Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Flaherty, Jr. announces that 56-year old Leland Burks of Buffalo has pleaded guilty before State Supreme Court Justice Christopher J. Burns to one count of Identity Theft in the First Degree and one count of Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree. 

In early 2015, Burks used stolen credit card numbers to purchase tickets to the April 17, 2015 Kevin Hart performance at the First Niagara Center.  During the same time period, Burks posed as a member of Kevin Hart's entourage and booked hotel rooms in the city of Buffalo, which were also paid with stolen credit card numbers.  In total, Burks received approximately $12,710.20 in fraudulently obtained goods and services.

Burks faces a mandatory state prison term with a maximum of 3 1/2 -7 years when he is sentenced December 5, 2016, 9:30 a.m. by Justice Burns.

DA Flaherty commends Buffalo Police Department Detective Timothy Rooney and Detective Brian Mahoney for their investigative work in the case.

Assistant District Attorney Gary M. Ertel is prosecuting the case.