Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 26-year-old Tyler Vogel of Lancaster was arraigned last night before Lancaster Town Court Justice David S. Stabler on two counts of Making a Terroristic Threat (Class “D” felonies) and two counts of Aggravated Harassment in the Second Degree (Class “A” misdemeanors).
It is alleged that on Sunday, March 24, 2024, approximately 10:23 p.m., the defendant, with the intent to intimidate or coerce, sent threatening text messages to two victims. It is alleged that the defendant sent text messages separately to each victim, which threatened physical harm or death if the victim did not comply with his request to cease action in a pending high-profile civil case outside of Erie County. The defendant allegedly obtained the victims’ phone numbers through a paid background website.
Vogel is scheduled to return before Lancaster Village Court justice Paul Bumbalo on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. for a felony hearing. He was held without bail pending the results of a forensic examination. A temporary order of protection was issued on behalf of both victims.
If convicted of the highest charge, Vogel faces a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison.
DA Flynn commends the New York State Police for their work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Chief Danielle D’Abate of the Justice Courts Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Briana R.D. Kalman of the Felony Trials Bureau.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.