PRESS RELEASE /provided photo
On Thursday, March 27, 2025, JONATHON L. BUCKNAM, a 45-year-old former resident of Perry, New York pleaded guilty before the Honorable Donald G. O’Geen to two separate counts of RAPE IN THE THIRD DEGREE, a Class “E” felony, for two separate victims.
JONATHON BUCKNAM admitted that during the month of February 2023 in the Village of Perry, County of Wyoming, that while he was twenty-one (21) years old or more, he engaged in sexual intercourse with another person who was less than seventeen (17) years old. Furthermore, JONATHON BUCKNAM admitted that on or about January 29, 2022 in the Village of Perry, County of Wyoming, that while he was twenty-one (21) years old or more, he engaged in sexual intercourse with another person who was less than seventeen (17) years old.
There is no sentence promise/agreement in this case and JONATHON BUCKNAM faces a sentence of up to 4 years in New York State Prison and between 5 years and 15 years of post-release supervision on each count. These sentences could run consecutive to each other. In addition, JONATHON BUCKNAM will have to register as a sex offender, notwithstanding the fact that he is already a Level Two Registered Sex Offender. JONATHON BUCKNAM has a prior conviction for Rape in the Third Degree from November of 2017. Sentencing was adjourned until May 8, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. After pleading guilty, Judge O’Geen revoked his previously set bail and ordered him held without bail.
JONATHON BUCKANM was arrested by the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations and the Village of Perry Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by First Assistant District Attorney Chelsie Hamilton. Wyoming County Public Defender Leah Nowotarski, Esq. represented the Defendant.