Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Flaherty, Jr. announces that 56-year old Leland Burks of Buffalo has been sentenced by State Supreme Court Justice Christopher J. Burns to 3 ½ -7 years in prison. 

In September, Burks pleaded guilty to one count of Identity Theft in the First Degree and one count of Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree. 

In early 2015, Burks used stolen credit card numbers to purchase tickets to the April 17, 2015 Kevin Hart performance at the First Niagara Center.  During the same time period, Burks posed as a member of Kevin Hart's entourage and booked hotel rooms in the city of Buffalo, which were also paid with stolen credit card numbers.  In total, Burks received approximately $12,710.20 in fraudulently obtained goods and services. 

DA Flaherty commends Buffalo Police Department Detective Timothy Rooney and Detective Brian Mahoney for their investigative work in the case.

Assistant District Attorney Gary M. Ertel prosecuted the case.