(WNY News Now) – Erie County, NY – In a stunning development, Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announced the arrest of Assistant District Attorney De’Lenci N. Shannon-Brown on charges of driving while impaired by drugs and official misconduct.
“Our office became involved in the investigation as soon as I was informed by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office and Buffalo Police Department of the allegations involving Assistant District Attorney De’Lenci N. Shannon-Brown,” said Keane in a statement.
Shannon-Brown, who joined the DA’s office on June 10, 2024, and was assigned to the Buffalo City Court Bureau, was promptly limited in his access to confidential information as the investigation unfolded. He was arrested Wednesday evening by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office and charged with one count of Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs (unclassified misdemeanor under New York State Vehicle & Traffic Law). Additionally, he faces a charge of Official Misconduct (Class “A” misdemeanor) by the Buffalo Police Department.
Shannon-Brown received an appearance ticket and was released. His employment with the DA’s office was terminated immediately following his arrest. He is scheduled for arraignment on the DWAI charge in Buffalo City Court tomorrow morning and on the official misconduct charge on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.
Given the conflict of interest, the DA’s office has requested the assignment of a Special Prosecutor to handle Shannon-Brown’s prosecution.
“As District Attorney, I expect our prosecutors to serve the People of the State of New York with integrity and abide by their ethical duties. I am deeply upset by these allegations as I value the trust that the citizens of Erie County place in the public servants who work within my office,” Keane expressed, commending the Erie County Sheriff’s Office and Buffalo Police Department for their swift action and ongoing investigation.
Leave a Reply