August 8, 2019
FORMER EMPLOYEE ADMITS TO STEALING FUNDS FROM LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTER
Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 53-year-old Elizabeth Tyler of Buffalo pleaded guilty before State Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek to one count of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, a Class “E” felony.
The defendant admitted that between January 1, 2015 and June 20, 2019, she stole $30,784.13 while working at the SPCA Serving Erie County. An audit conducted by the SPCA uncovered the theft, which was reported to the Erie County District Attorney’s Office.
As part of her plea, Tyler agreed to pay full restitution by the date of her sentencing, which is scheduled for Monday, November 4, 2019 at 2 p.m. This morning, she appeared in court with her attorney who indicated that a check in the amount of $15,392 will be paid to the SPCA Serving Erie County by tomorrow morning.
DA Flynn commends the SPCA Serving Erie County and Detective Dan Brinkerhoff of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office for their work on the case.
The case was prosecuted by Chief Candace K. Vogel of the DA’s Special Investigations and Prosecutions Unit.
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August 8, 2019: The SPCA Serving Erie County adds to District Attorney Flynn’s comments that Tyler was terminated from her position earlier this year. The investigation referenced above determined that the total of $30,784.13 represented payment for services, and did not include donations received by the SPCA.