In swift deliberation, jurors find 38-year-old Willie Sykes guilty of second-degree weapon possession.
In a decisive verdict delivered after just 30 minutes of deliberation, a jury found Willie Sykes, 38, of Amherst guilty of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class “C” violent felony. The conviction comes after a two-day trial presided over by Erie County Court Judge Kenneth Case.
The incident leading to the trial occurred on April 17, 2022, at approximately 11:17 p.m., when Buffalo Police officers stopped a speeding vehicle on East Ferry Street. Sykes, the driver, pulled over near Carl Street and exited the vehicle. Officers quickly discovered that Sykes was driving without a valid license, registration, or insurance. Upon impounding the vehicle, a loaded semi-automatic pistol was found in a crossbody bag in the backseat. DNA analysis subsequently linked Sykes to the illegal weapon.
Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane commended the quick and effective work of Officer William Miller and Officer Nicyle Holman of the Buffalo Police Department, who played crucial roles in the investigation. The prosecution team, led by Assistant District Attorneys John G. Schoemick and Nicholas C. Bussi, presented a compelling case that led to Sykes’ conviction on the sole count in the indictment.
As a second violent felony offender, Sykes faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Monday, July 22, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., during which Sykes will remain held without bail.
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