Cayuga County Man Sentenced for Stabbing On-Duty Sheriff’s Deputy

Auburn, NY - District Attorney Brittany Grome Antonacci announced that LUKE GAFFNEY, 42, of Aurelius, New York, was sentenced today before the Hon. Daniel J. Doyle to a 15 year determinate prison sentence, followed by 5 years of post-release supervision, on one count of Aggravated Assault Upon a Police Officer, a Class B Violent Felony. Prior to imposing sentence, the Court commented on GAFFNEY’S attempts to minimize his behavior and refusal to accept responsibility for his actions.

GAFFNEY was previously found guilty in March of this year 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.

“The imposed sentence sends a clear message that violence against members of law enforcement will not be tolerated” District Attorney Grome Antonacci commented, “We hope the resolution of this case provides some closure for Deputy Bacon, his family, and the community as a whole. The District Attorney’s Office commends 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