Former sheriff’s deputy pleads guilty to murdering friend in fear he would expose his abuse of young men
Joseph Mlyniec shot Robert Irvine outside his Wyoming home and was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison
By Steve Brown
A man has been sentenced to 15 years to life in pleading guilty to killing his friend in fear of him exposing his abuse of young men.
Joseph Mlyniec shot Robert Irvine III in the driveway of his Wyoming home in March this year and following the court proceedings, it was revealed the two men previously had a sexual relationship, Buffalo News reported.
Prosecutors added that the retired Wyoming County sheriff deputy used his status to groom and sexually abuse ‘troubled young men’ for two decades.’
Judge Michael Mohum said: “Robert Irvine was murdered because he threatened to tell the truth.”
Mlyniec reported murdered his friend of more than 10 years out of fear that Irvine was a witness of an investigation into his alleged abuse.
He was sentenced to 15 years to live in prison and waived his right to an appeal and also paid $7,884 to cover Irvine’s funeral costs.