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Document Thief Indicted in Buffalo
A federal grand jury has returned a four-count superseding indictment against Daniel Witek, a 52-year-old resident of Buffalo, New York, charging him with three counts of mail fraud and one count of interstate transportation of stolen goods.
According to the indictment, in the spring of 2013, Witek was a volunteer at the Buffalo History Museum. While volunteering, he devised a scheme to access and steal historical writings addressed to Anson Conger Goodyear that belonged to the museum.
Witek then offered to sell the stolen documents to one autograph dealer in New York City and one in New Jersey. The indictment alleges that the defendant transported the stolen goods across state lines and used the U.S. mail to carry out his scheme.
Each count of mail fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, while the interstate transportation of stolen goods charge carries a maximum of 10 years in prison. If convicted, Witek could face significant prison time.
Witek was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and released. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, which includes representatives from multiple local and federal agencies.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and Witek is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Witek’s case is a reminder of the importance of protecting cultural artifacts and historical documents. The Buffalo History Museum is a valuable resource for the community, and it’s essential that those who seek to exploit its collections are held accountable.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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