Buffalo, New York (WNY News Now) After being found guilty of illegally removing her children from their legal guardian in defiance of an active order of protection, a Buffalo mother received a sentence of three years probation.
Judge Carrie Phillips of Buffalo City Court sentenced 41-year-old Jennie M. Johnson Friday morning. On August 6, 2024, Johnson entered a guilty plea to two Class A misdemeanors: unlawful imprisonment in the second degree and custodial interference in the second degree.
The allegations are related to an event that occurred on April 18, 2024, in Buffalo, where Johnson enticed her two children away from their guardian along Hertel Avenue. Johnson illegally confined the kids and drove them to her house in contravention of an Erie County Family Court order of protection. The next day, April 19, 2024, the children were safely found after being reported missing.
The children and their legal guardian received final orders of protection as part of the sentencing, which were in force for five years.
Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane stated that safeguarding the welfare of children is still of utmost importance. He gave credit to Detectives Jim McMahon and Michael Laun as well as Buffalo Police Department personnel for their prompt action and careful investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Special Victims/Domestic Violence Bureau Assistant District Attorney Daniel J. Mattle.