Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 27-year-old Deshawna A. Taylor of Buffalo was arraigned on Sunday morning before Buffalo City Court Judge Andrew C. LoTempio on the following charges:

• One count of Assault in the Second Degree (Class “D” felony)
• One count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class “A” misdemeanor)
• One count of Unlawful Possession of Noxious Material (Class “B” misdemeanor)

It is alleged that on August 31, 2021, at approximately 4:00 p.m., the defendant entered a medical office on Main Street near Humboldt Parkway in the City of Buffalo. After being asked to comply with the office’s mask requirement, the defendant allegedly pepper sprayed an employee. The incident allegedly occurred in the presence of a child.

The victim received medical treatment for her injuries.

Taylor is scheduled to return on Monday, September 27, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing. She was released on her own recognizance. 

If convicted of all charges, Taylor faces a maximum of 7 years in prison.       

A no-contact order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim, which also orders the defendant to stay away from the medical office.

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

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