Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Flaherty, Jr. announces 52-year-old Sean Potter of Tonawanda has pleaded guilty before Buffalo City Court Judge Craig Hannah to Offering a False Instrument For Filing in the 2nd Degree. 

Potter, a former Buffalo police officer, admitted that he filed paperwork with BPD in which he falsely claimed to be injured on duty in September 2016.  A 26 year veteran of the force, Potter resigned from the department in connection with his guilty plea. 

Potter was sentenced to one year conditional discharge. 

“Police work is inherently dangerous and every day the brave members of the Buffalo Police Department put their health at risk for the citizens of Buffalo,” says acting DA Flaherty. “The reality is that suffering an injury on the job is a risk, but they are willing to face that to serve us.  That is why there are remedies and protections for officers who suffer an injury on the job.  Fortunately, the vast majority of members of the Buffalo Police Department are hardworking, honest, dedicated public servants.  It is discouraging and disheartening to learn that some officers are willing to game the system at our expense.  Not only does this cost the taxpayer unfairly, it tends to reflect poorly on everyone else in the force.” 

Acting DA Flaherty adds, “Commissioner Derenda has made it a clear priority that he will insure that every officer receiving accommodations after having been injured on duty truly suffered harm while working as a police officer. When his investigators discover a potential fraud, as happened here, he refers the case to us for the appropriate prosecution.”

Acting DA Flaherty commends the investigative work of Buffalo Police Department Inspector Harold McLellan and Captain Dawn Kent.