Buffalo Man Convicted of Financially Exploiting a 77 Year-old Woman

Modified: February 9, 2016 10:36am

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1/4/2016

Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Flaherty Jr. announced that 51 year-old Kevin Andrews of Suffolk Street, Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty as charged today to Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, before State Supreme Court Justice Penny M. Wolfgang. This was the highest charge for which Andrews could be prosecuted. He was not offered a plea to a reduced charge.

Andrews’ conviction stems from the financial exploitation of a 77 year-old woman. Between September 1, 2014 and June 18, 2015, Andrews falsely portrayed himself as a disabled police officer and claimed that his son and wife were facing life-threatening medical issues. Through these ruses, Andrews was able to persuade the victim to “loan” him thousands of dollars. The victim repeatedly traveled to ATM machines – sometimes several times a day – to withdraw cash to give to Andrews. Eventually, the victim depleted her entire life savings, fell behind in her utility bills, and had to borrow money in order to support herself.

According to Acting District Attorney Flaherty, “This case illustrates both the vulnerability of our senior citizens and the despicable lows to which some members of our society will stoop in order to take advantage of our elderly. As Erie County’s Acting District Attorney, I will aggressively prosecute those who prey on the most vulnerable members of our community.”

Andrews faces a maximum prison term of 7 years when he is sentenced as a second felony offender before the Honorable Penny M. Wolfgang on February 22, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. Assistant District Attorney Candace Vogel, who is assigned to the Special Investigations Bureau, prosecuted the case.

The Buffalo Police Department deserves special credit for its investigation of the case and the arrest of Andrews at the victim’s home, as he was demanding her very last dollar.