Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 34-year-old Ryan J. Miller of West Seneca pleaded guilty this afternoon before Erie County Court Judge Kenneth Case to one count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (Class “D” felony) and one count of Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree (Class “E” felony).

Between January 10, 2018 and April 26, 2022, the defendant stole merchandise from home improvement retailers and other big box stores throughout Western New York. Once the merchandise was in his possession, the defendant would steal items by either cancelling an online order while inside of the store or by leaving the store without paying for the items. The defendant also committed the scheme to defraud by re-packing stolen items and returning the merchandise to the retailer. Miller, who worked as a patrol officer with the West Seneca Police Department, admitted to stealing approximately $31,734.39 in merchandise from various retailers. Miller remains suspended from the West Seneca Police Department.

Miller faces a maximum of 7 years in prison when he is sentenced on Monday, March 27, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. He remains releases on his own recognizance.  

District Attorney Flynn also announces that 27-year-old Dylan Biddeman of West Seneca pleaded guilty this week for his role in these crimes. Biddeman pleaded guilty to one count of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree (Class “E” felony) before Judge Case on Wednesday, October 5, 2022.

Between October 1, 2021 and April 26, 2022, the defendant, while working in concert with co-defendant Ryan Miller, stole merchandise from a home improvement retailer in West Seneca and other store locations throughout Western New York.

Biddeman faces a maximum of 4 in prison when he is sentenced on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. He continues to remain released on his own recognizance.

DA Flynn commends the Erie County District Attorney’s Office Confidential Criminal Investigators for their work in this investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Gary M. Ertel of the Public Integrity Unit and Assistant District Attorney Ryan A. Emmerling of the Justice Courts Bureau.