Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that 41-year-old Jennie M. Johnson of Buffalo was arraigned on Saturday morning before Buffalo City Court Judge Rebecca Town on one count of Kidnapping in the Second Degree (Class “B” violent felony), two counts of Custodial Interference in the Second Degree, two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child and two counts of Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree (Class “A” misdemeanors).
It is alleged that on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at approximately 6:30 p.m., two children were reported missing by their legal guardian. The defendant is accused of abducting her two children from a location the City of Buffalo. The defendant is accused of enticing the children away from their lawful custodian while knowingly in violation of an existing order of protection.
It is alleged that earlier the same day, at approximately 4:00 p.m., the defendant, while sitting in the passenger seat, told the children to get inside of a vehicle with her then fled the area. It is further alleged that the defendant and an unidentified individual drove the children to an unknown location. The children were located safely on Friday, April 19, 2024.
Johnson is scheduled to return on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing. Prosecutors requested that the defendant be remanded. Judge Town set bail at $100,000 cash or bond. Another no-contact order of protection was issued on behalf of both victims and their legal guardian.
If convicted of the highest charge, Johnson faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.
Acting DA Keane commends Detective Jim McMahon, Detective Michael Laun and members of the Buffalo Police Department for their work in this ongoing investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Daniel J. Mattle of the Special Victims/Domestic Violence Bureau.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.