Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 24-year-old Weslee A. Thomas of Irving has been arraigned before Buffalo City Court Judge Peter J. Savage, III on one count of Criminal Contempt in the First Degree (Class “E” felony) and one count of Harassment in the Second Degree (violation). The defendant was arraigned on Saturday, November 12, 2022.

The defendant is accused of repeatedly threatening the victim through social media posts while knowingly in violation of an existing order of protection. The alleged threats were posted after the temporary order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim on October 7, 2022.

The Buffalo Police Department obtained a temporary Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) and a search was conducted at the defendant’s residence last week. No weapons were found.

Thomas is scheduled to return on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. for further proceedings. Bail was set at $5,000 cash, bond, property or partially secured bond or release under supervision.

If convicted of the highest charge, Thomas faces a maximum sentence of four years in prison.

The defendant has a pending criminal case in Buffalo City Court for allegedly stalking and harassing the same victim. Thomas was arrested on Friday, October 7, 2022. He was arraigned the same day before Buffalo City Court Judge Andrew C. LoTempio on one count of Aggravated Harassment in the Second Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor) and two counts of Stalking in the Fourth Degree (Class “B” misdemeanors).

The defendant is accused of repeatedly threatening the male victim through various social media platforms, which placed the victim in reasonable fear of harm.

Thomas also has four additional pending cases in Buffalo City Court for allegedly threatening four other victims.

Thomas was arraigned before Judge LoTempio on October 7, 2022 on one count of Aggravated Harassment in the Second Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor). He is accused of repeatedly threatening a female victim through various social media platforms, which placed the victim in reasonable fear of harm.

Thomas was also arraigned before Judge LoTempio on October 7, 2022 on one count of Aggravated Harassment in the Second Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor) and two counts of Stalking in the Fourth Degree (Class “B” misdemeanors). He is accused of repeatedly threatening a second male victim through phone, text and social media platforms, which placed the victim in reasonable fear of harm.

The defendant was released on his own recognizance as the charges are non-qualifying offenses for bail. Judge LoTempio issued temporary orders of protection on behalf of the victims.

Thomas was arraigned before Judge Savage on November 12, 2022 on one count of Aggravated Harassment in the Second Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor). He is accused of repeatedly threatening a second female victim through various social media platforms which placed the victim in reasonable fear of harm. Bail was set at $1.00. A temporary order of protection was issued for the victim.

Thomas was arraigned before Buffalo City Court Judge Carrie Phillips on November 14, 2022 on one count of Aggravated Harassment in the Second Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor). He is accused of repeatedly threatening a third male victim through social media which placed the victim in reasonable fear of harm. Bail was set at $1.00. A temporary order of protection was issued for the victim.

Thomas is also scheduled to return on these cases on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at 9:30 a.m.

DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department for their work in these investigations. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kevin R. Brown 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.