West Seneca, NY (WBEN) A West Seneca Police Officer is charged with stealing thousands from area stores. Prosecutors say he used 2 methods to steal the goods.
Erie County DA John Flynn says West Seneca Police Chief Ed Baker alerted him of allegations against 33 year old Ryan Miller. "(Baker) called me saying we don't want to have any appearance of impropriety and could you investigate this, and we did," says Flynn. He says his office's confidential criminal investigators, assisted by the West Seneca Police Department, executed a search warrant at Miller's residence on Ehinger Drive where he says some stolen merchandise was recovered.
Flynn says Miller stole merchandise from a home improvement retailer in West Seneca and other store locations throughout Western New York. Flynn says there are two methods. "Once the merchandise was in his possession, Miller would allegedly steal the items by cancelling an order or by leaving the store without paying for the items," says Flynn.
Miller is scheduled to return on Friday, May 27th 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. He is suspended from West Seneca Police without pay.
