(WNY News Now) – An Orchard Park man received a probation sentence after pleading guilty to stealing $100,000 in cash and merchandise from his employer, a local jewelry store, over nearly a year.
Buffalo, N.Y. – Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announced that Jason T. Badagliacca, 38, was sentenced to five years of probation by Erie County Court Justice Kenneth F. Case. The former inventory manager admitted to embezzling approximately $100,000 from his employer, a jewelry store, between September 2021 and August 2022.
According to investigators, Badagliacca manipulated business records to cover up the thefts, which involved both merchandise and cash. Authorities reported that he took precious stones and jewelry, selling them independently, and pocketed payments from customers who financed their purchases. The misappropriations came to light during a routine audit, leading to a deeper investigation and Badagliacca’s arrest.
On May 17, 2024, Badagliacca pled guilty to Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a Class “C” felony. As part of the plea agreement, he signed a Confession of Judgment, committing to repay $93,000 in restitution to the jewelry store’s insurance provider. To date, he has repaid $7,000, with further payments expected as a condition of his probation.
District Attorney Keane praised the New York State Police for their role in investigating and securing evidence in the case. Assistant District Attorney Christopher P. Jurusik of the Special Investigations and Prosecutions Bureau led the prosecution.