Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 43-year-old James K. McGonnell of Cheektowaga was sentenced yesterday afternoon before State Supreme Court Justice Deborah A. Haendiges to 8 years in prison followed by 5 years of post-release supervision.
Between November 2017 and January 2020, the defendant, while acting in concert with his girlfriend, forced the victim to remain in a bedroom or the garage for extended periods of time inside of his home on Queens Drive in the Town of Cheektowaga. The defendants, who were the victim’s caregivers, made threats if the victim did not remain confined inside of the bedroom. The victim was also denied basic needs, including food, clothing and access to the bathroom.
McGonnell and his girlfriend 57-year-old Carol Steinagle, have been held without bail since their arrest. Both defendants pleaded guilty to one count of Kidnapping in the Second Degree (Class “B” violent felony) in March 2023. Steinagle faces up to 25 years in prison when she is sentenced on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.
As part of the sentence, Justice Haendiges issued a final order of protection on behalf of the victim, which remains in effect until 2041. No further information will be provided to protect the identity of the victim in this case.
DA Flynn commends the Cheektowaga Police Department and the BestSelf Child Advocacy Center for their work in this investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Chief Cathleen M. Roemer of the Buffalo City Court Bureau.