Cheektowaga Man Arraigned for Yelling Racist Remarks Toward Victim Outside Grocery Store

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 65-year-old Richard T. Stasiak of Cheektowaga was arraigned yesterday morning before Cheektowaga Town Court Justice David Stevens on one count of Aggravated Harassment in the Second Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor) and one count of Disorderly Conduct (violation).

It is alleged that on Monday, March 20, 2023, at approximately 1:00 p.m., the defendant used abusive or obscene language toward the victim in a parking lot outside of a grocery store on Walden Avenue in the Town of Cheektowaga. It is further alleged that the defendant, with the intent to harass, annoy, threaten or alarm, yelled racial slurs toward the victim because of a belief or perception regarding the victim's race.

Stasiak is scheduled to return on Monday, July 3, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. for further proceedings. He was released on his own recognizance as the charges are non-qualifying offenses for bail.

If convicted of the highest charge, Stasiak faces a maximum sentence of one year in jail.

A temporary order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim.

DA Flynn commends the Cheektowaga Police Department for their work in this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Caitlyn G. Burns and 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.