Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - An Illinois man has pleaded guilty to several felony charges stemming from an attempted kidnapping inside Dr. Charles R. Drew Science Magnet School 59 in Buffalo last February.
According to the Erie County District Attorney's Office, 31-year-old Shane Cronin of Lombard, Ill. illegally entered the school on Feb. 11 at about 12:35 p.m., approached two students in a hallway, and attempted to abduct one of them.
When a school employee told him to leave, Cronin punched her in the face and shoved her to the ground, prosecutors said.
Police said Cronin then ran into the museum area of the building, where he was discovered hiding and arrested. He was initially charged with assaulting the assistant principal, burglary, and child endangerment.
The case gained attention after Buffalo Special Victims Unit Detective Richard Hy discussed it on the podcast, "Unsubscribed". Hy accused the Buffalo Public School District of covering up the incident, claiming parents were not informed that an attempted abduction had occurred.
In response to Hy’s claims, the district said it would launch an independent external investigation.
Cronin pleaded guilty to attempted kidnapping (felony), burglary (felony), attempted luring of a child (felony), attempted assault (felony), and endangering the welfare of a child (misdemeanor).
“I understand this incident has raised questions and heightened concerns about the safety and well-being of children in the Buffalo Public School District,” Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane on Thursday.
“Our office did not offer a reduced plea in this case. This defendant pleaded guilty to the entire indictment handed down by the grand jury. We are committed to upholding the law, pursuing justice for victims, and preserving the integrity of the investigative process. I will have no further comment on this case until the court has sentenced this defendant.”
Cronin is being held without bail and faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 21, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. A temporary order of protection has been issued for the victims.
