Jury Convicts Cheektowaga Man for Criminal Sexual Act

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that a jury found Deon D. Eppslove, also known as Deon Love, 31, of Cheektowaga, guilty of one count of Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree (Class B violent felony) and one count of Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree (Class A misdemeanor).

Jurors rendered their decision yesterday afternoon after two days of deliberations following a five-day trial, convicting the defendant of the highest sustainable charge and a lesser included offense. The defendant was acquitted of all other counts of the indictment.

On Saturday, August 10, 2024, at approximately 4:00 a.m., the defendant knowingly entered and remained unlawfully inside of the victim's residence in the City of Buffalo. The defendant, who was known to the victim, gained entry through a rear door. A physical altercation ensued when the victim tried to get the defendant to leave. During the altercation, the defendant forcibly engaged in sexual conduct with the victim. The victim was able to contact 911 during the sexual assault. The defendant fled through the rear door when police arrived, but he was quickly apprehended by responding officers.

Eppslove faces a maximum of 25 years in prison when he is sentenced before State Supreme Court Justice Kelly Vacco on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. He was held without bail pending sentence. A temporary order of protection, issued on behalf of the victim, remains in effect.

DA Keane commends Detective Sergeant Joelle Bence, Officer John Simonian and Officer Adam Lundstrom of the Buffalo Police Department for their work in this investigation as well as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Emily Dygert and Erie County Central Police Services Laboratory Forensic Biologists Sarah Murrin and Maria Bigos. DA Keane also commends ECDA victim advocate Nicole Haffa and Frank Palisano, Chief of Technology Services, for their work in this case.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Chief Hilarie Henry of the Buffalo City Court Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Natasha G. Greenan of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau.