Press Releases
11/07/2023
New Britain Man Convicted on Charges of Sexual Assault, Threatening and Risk of Injury
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(New Britain, CT) - Christian Watson, New Britain State’s Attorney, today announced that Shanti Buchko, age 48, of New Britain, was found guilty by a jury of Sexual Assault in the First Degree in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-70(a)(2), four counts of Risk of Injury to a Minor in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53-21(a)(2) and Threatening in the First Degree in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-61aa(a)(3), in three cases joined for trial. The trial, in the Superior Court of New Britain, was presided over by the Honorable Chris Pelosi.
Evidence at trial showed the defendant sexually assaulted his victim in New Britain and Hartford when she was between the ages of 5 and 7 years old. After the victim disclosed the abuse, prior to reporting it to police, Buchko threatened to shoot two people involved in the disclosure with his legally registered firearm.
“We wish the victims well in their continued healing from the great harm inflicted upon them by Mr. Buchko over the years,” said Senior Assistant State’s Attorney David Clifton and Assistant State’s Attorney Alison Kubas, who prosecuted the case, with assistance from Inspector Felix Perez.
State’s Attorney Watson wishes to extend his gratitude to Detective Nicholas Dresko of the New Britain Police Department and Detective Ivette Berrios of the Hartford Police Department for their investigative efforts.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 10, 2024 in New Britain Superior Court.