Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 28-year-old Rickey D. Roberts, Jr. of Buffalo pleaded guilty yesterday before State Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek to one count of Rape in the First Degree (Class “B” violent felony). The defendant pleaded guilty to the highest sustainable charge.
On Friday, December 8, 2023, at approximately 11:00 p.m., the victim was approached by an unknown male in the City of Buffalo. The defendant, who claimed he was in possession of a gun, forcibly engaged in sexual intercourse with the victim while threatening physical harm. After the sexual assault, the victim was able to seek help from Good Samaritans.
Roberts faces a maximum of 25 years in prison when he is sentenced on Friday, April 19, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. He continues to be held without bail. A temporary order of protection issued on behalf of the victim remains in effect.
DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Special Victims Unit and Erie Crime Analysis Center for their work in this investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Rebecca A. Fioravanti of the Special Victims/Domestic Violence Bureau.