LACKAWANNA, PA -Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 41-year-old Raymond P. Acker of Lackawanna pleaded guilty yesterday afternoon before State Supreme Court Justice Deborah A. Haendiges to one count of Burglary in the First Degree (Class “B” violent felony) and one count of Criminal Contempt in the First Degree (Class “E” felony). The defendant pleaded guilty to the highest count in the indictment ahead of his jury trial that was scheduled to commence next week.
Shortly after midnight on June 29, 2020, the defendant subjected the female victim to physical contact by punching, kicking and choking her. The defendant had a history of domestic violence incidents with the victim and committed the crime while knowingly in violation of an order of protection. The incident occurred at a residence in the City of Lackawanna.
On the evening of November 1, 2020 and into the morning of November 2, 2020, the defendant unlawfully entered the victim’s home with the intent to commit a crime. The defendant again subjected the victim to physical contact by punching, kicking and choking her while knowingly in violation of an order of protection. The victim went to the hospital later that morning to be treated for an injury to her ear, broken ribs and bruises on various parts of her body.
Acker faces a maximum of 29 years in prison when he is sentenced on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. He remains held without bail.
An order of protection remains in effect that prohibits the defendant from having any contact or third-party contact with the victim.
DA Flynn commends the BE SAFE Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy Program for their work in this case.
The BE SAFE program specializes in advocacy within the criminal courts. While staff work within the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, it is a separate and distinct program with six victim advocates available to provide trauma-informed support and resources to anyone impacted by domestic violence. While the program primarily works with victims who are navigating the criminal justice process and rebuilding their lives following the arrest of the offender, you do not need to have a pending criminal case to speak with an advocate and access services.
