Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that State Supreme Court Justice Christopher J. Burns has found 53-year-old Shawn R. Connors of Springville guilty of one count of Assault in the Third Degree and one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class “A” misdemeanors).

Justice Burns rendered his decision this morning following a one-day bench trial that occurred earlier this week, convicting the defendant of lesser included offense in the indictment against him.

On Thursday, March 25, 2021, at approximately 6:49 a.m., the defendant approached the male victim in a parking lot outside of Springville Middle School. The defendant, with the intent to cause physical injury, punched the victim in the face multiple times. The victim, who is a teacher, fell to the ground during the attack, causing injuries to his face and knees. During the incident, the defendant also pushed a juvenile who was a witness to the assault.  

Connors faces a maximum of one year in jail when he is sentenced before State Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek on Tuesday, January 25, 2022. He remains released on his own recognizance.

A temporary order of protection remains in effect for the victim.

DA Flynn commends the Erie County Sheriff’s Office for their work in the investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Briana R. D. Miller of the Felony Trials Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Christine O. Murray of the Justice Courts Bureau.