Attorney – Criminal Defense Unit of the Legal Aid Bureau, Felicia Beard, Senior Director of Racial Equity Initiatives of the Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo and Chief Danielle D'Abate of the ECDA Community Prosecution/Training Bureau (left to right) to announce two upcoming free informational clinics for residents of Erie County to learn how to expunge or reduce marijuana convictions from their criminal record. The first informational clinic will be held on Thursday, August 25, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A second clinic will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Both events will be held at Elim Christian Fellowship on 70 Chalmers Avenue in the City of Buffalo. MORE INFORMATION: https://bit.ly/3dFO6L6

District Attorney John Flynn was joined by Captain Nicholas Ugale and Det. Sgt. Howard Widman of Town of Hamburg Police to announce the arraignment of six defendants for their alleged involvement in the assault and fatal stabbing of 25-year-old Brenden Benoit who was killed in Lakeview on Saturday night. More information on the case: https://bit.ly/3yTZdbF

District Attorney John Flynn, joined by Assistant District Attorneys Christopher S. Safulko and Frank A. Strano of the Major Crimes Bureau, discusses the indictment against Kente Bell. The defendant is accused of attempting to kill Buffalo Police officers by firing multiple shots from an illegal gun during a pursuit that spanned across the City of Buffalo in March 2022.

Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn was joined by Mayor Byron Brown, members of the Buffalo Police Department and FBI Buffalo Office to announce the 25-count indictment against 18-year-old Payton S. Gendron of Conklin, New York. The defendant was arraigned this afternoon before Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan on the following offenses: One count of Domestic Act of Terrorism Motivated by Hate in the First Degree (Class “A-I” felony) Ten counts of Murder in the First Degree (Class “A-I” felonies) Ten counts of Murder in the Second Degree as a Hate Crime (Class “A-I” felonies) Three counts of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree as a Hate Crime (Class “A-I” felonies) One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony) It is alleged that on Saturday, May 14, 2022, the defendant, with the intent to cause the death or attempt to cause the death of five or more people in whole or in substantial part based on the perceived race of such persons, intentionally shot 13 people with an illegal assault weapon. Ten victims died from their injuries. Three victims were injured by gunfire, but survived the attack. Gendron is scheduled to return on Thursday, July 7, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. for further proceedings. He continues to remain held without bail. If convicted of the highest charge, Gendron faces maximum sentence of life in prison without parole. DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department, Erie County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, FBI, ATF and all other assisting local, state and federal law enforcement agencies for their work in this extensive investigation. DA Flynn also commends Homicide/Victim Witness Protection Case Manager Kimberly Rapp for providing ongoing support to the families of the victims and the survivors of this tragedy. DA Flynn also recognizes Chief Danielle N. D’Abate of the Community Prosecution/Training Bureau and the numerous government agencies, community organi

District Attorney John Flynn, Mayor Byron W. Brown and members of the Buffalo Police Department announce the indictment against Andre C. Whigham for the murder of Tiara Lott. It is alleged that on or about the late evening of January 29, 2021 into the morning of January 30, 2021, the defendant intentionally caused the death of his girlfriend by strangling her with his hands inside of an upstairs apartment on Gold Street in the City of Buffalo. The victim, 22-year-old Tiara Lott, was reported missing by her family. Buffalo Police found her body alongside railroad tracks near Wex Avenue in the City of Buffalo on February 13, 2021. Whigham, 28, of Buffalo was arraigned this afternoon on one count of Murder in the Second Degree. He was held without bail. MORE INFORMATION: https://bit.ly/3LFpONp

DA John Flynn provides an update on the investigation into the officer-involved shooting that occurred last week on Hertel Avenue in the City of Buffalo. A review by the Erie County DA's Office found that the actions of Buffalo Police officers were justified. The two Buffalo Police officers who fired the shots at the defendant have been cleared of any criminal wrongdoing. Today, Dominique D. Thomas, 30, of Buffalo was arraigned at ECMC on two counts of Menacing a Police Officer or Peace Officer (Class “D” felonies). The defendant is accused of intentionally placing the officers in reasonable fear of physical injury or death by displaying the knife and refusing multiple orders by police to drop the weapon. When the defendant allegedly ran toward the officers with the knife in hand, he was subsequently shot multiple times by the two of the police officers. MORE INFO: https://bit.ly/3qstjOO

