Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 27-year-old John E. Harber, Jr. of Cheektowaga and 30-year-old Shaquille A. Chillis of Buffalo were arraigned this morning before Erie County Court Judge Sheila A. DiTullio on an indictment charging them both with one count of Burglary in the Third Degree (Class “D” felony) and one count of Attempted Petit Larceny (Class “B” misdemeanor).
It is alleged that during the early morning hours of Monday, December 26, 2022, the defendants, while acting in concert with one another, burglarized a business located on the 3500 block of Main Street in the Town of Amherst. Harber is accused of driving Chillis to the store, with the intent to commit a burglary, by acting as the driver of the getaway vehicle. Defendant Chillis is accused of knowingly entering and remaining unlawfully inside of the closed store by entering through a broken window with the intent to steal shoes.
Defendant Harber allegedly waited inside of his vehicle in the parking lot during the commission of the crime, but drove away as police entered the store to investigate. Harber was stopped by police a short time later on Main Street. Chillis was taken into custody without incident when confronted by police officers in the rear stock room of the store.
Harber and Chillis are scheduled to return on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. for motions. Harber continues to be released under supervision. Chillis was released on his own recognizance.
If convicted of the highest charge, Harber and Chillis face a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison.
DA Flynn commends the Amherst Police Department for their work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney David M. Zak 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
