LOCKPORT, N.Y. (WKBW) — A North Tonawanda man was found guilty on numerous sex crimes Friday.
Edward Lockwood was convicted on 39 counts of Unlawful Surveillance in the Second Degree, 11 counts of Sexual Abuse in First Degree, eight counts of Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree and two counts of Rape in the First Degree.
North Tonawanda Police say the 56-year-old man sexually abused an adult woman in his Schenck Street home. He also used unlawful surveillance to spy on her, according to police.
Niagara County District Attorney Caroline Wojtaszek says the victim was in a bad place and suffered from opioid addiction. Wojtaszek released a statement following the verdict.
“Everyone in this country has equal access to the protection of the police and our criminal justice system," Wojtaszek said. "In this case, the victim was in a bad place in her life when the crimes were committed against her. Like so many people, she suffered from an opioid addiction. Her participation in the Buffalo Opioid Intervention Court, under the guidance of Hon. Craig Hannah, helped her make the decision to turn her life around. The Human Trafficking Resource Coordinator identified that something very wrong was going on. With support, she had the strength to come in to the courtroom and stand up for her dignity. She testified in order to hold the defendant accountable for his actions and prevent other women from his abuse ever again. I find her courage remarkable under very challenging circumstances.”
Lockwood’s will be sentenced Friday, October 11. He faces up to 50 years behind bars.
