Buffalo, NY (WBEN) A Depew man fired from the New York State Police ten years ago is charged with falsely claiming to be a current trooper and raping one of his victims.
Prosecutors say 46 year old Jason Lanning knowingly and falsely represented himself as a New York State Trooper to gain the trust and personal information from a victim. Lanning, who was terminated from the New York State Police in 2010, was arrested and his case was pending in Elma Town Court. They add during the investigation, three additional victims came forward with allegations against him.
The DA's office says between June 6, 2019 and September 19, 2019, Lanning knowingly and falsely represented himself as a state trooper to gain the trust and personal information from a second victim with whom he was engaged in a personal relationship. He is also accused of forcibly engaging in sexual intercourse with a third victim in the summer of 2016. The victim alleged that Lanning falsely represented himself as a state trooper when she met him through an online dating site. Lanning is accused of forcibly engaging in sexual intercourse and forcible sexual conduct with a fourth victim in the winter of 2012. The victim also alleged that the defendant falsely represented himself as a state trooper when she met him through an online dating site.
Lanning is scheduled to return on Thursday, September 24, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. for an initial appearance before State Supreme Court Justice Deborah A. Haendiges who will preside over the case. He was remanded without bail.
Lanning faces a maximum possible sentence of up to life in prison if convicted on all counts.
Anyone with additional information about this defendant can contact the Erie County District Attorney's Office at 716-858-2424 or the New York State Police at 585-344-6200.
