(WNY News Now) – In a disturbing case of witness retaliation, Jessica Leyland, a 37-year-old Amherst resident, pleads guilty to threatening an individual in a Buffalo bar.
BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced that Jessica Leyland, 37, of Amherst, NY, pleaded guilty to witness retaliation before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The incident, which took place in July 2019, unfolded when Leyland approached the victim at a bar in Buffalo. After initiating a conversation, Leyland accused the victim of “talking to the feds” and issued a threatening statement, declaring she would “(expletive) kill” the victim. The situation escalated when Leyland put the victim in a headlock, resulting in bodily injury. Bar staff intervened, physically separating Leyland from the victim to prevent further harm.
The investigation leading to Leyland’s arrest was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, directed by Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, in collaboration with the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under Sheriff John Garcia.
Sentencing for Leyland will be scheduled at a later date.
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