Mother sentenced for taking children from legal guardian, violating order of protection
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A Buffalo woman was sentenced Thursday morning for knowingly violating an order of protection and taking her two young children away from their legal guardian, the Erie County District Attorney's Office announced.
According to officials, 41-year-old Jennie Johnson lured her 10-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son into a vehicle on April 18. She fled the area near Hertel Avenue with the children, and their legal guardian reported them missing soon after.
Johnson and another family member drove the children to her home without permission. They were found safely the next day.
Johnson pleaded guilty to unlawful imprisonment and custodial interference in August. She was sentenced to three years of probation Thursday. Final orders of protection for the children and their legal guardian remain in effect until 2029.
Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.