Cayuga County Man Convicted of Stabbing On-Duty Sheriff’s Deputy

Auburn, NY - District Attorney Brittany Grome Antonacci announced that LUKE GAFFNEY, 42, of Aurelius, New York, was found guilty following a week-long jury trial, of the top charge of Aggravated Assault Upon a Police Officer, a Class B Violent Felony, for intentionally assaulting an on-duty, uniformed police officer.

The jury returned its guilty verdict after hearing testimony and reviewing evidence, including audio recordings and video surveillance. The jury concluded that on October 23, 2020, while at 6616 State Route 90, located in the Town of Aurelius, GAFFNEY, used a knife to intentionally cause serious physical injury to Deputy Adam Bacon, while Deputy Bacon was performing his official duties as a law enforcement officer.   

The evidence established that GAFFNEY took out a knife and stabbed Deputy Bacon three separate times in the upper left leg.  In addition to the two other wounds, GAFFNEY stabbed the deputy within an inch of his femoral artery.  Deputy Bacon was treated in the trauma unit at Upstate Medical University for multiple stab wounds.  After a 6-hour standoff with law enforcement where GAFFNEY barricaded himself inside of his home with numerous firearms and other weapons, he eventually surrendered and was taken into custody.

This case was prosecuted by District Attorney Brittany Grome Antonacci and Chief Assistant District Attorney Chris Valdina.

GAFFNEY faces a minimum determinate state prison sentence of ten years and a maximum sentence of 30 years with five years of post-release supervision. He is scheduled to be sentenced before the Honorable Daniel J. Doyle on June 12, 2023. GAFFNEY was remanded to the custody of the Cayuga County Jail without bail pending sentencing.

“We are pleased with the jury’s verdict and commend them for the time and consideration they gave listening to and reviewing the evidence throughout the trial. The verdict sends a clear message that this community does not tolerate violence against members of law enforcement.” District Attorney Grome Antonacci commented, “I commend the quick response and efforts of all law enforcement agencies involved, including, but not limited to, the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, and the Auburn Police Department in preventing any further violence by this defendant and securing a safe and peaceful resolution for all parties involved.”

LUKE GAFFNEY