PORTLAND, Oregon – Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt announced that a Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge sentenced Michael Lee Dizer, 65, to 10 years in prison on four charges including two counts of Robbery in the Second Degree, Aggravated Theft in the First Degree, and Theft in the First Degree.
The charges stem from multiple incidents during the month of September 2021.
On September 5, 2021 Dizer unlawfully entered the office of the Ambassador Restaurant & Lounge located on Northeast Sandy Boulevard. Dizer entered the office of the restaurant and threatened an employee with a replica handgun while instructing her to open a safe which contained money. He then instructed her to put the money into bank bags he had laid out. Dizer instructed her to open a second safe located in the office at the time, however, the employee did not know the combination. Dizer told the employee she could call the police but needed to remain in the office until he vacated the restaurant. An estimated $20,000 was stolen from the safe.
On September 7, 2021 Dizer entered The New 715 Inn on Northeast Broadway Street. He approached the counter and demanded money for his Rip ticket from an employee. The employee took his ticket and walked to the register. As she did so, Dizer approached her from behind and brandished a replica handgun. He then stated “this is not worth your life,” and instructed her to give him money from the register. He moved the employee away from the register and began to put money into a bank bag. He then instructed her to take money out of slot machines located in the business and put the money into bank bags. Dizer then vacated the business. An estimated $2,000 was stolen from the establishment.
On September 9, 2021 an employee from the Ambassador Restaurant & Lounge received an anonymous tip that Dizer was the individual that robbed their business two days prior. Subsequent investigation including video surveillance and incriminating comments made by Dizer regarding the robberies to witnesses lead to his arrest.
“Small businesses in our community do not deserve to operate under threat. Mr. Dizer violated individual employees, simply doing their jobs, and stole significant revenue. His actions were violent, terrifying, and unacceptable. I am grateful to the jury for rendering justice and the judge’s sentence that followed,” Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Julian Samuels stated.
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