(WNY News Now) – CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. – A Cheektowaga man has been found guilty of disorderly conduct for shouting racist remarks toward victims in a grocery store parking lot, Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announced.
Richard T. Stasiak, 67, was convicted of one count of disorderly conduct (violation) following a non-jury trial in Cheektowaga Town Court. Town Court Justice David Stevens rendered the verdict on Monday, acquitting Stasiak of a misdemeanor charge.
The incident occurred on March 20, 2023, around noon outside a grocery store on Walden Avenue. Stasiak was captured on cell phone video yelling racial slurs at the victims. Prosecutors stated that his remarks were based on a belief or perception regarding the victims’ race.
Justice Stevens sentenced Stasiak to a one-year conditional discharge, requiring him to continue mental health treatment and write an apology letter to the victims. Additionally, a final order of protection was issued for both victims, remaining in effect for two years.
DA Keane commended the Cheektowaga Police Department for its efforts in the investigation. Assistant District Attorneys Leah A. Higgins and Ryan A. Fortuna of the Justice Courts Bureau prosecuted the case.
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