Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Dale E. Gabler, 53, of no permanent address, pleaded guilty this morning before Erie County Court Judge Suzanne Maxwell Barnes to nine counts of Burglary in the Second Degree (Class C violent felonies), two counts of counts of Attempted Burglary in the Second Degree (Class D violent felonies), one count of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree (Class D felony) and one count of Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree (Class A misdemeanor). Gabler, who was not offered a reduced plea, entered a guilty plea to all counts in the indictment.
On Tuesday, September 15, 2025, at approximately 1:00 a.m., the defendant was arrested on the 800 block of Amherst Street in the City of Buffalo. The defendant burglarized a nearby home and attempted to steal a vehicle when he was confronted by the homeowners. The defendant was found in possession of several stolen credit cards when he was placed under arrest. A television and several electronics from inside the home had been moved into the victim’s vehicle.
The defendant committed a series of similar crimes at several locations in the City of Buffalo between September 4, 2025, and September 15, 2025. At the time of his arrest, Gabler was pending prosecution. On Thursday, September 4, 2025, Buffalo Police responded to the 100 block of Babcock Street for a report of a suspicious vehicle. The defendant was found in possession of a Jeep Grand Cherokee that had been reported stolen from Columbus Parkway. The defendant was also found in possession of several stolen credit cards.
The next day, Friday, September 5, 2025, Gabler was arraigned on various charges for criminal possession of stolen property and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in Buffalo City Court. He was released on his own recognizance as the charges were non-qualifying offenses for bail. A bench warrant was issued after the defendant failed to appear in court on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
After his release on Friday, September 5, 2025, the defendant committed a burglary at a residence on Middlesex Road in the City of Buffalo. The defendant entered through an unlocked door and stole various items from the victim, including a bicycle, jacket, sleeping bag and radio.
On Friday, September 5, 2025, the defendant unlawfully entered a residence on Plymouth Avenue in the City of Buffalo with the intent to commit a crime. The defendant gained entry by cutting a screen to unlock a side door. The defendant stole the victim’s laptop, bicycle and car keys.
On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, the defendant unlawfully entered a residence on Niagara Street in the City of Buffalo with the intent to commit a crime. The defendant cut a screen to climb through a rear window. He stole an electric scooter and a can of beer.
On Thursday, September 11, 2025, the defendant unlawfully entered a residence on Richmond Avenue in the City of Buffalo with the intent to commit a crime. The defendant removed an air conditioning unit to gain entry through a window. The defendant stole a children’s fold up wagon, a jacket, a bottle of liquor, several credit cards, car keys and the victim’s vehicle.
On Saturday, September 13, 2025, the defendant unlawfully entered a garage on Fordham Drive in the City of Buffalo and attempted to commit a crime but was unable to steal any property from the victim.
On Sunday, September 14, 2025, the defendant unlawfully entered a residence on Hallam Road in the City of Buffalo with the intent to commit a crime. The defendant gained entry through a side window and stole a giraffe statue from the victim.
On Sunday, September 14, 2025, the defendant unlawfully entered a residence on Lincoln Parkway in the City of Buffalo with the intent to commit a crime. The defendant entered through an unlocked window but was unable to steal any property from the victim.
On Sunday, September 14, 2025, the defendant attempted to unlawfully enter a second residence on Lincoln Parkway in the City of Buffalo. The defendant attempted to enter through a rear window, resulting in damage to the window.
On Sunday, September 14, 2025, the defendant unlawfully entered another residence on Fordham Drive in the City of Buffalo with the intent to commit a crime. The defendant gained entry by standing on a garbage tote to cut a screen and open a window. The defendant stole a wood box that contained jewelry.
Following his arrest in mid-September 2025, our office filed a bail revocation motion as the defendant is accused of committing additional crimes while released on his own recognizance. The Court revoked his release, and the defendant was held without bail.
Gable faces a maximum of 20 years in prison when he is sentenced as a second violent felony offender on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. He continues to be held without bail.
DA Keane commends Detective William Folckemer, Detective Ryan Nye, Detective Brendan Overdorf, Detective Philip Hinterberger, Detective Tom Olejniczak, Detective Ted Ramage and Officer Jacob Shaver of the Buffalo Police Department for their work in these investigations.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Rachel L. Schepart of the Felony Trials Bureau.