Today, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz issued the following statement regarding the case of Erie County Sheriff’s Deputy Kenneth Achtyl, who today was charged with assault, falsifying business records, and official misconduct in connection with an arrest he made at a Bills game in December 2017.

Poloncarz said, “While there are many good deputies in the Erie County Sheriff’s office, unfortunately the bad actions of one deputy can harm the reputation of all. If a deputy lies to create an evidentiary premise for an arrest, that deputy is breaking the law and should not be wearing a badge representing the people of our county. As I said before, I understand that the job of a deputy can be stressful, and I have great respect for anyone who chooses a career in law enforcement, but no one is above the law. Deputy Achtyl’s behavior in this matter has been unacceptable, inappropriate, and not representative of the honorable men and women who wear the uniform. As I previously communicated to the sheriff’s office, he should be removed from his position.”

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