Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Wayne T. Paveljack, 50, of Buffalo, was sentenced this morning before Erie County Court Judge Suzanne Maxwell Barnes. He received the maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
On multiple occasions between on or about June 16, 2019, and July 15, 2024, the defendant engaged in sexual intercourse and sexual conduct with a child. The crimes occurred at a location in the City of Buffalo. The defendant, who is a registered sex offender, was known to the victim.
In May 2025, a jury found Paveljack guilty of one count of Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child (Class “A-II” felony) and one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class “A” misdemeanor). Jurors rendered their decision after approximately three days of deliberation following a 4 ½-day trial, convicting the defendant of the highest count in the indictment.
Today, a final order of protection issued on behalf of the victim, which remains in effect until September 2124.
DA Keane commends Detective Jay Reuther of the Buffalo Police Department and victim advocate Nicole Haffa for their work in this investigation as well as the Town of Hamburg Police Department for their assistance.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Caitlyn G. Burns-Horrigan of the Special Victims/Domestic Violence Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Krista R. DeAntonis of the Justice Courts Bureau.