James Hoffman, 42, from Depew, New York, has admitted stealing nearly $450,000 from a volunteer firefighters’ organisation. He used the money to fund his gambling addiction and make luxury purchases.
Erie County District Attorney Michael Keane confirmed that Hoffman pleaded guilty and faces between two and six years in prison. As treasurer, he had access to the organisation’s finances for years.
He abused his position within the firefighters’ organisation for years
According to Keane, Hoffman deliberately abused the trust placed in him by the volunteer firefighters. He allegedly embezzled money over a period of six years.
Hoffman made lottery and fundraising receipts disappear and stole directly from the fire brigade’s bank accounts. His actions are considered deliberate and repeated.
He must repay more than 470,000 dollars to the State and the fire brigade
Although he faces a prison sentence, his full cooperation played an important role in determining his sentence. Hoffman has agreed to repay the amount stolen.
He must immediately pay $55,000 to the Sheridan Park Fire Company. He is also required to pay a further 391,118 dollars in residual damages. In addition, he must pay $26,706 in unpaid taxes to the New York tax authorities.
Suspicions of gambling abuse are on the rise
This case is not an isolated one. Other cases also show that individual gamblers sometimes take extreme measures to finance their addiction. In this case involving an illegal gambling site, for example, a player was investigated for taking part in prohibited gambling activities.Thefts from personal contacts are also on the increase. In another incident, a Belgian postman was convicted of stealing his neighbours’ bank cards in order to gamble.