Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 29- year-old Brandon Adler of Buffalo has been arraigned by Erie County Court Judge James Bargnesi on an indictment charging him with Arson in the Fourth Degree for allegedly starting a fire that damaged a two-story apartment building. 

It is alleged that on July 30, 2017, at about 7:30 in the morning, the defendant recklessly damaged an apartment building at 486 Franklin Street in Buffalo by intentionally starting a couch on fire in his apartment. 

Five other people who were in the apartment building at the time of the fire escaped unharmed, but one woman and her friend had to be rescued by the Buffalo Fire Department from a second-floor window.  

The fire severely damaged the second floor and roof of the apartment building. The entire building sustained water damage. 

Adler pleaded not guilty and bail remains at $40,000. If convicted of the charge, the defendant faces a maximum of 4 years in prison. 

DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Fire Marshals led by Lt. James Otwell. 

Chief Paul Glascott of the DA’s Felony Trials Bureau is prosecuting the case. 

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.