Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 44-year-old Bilal C. Wright of Buffalo was arraigned Wednesday afternoon before Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan on an indictment charging him with one count of Assault in the Second Degree and one count of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree (Class “D” felonies).

It is alleged that on March 8, 2022, at approximately 2:36 p.m., the defendant assaulted a counselor during an appointment at a human services center on Main Street in the City of Buffalo. The defendant allegedly threw a computer monitor, punched the victim in the head with his fist, and hit the victim with a chair. The victim and another employee attempted to prevent the defendant from leaving the office until police arrived, but the defendant was allegedly able to pull the door open. The male victim suffered physical injuries, including bruising to his back, a cut to his hand and soreness to his shoulder and left side.

It is further alleged that after leaving the counselor’s office, the defendant encountered a female employee in the stairwell. The defendant allegedly grabbed the female victim’s arm and shoved her to the floor, causing her to hit her head. It is further alleged that the defendant subjected the victim to sexual contact by forcible compulsion during the attack before other employees were able to intervene.

The defendant was arrested and taken into custody immediately after the alleged incident. Wright was initially arraigned in Buffalo City Court on assault charges. He was held without bail pending the results of a forensic examination.

The forensic examination was recently completed by two doctors who determined that the defendant was not competent to proceed to trial. At his arraignment on the indictment, Judge Eagan signed a temporary order of commitment, which requires the defendant to remain in custody at a secure facility for mental health treatment until he is returned to competency.

Wright also has a second pending criminal case. While in custody at the Erie County Holding Center, the defendant was charged with another felony offense for allegedly assaulting a jail deputy.

It is alleged that on Friday, April 1, 2022, at approximately 4:45 p.m., the defendant punched an Erie County Sheriff’s Office jail deputy in the face through the bars of his cell. When others responded to intervene and de-escalate the situation, the defendant allegedly threw excrement on the deputies and himself. 

Wright was arraigned before Buffalo City Court Judge Peter J. Savage, III on one count of Assault in the Second Degree (Class “D” felony) on April 15, 2022. The case is scheduled to return on May 6, 2022 at 9:30 a.m.

DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department for their work in the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Rachel Kranitz McPhee of the Special Victims/Domestic Violence Bureau.  

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.