Aaron Gajewski

A “lengthy law enforcement investigation” into alleged child sexual assault reportedly dating back to 2017 culminated in a grand jury indictment on numerous felony counts for a Dunkirk man.

Aaron Gajewski faces up to life in prison if convicted on predatory sexual assault against a child, one of the most serious sex-related charges in New York state. The indictment, filed Aug. 24 by a Chautauqua County grand jury, also includes charges of first-degree course sexual conduct with a child, a class B felony, and endangering the welfare of a child.

The 38-year-old Gajewski pleaded not guilty to the charges during arraignment in Chautauqua County Court on Sept. 1 and remains jailed in Mayville.

No details regarding what led to the indictment have been made public. The arresting agency is listed as the Dunkirk Police Department, and a clerk noted in general court records provided to the OBSERVER the incident that resulted in the charges occurred in November 2017.

The charges of predatory sexual assault against a child and course sexual conduct with a child involve crimes involving kids under the age of 13.

Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt provided the following statement when asked of the indictment: “While it represents only just the first step in the prosecutorial process, (the indictment) is the result of a lengthy law enforcement investigation in which Dunkirk Police, in particular Officers Amy Noble and Thomas Rozumawski, together with Child Advocacy Center, and the District Attorney’s Office, with an assist by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, worked collectively to develop the evidence to the point where we are or shortly will be in a trial-ready position.

“These types of cases, in which the victims are children, are the most serious and need to be dealt with most harshly in our community.”

A conference in county court has been scheduled for Oct. 1, a court clerk said.

Other recent indictments filed include:

¯ Edward Leeper Jr., 43, on charges of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, two counts of criminal obstruction of breathing and aggravated family offense. Leeper was arraigned Aug. 26 at which time he pleaded not guilty. His next court date has been set for Sept. 29.

¯ Stephen Cassidy, 45, on charges of aggravated contempt, first-degree criminal contempt, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, resisting arrest and two counts of second-degree criminal contempt. He pleaded not guilty during arraignment Aug. 26, and a conference will be held Sept. 29.

¯ Alvin Martinez Colon, 23, on charges of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He pleaded not guilty during arraignment Sept. 13; the next court date is set for Nov. 11.