Former Buffalo Lawmaker Pleads Guilty to Theft

To contact us Click HERE

BUFFALO, NY—U.S. Attorney William J.Hochul, Jr. announced today that former city of Buffalo Common Council MemberBrian C. Davis, 43, of Buffalo, New York, pleaded guilty to theft concerningprograms receiving federal funds before Chief U.S. District Judge William M.Skretny. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of$250,000, or both.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell T.Ippolito, Jr., who is handling the prosecution, stated that Davis diverted$48,237 in city of Buffalo discretionary funds to his own use and the use ofothers. As a city of Buffalo Common Council Member between 2006 and 2010, Daviswas responsible for distributing discretionary funds for public benefitpurposes. Instead, the defendant funneled city funds through not-for-profitpass through agencies and personal friends, and ultimately, to himself. NeitherDavis, nor his associates, were entitled to any of the discretionary funds.
“Elected officials owe a special duty tothe public by virtue of their unique position,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “Inour constitutional system of government, such officials serve as temporarycaretaker of the government and its property and are responsible for decidingexactly how and how much of the hard earned money of taxpayers will be spent.This marks one of the first times in memory that an elected official actuallystole money in his care. These funds were intended to benefit the community andmake the city a better place to live but were instead used to line the pocketsof a public official and his friends.”
“The majority of our public officialsare honest and work hard to improve the lives of those they serve, but a smallnumber make decisions for the wrong reasons,” said Steven L. Lanser, AssistantSpecial Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. “These peoplehave been found in legislatures, courts, city halls, and government agencies ofall types. Public officials like Mr. Davis are trusted to safeguard and protectthe communities they serve. Public corruption undermines the public trust andconfidence in local Western New York governments. Those who engage in thisculture of corruption should know the cross-hairs of justice will continue tobe focused on them.”
The indictment is the result of aninvestigation by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, underthe direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher M. Piehota.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 5,2012 at 9:00 a.m. before Judge Skretny.