Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 67-year-old Michael Askew of Cheektowaga was arraigned this morning before Erie County Court Judge James Bargnesi on an indictment charging him with one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony) and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree (Class “D” felony).
It is alleged that on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at approximately 9:30 a.m., members of the Buffalo Police Department Threat Management Unit and Buffalo Police SWAT conducted a search at the defendant’s home on Woodridge Avenue in the Town of Cheektowaga after obtaining a temporary Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO). Investigators allegedly found an illegal rifle with a pistol grip and detachable magazine inside of the residence. Three handguns, legally owned by the defendant, were also temporarily seized under the ERPO.
Askew is scheduled to return on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. for a pre-trial conference. He continues to be released on bail previously modified to $25,000 cash, bond or partially secured surety bond.
If convicted of the highest charge, Askew faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
It is further alleged that on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at approximately 4:40 p.m., the defendant, while working as a school bus driver, made a verbal threat toward a student. The alleged incident occurred on the school bus in the presence of other children on the 300 block of Roehrer Avenue in the City of Buffalo. On Monday, April 24, 2023, the Buffalo Police Department obtained a temporary ERPO as part of their investigation into an alleged threat.
Buffalo Police charged the defendant with three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class “A” misdemeanors). Askew, who was terminated from his position as a school bus driver, was given an appearance ticket as the charges are non-qualifying offenses for bail. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Buffalo City Court on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 9:30 a.m.
If convicted of the charges, Askew faces a maximum sentence of one year in jail.
DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department Threat Management Unit and SWAT as well as the Cheektowaga Police Department for their work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Briana R.D. Miller of the Felony Trials Bureau.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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