Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 26-year-old Edward Burton of Buffalo and his co-defendant, 25-year-old Deshawn Foots also of Buffalo have pleaded guilty to two counts of Robbery in the First Degree before Erie County Court Judge James Bargnesi for the gunpoint robbery of two men at the Denny’s restaurant in Amherst. 

On October 15, 2016 at around 3:30 a.m., Burton and Foots held up the two victims at gunpoint inside the bathroom of the restaurant at 4445 Main St. near Harlem Road, stealing money and jewelry. 

Amherst police responded to the scene right away and quickly zeroed in on Burton and Foots.  One officer observed Foots discard the pistol underneath a table inside the restaurant and another recovered a matching bullet from Foots’ shoe.  At the time of arrest, both Burton and Foots were still wearing jewelry stolen from one of the victims.  

Burton also pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree after being caught with a loaded weapon when he was out on bail from the robbery. 

Burton faces up to 40 years in prison when he is sentenced by Judge Bargnesi on September 19, 2017 at 9:30 a.m.  Foots faces up to 25 years in prison when he is sentenced by Judge Bargnesi on September 21, 2017 at 9:30 a.m. 

DA Flynn commends the Amherst Police Department for their investigative work, including Officer Julian Chinana and Detective Thomas Thielman. 

Assistant District Attorney James W. Mansour II prosecuted the case.