Demont Coston, a 56-year-old resident of Buffalo, NY, has entered a guilty plea in federal court after making chilling threats to blow up the U.S. Veterans Affairs facility in Buffalo. According to U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross, Coston’s actions have landed him facing a potential sentence of one year in prison and a fine of $1,000,000.
Coston’s transgressions began on September 12, 2023, when he called the VA Crisis Line and repeatedly threatened to detonate explosives at the Buffalo VA. His threats escalated later that day as he declared his intent to ‘burn the building down.’
Two days later, Coston continued his spree of terror by text messaging the VA Crisis Line, expressing frustration over a lack of service from the VA in 30 years and vowed to dismantle all V.A. facilities, specifically targeting the main one in Washington, D.C.
The investigation into Coston’s despicable actions was led by the VA Medical Center Police, under Chief Richard King, and the VA Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations Division, directed by Special Agent-in-Charge Christopher Algieri.
Coston will now face sentencing on July 11, 2024, at 3:30 p.m., before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Romer. The severity of his plea underscores the gravity of his threats and the potential danger posed to the public.
Buffalo residents and VA employees have been put on edge by these events, seeking reassurance from law enforcement that such terrifying acts will not be tolerated. Coston’s guilty plea is a stark reminder that violent threats against critical infrastructure will not go unpunished.
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
