Michael T. Sawyer, a 34-year-old resident of Buffalo, was sentenced to 15 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announced the sentence handed down by State Supreme Court Justice Deborah A. Haendiges. Sawyer, a second violent felony offender, pleaded guilty to all charges related to two violent incidents involving different female victims in April 2022.
Sawyer faced a total of 13 charges, to which he pleaded guilty on May 7, 2024. The charges include:
- Assault in the First Degree (Class “B” violent felony)
- Attempted Robbery in the First Degree (Class “C” violent felony)
- Robbery in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony)
- Strangulation in the Second Degree (Class “D” felony)
- Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree (Class “E” felony)
- Assault in the Third Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor)
- Two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class “A” misdemeanors)
- Tampering with a Witness in the Fourth Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor)
- Four counts of Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree (Class “A” misdemeanors)
On April 5, 2022, Sawyer attempted to steal a purse from an elderly woman outside a grocery store in Cheektowaga. Driving a stolen vehicle, Sawyer dragged the victim, resulting in serious injuries. The stolen vehicle was later found abandoned in Buffalo. Sawyer attempted to flee when approached by police but was apprehended after a brief chase. The elderly victim, aged 80, suffered head trauma and other serious injuries, requiring several weeks of hospitalization.
Earlier, on April 1, 2022, Sawyer assaulted another woman during a domestic dispute in Buffalo. He strangled the victim into unconsciousness and stole her vehicle, which was later used in the attempted robbery. The victim sustained a concussion and multiple bruises. Following the assault, Sawyer took her phone, preventing her from calling for help.
Final orders of protection for both victims were issued and will remain effective until April 2050. Acting DA Mike Keane expressed hope that the victims feel a sense of closure following Sawyer’s guilty plea and sentencing. He also commended the efforts of the Cheektowaga and Buffalo Police Departments in these investigations.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Meredith M. Mohun and Kevin R. Brown, highlighting the collaboration between the Special Victims/Domestic Violence Bureau and the Felony Trials Bureau.
For those affected by domestic violence, the BE SAFE Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy Program offers support and resources. Victims can access trauma-informed support without a pending criminal case by calling 716-858-4630 or visiting www.erie.gov/besafe.
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