DA John Flynn was joined by Superintendent Sabatino Cimato of the Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda Union Free School District to announce that his office held a presentation at Kenmore East High School this morning to educate students about the serious consequences and potential criminal charges that can result from using social media to bully, harass or threaten others. The presentation was one of several scheduled events in the Ken-Ton School District as part of an ongoing effort by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office to enhance school safety. More information on the announcement: https://bit.ly/35KgiJj

Erie County DA John Flynn was joined by Mayor Byron W. Brown, Buffalo Police Department Commission Byron Lockwood and Deputy Commissioners Joe Gramaglia and Barbara Lark to announce a second arrest in the McKinley High School shooting, stabbing investigation. A 17-year-old male was arraigned this afternoon on attempted murder, assault and gun charges. The adolescent offender is accused of firing multiple shots from an illegal weapon during a fight outside of McKinley High School last Wednesday. A school security officer was shot in the leg as he attempted to intervene in the altercation. DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department for their work in this ongoing investigation. More information on the case against the second suspect as well as an update on the case against another 17-year-old male who was charged last week in relation to the beating and stabbing of the 14-year-old student: https://bit.ly/34zttwd

DA John Flynn discusses case against a couple from West Seneca accused of intentionally presenting falsified vaccination cards to enter Highmark Stadium for the Buffalo Bills game in violation of the vaccination policy. This is the first case to be prosecuted in Erie County following the passage of the "Truth in Vaccination" legislation, which specifies that a vaccination card is considered a “written instrument” under New York State penal laws related to fraud.

DA John Flynn joined Sheriff John Garcia to announce the arrest of a corrections officer who allegedly provided dangerous contraband to an inmate at the Erie County Correctional Facility. More information on the case against Jason Stachowski: https://bit.ly/3EXOn4a Flynn and members of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office also announced charges against a jail deputy for an off-duty domestic violence incident. The jail deputy was arrested again last night for allegedly violating an order of protection that was issued for the victim after his initial arraignment. More information on the case against Robert M. Dee: https://bit.ly/3F5sqjS

Thank you to Certified AutoBrokers for your generous donation and surprising Miss Triggs, founder/CEO of None Like You/We Care Outreach with a new vehicle.

DA John Flynn discusses the arraignment of a 15-year-old male from Buffalo who is accused of bringing a loaded handgun into Bennett High School.

Erie County DA John Flynn discusses the indictment against Gerald Steven Pigeon, also known as Steve Pigeon, who was arraigned this morning on multiple felony charges. The defendant is accused of sexually assaulting a child in 2016. More information on the case: https://bit.ly/31rcxWM

The Erie County DA's Office filed charges against Betty Jean Grant for allegedly harassing a voter at a polling place and posting the video on social media. She has been charged with one count of Misdemeanor in Relation to Elections under New York State Election Law and one count of Harassment in the Second Degree (violation). The defendant was given an appearance ticket to be arraigned on Monday, December 6, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. in Buffalo City Court. More information on the case: https://bit.ly/3r73LI6 District Attorney John Flynn discussed the case against Jamien Harris who was arraigned yesterday on a felony gun charge. Buffalo Police officers were allegedly called to a home to investigate a domestic incident when they found the defendant and a deceased elderly woman inside. Investigators allegedly executed a search warrant and found two illegal firearms inside the house. The homicide remains under investigation at this time. More information on the case: bit.ly/3cFxqj7 DA Flynn also discussed the case against Sayed Nasir who was arraigned last night in Depew Village Court on murder, burglary and aggravated criminal contempt charges. The defendant allegedly broke into his wife's home, knowingly in violation of an order of protection, where he killed the victim by stabbing her multiple times. The defendant was also arraigned yesterday afternoon on a probation violation for a previous domestic violence -related conviction involving the same victim. More information on the case: https://bit.ly/3xeByAj

