Mom Sentenced for Taking Her Children From Legal Guardian in Violation of

Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Jennie M. Johnson, 41, of Buffalo was sentenced this morning before Buffalo City Court Judge Carrie Phillips to three years of probation.

On the evening of Thursday, April 18, 2024, two children were reported missing by their legal guardian from a location in the City of Buffalo. The defendant enticed the children away from their lawful custodian while knowingly in violation of an existing order of protection, which was issued by Family Court. The defendant unlawfully restrained the children by luring them into a vehicle with her near Hertel Avenue in the City of Buffalo then fled the area. The defendant and another family member drove the children to her home, without permission from their Erie County Family Court ordered legal guardian. The children were later found safely on Friday, April 19, 2024.

Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of Custodial Interference in the Second Degree and one count of Unlawful Imprisonment in the Second Degree (Class "A" misdemeanors) on August 6, 2024. Today, final orders of protection were issued for both children and their legal guardian, which remains in effect for 5 years.

Acting DA Keane commends Detective Jim McMahon, Detective Michael Laun, and members of the Buffalo Police Department for their work in this investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Daniel J. Mattle of the Special Victims/Domestic Violence Bureau.