Afternoon News Brief

22-year-old Devon Wright of Batavia has now been sentenced to 24 years in state prison. He had pleaded guilty in November 2021 to a number of violent sex-related crimes, committed over the course of two years. Wright had been scheduled to be sentenced a year ago after accepting a plea deal before his trial was to begin in County Court; he remained free pending sentencing to be available for the birth of his child. However, he fled and a $2500 reward was offered for his capture. Wright was eventually found in Lockport and returned to Genesee County. After previously engaging in what seemed to be legal maneuvers that stalled the sentencing process, this month he appeared in court now asking for a new attorney and also wanting to withdraw his guilty pleas. The next day, the judge denied his request and proceeded with sentencing.

 

 

74-year-old Nicholas Perry Sr. of Strykersville, the man who had been missing since the height of last week’s snowstorm following a one-car accident, was found deceased yesterday. His body was found in a field covered with snow about several hundred yards from the scene of the accident. An autopsy will be conducted to determine cause of death.

 

 

 

Genesee County Sheriffs along with state and local police will be working together as part of the STOP-DWI program through Sunday. The campaign is intended to bring awareness of impaired driving and the potential for more crashes during the most highly traveled time of the year. If you are driving, stay within the speed limits, don’t drink and drive, and have a safe holiday.

 

 

 

The former Northwood Elementary School principal who was found guilty of sexually abusing 21 students has been sentenced to 63 years in prison. Kirk Ashton was convicted last month on dozens of the charges that were filed against him for inappropriately touching multiple male students. During his trial, those victims and staff members at the school testified about Ashton’s actions but he didn’t take the stand in his own defense. While being sentenced, the judge said to Ashton that he preyed on the boys at a time when they were most vulnerable. Ashton did not speak following sentencing; however, his attorney asked for protective custody for Ashton once he enters prison. Ashton was principal at the Hilton school from 2004 until 2021.

 

The teenager arrested in connection with a deadly crash in Buffalo last month has been indicted on multiple charges including manslaughter. According to prosecutors, the 16-year-old was driving the vehicle before it crashed on the inbound Kensington Expressway near the entrance to the westbound Scajaquada Expressway. Four people ended up being killed and another passenger was seriously injured. The teen is now in his grandmother’s custody but must wear an ankle monitor.

 

 

A former substitute teacher and coach will be spending 20 years in prison after admitting to receiving child pornography. The U.S. Attorney’s Office says Steven Gasiorek worked at both John F. Kennedy Middle School and John F. Kennedy High School in Cheektowaga from March 2014 until April 2019. An investigation revealed he used a fake social media account to receive child porn from minors and that he knew some of the victims. Once Gasiorek is released, he’ll be under post-release supervision for 10 years.

 

 

The Buffalo Bills said thank you to the Detroit Lions for letting them use their field on Sunday. The Bills donated 20,000 dollars to the Lions Foundation and also sent Tim Hortons Coffee and donuts to the Lions Facility and Ford Field. The Bills will be back there to play the Lions tomorrow, with a 12:30 kickoff.

 

 

 

 

The Buffalo Sabres have snapped their eight game losing streak in big way with a blowout victory on the road. Jeff Skinner scored twice and Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch, JJ Peterka, Rasmus Dahlin, and Henri Jokiharju also had a goal as The Sabres beat the Montreal Canadiens 7-2 last night. The Sabres also benefited from solid goaltending from Craig Anderson who stopped 29 of 31 shots. Buffalo is back home to take on the Saint Louis Blues; it’s 90’s night at KeyBank and they’ll be wearing their black and red goat head jerseys. Puck drop is at 7:00.

 

Officials with the New York State lottery are making a request of Empire State residents this holiday season. They’re asking people not to buy scratch-off lottery tickets for children as gifts, saying that lottery games should only be gifted by adults to adults. The National Council on Problem Gambling says youth gambling has become a significant and growing issue. People who are struggling with a gambling addiction can get help by calling 1-877-8-HOPENY.