DA John Flynn discusses the case against Daquawn D. Mike, 21, of Niagara Falls who was arraigned yesterday on a 14-count indictment. The defendant is charged with numerous felonies offenses for allegedly committing a series of violent attacks where he raped three women while armed with a weapon in separate incidents in 2017. More information on the case: bit.ly/3wT8puf

DA John Flynn was joined by representatives from the Erie County Sheriff's Office and the SPCA Serving Erie County to announce the indictment against accused dog fighter Douglas D. Williams. The defendant, who has been wanted on a warrant, was arrested in Georgia and brought back to Western New York to face prosecution for illegal guns, narcotics and animal cruelty.

DA Flynn responds following the sentencing of a 16-year-old male from Rochester who pleaded guilty to all charges in the indictment against him for unlawfully fleeing police and causing a crash that seriously injured a member of the Buffalo Police Department.

DA Flynn was joined by members of the Buffalo Police Department, ECMC's B.R.A.V.E., Buffalo Public School District, Erie County Restorative Justice and SNUG to announce the High-Risk Youth Team, a multi-faceted intervention program for teens who are considered at risk of being directly impacted by gun violence in the City of Buffalo.

DA Flynn discusses the indictment against Andee Wright who was arraigned today on two counts of Murder in the Second Degree. The defendant is accused of intentionally causing the death of her newborn baby after giving birth to the male infant at a home in the Town of Tonawanda in October 2020.

DA John Flynn discusses the sentencing of Antonio D. Brown. The defendant pleaded guilty to all of the charges against him for driving drunk at a high-rate of speed and causing a crash that killed two people in another vehicle on Seneca Street in South Buffalo in October 2019.

DA Flynn joined by members of the Buffalo Police Department to announce the indictment against Dequan I. Richardson, 22, and Jonay B. Robinson, 25, who were arraigned on murder, assault and gun charges for a shooting that occurred on Donovan Drive on July 5, 2021. Three adult males were hit by gunfire, but survived their injuries. Shaquelle Walker, Jr., age 3, was hit in the head by a bullet. He died from his injuries several days later at Oishei Children’s Hospital. More information on the indictment against Richardson and Robinson: https://bit.ly/3zAKVKQ

DA John Flynn discusses the indictment against a 16-year-old male who was arraigned this afternoon on an indictment charging him with Murder in the Second Degree and Robbery in the First Degree. The adolescent offender and an adult defendant are accused of conspiring to rob the victim by luring him to C Street in the City of Buffalo. It is alleged that on March 29, 2021, at approximately 8:13 p.m., the defendant and the adolescent offender robbed the victim of his backpack. It is further alleged that during the course of the robbery, the victim was shot in the leg, chest and side of his body. The adult defendant remains wanted on an indictment warrant. Flynn also discussed the case another teenager who was arrested on an indictment warrant yesterday. Tyrell Patterson-Scott was arraigned this morning on kidnapping, rape and other charges for the abduction of a teenage girl on the city's West Side in November 2020. The other four co-defendants were arraigned last month.

DA John Flynn discusses the judge's decision to grant the 440 motion filed by John Walker, Jr. and Darryl Boyd to vacate their convictions.

DA John Flynn, joined by Assistant District Attorneys Cathleen Roemer and Patrick Swanson, to announce a 205-count indictment against five teenagers who are accused of committing burglary, kidnapping and rape in two separate incidents. More information on the case: https://bit.ly/3i7ecGR

Shortcuts

Nearby government services

Patnoñgon Water District
Are you AWAKE
Chant Drive, Fort Worth
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville Di
San Marco Boulevard, Jacksonville
Sta. Lucia High School Brigada Eskwela
San Carlos Apache Tribe
Administration, San Carlos
Illinois State Board of Education
N. 1st Street, Springfield
NCMAC North Carolina Military Affairs Commiss
Raleigh 27603
DHHS Grant Program
Washington D.C. 20001
Hudson Health Department
Main Street, Hudson
Agent Johnson Regina
Washington D.C. 20061
Navy Recruiting Station Chula Vista
Chula Vista 91910
Anthony John Roberts Lewis
Texas City 270
Lawrence County District Attorney’s Office
Court Street, New Castle
Tioga County Veterans' Service Agency
Ronald E. Dougherty County Office, Owego
Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District
Third Street NW, New Philadelphia

