(WNY News Now) – BUFFALO, N.Y. – Erin Martin, 52, of Tonawanda, NY, pleaded guilty to wire fraud before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr., according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno, who is prosecuting the case, revealed that Martin defrauded her Amherst-based employer while working as a Senior Staff Accountant between April 2022 and June 10, 2024. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, Martin was responsible for ensuring timely payment of vendor invoices.
As part of her scheme, Martin fabricated vendor invoices and used them to initiate unauthorized electronic fund transfers from the company’s bank account to her personal account. In total, Martin conducted 95 fraudulent transfers, embezzling $440,395. These funds were used to cover personal and family expenses.
The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation under Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
Martin’s sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
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