(WNY News Now) – A former Buffalo police officer has pleaded guilty to insurance fraud after falsely claiming his vehicle was stolen. Dewayne Raye, 34, admitted to the charge in Erie County Court, where Judge James Bargnesi accepted his guilty plea for Insurance Fraud in the Fifth Degree, a Class A misdemeanor.
On November 12, 2023, Raye falsely reported his 2021 Dodge Ram pickup truck as stolen to his auto insurance provider. However, an investigation revealed that Raye had already sold the vehicle to a buyer in Suffolk County without transferring the title. When the vehicle was flagged as stolen, the buyer reported the situation to the police, exposing the fraudulent claim. Raye’s intent to defraud was uncovered before any payment was made by the insurance company.
At the time of the incident, Raye was employed by the Buffalo Police Department. As part of the plea agreement, he resigned from his position. He now faces up to one year in jail, with sentencing set for December 19, 2024.
Erie County Acting District Attorney Michael J. Keane praised the cooperation between Suffolk County Police and Buffalo Police Internal Affairs in bringing the case to justice. Chief Gary M. Ertel of the Public Integrity Unit led the prosecution.
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