Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jessica Leyland, 37, of Amherst, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer to witness retaliation, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis A. Testani, who is handling the case, stated that in July 2019, Leyland approached an individual (Victim) at a bar in Buffalo, NY, and asked if she could speak with the Victim. The Victim agreed and then Leyland accused the Victim of “talking to the feds” and threatened to “(expletive) kill” the Victim. Leyland then placed the Victim in a headlock, causing bodily injury. Leyland ultimately had to be physically separated from the Victim by employees at the bar.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
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