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Niagara County District Attorney Wojtaszek & Acting Sheriff Filicetti Announce Gruesome Child Abuse Arrests

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Niagara Falls Reporter Staff  ·  April 25, 2020
Niagara County District Attorney Wojtaszek & Acting Sheriff Filicetti Announce Gruesome Child Abuse Arrests
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NIAGARA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE AND NIAGARA COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY ISSUE A JOINT STATEMENT ON ARREST OF MICHAEL WILSON, SR., CHRISTINA DEGROFF AND MICHAELA WILSON

 

By: Staff Reporter

On April 24, 2020, Michael Wilson, Sr, 48, and his common-law wife, Christina Degroff, 45, both of Lewiston, New York, were arraigned before New York State Supreme Court Judge Richard C. Kloch.

Michael Wilson, Sr. was charged with one count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree and one count of Assault in the First Degree, after an investigation into the inflicted life-threatening injuries sustained by a 5 year-old boy at the residence of 5152 Lewiston Road, Lewiston, New York.  The defendant is remanded to the Niagara County Jail pending an attorney appearance on Tuesday, April 28, 2020.

Christina Degroff was charged with one count of Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree, Hindering Prosecution in the Second Degree, and Making a Punishable False Written Statement.   Upon arraignment, she was released on her own recognizance under the mandates of New York State’s Bail Reform Law.  Her next scheduled appearance date is June 8, 2020.

Their daughter, Michaela Wilson, 18, was arraigned yesterday in the Niagara County Centralized Arraignment Part on two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child for her alleged actions related to this investigation.  She is due back in court on June 11, 2020.

The boy remains hospitalized in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo.

“I am very proud of the work of the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office and members of my staff for their immediate response to this extremely troubling situation.  Specifically, I commend Lieutenant Tracy Steen, First Assistant District Attorney Holly E. Sloma and Assistant District Attorney Lisa Baehre for the days and countless hours they spent on this very sensitive investigation. We will continue our efforts until justice is done for this innocent young boy,” explained Niagara County District Attorney Caroline A. Wojtaszek.

Acting Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti stated, “Cases involving physical abuse of a young child is very difficult on my Deputies and Investigators.  I thank them for their hard work and perseverance in putting this case together.  I am very proud of their work.”

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month.  If you suspect a child is being abused, call the New York State Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-342-3720 or contact your local law enforcement agency. 

Notice: Criminal charges are accusations, and a defendant is innocent unless and until proven guilty

 

**attorney advertising**
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