Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that a jury found Cariol J. Horne, 57, of Buffalo, guilty of one count of Obstruction of Governmental Administration in the Second Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor). Jurors rendered their decision yesterday afternoon after approximately 90 minutes of deliberation following a six-day trial, convicting the defendant of the highest charge. The jurors also found the defendant not guilty count of Harassment in the Second Degree (violation). A third charge, one count of Disorderly Conduct (violation), was dismissed by Buffalo City Court Judge Tiffany Perry on Monday, April 28, 2025.
On Sunday, December 25, 2022, at approximately 10:50 p.m., Buffalo Police patrol officers observed two women place suspected stolen merchandise into a vehicle outside of a store on the 2800 block of Bailey Avenue. The store was closed at the time of the incident due to a severe winter storm. The police officers had previously responded to the store multiple times during their overtime shift for reported looting.
On the evening of Christmas 2022, the Buffalo Police Department had a limited number of patrol vehicles available due to the heavy snow accumulation. Due to the need for first responders, the patrol officers were operating an unmarked detective vehicle that was not equipped to detain or transport suspects. Therefore, the two adult female suspects, who were dressed in winter attire, were handcuffed and seated on the ground.
While the officers were conducting their investigation, the defendant approached one of the officers and demanded that the suspects be removed from the ground. The defendant intentionally obstructed the investigation by refusing multiple commands by the patrol officer to leave the area. The defendant prevented the officer from performing his official duties by means of intimidation, physical force and interference by continuing to argue with the officer, pointing her finger in his face and striking him once in the chest with her hand while refusing his commands. After being struck by the defendant, the officer grabbed the defendant’s jacket to detain her.
After the verdict, defense counsel indicated his intent to file a motion pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law 330.30 to set aside the verdict. The matter is scheduled for oral arguments before Judge Perry on Monday, June 16, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
The People requested that the defendant be released under supervision pending sentence. Judge Perry denied the request and continued the defendant’s release under previously posted bail.
DA Keane commends Officer Dyjon Robinson and Officer Edward Byrd of the Buffalo Police Department for their work in the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Chief Samantha N. King of the Buffalo City Court Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Jamie E. Englerth of the Justice Courts Bureau.
