Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Flaherty, Jr. announces that 27-year-old Jerry Nicolas of Tioga Street, Buffalo was sentenced 2-6 years in prison by State Supreme Court Justice Christopher J. Burns in an identity theft case.

On February 16, 2016, Nicolas pleaded guilty to Identity Theft in the First Degree, Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree, Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree and Attempted Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree.

Between October 22, 2015 and December 1, 2015, the defendant stole more than $39,000 worth of merchandise from 31 different banks and merchants using the identity of an unsuspecting victim from Austin, Texas.

Justice Burns signed a restitution order filed as a judgment against the defendant.

Acting DA Flaherty credits Detective John Trabert of the Amherst Police Department for his thorough investigative work.

Assistant District Attorney Candace K. Vogel prosecuted the case.