(WNY News Now) – A Buffalo man faces up to 25 years in prison after being found guilty of assaulting and threatening his intimate partner while repeatedly violating a court-ordered protection.
Perez Aughtry, 42, of Buffalo, was convicted by a jury on multiple charges related to assault and witness intimidation involving his intimate partner. Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announced that after a four-day trial, Aughtry was found guilty of Intimidating a Victim or Witness in the Third Degree (Class “E” felony), Criminal Contempt in the First Degree (Class “E” felony), and Assault in the Third Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor). Jurors reached their decision after approximately four hours of deliberation.
The conviction stems from two separate incidents involving the same victim. On September 12, 2021, Aughtry punched his partner in the face, causing physical injury. Later that year, on December 3, 2021, he approached the victim outside her workplace in Cheektowaga, threatening her and demanding she retract an earlier police report about a separate incident. A witness reported the confrontation, and Aughtry was arrested shortly after.
Following his arrest, a no-contact order of protection was issued to protect the victim. Despite this, between December 5 and December 9, 2021, Aughtry called the victim more than 40 times, making repeated threats and attempting to coerce her into dropping the charges. His actions led to his re-arraignment on December 10, 2021, where he was held on $50,000 bail. At the time of the offenses, Aughtry was on parole, which resulted in a parole detainer and his continued detention without bail.
Aughtry faces a maximum sentence of eight years when he appears before State Supreme Court Justice Kelly Vacco on November 19, 2024. If determined to be a persistent felony offender, his sentence could increase to 25 years to life in prison. A temporary order of protection remains in effect to safeguard the victim.
Acting DA Keane commended the efforts of the Cheektowaga Police Department, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, and victim advocate Grace Reedy for their roles in securing the conviction.
For individuals in need of assistance due to domestic violence, support is available through the BE SAFE Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy Program, which can be reached at 716-858-4630 or via www.erie.gov/besafe.
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