UPDATE (10/17/22): An Erie County Grand Jury no billed the case. The charges have been dismissed and the case was sealed by operation of law. 

PRESS RELEASE (4/22/2022): 

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 46-year-old Charles A. Vacanti of Grand Island was arraigned yesterday evening before Grand Island Town Court Justice Mark S. Nemeth on one count of Assault in the Second Degree as a Hate Crime (Class “C” felony) and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor).

It is alleged that on Saturday, March 19, 2022, at approximately 4:00 a.m., the defendant and the female victim were involved in a physical altercation while inside of a tavern on Ferry Road in the Town of Grand Island. During the alleged incident, the defendant is accused of using a derogatory racial slur toward the victim. The defendant is accused of hitting the victim in the face by using a pool cue as a weapon, resulting in physical injury.

In addition to suffering pain and swelling to her nose and mouth, the victim received stitches for a cut to her upper lip.

Vacanti is scheduled to return on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at 5:15 p.m. for a felony hearing. Prosecutors requested that the defendant be remanded. He was released on his own recognizance.

A temporary order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim.

DA Flynn commends the Erie County Sheriff’s Office for their work in the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Daniel J. Mattle of the Justice Courts Bureau.

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