Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Benjamin Coughlin, 44, of Lackawanna, was arraigned this afternoon before Buffalo City Court Judge Samuel P. Davis, Jr. on one count of Stalking in the Fourth Degree and one count of Harassment in the First Degree (Class B misdemeanors).
The defendant is accused of intentionally and repeatedly harassing the victim by engaging in a course of conduct, which placed the victim in reasonable fear of physical injury. The defendant is also accused of causing material harm to the mental or emotional health of the victim by initiating communication after being informed to cease such conduct. The defendant, who is employed as an officer with the Buffalo Police Department, and the victim were previously in a relationship.
Coughlin is scheduled to return for a pre-trial conference before Buffalo City Court Judge Carrie A. Phillips on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. He was released on his own recognizance as the charges are non-qualifying offenses for bail. A temporary order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim.
If convicted of the charge, Coughlin faces a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail.
DA Keane commends the Buffalo Police Department Threat Management Unit and Special Victims Unit for their work in this ongoing investigation as well as victim advocate Alyssa Hewitt.
The case is being prosecuted by Chief Gina M. Gramaglia of the Domestic Violence Bureau.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.