Buffalo Man Receives 7-Year Sentence for Weapon Possession
(WNY News Now) – Buffalo – Kevin Ricks, 39, of Buffalo, was sentenced today to seven years in prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision, for possessing an illegal weapon found during a shoplifting arrest. State Supreme Court Justice Betty Calvo-Torres handed down the sentence.
On February 7, 2022, at approximately 1:53 p.m., Cheektowaga Police responded to a shoplifting complaint at a store on the 2500 block of Walden Avenue. Officers apprehended Ricks, matching the suspect’s description, in the parking lot. Stolen items including a cutting tool, plant food, and razors were found in his possession.
While on parole, Ricks was transported to Cheektowaga Police headquarters and booked for petit larceny. During an inventory search of his vehicle, officers discovered a loaded handgun in a backpack. DNA analysis later linked Ricks to the weapon.
In April 2024, Ricks pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class “C” violent felony, and Petit Larceny, a Class “A” misdemeanor. He admitted guilt to all charges just before his trial’s jury selection.
Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane praised the work of Detective Michael Strejewske, Detective James Genson, Officer Shane Rogers, and Officer Christian Wachowiak of the Cheektowaga Police Department.
Assistant District Attorneys Kevin R. Brown and Stephen C. Papia of the Felony Trials Bureau prosecuted the case.
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