Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 38-year-old Joseph F. Aronica was virtually sentenced this morning by Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan to a definite sentence of one year in prison.

On November 24, 2019, at approximately 7:00 a.m., the defendant punched a corrections officer in the face multiple times before being restrained by other officers. The incident occurred while the defendant was incarcerated at the Collins Correctional Facility for a prior conviction. The victim suffered pain and swelling to her left eye area.

Aronica pleaded guilty to one count of Assault in the Third Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor) on September 4, 2020.

The defendant pleaded guilty, as charged, to three counts of arson for intentionally setting fire to his East Delavan Avenue home on November 28, 2017. The blaze spread to two neighboring homes and displaced several residents. State Supreme Justice M. William Boller sentenced the defendant to a determinate sentence of 8 years in prison followed by 5 years of post-release supervision. He will serve time on the assault charge after completing his sentence on the arson conviction.

DA Flynn commends the New York State Department of Correctional Services and the New York State Police for their work in the investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ryan M. Flaherty of the DA’s Felony Trials Bureau.