Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Flaherty, Jr. announces that 45-year-old Christopher McCullen of Buffalo has pleaded guilty before Erie County Court Judge Sheila DiTullio to Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree and seven counts of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree. 

Between April and December of 2014, the defendant was the leader of a ring which broke into automobiles and stole credit cards which were then used to buy untraceable gift cards.  The defendant and others broke into the cars which were parked at gyms, restaurants, parks and other entertainment facilities in Buffalo, Amherst, Tonawanda and Depew. The credit cards were then given to female defendants to buy gift cards which were then sold at a discount.  

10 defendants in total were indicted and all entered guilty pleas.  

McCullen faces a maximum of 6 years in prison when he is sentenced November 30, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. by Judge DiTullio. 

Acting DA Flaherty commends Amherst Police Det. John Trabert, Cheektowaga Lt. Mark Jedd, Niagara Falls Det. Mark Jaroszewski and Det. Brian Moline from the Town of Tonawanda for their thorough investigative work. 

Assistant District Attorney Karen Korkuc is prosecuting the case.