Depew man admits to six-year embezzlement scheme and tax evasion
(WNY News Now) – ERIE COUNTY, N.Y. — Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announced that James Hoffman, 42, of Depew, has been sentenced to two to six years in state prison for stealing nearly $450,000 from the Sheridan Park Volunteer Fire Company while serving as its treasurer.
According to prosecutors, between January 2019 and January 2025, Hoffman embezzled $446,118.42 by making unauthorized cash withdrawals and failing to deposit proceeds from fundraising events. The thefts went unnoticed for several years until January 2025, when a vendor reported a rejected check due to insufficient funds, prompting an internal review.
Investigators determined that Hoffman used the stolen funds to support a gambling habit. He was removed from his treasurer position shortly after the discovery.
In addition to the theft, Hoffman failed to file personal income taxes between 2021 and 2024, with the intent to evade payment. On July 16, 2025, he pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a Class C felony, and Repeated Failure to File Personal Income and Earnings Taxes, a Class E felony under New York State Tax Law.
As part of his plea agreement, Hoffman paid $55,000 upfront in restitution to the fire company and signed a Confession of Judgment to repay the remaining $391,118.42. He also agreed to pay $26,706 in restitution to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.
“For many years, this defendant abused his position as treasurer to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from a fire company that helps and protects the residents of Tonawanda. He knowingly violated the trust placed in him by firefighters, dedicated volunteers and the community. I hope that the Sheridan Park Fire Company will be made whole through his restitution payments and continued support from our community,” said Erie County DA Mike Keane.
The investigation was conducted by Detective Eric Schmidt of the Town of Tonawanda Police Department and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. The case was prosecuted by Chief Gary M. Ertel of the Special Investigations and Prosecutions Bureau.
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