Defendants Plead Guilty After Officer’s Death at New York State Casino

Posted on: November 19, 2024, 06:29h. 

Last updated on: November 19, 2024, 09:39h.

Ed Silverstein @casinoorgedsilv Read More

Expertise: Legal, Tribal Gaming.

Two defendants pleaded guilty on Monday following the death of a police sergeant at New York’s Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel.

Under a plea deal, Michael Elmore, 33, pleaded guilty to first-degree aggravated manslaughter and obstruction of governmental administration.

When sentenced on December 17, he could face up to 20 years in prison and be put on supervision for five years following his release.

He [Elmore] pleaded guilty to a cap of 20 years, where the maximum, if there was a trial, would have been 25,” Genesee County District Attorney Kevin Finnell told New York State TV station WHAM. “I believe that’s an appropriate plea for this case and based upon the facts in the indictment.”

In addition, Lyndsey Jean Wilcox, 39, pleaded guilty to second-degree assault. She’s scheduled to be sentenced on January 21 and faces up to six months in jail and five years on probation.

Bar Fight

The duo got into a fight at the casino’s bar on March 10, 2024. Wilcox later assaulted Genesee County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello, when she was apprehended.

Sanfratello, who was working a special job at the casino, had ordered the two suspects out of the gaming property.

Sanfratello and casino security guards eventually escorted the two suspects out of the building.

Officer Beaten With Chain

After leaving, Elmore returned armed with a metal chain, which he used to strike Sanfratello repeatedly on the head and face, according to WHAM. Elmore also placed the officer in a chokehold and punched him, according to witness accounts.

At one point, Sanfratello tried to zap Elmore with a taser, according to New York TV station WROC, but it didn’t incapacitate him.

Sanfratello, 54, who worked at the sheriff’s office for 32 years, was seriously injured. Officers attempted to revive him by performing CPR but he passed away at the scene.

The casino was evacuated after the incident while the investigation unfolded.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family members of Sergeant Sanfratello and all the members of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office at this extremely difficult time,” Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch said in a March statement following Sanfratello’s death, the New York Post reported.

Batavia Downs is located in Batavia, some 35 miles west of Rochester, NY.