BUFFALO, N.Y. – A former treasurer of the Sheridan Park Volunteer Fire Company has been sentenced for embezzling more than $446,000 over a six-year period.
James Hoffman, 42, of Depew, was sentenced on Monday morning to 2 to 6 years in state prison after pleading guilty in July to second-degree grand larceny and repeated failure to file personal income taxes.
According to the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Hoffman served as the fire company’s treasurer between January 2019 and January 2025. During that time, he made unauthorized cash withdrawals from the organization’s bank accounts and withheld funds raised during fire company events. Officials say the stolen funds — totaling $446,118.42 — were used to support Hoffman’s gambling addiction.
“For many years, this defendant abused his position as treasurer to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from a fire company that helps and protects the residents of Tonawanda,” said Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane. “He knowingly violated the trust placed in him by firefighters, dedicated volunteers, and the community.”
Hoffman also failed to file personal income tax returns between 2021 and 2024. In addition to the prison term, he has been ordered to repay the full amount stolen as restitution to the fire company.
