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Santoro, Gainey get maximum
BY KATE DANNA
Tuesday, April 26, 2026
ALBION Ñ Two separate sentencings in Orleans County Court on Monday carried a common theme in the eyes of Judge James Punch.
Besides both receiving the maximum sentences, Joe Santoro and Lavione Gainey, respectively, left a slew of victims strewn in their paths.
Punch first addressed family and friends of the late 26-year-old Chancy Williams, whose July 10 killing Gainey was convicted of, and will now serve 25 years to life in prison for.
Punch told them to stop being angry.
ÒEveryday you let your hatred and your anger erode your spirit, is another day you let this guy victimize you,Ó Punch told the group. ÒDonÕt let your memories go, but let your hatred go as much as you can.Ó
This message came shortly after Nathaniel Williams, father of the victim, addressed the court.
ÒI feel as though thereÕs nothing you can give him (Gainey) thatÕs going to bring my child back to me,Ó Nathaniel Williams said. ÒI pray that you donÕt have mercy on him.Ó
In the same vein, Punch addressed the woman who was forcibly fondled by former Medina police officer Santoro at the police station in December 2003.
Punch told the victim to try to let go of the hatred she had for Santoro, just as heÕd asked the Williams family to do about Gainey.
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Reader Comments
anonomus (4/28/2005)
This comes as a shock to the whole community. Medina will truely be changed. But before we build hate towards Joe Santoro, let us remember all the things he has done. He was a D.A.R.E. office and has helped keep our children clean and has helped with a number of sports and groups in the community. Remember that everyone makes mistakes and realize that this is hard on his family and the entire village.
Mary (4/27/2005)
I have been following these news articles in the paper ... what amazes me is that we know nothing about the accusers. I understand that Mr. Santoro has plead guilty to save his family the issue of a trial, but I don't think he knew what this plea really meant or what it would do to him and his family’s. Everyone assumes he is guilty by his plea, but those of us who know Mr. Santoro know that isn't true. Even his so called victims know it isn't true and that is something they will have to live with, just as Mr. Santoro will have to live with the choices he has made. I have learned some valuable lessons, as should we all … our justice system isn’t true justice and the media can go a long way to sway popular beliefs. No one would really want to pay much attention to these false allegations if Mr. Santoro fought the charges and exposed these allegations for what they were. But when faced with long-term imprisonment and the added shame and embarrassment to his family that a trial would bring, Mr. Santoro opted to the plea … opted to save his family from what little he could. Did he do wrong … yes, but rape is a long way from consensual actions. I don’t believe his lawyer provided the services and guidance he should have. I’ve seen people beat charges much stronger than this … with a lot more evidence. It seems that Mr. Santoro was railroaded into giving up his rights … that the village of Medina wanted this to go away without giving any thought to the truth, but ultimately it was his choice to enter the plea he entered. Just remember before you judge someone or cast the first stone … are you getting all the facts. All of this makes me wonder, what is the village really trying to hide?
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