Erie County District Attorney Frank A. Sedita III announced that 22 year old Jeffrey Thomas of 853 Harlem Road, West Seneca, pleaded guilty, as charged, to Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and Assault in the Second Degree before Supreme Court Justice John L. Michalski.  These are the highest charges for which he could have been convicted had he gone to trial. 

Thomas’ conviction stems from the May 25, 2013 possession of a loaded .22 semi-automatic pistol on Eldon Road in the City of Buffalo.  While fleeing from Buffalo Police Officers, the gun discharged one time, wounding Police Officer Joseph Hassett and the defendant.      

Thomas faces a maximum prison term of 15 years when he is sentenced before the Hon. John L. Michalski on August 30,2013 at 9:30 a.m.  The case was successfully prosecuted by Senior Trial Counsel Christopher J. Belling and Assistant District Attorney Mara L. McCabe.