Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 65-year-old Anthony Mendola of Amherst pleaded guilty before Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan to one count of Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child, a Class “B” violent felony. Mendola pleaded guilty on Thursday, April 4, 2019.

The defendant admitted to engaging in a course of sexual conduct over a period of time between 2015 and 2017, which included oral sexual conduct against a child less than 11 years old.

Mendola faces a maximum of 25 years in prison when he is sentenced on Monday, May 20, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. He remains remanded without bail.

DA Flynn commends the Amherst Police Department for their work in the investigation, including Detectives Ronald Smith and Edward Solak as well as retired Det. Lt. August Canna. The DA’s Office also recognizes New York State Police Investigator Helena Mulawka and Victim Advocate Nicole Haffa for their contributions to the successful resolution of this case.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Bethany A. Solek of the DA’s Special Victims Bureau.