Erie County District Attorney Frank A. Sedita, III announced that 57 year old Richard Kesick of 32 Laird Avenue, Buffalo, pleaded guilty this morning to Grand Larceny in the Third Degree before County Court Judge Thomas P. Franczyk. 

Kesick admitted that during the period between June 21, 2001 through July 16, 2012, using false representations, he stole over $500,000 from a 91 year old Buffalo area cleric.  Kesick claimed, at various times, that the money would be used to pay ransom, make bail, pay medical expenses from a stab wound he experienced in the Chicago area and other emergency expenses.  Kesick, in telephone conversations, also pretended to be other people, such as Judge from Tennessee and as an insurance company representative, in order to make the victim believe that the funds would be repaid.  The money was used, in reality, for gambling and to otherwise finance Kesick’s lifestyle.  Kesick signed a Confession of Judgment for $500,000 to the victim.

Kesick’s criminal history dates back to 1972 and includes convictions for theft offenses, such as Burglary, Forgery, and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, as well as Arson.

DA Sedita praised the efforts of Town of Tonawanda Police Lieutenant William Krier and Financial Elder Abuse prosecutor Candace Vogel in successfully prosecuting Kesick, adding that the defendant “is an especially loathsome and despicable swindler.”

Sentencing is scheduled for December 12, 2012, at 9:30 a.m. before the Hon. Thomas P. Franczyk when Kesick faces a maximum prison sentence of 7 years