Man Faces Prison for Embezzling $450K to Support Gambling Habit

Background of the Theft

James Hoffman, a 42-year-old resident of Depew, has admitted to stealing nearly $450,000 from a local volunteer fire company. His crimes were driven by his gambling addiction and personal expenses.

Legal Proceedings and Charges

Erie County District Attorney Michael Keane announced that Hoffman entered a plea agreement. Hoffman faces a prison sentence ranging from two to six years for his actions. He pleaded guilty to grand larceny in the second degree and also to repeatedly failing to file personal income and earnings taxes.

Details of the Crime

Hoffman, who served as the fire company’s treasurer, misappropriated funds over six years, knowingly withdrawing money from the organization’s accounts. The stolen funds included proceeds from raffles and lotteries organized to benefit the fire company. District Attorney Keane emphasized that this was a deliberate breach of trust against both the firefighters and the community they serve.

Restitution and Sentencing Considerations

Hoffman has cooperated with authorities, agreeing to return $55,000 directly to the Sheridan Park Fire Company and pay back $391,118.42 in restitution. Additionally, he will settle $26,706 owed in back taxes to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Due to his cooperation and generally positive standing with the fire company, Hoffman received a reduced sentence, avoiding a potential 15-year prison term.