Erie County Acting District Attorney Michael J. Flaherty, Jr. announces that an Erie County Grand Jury has handed up an indictment charging 41 year-old Carmen J. Riggs of Bailey Avenue in the City of Buffalo with three counts of Burglary in the Third Degree, one count of Robbery in the Third Degree, and one count of False Personation. 

It is alleged that Riggs burglarized three businesses in Buffalo by throwing a brick or rock through a window and entering to steal multiple cartons of Newport cigarettes.  Surveillance video caught the crimes in each instance. 

Riggs stands accused of burglarizing the Delta Sonic located at 2590 Delaware Avenue on August 21, 2015, the Corner Store located at 630 Colvin Avenue on August 24, 2015, and Carmen’s Auto store located at 1460 Niagara Street on August 25, 2015. 

Riggs is further alleged to have robbed the M&T Bank located at 788 Tonawanda Street on August 27, 2015.  The robber passed a threatening note to a teller demanding cash.  The robber made off with over $1700 in currency.  Surveillance video also captured this crime.

When he was apprehended on August 28, 2015, it is alleged that Riggs impersonated another man to avoid arrest.  Ironically, the man he attempted to impersonate was already incarcerated on unrelated offenses. 

If convicted on all charges, Riggs faces up to 28 years in state prison.  If found to be a persistent felony offender, Riggs faces a life sentence. 

The defendant will be arraigned before Erie County Court Judge Kenneth F. Case on January 6, 2016 at 9:30 a.m.

Like all defendants, Riggs is presumed innocent until he is proven guilty.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney and Felony Trial Bureau Chief Michael P. Felicetta.