Former political party chairman pleads guilty for sexually abusing child

Submitted by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announced 63-year-old Gerald Steven Pigeon, also known as Steve Pigeon, of Niagara Falls, pleaded guilty this afternoon before State Supreme Court Justice M. William Boller to one count of sexual abuse in the first degree (class “D” violent felony). The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge ahead of a jury trial that was scheduled to begin next month.

On a date between November 2016 and December 2016, the defendant subjected a child, who was less than 11 years old, to sexual contact at a location in Erie County. The victim was known to the defendant.

Pigeon faces a maximum of seven years in prison when he is sentenced on Friday, Dec. 22. He continues to be released on his own recognizance. A temporary order of protection issued on behalf of the victim remains in effect.

DA Flynn commends the New York State Police and the Child Advocacy Center for their work in the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Chief Lynette M. Reda of the special victims/domestic violence bureau, Chief Cathleen M. Roemer of the Buffalo City Court bureau, Assistant District Attorney Daniel J. Mattle of the felony trials bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Patrick E. Swanson of the appeals bureau.