Defendant Sentenced for Predatory Sexual Assault of a Child

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Claude T. Tortora, 57, formerly of Amherst, was sentenced this morning before Erie County Court Judge James Bargnesi to 20 years to life in prison. If Tortora is later released under parole supervision, he will be required to register as a sex offender.

Between on or about June 1, 2013, and on or about April 5, 2018, the defendant engaged in acts of sexual conduct with a child who was less than 13-years-old at a location in the Town of Amherst. The defendant was known to the victim. In February 2024, the defendant, who was then residing in Prescott, Arizona, was apprehended in Buffalo to face prosecution.

In February 2026, a jury found Tortora guilty of one count of Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child (Class A-II felony). Jurors rendered their decision after nearly two days of deliberation following a five-day trial, convicting the defendant of the sole count in the indictment.

Today, a final order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim, which remains in effect until 2076.

DA Keane commends Detective James Doane of the Amherst Police Department, ECDA Confidential Criminal Investigator Jason Mayhook, ECDA victim advocate Nicole Haffa and the Child Advocacy Center at BestSelf for their work in this investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Meredith M. Mohun of the Major Crimes Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Christine O. Murray of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau with the assistance of Assistant District Attorney Peter M. Pinelli of the Felony Trials Bureau.