Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that the following individuals have been arraigned for allegedly looting stores during the recent major snowstorm in the City of Buffalo.
Felix Ramos, 46, of Buffalo was arraigned this morning before Buffalo City Court Judge Jenelle Faso on one count of Burglary in the Third Degree (Class “D” felony), one count of Obstruction of Governmental Administration in the Second Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor) and one count of Attempted Petit Larceny (Class “B” misdemeanor).
It is alleged that on Monday, December 26, 2022, at approximately 8:04 a.m., the defendant burglarized a Family Dollar store on the 400 block of William Street in the City of Buffalo. The defendant allegedly entered the closed store through a broken front door in an attempt to steal various items. When confronted by responding police officers, the defendant attempted to flee out of a rear door, but was taken into custody by police.
Ramos was held without bail. He is scheduled to return for a felony hearing on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 9:30 a.m.
Luiman E. Velez, 55, of Buffalo was arraigned this morning before Judge Faso on one count of Burglary in the Third Degree and one count of Attempted Petit Larceny.
It is alleged that on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at approximately 11:31 p.m., the defendant burglarized a Dollar Tree store located on the 1300 block of Broadway in the City of Buffalo. Buffalo Police officers allegedly observed the defendant enter the closed store through a broken door and attempt to steal various items.
Velez is scheduled to return for a felony hearing on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. Bail was set at $1,500 cash, bond, property or partially secured bond.
Shaniece A. Jones, 34 of Buffalo was also arraigned this morning before Judge Faso on one count of Criminal Trespass in the Third Degree (Class “B” misdemeanor).
It is alleged that on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at approximately 8:01 p.m., Buffalo Police responded to a reported burglary at a Family Dollar store located on the 2500 block of Bailey Avenue. The officers allegedly observed the defendant inside of the store. The defendant is accused of knowingly entering and remaining unlawfully inside of the store, which was closed at the time of the incident.
Jones is scheduled to return on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. She was released on her own recognizance as the charge is a non-qualifying offense for bail.
Aaron Peterson, 57, of Buffalo was arraigned before Judge Faso on Monday, December 26, 2022. He is charged with one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony), one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree (Class “D” violent felony) and one count of Menacing in the Second Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor).
It is alleged that on Sunday, December 25, 2022, at approximately 1:15 p.m., the defendant pointed an illegal gun at the victim near a Family Dollar store on the 900 block of Jefferson Avenue in the City of Buffalo. The defendant’s alleged actions placed the victim in reasonable fear of injury or death.
Peterson is scheduled to return on Friday, December 30, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing. Bail was set at $25,000 cash, bond or partially secured bond.
“These defendants are accused of looting stores while our police and first responders were working to save lives during this horrific storm. These were not crimes of desperation, but crimes of opportunity to steal items from unoccupied stores during a blizzard. My office will prosecute these offenders to the fullest extent of the law,” said Erie County DA John Flynn.
The Buffalo Police Department is actively investigating additional looting incidents. Anyone with information on these crimes in encouraged to contact the Buffalo Police Department or the Erie County DA’s Office at 716-858-2424.
DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department Anti-Looting Task Force for their work in these investigations.
The cases are being prosecuted by Chief Ashley M. Morgan of the Felony Trials Bureau.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
