By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – A former West Seneca fire official pleaded guilty Thursday before Erie County Judge thomas Franczyk to grand larceny in the second degree and criminal tax fraud in the fifth degree.
60-year old Norman Baker of 141 Emporium Avenue in West Seneca is convicted of stealing nearly $137,866 from the West Seneca Fire Company while he was treasurer for the company.
The Erie County District attorney's office said Baker made unauthorized withdrawals and falsified records over a seven-year period, from November 14, 2003 until July 6, of 2010.
Baker signed a confession admitting to the embezzlement and tax fraud. over the next ten years, Baker will repay the full amount plus $4,437 to New york State for taxes on unclaimed income. He was not sentenced to jail time.