(WNY News Now) – HAMBURG, NY – Craig Arno, a 63-year-old resident of Hamburg, was sentenced to five years of probation by Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan after admitting to embezzling $342,036 from his deceased relative’s estate. The sentencing, announced by Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane, brings to light the serious consequences of abusing fiduciary responsibilities.
Arno, who served as the executor of the will, misappropriated funds intended for local charities over nearly seven years, from September 2016 to August 2023. Rather than honor the wishes of the deceased, he transferred the funds into his personal bank account. Additionally, he neglected to report this stolen income on his tax returns, further complicating his legal troubles. The fraudulent activities came to light after the Surrogate Court administrator notified authorities.
In court, Arno pleaded guilty to one count of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a Class “C” felony, and one count of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, a Class “E” felony. This plea, entered on July 16, 2024, included a signed Confession of Judgment for the full amount embezzled. During today’s proceedings, Arno made an initial restitution payment of $8,000, with ongoing restitution payments required as part of his sentencing conditions.
The prosecution was led by Chief Gary M. Ertel and Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Abrams of the Special Investigations and Prosecutions Bureau.
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