Yesterday, Erie County District Attorney Frank A. Sedita, III announced five convictions, by way of verdict or guilty plea, for illegal handgun possession. Two more convictions can be added to that list.

30 year-old Jose R. Santos of Hinman Avenue, Buffalo, pleaded guilty, as charged, to Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree before State Supreme Court Justice Christopher J. Burns.  These are the highest charges for which Santos could have been convicted had he gone to trial. 

On June 16, 2013, while in Klub Karaoke at 2081 Niagara Street in the City of Buffalo, Santos was found in possession of cocaine and a .38 caliber revolver, loaded with 3 rounds of ammunition, by Buffalo Police Officer Obed Casillas.

The case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Michael D. Smith who is assigned to DA Sedita’s Felony Trial Bureau.  Santos, a convicted felon is a Second Felony Offender and therefore faces a minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 15 years in state prison when he is sentenced on January 7, 2014 by Justice Burns.

27 year-old Chase Walker of 167 Huntley Road, Buffalo, also pleaded guilty, as charged, to Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, as charged, before State Supreme Court Justice Russell P. Buscaglia. This is the highest charge for which Walker could have been convicted had he gone to trial.

On June 19, 2013 on Dorris Street in the City of Buffalo, Walker was found in possession of a Smith & Wesson 380 caliber handgun, loaded with six rounds, by Buffalo Police Officers Mark Acquino, Mark Hamilton and James O’Donnell. 

The case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney John P. Gerken, Jr. who is assigned to DA Sedita’s Felony Trial Bureau.  Walker faces a minimum of 3½ years and a maximum prison term of 15 years when he is sentenced on January 29, 2014, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. by Justice Buscaglia.