Erie County District Attorney Frank A. Sedita, III announced that 23 year old Anthony Thompson of 35 Thornton Avenue, Buffalo, pleaded guilty this morning, as charged, to Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, Manslaughter in the Second Degree, Assault in the Second Degree and three counts of Assault in the Third Degree, before Supreme Court Justice Penny M. Wolfgang.  These are the highest charges for which Thompson could have been convicted had he gone to trial. 

Thompson admitted that on February 25, 2011, he was driving recklessly and while intoxicated, with a blood alcohol content of at least .15%.  Thompson further admitted to travelling 66 mph in a 30 mph zone; to running multiple stop signs and red lights on Ferry Street in the City of Buffalo; and to crashing his vehicle into another vehicle driven by off-duty Buffalo Police Officer Gary Sengbush. As a result of Thompson’s drunk and reckless driving, a passenger in Thompson’s vehicle, 20 year old Honey Ransom of 372 Herman Street, Buffalo, died; Officer Sengbush suffered serious and permanent physical injuries and continues long-term rehabilitation; and three additional passengers in Thompson’s vehicle were also injured.

District Attorney Sedita praised the efforts of Assistant District Attorneys Thomas Finnerty and Eugene Partridge, in successfully prosecuting the case. 

Sentencing is scheduled for July 12, 2012, at 9:30 a.m. before the Hon. Penny Wolfgang when Thompson faces a maximum prison sentence of 8-1/3 to 25years.