(WNY News Now) A Williamsville man is charged with a felony for allegedly embezzling money meant for relief operations during Hurricane Helene.Berry, Timothy D.
Erie County DA’s Office Photo
Williamsville resident Timothy D. Berry, 35, was charged with one count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a Class D felony, in Amherst Town Court. Berry is suspected of embezzling more than $5,000 in donations obtained through a social media campaign, according to the arraignment announcement made by Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane.
Investigators claim that the purported theft took place between September 27 and October 4, 2024. Berry is charged with moving money into his personal bank account from the group’s PayPal account and utilizing it for personal spending. The funds were meant to help a local charity with relief efforts following Hurricane Helene.
When members of the group reported potential fraud to the Erie County Sheriff’s Office in October 2024, the investigation got underway. The inquiry was carried out by Detective Daniel Brinkerhoff of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office.
Berry was freed on his own recognizance because the charge does not qualify for bail payments. On February 26, 2025, he is expected to appear in court again for a criminal hearing.
Berry faces a potential sentence of seven years in jail if found guilty.
Assistant District Attorney Ryan E. Thie of the Justice Courts Bureau and Chief Gary M. Ertel of the Special Investigations and Prosecutions Bureau are prosecuting the case.
The accused is deemed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, just like everyone else who is accused of a crime.