Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 30-year-old Styles Salter of Buffalo pleaded guilty as charged today before State Supreme Court Justice Russell P. Buscaglia to one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a “C” violent felony, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 4^th Degree, a “C” felony, and Resisting Arrest, an “A” misdemeanor.

On January 31, 2020 the defendant pleaded guilty to Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon, a “D” violent felony.  After posting bail, the defendant did not show up for sentencing on August 5, 2020 and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest.

On August 8, 2020, Buffalo Police responded to a shots fired call in the vicinity of Zenner and Scajaquada Streets. Officers were directed by a civilian to the defendant.  When officers approached him they observed a gun in his waistband.  After a fight with the officers they took possession of a loaded .45 and a felony weight amount of cocaine found on his person.

Salter faces 5-7 years in prison on the earlier case and 7-15 years in prison on the latter case when he is sentenced by Justice Buscaglia on December 15, 2020. These sentences will be served consecutively as a matter of law. Defendant has been remanded without bail. 

DA Flynn commends Lt. Mark Goodspeed and Officer Mike McCarthy of the Buffalo Police Department for their work on this case.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Patrick B. Shanahan of the DA’s Tactical Prosecution Unit.