Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - A Buffalo mom has pleaded guilty for illegally taking her children from their legal guardian back in April, which violated an order or protection.
41-year-old Jennie Johnson pleaded guilty Tuesday morning before Buffalo City Court Judge Carrie Phillips to one count of Custodial Interference in the Second Degree, as well as one count of Unlawful Imprisonment in the Second Degree (Class "A" misdemeanors).
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.
Johnson then unlawfully restrained the children by luring them into a vehicle with her near Hertel Avenue, 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 faces a maximum sentence of two years in jail when she is sentenced on Friday, Oct. 18 at 9:30 a.m. ET. She remains released on her own recognizance.
Temporary orders of protection issued for both children and their legal guardian remain in effect.
