Defendant Sentenced for Series of Attempted Armed Robberies Targeting Convenience Stores

Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Cesarick Merritt, 35, of Buffalo was sentenced yesterday morning before Erie County Court Judge Kenneth Case to 7 years in prison followed by 5 years of post-release supervision.

On Saturday, December 5, 2021, at approximately 5:45 a.m., the defendant attempted to forcibly steal $83 cash and 259 lottery tickets from a convenience store on the 400 block of Abbott Road in the City of Buffalo after he displayed what appeared to be a handgun at the clerk.

Later the same morning, at approximately 6:01 a.m., the defendant attempted to forcibly steal an unknown amount of cash and lottery tickets from a convenience store on the 1000 block of Walden Avenue in the Town of Cheektowaga after he displayed what appeared to be a pistol at the clerk.

On Friday, December 10, 2021, at approximately 10:39 p.m., the defendant attempted to forcibly steal 14 packs of cigarettes from a convenience store on the 1000 block of East Lovejoy Street in the City of Buffalo after he displayed what appeared to be a pistol at the clerk.

On March 5, 2024, Merritt pleaded guilty tothree counts of Attempted Robbery in the First Degree (Class "C" violent felonies). The defendant pleaded guilty to the charges in full satisfaction of the indictment ahead of his trial, which was scheduled to begin with jury selection the follow day.

As part of the sentencing proceeding, final orders of protection were issued on behalf of the victims of each robbery, which remain in effect until September 2039.

Acting DA Keane commends the Buffalo Police Department, Cheektowaga Police Department, and the Erie County Crime Analysis Center for their work in this investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Briana R.D. Kalman of the Narcotics/Intelligence Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Rebecca A. Fioravanti of the Special Victims/Domestic Violence Bureau.