Amherst, NY (WBEN) An Amherst teen is charged with a hate crime.
18-year-old Christian McCaffery of Amherst has been arraigned before Amherst Town Court Judge Kara Buscaglia on one count of Aggravated Harassment in the 2nd Degree as a hate crime, a Class “E” felony.
Prosecutors say McCaffery has engaged in a months long campaign of harassment directed towards the victim who is Jewish.
Town of Amherst Police and the District Attorney’s Office are also investigating a suspicious house fire at the home of the victim.
A return date has been set for January 13 in Amherst Town Court. Pursuant to the new bail statutes, McCaffrey was released on his own recognizance.
If convicted on the charge, he faces a maximum of 1 1/3 to 4years in prison.