Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that 21-year-old Isaiah K. Hicks of Buffalo pleaded guilty on Wednesday afternoon before Acting Erie County Court Judge JaHarr S. Pridgen to one count of Criminal Possession of a Firearm (Class “E” felony) and one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class “A” misdemeanor).
On Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at approximately 8:45 p.m., the defendant was present when an adolescent offender shot the victim with an illegal gun while inside of a bedroom of a home on Mary B. Talbert Boulevard in the City of Buffalo. The victim, a 14-year-old boy, was taken to Oishei Children’s Hospital where he was treated for an injury to his back. Today, Hicks pleaded guilty for possession of the illegal gun.
In April 2023, the adolescent offender, who was 16-years-old at the time of the crime, pleaded guilty, as charged, before Youth Part Judge Brenda Freedman to one count of Assault in the Second Degree (Class “D” felony) and one count of Criminal Possession of a Firearm (Class “E” felony). He was adjudicated as a youthful offender and sentenced to 5 years of probation in June 2023.
Hicks faces up to 4 years in prison when he is sentenced on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. He remains released on his own recognizance as the charges are non-qualifying offenses for bail.
Acting DA Keane commends the Buffalo Police Department Gun Violence Unit for their work in this investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Noha A. Elnakib and John G. Schoemick of the Major Crimes Bureau.