Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 43-year-old Jason P. Sciabarrasi of Amherst was arraigned on Wednesday morning before Amherst Town Court Justice Geoffrey K. Klein on one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the First Degree (Class “B” felony), one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” felony), and one count of Menacing in the Second Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor).

It is alleged that on the afternoon of September 13, 2021, the defendant threatened the victim by pointing a handgun at her. The defendant allegedly forced the female victim to help him place numerous guns into plastic bags and move weapons into the basement of his home.  

On Tuesday, September 21, 2021, investigators executed a search warrant at the defendant’s home where they allegedly recovered 12 illegal handguns, an illegal assault rifle, and ammunition. The defendant, who does not have a pistol permit, was taken into custody.

Sciabarrasi is scheduled to return on Monday, September 27, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. for a felony hearing. He remains held on $25,000 bail.

If convicted of all charges, Sciabarrasi faces a maximum of 25 years in prison.

DA Flynn commends the Amherst Police Department for their work in the investigation.  

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Rebecca L. Schnirel of the Tactical Prosecution Unit.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.