ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — A New York couple is facing charges because prosecutors say they used fake vaccine cards to attend the Bills playoff game against the Patriots Jan. 15.

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Michael and Amber Naab are each facing charges of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree, which is a felony, WIVB reported.

The Erie County District Attorney John Flynn said the Naabs were under suspicion because of their social media activity, and that an anonymous tip led to an investigation during the Jan. 15 game, WIVB reported. The couple was identified and removed from their seats during the third quarter.

Flynn said this is the first case to be prosecuted in Erie County since New York passed “Truth in Vaccination” legislation, which specifies that a vaccination card is considered a “written instrument” under state laws related to fraud, WUTV reported.

While the charges carry a maximum penalty of up to seven years in prison, Flynn told media he was not planning to seek a punishment that harsh, The Washington Post reported. “I readily admit this is not the crime of the century. I hate to be the guy that says, ‘I need to send a message.’ I don’t like being that guy, but you can’t do this. There’s a law. We’ve got laws on the books.”

Proof of vaccination has been required at all Bills home games since September, and is also required at other area facilities, WIVB reported.

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