Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 20-year-old Michael L. Stasiuk of Lancaster was arraigned yesterday before Lancaster Town Court Justice David S. Stabler on one count of Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree (Class “D” felony), one count of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fifth Degree and one count of Petit Larceny (Class “A” misdemeanors).
It is alleged that during the early morning hours of Thursday, March 2, 2023, the defendant intentionally caused damage to the “Patriots and Heroes Park” located on the 6600 bock of Transit Road in the Town of Lancaster.
The defendant allegedly used his fists, rocks and pipe to break several statutes, replicas and lights on the property. He is also accused of driving his vehicle around the grounds, which damaged the landscaping. The defendant’s alleged actions resulted in an estimated $121,900.00 in damage to the park.
During the investigation, Lancaster Police executed a search warrant of the defendant’s vehicle. Police allegedly found memorial fixtures and replicas from the park inside of his vehicle.
Stasiuk is scheduled to return on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. for a felony hearing. He was released under supervision.
Justice Stabler issued a temporary order of protection on behalf of the victims, which orders the defendant to stay away from the park and their business.
If convicted of the highest charge, Stasiuk faces a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison.
The defendant was also arraigned on second, separate criminal case in Lancaster Town Court yesterday. Stasiuk was arraigned before Justice Stabler on the following offenses:
- One count of Assault in the Second Degree (Class “D” felony)
- One count of Resisting Arrest (Class “A” misdemeanor)
- One count of Obstruction of Governmental Administration in the Second Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor)
- Three counts of Disorderly Conduct (violations)
- One count of Harassment in the Second Degree (violation)
It is alleged that on Friday, March 3, 2023, at approximately 7:16 p.m., Lancaster Police responded to Pleasant View Drive after receiving multiple 911 calls to check the welfare of a pedestrian. As the officer approached the defendant while driving his patrol vehicle, the defendant allegedly ran in front of the vehicle and yelled obscenities at the officer.
When the officer exited his vehicle to talk to the defendant, the defendant allegedly ran into the middle of the street. Another responding police officer used his patrol vehicle to block traffic to prevent the defendant from being hit by oncoming traffic.
When the police officer attempted to take the defendant into custody, the defendant allegedly attempted to flee, refused orders and fought with the officer. The defendant is accused of biting the police officer’s right hand while resisting arrest. The defendant was subsequently tased and taken into custody.
Stasiuk was released under supervision. He is scheduled to return to court for a felony hearing on this case on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 4:30 p.m.
DA Flynn commends the Lancaster Police Department for their work in these investigations.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Andrew S. Criado of the Felony Trials Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Mitchell T. Schoellkopf 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.