Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces an arrest for burglaries committed in the Town of Amherst as well as two additional looting-related arrests for crimes that occurred in the City of Buffalo during a major snowstorm last month.

Joshua McMillan, 20, of Buffalo was arraigned yesterday morning before Buffalo City Court Judge Kevin J. Keane on one count of Burglary in the Third Degree (Class “D” felony).

It is alleged that on Sunday, December 25, 2022, at approximately 6:43 p.m., the defendant, along with other unknown individuals, burglarized a restaurant on the 2800 block of Bailey Avenue in the City of Buffalo. The defendant is accused of knowingly entering and remaining unlawfully inside of the store with the intent to commit a crime, which was closed at the time of the incident due to the snowstorm. The restaurant owner reported that approximately $2,700 in cash and various electronics were stolen during the incident.

McMillan is scheduled to return on Monday, January 23, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing. He was released on his own recognizance as the charge is a non-qualifying offense for bail.

Judge Keane issued a temporary order of protection on behalf of the victim, which orders the defendant to stay away from the restaurant.

If convicted of the charge, McMillan faces a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison.

Christopher A. Ripley, 40, of Buffalo was arraigned before Buffalo City Court Judge Rebecca Town on one count of Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree (Class “D” felony) and one count of Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree (Class “E” felony) on December 31, 2022.

It is alleged that during the early morning hours of Monday, December 26, 2022, the defendant intentionally damaged the door of a pizzeria on the 1100 block of East Lovejoy Street in the City of Buffalo by breaking a window with a crowbar.  The defendant is also accused of intentionally damaging the door of a second business on the same block. Both businesses were closed at the time of the crimes due to the blizzard.

Ripley is scheduled to return on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing. He was released on his own recognizance as the charge is a non-qualifying offense for bail.

Judge Towne issued temporary orders of protection on behalf of the victims, which orders the defendant to stay away from the businesses.

If convicted of the highest charge, Ripley faces a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison.

Quinton D. Jones, 37, of Buffalo was arraigned before Amherst Town Court Justice Kara Buscaglia on December 30, 2022 on the following offenses:

• Two counts of Burglary in the Third Degree (Class “D” felonies)
• One count of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree (Class “E” felony)
• Two counts of Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree (Class “E” felony)
• One count of Petit Larceny (Class “A” misdemeanor)

It is alleged that on Sunday, December 25, 2022, at approximately 6:10 p.m., the defendant knowingly entered and unlawfully remained inside of a pizzeria, located on the 3600 block of Main Street in the Town of Amherst, with the intent to commit a burglary. The defendant allegedly gained entry to the building by smashing a window. He is accused of stealing food products and a sum of cash from the register, valued at approximately $800. The store was closed at the time of the crime due to the blizzard.

It is further alleged that on Saturday, December 24, 2022, at approximately 6:57 p.m., the defendant knowingly entered and unlawfully remained inside of a second store, located on the 3500 block of Main Street in the Town of Amherst, with the intent to commit a burglary. The defendant allegedly gained entry to the building by breaking a window to unlock the door. The defendant is accused of stealing approximately $1,300 worth of merchandise. The store was also closed at the time of the crime due to the snowstorm. 

Jones is scheduled to appear in court this morning for a felony hearing. Bail was set at $5,000 cash, $10,000 bond or $10,000 partially secured bond.

If convicted of the highest charge in each case, Jones faces a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison.

DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department Anti-Looting Task Force and the Amherst Police Department 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.