Erie County District Attorney Frank A. Sedita, III announced that 59 year old James Washington was convicted, as charged, of Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the First Degree and Criminal Sexual Act in the Second Degree after a one week jury trial before Erie County Court Judge Ken Case. These are the highest charges for which defendant could have been convicted.

Washington was convicted of engaging in multiple acts of oral sodomy and sexual intercourse with a 12 year old victim over a nearly half year period. The victim initially delayed reporting because Washington told her he would “go away for a long time” and that her “family would hate her” if she disclosed the sexual abuse and sexual assaults.

The case was successfully prosecuted by Special Victim’s Bureau Chief Roseanne Johnson. District Attorney Sedita praised the work of ADA Johnson as well as Buffalo Sex Offense Squad Detective Natalie Perez, stating: “because of their dedication and professionalism, a sexual predator has been brought to justice.”

Washington faces a maximum prison sentence of 32 years when sentenced by Judge Case on December 19, 2012 at 9:30 AM.