Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 48-year-old Jason Stachowski of Buffalo was arraigned this afternoon before Alden Town Court Justice Michael Cole on one count of Promoting Prison Contraband in the First Degree (Class “D” felony).

It is alleged that in late December 2021, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office received an anonymous tip regarding an inmate who was in possession of a cell phone at the Erie County Correctional Facility in the Town of Alden. Deputies conducted a search of the jail where they allegedly found a cell phone and a phone charger.

The defendant, while working as a corrections officer with the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, is accused of knowingly and unlawfully bringing dangerous contraband into the jail by providing the cell phone to an inmate.

It is further alleged that on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, at approximately 6:20 p.m., members of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office initiated a traffic stop on I-190 North as the defendant was driving home to place him under arrest for allegedly providing prison contraband. The defendant allegedly became aggressive and intentionally resisted arrest by fighting with the deputies along the highway. The defendant was subsequently tased during the incident. Once deputies were able to place him under arrest, the defendant was taken to the Niagara County Jail pending his arraignment.

Stachowski is scheduled to return on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. for a felony hearing. He was released on his own recognizance as the charges are non-qualifying for bail.

Stachowski was given an appearance ticket to be arraigned in Buffalo City Court on the following additional charges for his alleged actions while being placed under arrest.

• One count of Resisting Arrest (Class “A” misdemeanor)
• One count of Obstruction of Governmental Administration in the Second Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor)
• One count of Disorderly Conduct (violation)

If convicted of all charges, Stachowski faces a maximum of 7 years in prison.

This matter remains under investigation by our office and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office. No other charges have been filed at this time.

DA Flynn commends Erie County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, Intelligence Unit, Professional Standards Division and Jail Management Division personnel for their work in this investigation.  

The case is being prosecuted by Chief John P. Gerken, Jr. of the Narcotics Unit and Assistant District Attorney Gary M. Ertel of the Public Integrity Unit.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.