Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that Erie County Court Judge Kenneth Case has found 48-year-old Tariq Nawaz of East Amherst guilty on one count of Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child, a Class “A-2” felony, and on one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class “A” misdemeanor. Judge Case rendered his verdict following a nearly four-week bench trial.

At a location in the Town of Amherst, over a period of time not less than three months in duration the defendant engaged in two or more acts of sexual conduct with a child victim. 

It is further alleged that the defendant knowingly acted in a manner likely to be injurious to physical, mental, or moral welfare of a child (same victim) less than 17 years of age.

Nawaz faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison when he is sentenced on Monday, October 7, 2019 at 2 p.m. He remains held without bail.

Judge Case issued an order of protection on behalf of the victim.

DA Flynn commends (Ret) Lt. August Canna, Det. Mark Pittiri, and Det. James Doane of the Amherst Police Department as well as Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Deborah Dee for their work in this investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Bethany A. Solek of the DA’s Special Victims Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Timothy J. Garvin of the DA’s Domestic Violence Bureau.