Buffalo, NY Detective named "America's Most Wanted All-Star Finalist

Controversial Lawman Helped Clear Wrongly-Accused Suspects

A detective from Buffalo, NY whose work helped clear a man wrongly-imprisoned on rape charges and a woman accused of killing her daughter - and who is now in the middle of a controversy because of his actions - has been chosen as the latest weekly finalist in the 2008 America's Most Wanted All-Star Contest, sponsored by Sprint.

Detective Dennis Delano is a member of the Buffalo P.D. cold case task force. His work in the case of the notorious "Bike Path Rapist" was key in uncovering long-forgotten biological evidence that led to the exoneration of Anthony Capozzi, who'd spent 22 years in prison for two rapes he did not commit. The evidence led to the capture of the real "Bike Path Rapist." In another case, Detective Delano helped uncover evidence that exonerated Lynn Dejac, who spent more than 13 years behind bars on charges that she killed her 13-year-old daughter. Although both Anthony Capozzi and Lynn Dejac credit Detective Delano with saving their lives, some of his actions in the Dejac case also landed Detective Delano in hot water with his department, and he's currently fighting a suspension.

The controversy didn't prevent Detective Delano from collecting enough votes to become the fifth of eight weekly finalists to be chosen by the public in the AMW All-Star Contest, which honors the nation's first responders. Any first responder, such as police officer, firefighter or EMT, is eligible for the contest, and any member of the public can nominate and vote for their favorite first responder online at AMW.com. The nomination process is simple; all people have to do is fill out a short online form naming their favorite first responder and explaining what makes them an All-Star.

Each weekly finalist will be profiled on America's Most Wanted (Saturdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT, 8 p.m. CT on FOX). Then, through its online votes, the public will choose the grand prize winner. AMW Host John Walsh will present the 2008 AMW All-Star winner with a check for $10,000 at the NASCAR SPRINT Cup Series™ All-Star Race at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Nominations are open at AMW.com until April 1, 2008. Members of the public will be allowed to vote for their favorite All-Stars once a day, every day. Finalist voting runs until April 13 at midnight, and the Grand Prize winner voting will run from April 17 to May 6.

Contact:
Steve Katz
skatz@amw.com