Other Government Organizations in Buffalo

Erie County Veterans Service Agency
Franklin Street
Greater Buffalo-Niagara Regional Transportati
Main Street
Erie County Department of Homeland Security &
Elm Street
Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation
Perry Street
311 Call and Resolution Center
Niagara Square
City of Buffalo, Division of Citizens Service
City Hall
Town of Tonawanda Police Department
Sheridan Drive
Elaine M. Panty Branch Library
Tonawanda Street
Erie County Commission on the Status of Women
Rath
Navy Officer Recruiting Station Buffalo
Corporate Pkwy
Agent Alex James Lopez
Downtown
Freddie the Gnome
Franklin Street

Show All

Comments

Thank you to ADA Beth Solek who organized the Erie County DA's Office annual toy drive to support the Buffalo Sabres Alumni Foundation's holiday giveaway.

Tomorrow, former Sabres players, members of the Buffalo Police Department and Santa Claus will make special deliveries of toys and non-perishable food items to families throughout the City of Buffalo.

Thank you to everyone who provided a donation to support this event that brings joy to many during the holidays!

The Erie County DA’s Office found a local auto dealer who gave a very special Christmas gift to Miss Elizabeth Triggs. Today, Certified AutoBrokers surprised her with a new vehicle!

Since 1992, Miss Triggs has operated None Like You/We Care Outreach, a nonprofit organization focused on improving quality of life issues for residents in impoverished areas of the City of Buffalo. The Erie County DA’s Office has assisted in the many events organized by Miss Triggs, including school supply drives, neighborhood clean-ups, holiday meal giveaways, Christmas gift donations, winter clothing collections, and more.

This holiday season, volunteers from the DA's Office helped with multiple annual events coordinated by Miss Triggs, including three nights of Thanksgiving dinner giveaways that provided 6,000+ free meals, a Christmas gift distribution to give presents to 257 children, and a holiday giveaway that provided hundreds of people with winter clothing, gift cards, household items and other donations.

Earlier this month, Miss Triggs received the St. Vincent de Paul Award from Niagara University for her work in our community.

Watch the video created by Niagara University to honor Miss Triggs: https://bit.ly/3mtFKYO

Thank you to Certified AutoBrokers for your generous donation. This vehicle will help Miss Triggs continue her mission to help those in-need throughout the City of Good Neighbors.

Happy Holidays!

Thank you to Certified AutoBrokers for your generous donation and surprising Miss Triggs, founder/CEO of None Like You/We Care Outreach with a new vehicle.

Today, Erie County DA John Flynn joined Mayor Byron Brown, Commissioner Byron Lockwood and members of the Neighborhood Engagement Team (NET) for the Buffalo Police Department’s “Shop with a Cop” event. Police officers helped 25 children shop for Christmas gifts for their families at Target in North Buffalo.

The Erie County DA’s Office held a fundraiser for this annual event, raising more than $8,000 to support “Shop with a Cop,” field trips and other activities provided by NET throughout the year.

Thank you to everyone who made a donation to support this cause. A special thank you to Soho Buffalo, NY who hosted this year’s event as well as all of the local businesses and organizations who provided prizes for the basket raffle:

Savoy Buffalo
The Place
French Pub
Rocco's
Eileen's Bakery
Buffalo Skin Boutique
Pita Gourmet
STUDIO 806
Applebee's Grill & Bar
Imperial Pizza
Picasso's Pizzeria
Lockhouse Distillery & Bar
Frankie Primos +39
Soho Buffalo, NY
Wavelengths Hair Design
Mister Sizzle’s
Buffalo Police Department E District

Happy Holidays!

