(WNY News Now) – BUFFALO, N.Y. — Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announced that a special prosecutor has been appointed to oversee the investigation into an April 2024 incident involving Erie County Sheriff’s Office Chief D.J. Granville.

In a statement, Keane explained that the Buffalo Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division had contacted his office for consultation regarding its ongoing probe. However, due to a close family relative of Chief Granville being employed by the Erie County DA’s Office, Keane sought to avoid any potential appearance of impropriety.

As a result, his office filed an application requesting a special prosecutor to assume the District Attorney’s responsibilities for this case. Erie County Court Judge Sheila A. DiTullio granted the request, appointing Niagara County District Attorney Brian D. Seaman to handle the matter.