Former Buffalo police officer pleads guilty to insurance fraud for claiming truck was stolen

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A former Buffalo police officer pleaded guilty Wednesday morning to insurance fraud in connection with a 2023 incident in which he allegedly falsely claimed that his truck was stolen, the Erie County District Attorney's Office announced.

According to officials, 34-year-old Dewayne Raye sold his 2021 Dodge Ram pickup truck to someone in Suffolk County without providing the vehicle title. He then reported the vehicle as stolen to his auto insurance provider on or around Nov. 12, 2023.

The buyer reported the incident to police and the claim was found to be fraudulent before Raye could receive any money, officials said.

He was employed with the Buffalo Police Department at the time of the incident. As part of the plea, Raye resigned from his position.

He faces a maximum of one year in jail when is sentenced Dec. 19. He was released on his own recognizance.