The Erie County DA’s Office adopted two families with five children to support Miss Trigg’s None Like You/We Care Outreach and Catholic Charities of Buffalo, NY holiday giveaway. More than 250 children picked up their Christmas gifts on Friday afternoon.

Sayed Nasir, 38, of Depew was indicted on murder and aggravated criminal contempt charges. He is accused of breaking into a home, knowingly in violation of an order of protection, where he killed his ex-wife Nazeefa D. Tahir, 33, on November 20, 2021. https://bit.ly/31ZrnUp

Nasir Jackson, 20, of Buffalo was arraigned yesterday on one count of Murder in the Second Degree. The defendant is accused of causing the death of his girlfriend's 7-month-old infant. The baby died after being taken to the hospital on December 10, 2021. https://bit.ly/3GGL8iY

Franklin Andrews, 23, of Buffalo pleaded guilty to all charges in the indictment against him for recklessly causing the death of Tyler Wasinger, 22, by shooting the victim with an illegal pistol while inside a South Buffalo apartment on June 18, 2021. https://bit.ly/3mdMXfm

A 15-year-old male from Buffalo was arraigned in Youth Part on one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class "C" violent felony) for allegedly bringing a loaded handgun into Bennett High School yesterday morning. https://bit.ly/3E4XQpX

DA John Flynn joined members of the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police, Inc., prosecutors, advocacy groups, and the family members of victims of violent crime outside of the New York State Capitol building in Albany last week to urge legislators to modify recently enacted criminal justice reform laws.

While remaining an advocate for criminal justice reform, Flynn discusses proposed "common sense" amendments to the existing legislation to protect public safety in this week's video update.

DA John Flynn discusses the arraignment of a 15-year-old male from Buffalo who is accused of bringing a loaded handgun into Bennett High School.

News from the Erie County DA’s Office

A jury found Jevon A. Gaiter, 41, of Buffalo guilty, as charged, of Murder in the Second Degree for fatally stabbing Mark Bottita, 59, in the area of Vulcan and Tonawanda streets in Town of Tonawanda on September 21, 2019. The jury rendered their decision after less than 2 hours of deliberations, convicting the defendant of the only charge in the indictment against him. https://bit.ly/3Eu3GSQ

Cortez Foster, 31, and Naudia Marvin, 22, both of Buffalo, have been indicted on murder and gun charges. The defendants, while acting in concert with one another, are accused of intentionally causing the death of Marcus Spain, 29, on March 14, 2021. https://bit.ly/3rKCOum

Daiquin Gray, 27, of Buffalo was indicted on murder charges. The defendant is accused of killing Marcques Robinson, 38, during a robbery outside of a gas station on East Delavan Avenue and Grider Street on April 24, 2021. https://bit.ly/3oJJxCV

William J. Giambelluca, 32, of Hamburg was indicted on murder and robbery charges. He is accused of fatally injuring John E. Rados, Sr., 67, during a robbery outside of a Blasdell bar on November 22, 2021. https://bit.ly/3IDVMst

Justice C. Coniglio, 31, of Buffalo was arraigned on vehicular manslaughter and other charges for allegedly driving while under the influence and causing a crash on Clinton and Babcock Streets on December 1, 2021. The driver of one of the vehicles involved in the collision, James Boyd, 47, of Pennsylvania, died at the scene. https://bit.ly/3okVvT5

Abdi Kadir, 22, of Buffalo was indicted on robbery and burglary charges for allegedly committing a series of crimes across Erie County. He is accused of robbing hotel and store clerks, while armed with what appeared to be a gun, over the course of five days in May 2021. https://bit.ly/3IlMjpp

Jose L. Crespo Garcia, 26, of Puerto Rico was sentenced to 20 years in prison followed by 5 years post-release supervision for fatally shooting John Shelton, Jr., 28, outside of a Riverside housing complex on August 28, 2018. https://bit.ly/3rITWjP

Carlos J. Rosa, 24, of Buffalo was sentenced to 7 years in prison for slashing a man outside of a downtown nightclub on January 1, 2020. The victim, who did not know the defendant, suffered a large cut to his face that required surgery. https://bit.ly/3dyfiIF

