Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 23-year-old Leonard Ralston of Amherst was sentenced before Erie County Court Judge Michael F. Pietruszka to 10 years in prison followed by 20 years of post-release supervision.

Over several years while in various residences in Erie County, Ralston repeatedly engaged in sexual conduct with a female under the age of 13. The child reported the abuse to the Amherst Police Department.

On January 18, the defendant pleaded guilty to Course of Conduct Against a Child in the First Degree.

Ralston will be required to register as a sex offender upon release from prison.

DA Flynn commends the work of Detective Sean Charleson and Detective Thomas Grillo of the Amherst Police Department as well as Nicole Haffa, a victim advocate assigned to the Special Victims Bureau.

Assistant District Attorney Bethany A. Solek successfully prosecuted the case.