(WNY News Now) – A Williamsville man faces felony charges for allegedly misusing donations intended for Hurricane Helene relief efforts.
Timothy D. Berry, 35, of Williamsville, was arraigned in Amherst Town Court on one count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a Class “D” felony. Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announced the arraignment, stating that Berry is accused of stealing over $5,000 in donations raised through a social media fundraiser.
According to investigators, the alleged theft occurred between September 27 and October 4, 2024. Berry is accused of transferring funds from the group’s PayPal account into his personal bank account and using the money for personal expenses. The donations were intended to support a local organization’s Hurricane Helene relief efforts.
The investigation began in October 2024 after members of the organization contacted the Erie County Sheriff’s Office to report suspected fraud. Detective Daniel Brinkerhoff of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
Berry was released on his own recognizance, as the charge is a non-qualifying offense for bail. He is scheduled to return to court on February 26, 2025, for a felony hearing.
If convicted, Berry could face a maximum sentence of seven years in prison.
The case is being prosecuted by Chief Gary M. Ertel of the Special Investigations and Prosecutions Bureau, alongside Assistant District Attorney Ryan E. Thie of the Justice Courts Bureau.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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