Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Timothy D. Berry, 35, of Williamsville, pleaded guilty this morning before Amherst Town Court Justice Ann Nichols to one count of Petit Larceny (Class A misdemeanor).
The Erie County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation after receiving a complaint from members of a local organization about suspected fraud committed by another member of the group. It was determined that on or about Friday, September 27, 2024, and Friday, October 4, 2024, the defendant knowingly and intentionally stole money from the organization, which was collected through a social media fundraiser to support the group’s Hurricane Helene relief efforts. The defendant transferred donated money from a PayPal account to his personal bank account, which he used for unauthorized personal expenses. Further investigation determined that the actual total theft amount was $1,600.
As a condition of the plea to the reduced charge, Berry paid full restitution of $1,600 to the group. He faces a maximum of 364 days in jail when he is sentenced on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. He remains released on his own recognizance.
DA Keane commends Detective Daniel Brinkerhoff of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office for his work in this investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Chief Gary M. Ertel of the Special Investigations and Prosecutions Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Ryan E. Thie of the Justice Courts Bureau.