(WNY News Now) – A 44-year-old Buffalo police officer has been arraigned on misdemeanor charges alleging he stalked and harassed a former intimate partner, according to the Erie County District Attorney’s Office.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Benjamin Coughlin, 44, of Lackawanna, was arraigned Monday, October 19, in Buffalo City Court on charges of fourth-degree stalking and first-degree harassment.

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announced the charges, which allege Coughlin repeatedly engaged in conduct that placed the victim in reasonable fear of physical injury.

Prosecutors also allege Coughlin continued initiating communication after being told to stop, causing material harm to the victim’s mental or emotional health. Coughlin and the victim were previously in a relationship.

Coughlin is employed as an officer with the Buffalo Police Department.

Buffalo City Court Judge Samuel P. Davis Jr. presided over the arraignment. Coughlin was released on his own recognizance because the charges are not eligible for bail under state law. A temporary order of protection was also issued on behalf of the victim.

Coughlin is scheduled to return to court for a pretrial conference on Wednesday, November 4, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Carrie A. Phillips.

If convicted, Coughlin faces a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

Keane credited the Buffalo Police Department’s Threat Management Unit and Special Victims Unit, along with victim advocate Alyssa Hewitt, for their work on the ongoing investigation.

Chief Gina M. Gramaglia of the District Attorney’s Domestic Violence Bureau is prosecuting the case.

Coughlin is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.