Darrion Cotton of Niagara Falls Pleads Guilty to Attacking Gas Station Cashier with Hammer

Niagara County District Attorney Brian Seaman announced Friday that Darrion A. Cotton, 59, of Niagara Falls, pleaded guilty to assault in the 1st degree for attacking a gas station cashier with a hammer during a January robbery.

Prosecutors said Cotton admitted in court to striking the cashier in the head - causing serious injuries - during the January 19th, 2024 incident in Niagara Falls. Cotton now faces a prison term ranging from 14 to 20 years when he appears for sentencing on March 16th before Acting Supreme Court Judge Mario Giacobbe.

“This was a vicious and unprovoked attack,” said Seaman. “We will be seeking the full 20-year sentence.”

The Niagara Falls Police Department handled the investigation. The prosecution was led by Assistant District Attorneys Derek Hafner and Richelle Kloch-Krantz.

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Darrion Cotton of Niagara Falls Pleads Guilty to Attacking Gas Station Cashier with Hammer