Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that a jury found Wayne T. Paveljack, 50, of Buffalo, guilty of one count of Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child (Class “A-II” felony) and one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class “A” misdemeanor). Jurors rendered their decision on Friday morning after more than three days of deliberations following a 4 ½-day trial, convicting the defendant of the highest count in the indictment.
On multiple occasions between on or about June 16, 2019, and July 15, 2024, the defendant engaged in sexual intercourse and sexual conduct with a child. The crimes occurred at a location in the City of Buffalo. The defendant, who is a registered sex offender, was known to the victim.
Paveljack faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison when he is sentenced before Erie County Court Judge Suzanne Maxwell Barnes on Monday, August 4, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. He remains held without bail. A temporary order of protection issued on behalf of the victim remains in effect.
DA Keane commends Detective Jay Reuther of the Buffalo Police Department and victim advocate Nicole Haffa for their work in this investigation as well as the Town of Hamburg Police Department for their assistance.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Caitlyn G. Burns of the Special Victims/Domestic Violence Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Krista R. DeAntonis of the Justice Courts Bureau.
