Buffalo man pleads guilty on morning of jury selection

CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WIVB) — On Monday morning, a Buffalo man pleaded guilty as jury selection was set to begin in his trial. He had been accused of criminal possession of a weapon and petit larceny, according to the Erie County District Attorney’s Office.

Kevin Ricks, 38, allegedly stole a cutting tool, plant food, and razors from a store on the 2500 block of Walden Avenue in 2022. Ricks was on parole at the time and was transported to the Cheektowaga police headquarters, where he received the petit larceny charge.

Officers found an illegal, loaded handgun in a backpack in the back of the vehicle, which they said they linked to him using DNA analysis.

Ricks faces a maximum of 15 years in prison when he is sentenced in July. He remains released on previously posted bail.

Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.