Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 37-year-old Sara J. Lilley of Springville pleaded guilty before Erie Count Court Judge Kenneth Case to one count of Arson in the Second Degree (Class “B” felony). The defendant pleaded guilty, as charged, to the sole count in the indictment against her on Thursday, September 14, 2023.
On Monday, January 23, 2023, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Erie County Sheriff’s Office deputies and multiple volunteer fire companies responded to a fire at an apartment building on North Buffalo Street in the Village of Springville. The fire damaged multiple apartment units. No injuries were reported, but several residents were displaced. The defendant, who resided in the apartment building, intentionally set the fire.
Lilley faces up to 25 years in prison when she is sentenced on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. She continues to be held without bail.
DA Flynn commends the Erie County Sheriff’s Office Fire Investigation Unit, Springville Volunteer Fire Company and the numerous volunteer fire companies for their work in this investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christine M. Garvey of the Felony Trials Bureau.
