Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Flaherty, Jr. announces that 42-year-old Lenard Harris of Buffalo has been sentenced to 17 ½ years in prison with 20 years of post-release supervision by State Supreme Court Justice Russell Buscaglia on one count of Rape in the First Degree. 

On February 18, 2016, Harris pleaded guilty to the charge, admitting he had sexual intercourse with a 12-year old girl in a Buffalo home where he was living as a guest. 

Justice Buscaglia issued an order of protection for the victim which will expire on October 21, 2060. 

Acting DA Flaherty commends the investigative work of former Detective Jacqueline Sullivan of the Buffalo Police Department. 

Assistant District Attorneys Thomas Finnerty and Jeremy Murray prosecuted the case.