A man who sent a series of threatening text messages to the state attorney general and State Supreme Court justice last year has been allowed to plead guilty to a lesser charge in the case.
Tyler J. Vogel, 27, of Lancaster, pleaded guilty Monday before State Supreme Court Justice M. William Boller to one count of second-degree aggravated harassment (Class “A” misdemeanor). He was sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge.
On March 24, 2024, Vogel, with the intent to intimidate or coerce, sent threatening text messages to New York Attorney General Leticia James and State Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron during the Attorney General’s civil fraud case against President Donald Trump. Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane said the texts threatened physical harm or death if the victim did not comply with Vogel’s demands to cease action in the civil case. Vogel obtained the victims’ phone numbers through a paid background website.
Vogel originally pleaded guilty to making a terroristic threat (a Class “D” Violent Felony) and one count of making a threat of mass harm (a Class “B” Violent Felony). Vogel was then enrolled in an interim probation program following consultation with the victims.
Vogel completed an interim probation program. The interim probation plea agreement was approved by the district attorney in consultation with the victims.
As a condition of interim probation, Vogel was ordered to comply with the mandates of Mental Health Court. Based upon his successful completion of the program, Vogel was permitted to withdraw his previous plea and enter a guilty plea to a reduced charge. In addition to leading a law-abiding life, Vogel was also ordered to continue with counseling as a condition of his sentence.
As part of the sentencing proceeding, final orders of protection were issued on behalf of the victims, which remain in effect for the next five years.
Keane commended the New York State Police for their work in this investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Briana R.D. Kalman of the Narcotics/Intelligence Bureau and Chief Danielle N. D’Abate of the Felony Trials Bureau.