Betty Jean Grant, 73, of Buffalo was arraigned on one count of Misdemeanor in Relation to Elections under New York State Election Law and one count of Harassment in the Second Degree (violation) for her alleged actions at a polling place on October 23, 2021. The defendant allegedly harassed an individual who was submitting their ballot at the Delavan Grider Community Center polling site. The defendant allegedly streamed the incident on Facebook live and posted the video onto her personal page. https://bit.ly/3lDFsOq

ERIE COUNTY DA ADVOCATES FOR CHANGES TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE LEGISLATION TO PROTECT PUBLIC SAFETY

District Attorney Flynn joined law enforcement, prosecutors, advocacy groups and the families of crime victims to call for adjustments to criminal justice reform laws

ALBANY – Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn, along with Buffalo Police Deputy Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia and New York City Police Commissioner Dermot Shea, joined members of the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police, Inc., prosecutors, advocacy groups, and the family members of victims of violent crime to urge New York State legislators to modify recently enacted criminal justice reform laws. The announcement was held yesterday afternoon outside of the New York State Capitol building in Albany.

The New York State Association of Chiefs of Police, Inc. sent a letter to lawmakers to propose several amendments to the current legislation that would uphold the necessary criminal justice reforms to ensure fairness to the accused, provide protection to victims and witnesses, and improve safety in our communities. The proposed changes to the existing laws addressed concerns shared by law enforcement, prosecutors and crime victims regarding bail, discovery, juvenile offenders and appearance tickets.

Proposed Changes to Legislation on Bail
• Eliminate cash bail to eradicate the inequities that allow wealth to determine a defendant’s release or incarceration in a pending criminal matter. Allow judges the discretion to impose conditions of release if the defendant poses a flight risk or danger to the community.
• Allow judges to consider the defendant’s potential risk to public safety when imposing bail.

Proposed Changes to Legislation on Discovery Requirements
• Stagger discovery timeframe to ease administrative burdens for prosecutors while providing enough material information to allow the defendant and their defense counsel to make informed decisions.
• Limit discovery to relevant material information only for prosecution to declare ready for trial, not require discovery to include information that may be tangentially related to the case and provides no probative value.
• Allow prosecutors to declare ready for trial after substantially complying with discovery requirements, which would prevent cases from being dismissed due to the current requirement to provide voluminous outstanding duplicative or non-material information.
• Protect victims and witnesses by eliminating requirement for prosecution to provide sensitive information to defense counsel in order to meet initial discovery obligations in order to declare ready for trial. Postpone the requirement to turn over supplemental “sensitive discovery” that discloses information about victims and witnesses to defense counsel until 15 days before trial in misdemeanor cases and 30 days before trial in felony cases.

Proposed Changes to “Raise the Age” Law
• Allow Youth Part judges to review Family Court records to prevent adolescent offenders from repeat appearances in Youth Part as a perpetual first-time offender.
• Prevent illegal gun possession cases from being adjudicated in Family Court by eliminating the requirement that prosecution must show that the firearm was displayed in the furtherance of another offense. Allow prosecution to only prove that the adolescent offender possessed a firearm, or what appeared to be a firearm, or actively participated in a crime where a co-defendant possessed a firearm, or what appeared to be a firearm, in order for the case to remain in Youth Part.

Proposed Changes to Appearance Tickets
• Expand the list of qualifying crimes to include additional serious charges, such as gun-related offenses, arson and hate crimes, which would not require law enforcement to release the accused on an appearance ticket.
• Limit the ability for repeat offenders to continually receive appearance tickets in order to prevent their immediate release back into the community and reduce their likelihood of committing further offenses.

“While I continue to support criminal justice reform, these amendments must be made to the existing legislation in order to prevent further unintended consequences of these new laws that jeopardize our ability to effectively prosecute the offenders and protect the safety of our communities. I urge our elected officials to consider enacting these proposals, which would continue to ensure a fair and equitable system for those accused while enhancing protection for the victims and improving public safety for the people of New York,” said Erie County District Attorney John Flynn.