Erie County District Attorney Frank A. Sedita III announces that 42 year-old Buffalo Police Officer Michael Missana was arraigned this afternoon before Acting Supreme Court Justice M. William Boller on a sealed indictment charging him with Petit Larceny and Official Misconduct.

The following is alleged: that on August 21, 2014, Missana stole approximately $130 from a women’s pocketbook while on duty; that the pocketbook was initially discovered by a Good Samaritan and entrusted to Missana; and, that Missana returned the pocketbook it to its rightful owner, but not before pilfering the cash inside.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney and Felony Trial Bureau Chief Michael P. Felicetta. DA Sedita thanked Buffalo Police Commissioner Daniel Derenda, who has suspended Missana without pay, for his full cooperation. 

Missana faces up to one year in the Erie County Correctional Facility if convicted.  Like all defendants, Missana is presumed innocent until he is proven guilty in a court of law.