Buffalo, NY (WBEN) The Erie County DA's office will serve as special prosecutor in the case of a man charged with attacking gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin near Rochester last month.
On July 21st, prosecutors say 43-year-old David G. Jakubonis approached Zeldin as he was giving a speech in Perinton. They say Jakubonis raised his hand, while armed with a set of self-defense knuckles with two pointed sharp edges, and swung at Zeldin’s throat. Zeldon then grabbed Jakubonis’s wrist in an effort to prevent the attack until Jakubonis was detained and taken into custody by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
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Jakubonis was arraigned the following morning before Perinton Town Court Justice Hon. Charles D. Steinman on one count of Attempted Assault in the Second Degree (Class “E” felony). The defendant was released on his own recognizance as the state charge is a non-qualifying offense for bail. Justice Steinman issued a temporary order of protection on behalf of the victim.
Jakubonis is scheduled to return to Perinton Town Court on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. for further proceedings.
If convicted of the charge, Jakubonis faces a maximum sentence of 4 years in prison.
The Monroe County DA's office made the request for a special prosecutor, which was granted by Acting Supreme Court Justice Hon. Richard M. Healy.