Chief of Narcotics in Upstate New York to Keep Job After Six Hit-and-Run Incidents

UPDATE

The chief of narcotics for the Erie County Sheriff’s Office will retain his position despite pleading guilty to reckless driving tied to a string of hit-and-run crashes involving a county-owned vehicle last year.

D.J. Granville, who was suspended without pay for 30 days, admitted guilt last week to one count of reckless driving and one count of leaving the scene of a property damage accident. His sentence includes 50 hours of community service and a $600 fine.

Authorities said Granville struck six vehicles and caused damage to seven in April 2024 leaving behind nearly $60,000 in damage. The public did not learn of the incident until March 2025. The crashes took place on two separate streets on Buffalo’s West Side and reports indicated he was under the influence of prescribed medication at the time.

Following the incidents, Granville was placed on paid administrative leave on April 14th, along with five other deputies who were also connected to the matter. He initially received three traffic tickets for leaving the scene.

Erie County Sheriff John Garcia defended the longtime officer in a statement Tuesday, noting Granville has been an “exemplary employee” with no previous disciplinary record.

He added that Granville and his lawyer are working with county officials to handle restitution as taxpayer dollars were used to pay for the damages.

“I agree that restitution is appropriate,” Garcia said. “I am satisfied that D.J. is taking responsibility for his actions.”

GRANVILLE PLEADS GUILTY

The chief of narcotics with the Erie County Sheriff’s Office has pleaded guilty to charges connected to a series of crashes on Buffalo’s West Side last year.

Chief D.J. Granville admitted Friday to reckless driving and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. He was sentenced to 50 hours of community service and fined $600.

Following the plea, the Sheriff’s Office confirmed Granville is being suspended “without pay effective immediately, based upon his guilty plea.”

The case stems from incidents in April 2024 when Granville allegedly struck six vehicles and caused damage to seven others, totaling nearly $60,000 in losses. The public did not learn of the crashes until March 2025. Authorities said he had been on prescription medication at the time.

Granville was placed on paid administrative leave on April 14th, 2024, and issued three tickets for leaving the scene of an accident. Five other officers were also put on leave in relation to the matter.

Because of a conflict of interest, Niagara County District Attorney Brian Seaman was assigned as special prosecutor. Seaman emphasized that the case was handled without special treatment.

“Yes, from my perspective, from my office’s perspective, we handled this like we would’ve anybody else,” Seaman said. “Now, there’s a different question when you ask about what happened the night of the incident on the scene and whether or not the Buffalo police officers who responded if they treated this like they would anyone else.”

Seaman added that Buffalo police offered him little cooperation during the investigation.

“I found that to be very frustrating and disappointing,” he said.

Chief of Narcotics in Upstate New York to Keep Job After Six Hit-and-Run Incidents