Williamsville, N.Y. (WBEN) - A Williamsville man has been sentenced for stealing Hurricane Helene relief funds from the group that he was associated with nearly two years ago.
36-year-old Tim Berry received a one-year conditional discharge on Tuesday, and was also ordered to perform 100 hours of community service where he does not have access to money.
The Erie County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation after receiving a complaint from members of the local organization, Erie County Blotter, about suspected fraud committed by another member of the group.
It was determined that on or about Sept. 27, 2024 and Oct. 4, 2024, Berry knowingly and intentionally stole money from the organization, which was collected through a social media fundraiser to support the group’s Hurricane Helene relief efforts.
Berry transferred donated money from a PayPal account to his personal bank account, which he used for unauthorized personal expenses. Further investigation determined the actual total theft amount was $1,600.
Berry pleaded guilty to one count of Petit Larceny (Class "A" misdemeanor) in November 2025. As a condition of the plea to the reduced charge, Berry paid full restitution of $1,600 to the group.
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