Buffalo man pleads guilty for assaulting counselor, sexually assaulting another, at mental health center; assaulting two deputies while in custody

Submitted by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announced 45-year-old Bilal C. Wright of Buffalo pleaded guilty this morning before Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan to all four counts in the three indictments against him.

On March 8, 2022, at approximately 2:36 p.m., the defendant assaulted a counselor during an appointment at a human services center on Main Street in the City of Buffalo. During the attack, the defendant threw a computer monitor, punched the victim in the head and hit the victim with a chair. The victim and another employee attempted to prevent the defendant from leaving the office until police arrived, but the defendant was able to pull the door open and exit the office. The counselor suffered physical injuries, including bruising to his back, a cut to his hand and pain to his shoulder and left side.

After leaving the counselor’s office, the defendant encountered a female employee in the stairwell. The defendant grabbed the female victim’s arm and pushed her to the floor, causing the victim to hit her head. The defendant subjected the victim to sexual contact by forcible compulsion during the attack before other employees were able to intervene.

The defendant was arrested and taken into custody immediately after the incident. Wright was initially arraigned in Buffalo City Court on assault charges. He was held without bail.

Today, Wright pleaded guilty, as charged, to one count of assault in the second degree and one count of sexual abuse in the first degree (class “D” felonies).

Wright also pleaded guilty to two crimes he committed while in custody at the Erie County Holding Center.

On Friday, April 1, 2022, at approximately 4:45 p.m., the defendant punched an Erie County Sheriff’s Office jail deputy in the face through the bars of his cell. When others responded to intervene and de-escalate the situation, the defendant threw excrement on the deputies and himself. The victim was treated for an injury to his face.

Wright pleaded guilty, as charged, to one count of assault in the second degree (class “D” felony).

On Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, at approximately 5:37 p.m., the defendant punched another Erie County Sheriff’s Office jail deputy in the head. The crime occurred after the defendant refused orders to be handcuffed and escorted out of his cell during a routine search. The victim, who was knocked unconscious by the assault, was transported to ECMC for injuries to his head.

Wright pleaded guilty, as charged, to one count of assault in the second degree (class “D” felony).

Wright faces a maximum of 28 years in prison when he is sentenced on Tuesday, Aug. 22. He continues to be held without bail.

DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office for their work in these investigations.

The cases were prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Rachel Kranitz McPhee of the special victims/domestic violence bureau.