Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Flaherty, Jr. announces that 29-year-old Tempestt Finch pleaded guilty to one count of Promoting Prostitution in the Third Degree and 30-year-old Christopher Jones pleaded guilty to one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree before Erie County Court Judge Sheila DiTullio.

The two were indicted for their management of a prostitution business operated out of Finch’s apartment on Andover Avenue in the City of Buffalo.

The convictions come amid Acting DA Flaherty’s increased focus on Human Trafficking and crimes of exploitation. The investigation into Finch and Jones began when one of the women Finch was promoting attempted to leave the Andover Apartment, but was physically confronted by Finch. The incident led to an hours-long standoff on March 31 with Buffalo Police and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle used by Jones in the operation of the prostitution enterprise.

Acting DA Flaherty praised the investigative work of  Erie County Sheriff’s Deputy Theresa Nietzel and Detective Erin McCarthy of the Buffalo Police Department, which revealed an extensive paper trail connecting Finch to dozens of online advertisements soliciting patrons for the women she exploited. Several of the patrons were identified through the search of records and provided evidence against Finch.

Each defendant faces up to 7 years in jail when they are sentenced before Judge DiTullio on July 7, 2016 at 9:30 a.m.

Assistant District Attorney Ryan D. Haggerty is prosecuting the case.