Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 39-year-old Hannah E. Kamke of Buffalo was arraigned this morning before Amherst Town Court Justice Geoffrey K. Klein on one count of Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree (Class “E” felony).
It is alleged that on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, approximately 11:30 p.m., the defendant intentionally damaged property by spray painting a business sign outside of CompassCare located on Eggert Road in the Town of Amherst. The defendant’s alleged action caused an estimated $500 in damage to the property.
Kamke is scheduled to return on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. for further proceedings. She was released on her own recognizance as the charge is a non-qualifying offense for bail.
Prosecutors requested that the Court issue a stay away order of protection on behalf of the victim. Judge Klein gave a verbal warning to the defendant, ordering her to stay away from CompassCare.
If convicted of the charge, Kamke faces a maximum sentence of 4 years in prison.
DA Flynn commends Detective Paul Alexander of the Amherst Police Department for his work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Daniel J. Morris of the Felony Trials Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Richard K. Barney, III of the Justice Courts Bureau.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Our office, Amherst Police Department and FBI Buffalo office continue to seek information from the public to identify the individuals responsible for the arson that occurred at CompassCare on June 7, 2022. Anyone with information encouraged to contact the Amherst Police Department or call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).