An Amherst teenager has been arraigned in Amherst Town Court on a felony count of aggravated harassment as a hate crime.
Christian McCaffery, 18, is alleged to have engaged in a months-long campaign of harassment toward a victim who is Jewish.
The Erie County District Attorney's Office and Amherst Police are also investigating a suspicious house fire at the home of the victim.
McCaffery has been released on his own recognizance under the new state bail laws. He is due back in town court on Jan. 13. If convicted of the charge, he faces a maximum of 1 1/3-4 years in prison.