Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 35-year-old Dennis J. White of Buffalo was arraigned this afternoon before Erie County Court Judge Suzanne Maxwell Barnes on a ten-count indictment charging him with the following offenses:

• Two counts of Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree (Class “A” misdemeanors)
• Four counts of Menacing in the Second Degree (Class “A” misdemeanors)
• Three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class “A” misdemeanors)
• One count of Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor)

It is alleged that at around midnight on January 10, 2021 and into the early morning hours of January 11, 2021, the defendant, while working as an unlicensed bail enforcement agent, was searching for a fugitive who was wanted on a bench warrant from Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. The defendant is accused of unlawfully searching residence of the fugitive’s brother on Oakdale Place in the City of Buffalo where he forcibly entered the home while armed with a what appeared to be a rifle or shotgun.

The defendant is accused of knowingly and unlawfully entering the homeowner’s residence as well as an upstairs apartment. It is further alleged that the defendant intentionally placed the victims in reasonable fear of injury or death by pointing the gun at the homeowner, his fiancé and two upstairs tenants. Three children were home at the time of the alleged incident. The defendant is also accused of intentionally damaging a door to gain access to the upstairs residence.

The defendant was released on his own recognizance as all of the charges are non-qualifying for bail. At the request of the prosecutor, Judge Maxwell Barnes imposed non-monetary conditions, ordering the defendant to remain in New York State and to stay away from the victims involved in the alleged incident.

A return court date has not been scheduled at this time.

If convicted of all charges, White faces a maximum of one year in jail.  

DA Flynn commends Detective Franklyn King of the Buffalo Police Department for his work in the investigation.  

The case is being prosecuted by Chief Rachel L. Newton of the Felony Trials Bureau and Assistant District Attorney David A. Heraty of the Appeals Bureau.

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