Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 56-year-old James Czerwinski of Williamsville has been arraigned before Depew Village Court Justice Kathleen McDonald on one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class “A” misdemeanor) and one count of Harassment in the Second Degree (violation). The defendant was arraigned on Wednesday, March 30, 2022.

It is alleged that on February 17, 2022, at approximately 2:57 p.m., the defendant, while working as a teacher at Cayuga Heights Elementary School, grabbed a 6-year-old male student by the shoulder and pulled the student into the hallway. The defendant’s alleged actions caused the student to fall to the floor and hit his head.

Czerwinski is scheduled to return on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. for further proceedings. He was released on his own recognizance as the charges are non-qualifying offenses for bail.

If convicted of all charges, Czerwinski faces a maximum sentence of one year in jail.  

DA Flynn commends the Village of Depew Police Department for their work in the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Daniel J. Morris of the Justice Courts Bureau.  

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