Depew Man Who Posted as State Trooper Sentenced on Rape and Criminal Impersonation Charges

Modified: February 25, 2021 2:51pm

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2/25/2021

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 46-year-old Jason L. Lanning of Depew was virtually sentenced this morning before State Supreme Court Deborah A. Haendiges to one year in jail followed by 10 years of sex offender probation. He will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release.

The defendant admitted to engaging in sexual intercourse with a female victim without her consent in the summer of 2016 at a location in the Village of Depew. The defendant, a former Trooper who was terminated from the New York State Police in 2010, also admitted that he falsely represented himself as a Trooper to gain the trust and personal information from two other female victims in September 2019.

Lanning pleaded guilty to one count of Rape in the Third Degree (Class “E” felony) and two counts of Criminal Impersonation in the Second Degree (Class “A” misdemeanors) on December 9, 2020.

At sentencing, Judge Haendiges issued orders of protection on behalf of the victims.

DA Flynn commends of the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation for their work in the investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Chief Lynette M. Reda of the DA’s Special Victims Unit and Chief Stephen C. Earnhart of the DA’s Buffalo City Court Bureau.