Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 67-year-old Francis R. Winiarski of Buffalo was arraigned this morning before Buffalo City Court Judge Phillip Dabney, Jr. on one count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (Class “D” felony).
It is alleged that on or about between August 1, 2023 and March 3, 2024, the defendant stole a sum of money from Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Amherst Street in the City of Buffalo while volunteering at the parish. The defendant allegedly pocketed cash, given by parishioners during the offering, by tampering with the collection bags. At this time, the defendant is accused of stealing approximately $3,000 from the church.
Winiarski is scheduled to return on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing. He was released on his own recognizance as the charge is a non-qualifying offense for bail.
If convicted of the highest charge, Winiarski faces a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison.
DA Flynn commends ECDA Confidential Criminal Investigators Natalie Perez and Robert Bebak for their work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Chief Gary M. Ertel of the Special Investigations and Prosecutions Bureau.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.