Springville Woman Sentenced for Setting Fire to Occupied Apartment Building

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 37-year-old Sara J. Lilley of Springville was sentenced this morning before Erie Count Court Judge Kenneth Case to 8 years in prison followed by 5 years of post-release supervision. 

On Monday, January 23, 2023, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Erie County Sheriff’s Office deputies and multiple volunteer fire companies responded to a fire at an apartment building on North Buffalo Street in the Village of Springville. The fire damaged multiple apartment units. No injuries were reported, but two cats died in the blaze and several residents were displaced. The defendant, who resided in the apartment building, intentionally set the fire. 

Lilley pleaded guilty, as charged, to one count of Arson in the Second Degree (Class “B” felony). The defendant pleaded guilty to the sole count in the indictment against her on Thursday, September 14, 2023.

“This defendant knowingly placed her neighbors in immediate danger as they slept inside of their apartments by intentionally setting fire to the building. While I am thankful that no one was killed or injured, nearly a dozen residents of the Springbrook Apartments lost their homes and much, if not all, of their belongings. Tragically, one resident’s two cats died in the fire. This could have been a much more devastating fire if it were not for the quick actions of the first responding Sheriff’s deputies and the numerous volunteer fire companies. I hope that all of the victims feel justice has been served by this defendant pleading guilty to the highest charge and being sentenced to a period of incarceration,” said Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn.

“I would like to commend the efforts of the Detectives (Fire Investigators) from the Investigative Services Division and the Deputies of our Police Services Division. Without the tremendous efforts of both units, this investigation and successful prosecution, would not have been possible,” said Erie County Sheriff John C. Garcia.

Today, final orders of protection were issued for 11 victims, which remain in effect until December 2036.

DA Flynn commends Detectives Lee Richard, Scott Kuhlmey and Nicholas Coniglio of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Services Division their work in this investigation as well as Deputies John Keem, Nicholas Cervoni and Dane Cala who were the initial responders that quickly evacuated residents from the apartment complex. DA Flynn also commends the Springville Volunteer Fire Company and the numerous volunteer fire companies who responded to extinguish the blaze. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christine M. Garvey of the Felony Trials Bureau.