Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 30- year-old Brandon Adler of Amherst has been sentenced by Erie County Court Judge James Bargnesi to 5 years probation.

On July 30, 2017, at about 7:30 a.m., the defendant started a couch in his apartment on fire, which spread throughout the building located at 486 Franklin Street.  Five people who were inside the apartment building at the time of the fire escaped, but two victims had to be rescued by the Buffalo Fire Department from a second-floor window.

The fire severely damaged the second floor and roof of the apartment building. The entire building sustained water damage. Due to the amount of damage, all residents of the building were displaced and lost most, if not all, of their belongings in the blaze.

Adler pleaded guilty to Arson in the Fourth Degree, the highest sustainable charge, in March 2018.

In addition to his sentence, the defendant must pay a $5,000 fine. An order of protection was issued for three victims who lived in the apartment building.

“This individual started his couch on fire, put out the flames then lit the couch on fire a second time,” said DA Flynn. “His behavior was totally reckless, and unfortunately his despicable conduct forced his neighbors to rebuild their lives.”

DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Fire Marshals led by Lt. James Otwell.

Paul Glascott, Chief of the DA’s Vehicular Crimes Bureau, prosecuted the case.