Erie County District Attorney Frank A. Sedita, III announced that 17 year old Christopher N. McCleary of 1503 Delevan Avenue, Buffalo  and 18 year old Girard Jackson of 281 Berkshire Street, Buffalo pleaded guilty, as charged, to Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree before Supreme Court Justice M. William Boller.  This is the highest charge for which the defendants could have been convicted had they gone to trial. 

The defendants’ convictions stem from a January 23, 2013 traffic stop by Buffalo Police Officers Dennis Gilbert and Brian Griffin. Girard Jackson and Christopher N. McCleary (the above defendants), as well as Christopher N. McCleary’s 45 year-old uncle Christopher D. McCleary, were travelling together when their vehicle was stopped. A loaded sawed-off shotgun, a loaded revolver, and two loaded pistols were seized inside from the defendants by Officers Gilbert and Griffin. 45 year old Christopher D. McCleary posted bail but has since fled; a warrant has been issued for his arrest.

The case was successfully prosecuted by ADA John P. Feroleto and ADA Paul C. Parisi,  members of the Tactical Prosecution Unit of the District Attorney’s Office.

The defendants each face a maximum prison sentence of 15 years when they are sentenced before Justice Boller on July 24, 2013 at 9:30 a.m.