Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 21-year-old Victor Afonin of Village of Blasdell pleaded guilty yesterday morning before Erie County Court Judge Kenneth Case to one count of Arson in the Fourth Degree (Class “E” felony).

On Saturday, April 2, 2022, at approximately 4:40 p.m., the defendant unlawfully entered an unoccupied church on McKinley Parkway in the Town of Hamburg by breaking a window with a baseball bat to gain entry. Once inside of the church, the defendant set three small fires, which caused damage to the carpet in the chapel, a hymn book in the choir area and the counter top in the sacristy. The defendant used the baseball bat to smash multiple windows, stained-glass windows and a mirror. The defendant’s actions caused approximately $50,000 in property damage.

Afonin was ordered to serve one year of interim probation. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Wednesday, October 5, 2023. He remains released under supervision.

A temporary order of protection remains in effect, which orders the defendant to stay away from the property.

DA Flynn commends the Town of Hamburg Police Department for their work in the investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christine M. Garvey of the Felony Trials Bureau.