TOWN OF AMHERST, N.Y. (WKBW) — An Amherst teen is in trouble with the law after police say he engaged in a month-long campaign of harassment toward a Jewish person.
Authorities have charged 18-year-old Christian McCaffery of Amherst with Aggravated Harassment in the 2nd Degree as a hate crime. Police are also investigating a suspicious fire at the victim's house.
"The initial investigation into the arson reveals that there appears to be an anti-Semitic component to the crime," the Erie County District Attorney's Office said in a statement to 7 Eyewitness News. "However, the initial investigation also reveals that this appears to be an isolated incident directed at a specific member of the household. At this time, we do not believe there to be a continuing threat to members of the Western New York Jewish community."
McCaffery faces up to four years in prison if he is convicted. He is scheduled to make an appearance in court on January 13.
