Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 33-year-old Niko J. Carter of Cheektowaga was arraigned this morning before Buffalo City Court Judge Andrew C. LoTempio on one count of Promoting Prison Contraband in the First Degree (Class “D” felony), one count of Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree (Class “E” felony) and one count of Official Misconduct (Class “A” misdemeanor).
The defendant, while working as a jail deputy with the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, is accused of knowingly and unlawfully bringing dangerous contraband into the Erie County Holding Center. The defendant allegedly conspired to sell the contraband to inmates. The defendant has been placed on unpaid administrative leave by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office.
Carter is scheduled to return on Thursday, November 2, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing. He was released on his own recognizance as the charges are non-qualifying offenses for bail.
If convicted of the highest charge, Carter faces a maximum of 7 years in prison.
DA Flynn commends the Erie County Sheriff’s Office for their work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ryan D. Haggerty of the Homicide Bureau and Chief Gary M. Ertel of the Public Integrity Unit.
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