Lancaster man arraigned for sending threatening text messages involving high-profile civil case

Lancaster, N.Y. (WBEN) - A 26-year-old Lancaster man was arrested Monday night after sending threatening text messages to a pair of individuals over a high-profile civil case taking place outside of Erie County.

Tyler Vogel was arraigned before Lancaster Town Court Justice David S. Stabler on two counts of Making a Terroristic Threat (Class “D” felonies) and two counts of Aggravated Harassment in the Second Degree (Class “A” misdemeanors).

According to the Erie County District Attorney's Office, Vogel, allegedly, with the intent to intimidate or coerce, sent threatening text messages to two victims this past Sunday at approximately 10:23 p.m. ET. It is alleged Vogel sent text messages separately to each victim, which threatened physical harm or death if the victim did not comply with his request to cease action in the pending civil case.

The defendant allegedly obtained the victims’ phone numbers through a paid background website.

Vogel is scheduled to return before Lancaster Village Court justice Paul Bumbalo on Thursday at 12 p.m. ET for a felony hearing. He was held without bail, pending the results of a forensic examination.

A temporary order of protection was issued on behalf of both victims.

If convicted of the highest charge, Vogel faces a maximum sentence of seven years in prison.