Serial shoplifter sentenced for stealing nearly $13,000 in merchandise during 5-week spree

Submitted by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announced Jordan J. Ellison, 55, of Rochester, was sentenced yesterday afternoon before Supreme Court Judge Debra L. Givens to two to four years in prison. He was sentenced as a second felony offender.

Between Thursday, Jan, 4, and Sunday, Feb. 4, 2023, the defendant engaged in a series of retail thefts where he stole various merchandise on nine separate occasions from six different retailers in four different jurisdictions in Erie County. During the crime spree, defendant was apprehended once, which allowed the merchandise to be recovered and returned to the retailer. During the investigation, the defendant was linked to the eight other retail crimes where he successfully stole property with a total aggregate value of $12,902.

Ellison pleaded guilty to one count of robbery in the third degree (class “D” felony) and eight counts of grand larceny in the fourth degree (class “E” felonies). The defendant pleaded guilty to all counts in the indictment on Nov. 20, 2024.

As part of the sentencing proceeding, our office requested the court order the defendant to sign confessions of judgment for each retailer, as well as trespass notices, which rescind his legal right and privilege to enter the stores in the future. Givens issued a verbal stay away order.

Keane commends Cheektowaga Det. Christopher Lovallo, Cheektowaga Police officer Jennifer Szmania, Town of Hamburg Det. William Stowell, Town of Amherst dets. Ron Smith and Thomas Westbrook, and West Seneca Det. Jill Gallagher.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christopher P. Jurusik of the special investigations and prosecutions (SIP) unit, a member of the retail crime task force; as well as Assistant District Attorney Rachel Schepart of the justice courts bureau.