Buffalo mom charged with kidnapping own kids from legal guardian

Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - A Buffalo woman is facing charges for her role in the kidnapping of her two kids this past Thursday while knowingly violating an existing order of protection prohibiting contact with them.

41-year-old Jennie Johnson of Buffalo was arraigned Saturday morning before Buffalo City Court Judge Rebecca Town on the following charges:

- One count of Kidnapping in the Second Degree (Class “B” violent felony);
- Two counts of Custodial Interference in the Second Degree;
- Two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child;
- Two counts of Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree (Class “A” misdemeanors).

It is alleged that on Thursday, April 18 at approximately 6:30 p.m. ET, two children were reported missing by their legal guardian. The defendant is accused of abducting her two children from a location the City of Buffalo, and enticing the children away from their lawful custodian while knowingly in violation of the existing order of protection.

Earlier the same day at approximately 4 p.m. ET, the defendant, it is further alleged that while sitting in the passenger seat, Johnson told the children to get inside of a vehicle with her then fled the area. The defendant and an unidentified individual then drove the children to an unknown location.

The children were located safely the following day by Buffalo Police.

Johnson is scheduled to return on Wednesday, April 24 at 9:30 a.m. ET for a felony hearing. Prosecutors requested the defendant be remanded. Judge Town set bail at $100,000 cash or bond.

Another no-contact order of protection was issued on behalf of both victims and their legal guardian.

If convicted of the highest charge, Johnson faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.

At the time Buffalo Police safely located the kids, they posted on social media there were "several arrests" made as a result of the incident. However, Johnson's arrest is the only one announced at this time.