Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 60-year-old Donald R. Thie of no permanent address pleaded guilty this morning before Erie County Court Judge Suzanne Maxwell Barnes to three counts of Robbery in the Third Degree (Class “D” felonies). The defendant pleaded guilty to all charges in the indictment against him.

On December 20, 2021, at approximately 9:54 a.m., the defendant forcibly stole approximately $1,300 in cash from a bank on Seneca Street in the City of Buffalo after passing a note to the teller, which threatened the use of a dangerous instrument. The defendant also gestured as if he was in possession of a weapon.

On December 27, 2021, at approximately 11:20 a.m., the defendant forcibly stole approximately $1,000 in cash from the same bank on Seneca Street by passing a note to the teller that threatened the use of a dangerous instrument.

On January 24, 2022, at approximately 10:25 a.m., the defendant committed a third robbery. The defendant is accused of forcibly stealing approximately $1,700 in cash from a bank on Dorrance Avenue in City of Buffalo by verbally directing the bank teller to give him the money.

Thie faces a maximum of 21 years in prison when he is sentenced on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. He continues to be held without bail.

DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department for their work in these investigations.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney David M. Zak and Assistant District Attorney Hilarie L. Henry of the Felony Trials Bureau.