Cheektowaga teenager sentenced to prison after four separate cases

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A 19-year-old Cheektowaga man was sentenced by a State Supreme Court Justice on Friday after allegedly committing numerous crimes, including attempting to drown a dog and assaulting a jail deputy, the Erie County District Attorney's office announced.

Within a 13 month span, 19-year-old Zachary A. Jackson of Cheektowaga was accused of committing the following crimes:

• Oct. 15, 2022: Jackson allegedly poured lighter fluid on a family member's pickup truck before using a blowtorch to set the vehicle on fire. The fire was quickly extinguished by fire personnel but caused significant damage to the truck. He was arraigned on Oct. 16 and released with an order of protection on behalf of the victim.
• April 19, 2023: Jackson allegedly attempted to kill or cause serious injury to a family member's animal when he tried to drown the family member's dog in a bathtub. The mixed breed terrier named Sprocket had to receive emergency treatment at a veterinarian. Jackson was held without bail after arraignment.
• Sept. 19, 2023: While incarcerated at the Erie County Holding Center, Jackson allegedly threw liquid at a jail deputy. The liquid was believed to be urine.
• Nov. 28, 2023: Jackson allegedly kicked a jail deputy in the face while he was incarcerated.

On Friday, Jackson pleaded guilty to the highest charge in each case: one count of arson in the third degree, one count of aggravated cruelty to animals, one count of aggravated harassment of an employee by an inmate and one count of attempted assault in the second degree, all felonies.

An order of protection was added on behalf of the family Friday and remains in effect until 2046.

Jackson's was sentenced to 6 to 18 years in prison.