The man convicted last Friday of charges related to a violent arrest outside New Era Field in December 2017 has resigned his position as a deputy, the Erie County Sheriff's Office confirmed Wednesday.
Kenneth Achtyl submitted his resignation, according to a written message released by the Sheriff's Office: "Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard announced today that while reviewing Deputy Achtyl’s employment status following the jury trial last week, his office received a letter of resignation from Mr. Achtyl.
"Sheriff Howard did discuss employment options with the County Attorney’s Office as well as reviewed past dismissals of Sheriff’s Office employees.
"Deputy Achtyl was on paid administrative leave following the notification that an investigation was initiated into the December 3, 2017 incident. Following Deputy Achtyl’s arrest, the Sheriff’s Office changed the Deputy’s status to leave without pay."
Achtyl was convicted September 27 of reckless assault, official misconduct and filing a false report in connection with the December 2017 arrest of Nicholas Belsito in a tailgate lot. Belsito had confronted officers about the arrest of his friend moments before. A portion of Belsito's own arrest was captured on video by the bodycam of Achtyl's partner that day, Deputy James Flowers. The video shows Achtyl using force to place Belsito in custody while the latter's face was bloodied.
The now former deputy had been on paid administrative leave during his case and remained under that status upon last week's conviction. Achtyl is scheduled to be sentenced January 23 at 5 p.m. in Orchard Park Town Court. He and Flowers also face a civil lawsuit filed by Belsito.
