Williamsville Teen Charged with Hate Crime in Amherst Arson Case

A Williamsville teen has been charged with a hate crime and his co-defendant has been charged with arson after allegedly harassing an Amherst resident.

The teen, 19-year-old Christian McCaffrey, is accused of harassing the victim, who is Jewish, with calls and text messages.  According to WKBW, the incidents took place between August and December of 2019. McCaffrey has also been charged with second-degree aggravated harassment.

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A 27-year-old Buffalo man, Dino Bruscia, is McCaffrey's co-defendant in the case.  He is charged with a felony, third-degree arson.  Bruscia allegedly used a flare gun to light the victim's house on fire.  The arson took place on December 22, 2019, which investigators say is one day after McCaffrey's last contact with the victim.  The fire damaged the dining room in the victim's home.

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McCaffrey could face up to four years in prison, if he is convicted of the hate crime and second-degree aggravated harassment charge. Bruscia could spend up to 15 years in prison, if he is convicted on the arson charge. Both men will be in court on August, 24, 2020. Neither man is being held on bail, as the Erie County District Attorney's Office says that charges do not qualify them. They have both been told not to have any contact with the victim.