Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 47-year-old Hector L. Colon of Buffalo was arraigned yesterday morning before Cheektowaga Town Court Justice David Stevens on one count of Robbery in the First Degree (Class “B” violent felony), one count of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree, one count of Menacing in the Second Degree and one count of Petit Larceny (Class “A” misdemeanors). Colon was also arraigned on Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor).
It is alleged that on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at approximately 4:18 p.m., the defendant forcibly stole merchandise, two fragrance sets with a total value of $330, from a department store inside the Walden Galleria. The defendant is accused of exiting the store without purchasing the items. It is further alleged that when the defendant was confronted by asset protection officers, he threatened both victims with a pocket knife then fled. He was apprehended nearby a short time by Cheektowaga Police while allegedly in possession of the stolen merchandise and a glass pipe with suspected to crack cocaine residue.
Colon is scheduled to return on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing before Cheektowaga Town Court Justice John J. Wanat. Bail was set at $15,000 cash, bond or partially secured surety bond.
If convicted of the highest charge, Colon faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.
DA Flynn commends the Cheektowaga Police Department and the asset protection officers for their work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Megan E. Mahoney of the Felony Trials Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Stephen C. Papia of the Justice Courts Bureau.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.