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$1,300 Missing from Parking Meters, Buffalo Man Charged
BUFFALO, N.Y. — A Buffalo man is behind bars, accused of stealing thousands of dollars from the city’s parking meters. Franklin Lopez, 33, is charged with stealing over $1,300 in coins that were supposed to be deposited into the city treasury.
Lopez, a part-time coin collector for the City of Buffalo Department of Parking Enforcement, is accused of keeping the cash for himself. According to the complaint, Lopez was responsible for collecting coins deposited into parking meters between 2003 and 2011.
The investigation, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Buffalo Police Department, revealed a substantial amount of cash deposits in Lopez’s banking records. The defendant also made significant cash payments, including a $10,000 down payment on a car and the purchase of two boats, a jet ski and a moped.
This is not the first time an employee of the Department of Parking Enforcement has been accused of stealing from the city. James Bagarozzo was convicted of stealing over $200,000 from Buffalo parking meters and sentenced to 30 months in prison on August 16, 2013. Bagarozzo was also ordered to pay $210,000 in restitution. Lawrence Charles has also been convicted of stealing over $10,000 from Buffalo parking meters and is awaiting sentencing.
Lopez will have an initial appearance this afternoon at 1:00 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is ongoing, and further charges may be filed. The Buffalo Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are working together to ensure that those responsible for the theft are held accountable.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Public Corruption|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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