Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 33-year-old Ryan J. Miller of Town of West Seneca was arraigned yesterday evening before West Seneca Town Court Justice Jeffrey M. Harrington on one count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree and one count of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree (Class “D” felonies).

It is alleged that between October 1, 2021 and April 8, 2022, the defendant stole merchandise from a home improvement retailer in West Seneca and other store locations throughout Western New York. Once the merchandise was in his possession, the defendant would allegedly steal the items by cancelling an order or by leaving the store without paying for the items. The defendant, a patrol officer with the West Seneca Police Department who was off-duty at the time of the alleged incidents, is accused of stealing more than $10,000.00 in merchandise.

Yesterday, Erie County District Attorney’s Office confidential criminal investigators, assisted by the West Seneca Police Department, executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence on Ehinger Drive where some stolen merchandise was allegedly recovered.

Miller is scheduled to return on Friday, May 27, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. for a felony hearing. He was released on his own recognizance as the charges are non-qualifying offenses for bail.

If convicted of all charges, Miller faces a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison.

DA Flynn commends the Erie County District Attorney’s Office confidential criminal investigators for their work in this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Gary M. Ertel of the Public Integrity Unit.  

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.