A 73-year-old North Buffalo man who caused an explosion at his home and damaged nearby homes was sentenced Wednesday. Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan ordered Santo Cok to serve three to nine years in prison.
Cok disconnected the gas line inside his Covington Road home April 19, 2018, then lit a candle in what investigators say was an attempt to destroy the house. It trigged an explosion that caused a fire and spread to nearby homes. Two neighboring homes were damaged.
Cok pleaded guilty last October to one count of Arson in the Third Degree, two counts of Arson in the Fourth Degree and one count of Reckless Endangerment in the First degree.
In a news release announcing the sentencing, Erie County District Attorney John Flynn commended all of the first responders from the Buffalo Fire and Buffalo Police for their “actions in this dangerous situation.” Flynn also acknowledge the
