Statement from Acting DA Mike Keane on the Arrest of Former Assistant District Attorney

Thursday, July 25, 2024

Statement from Acting District Attorney Michael J. Keane

"Our office became involved in the investigation as soon as I was informed by the Erie County Sheriff's Office and Buffalo Police Department of the allegations involving Assistant District Attorney De'Lenci N. Shannon-Brown.

Mr. Shannon-Brown was hired as an Assistant District Attorney on June 10, 2024. He was assigned to the office's Buffalo City Court Bureau. We immediately took action to limit his access to our office's confidential information and procedures without compromising the investigation.

Mr. Shannon-Brown was arrested on Wednesday evening by the Erie County Sheriff's Office. He was charged with one count of Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs (unclassified misdemeanor under New York State Vehicle & Traffic Law). He was also charged by the Buffalo Police Department with one count of Official Misconduct (Class "A" misdemeanor). He was issued an appearance ticket and released. Mr. Shannon-Brown was terminated from his position with the District Attorney's Office immediately after his arrest.

Mr. Shannon-Brown is scheduled to be arraigned tomorrow morning in Buffalo City Court on the DWAI charge. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. in Buffalo City Court on the official misconduct charge. Due to the conflict, our office is requesting that the Court assign a Special Prosecutor to handle the prosecution of this case.

As District Attorney, I expect our prosecutors to serve the People of the State of New York with integrity and abide by their ethical duties. I am deeply upset by these allegations as I value the trust that the citizens of Erie County place in the public servants who work within my office.

I commend the members of the Erie County Sheriff's Office and Buffalo Police Department for promptly bring this matter to my attention as well as for their swift actions in this ongoing investigation."