Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 48-year-old Michael J. Cremen of Franklinville has been arraigned before Buffalo City Court Judge Shannon M. Heneghan on the following charges:

• One count of Menacing in the Second Degree as a Hate Crime, a Class “E” felony
• One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree, Class “A” misdemeanors
• One count of Harassment in the Second Degree, a violation.

It is alleged that on Friday, August 28, 2020, at approximately 6:30 p.m., the defendant threatened protesters with a knife during a demonstration on Hertel Avenue near Parkside Avenue in the City of Buffalo. He is accused of pushing and threatening one protester. It is further alleged that the defendant used racial slurs during the incident.

Cremen is scheduled to return on Friday, November 13, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. for a hearing. Judge Heneghan set bail at $2,500 cash or $5,000 bond.

DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department for their work in the investigation. DA Flynn also acknowledges the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, the New York State Police, and the U.S. Marshals Office for their work in attempting to locate the defendant who was sought on a bench warrant for three weeks.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Matthew S. Szalkowski of the DA’s Felony Trials Bureau.

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