Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Judge Astacio indicted on a weapons charge in connection with attempted gun purchase in April

npr.org

Rochester City Court Judge Leticia Astacio has been indicted by a Monroe County grand jury on a weapons charge.

On Tuesday, Astacio was indicted on a charge of Attempted Criminal Purchase or Disposal of a Weapon, which is a felony.

The charge is in connection with an incident in April at the Dick’s Sporting Goods store in Henrietta. Seneca County District Attorney Barry Porsch is prosecuting the case.

He says the indictment alleges that Astacio knew she was prohibited from possessing a shotgun, but still tried to buy the 12-gauge shotgun from the sporting goods store.

Her attorney, Mark Foti, says that they are disappointed with the indictment which they believe is inconsistent with the law.

Foti says they look forward to challenging the charges in court.  There is no date set yet for the arraignment, but it’s expected to happened next week.

Astacio appeared before the State Court of Appeals last week, where her lawyer, Robert Julian, argued she should not be removed from the bench.

The State Commission on Judicial Conduct had made that recommendation citing Astacio’s 2016 drunk driving conviction along with violations of her probation and other conduct.

Randy Gorbman is WXXI's director of news and public affairs. Randy manages the day-to-day operations of WXXI News on radio, television, and online.