Erie County District Attorney Frank A. Sedita, III announced that 53 year old David Schnell of 335 Summit, North Tonawanda, pleaded guilty yesterday afternoon before County Court Judge Sheila A. DiTullio to Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, as charged. 

Schnell admitted that he stole $33,937.78 while working as the attorney for the Estate of Angus MacLeod.  Schnell, whose law office was just inside Erie County, but the bulk of whose legal practice was in Niagara County, has already pled guilty to two counts of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree with reference to thefts committed by him in Niagara County from two other estates there.  Schnell has already been disbarred as a result of those thefts.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 18, 2012, at 9:30 a.m. before the Hon. Sheila A. DiTullio when Schnell could receive the maximum prison sentence of 1-1/3 to 4 years.