Buffalo man charged with sexually abusing victim in Shoshone Park

Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that 34-year-old Lamont K. Love of Buffalo was arraigned Friday afternoon before Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan on charges of first-degree sexual abuse (a class “D” felony) and third-degree assault (a class “A” misdemeanor).

It is alleged that on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at approximately 10:30 p.m., the defendant approached the victim on his bicycle as she was walking in Shoshone Park in the 1900 block of Hertel Avenue in the City of Buffalo. The defendant, who was unknown to the victim, allegedly jumped off his bicycle and attacked the victim. The defendant is accused of using force to compel the victim to have sexual contact. The victim escaped the attack and reported the incident to police.

Love is scheduled to return for a pretrial conference on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Prosecutors requested that the defendant be held without bail. The court set bail at $25,000 cash, an insurance company bond, or a partially secured surety bond.

A temporary protective order on behalf of the victim remains in effect.

Acting District Attorney Keane commends the Buffalo Police Department for their work in this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Daniel J. Mattle of the Special Victims/Domestic Violence Bureau.

As with all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.