BUFFALO – Former Cheektowaga Councilmember James Rogowski’s domestic violence case came to a close Tuesday when he was sentenced by State Supreme Court Justice Deborah A. Haendiges.
Mr. Rogowski was sentenced to 1-year of probation as part of a plea deal with the Erie County District Attorney’s Office.
The DA’s office says on February 23, 2018, Mr. Rogowski followed his wife in an “aggressive manner” while he was in his vehicle. She had an order of protection against him.
Mr. Rogowski pleaded guilty back in September to one count of Attempted Criminal Contempt in the 2nd Degree, a Class B misdemeanor, for his knowing violation of a court-ordered no-contact Order of Protection.
As part of his sentence, Justice Haendiges issued a no-contact Order of Protection for the victim, his wife, and their three children. The defendant was also ordered to complete a 40-week domestic violence program.
State Supreme Court Justice Mark Montour ruled on September 18th that Mr. Rogowski vacated his council seat when he pleaded guilty to a charge of Attempted Criminal Contempt. He is appealing the decision.
Democrat Brian Pilarski won the seat during an election last week and was sworn into office at the Town’s regular board meeting Tuesday.
DA John Flynn credits the work of Lt. Brian Gould and Sgt. Kaleb Harte of the Cheektowaga Police Department for their work on this case.
The case was prosecuted by Holly P. Tucker, Chief of the DA’s Domestic Violence Bureau.