UPDATE: Sarah L. Harvey pleaded guilty to one count of Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor) before Buffalo City Court Judge Kevin Keane on February 3, 2021. She was sentenced to a conditional discharge. As part of her sentence, she was ordered to pay $1,170.00 in restitution and complete 150 hours of community service.

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 31-year-old Sarah L. Harvey of Buffalo has been arraigned before Buffalo City Court Judge Kevin J. Keane on one count of Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree, a Class “D” felony, one count of Making Graffiti, a Class “A” misdemeanor, and one count of Possession of Graffiti Instruments, a Class “A” misdemeanor. The defendant is also charged with a violation for remaining in a city park after hours.

It is alleged that on Friday, September 18, 2020, at approximately 11:00 p.m., the defendant intentionally damaged the McKinley Monument in Niagara Square by vandalizing it with red paint.

Harvey is scheduled to return on Monday, November 23, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing. She was released on her own recognizance.

If convicted on all charges, Harvey faces a maximum of 7 years in prison.

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

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