LACKAWANNA, NY – Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 61-year-old Mark D. Williams of Lackawanna was virtually arraigned yesterday afternoon before State Supreme Court Justice Deborah A. Haendiges on an indictment charging him with one count of Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child (Class “A-I” felony), one count of Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child (Class “B” felony) and one count of Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child (Class “E” felony).
The defendant is accused of engaging in acts of sexual conduct with a child who was less than thirteen years old over a period time at a location in the City of Lackawanna. On July 24, 2020, a search warrant was executed that the defendant’s home where evidence of the alleged crime was recovered.
Williams is scheduled to return on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. for a pre-trial conference.
Judge Haendiges continued bail at $75,000 previously posted in Lackawanna City Court. The defendant was released under supervision. He is required to wear an ankle monitor and can only leave his residence for medical appointments or legal proceedings with written proof provided to the Erie County Probation Department.
A temporary order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim.
If convicted of all charges, Williams faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
DA Flynn commends Detective Michael Pienta of the Lackawanna Police Department for his work in the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christine M. Garvey of the DA’s Special Victims Bureau.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.