Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 20-year-old Leonnes Davis, also known as “Man-Man,” of Buffalo has been arraigned before State Supreme Court Justice Christopher J. Burns on an indictment charging him with one count of Kidnapping in the Second Degree, a Class “B” felony, one count of Intimidating a Victim or Witness in the Second Degree, a Class “D” felony, one count of Intimidating a Victim or Witness in the Third Degree, a Class “E” felony, one count of Tampering with a Witness in the Second Degree, a Class “D” felony, and one count of Tampering with a Witness in the Third Degree, a Class “E” felony.

His co-defendant, 41-year-old Lashard Kyser, also known as “Shar,” of Buffalo, was arraigned on the same charges before Supreme Court Justice Christopher J. Burns on Monday, January 7, 2019.

It is alleged that on December 12, 2018, during a murder trial against Tevin McCutcheon, the defendants lured the victim, a witness who was expected to testify in that trial, to a home on Quincy Street in the City of Buffalo. When the victim tried to leave the house, the defendants forced the victim to remain inside.

When the victim tried to escape, the defendants allegedly chased the victim onto the street and Davis tripped him from behind.  The victim suffered scrapes and cuts on his face and body.

After the victim fell, both defendants are accused of beating and restraining the victim. Both Kyser and Davis allegedly placed the victim in chokeholds, which nearly caused the victim to lose consciousness.

The victim was allegedly forced into a vehicle and driven to Niagara Falls before being driven to Richmond, Virginia where he was left at a bus stop.

Authorities began searching for the victim when he did not appear to testify at trial. The victim was located safely in Richmond, Virginia.

A return date for Davis has not been scheduled. He remains remanded without bail.

Kyser remains remanded on $300,000 bail. A return date has not been scheduled.

If convicted on all charges, both defendants face a maximum of 25 years in prison.

DA Flynn commends Detective Sergeant William Cooley and Detective Antonio Borelli of the Buffalo Police Department as well as the US Marshals for their work in this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Nicholas T. Texido and Sara N. Dee of the DA’s Training/Special Projects Bureau.

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