Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Flaherty, Jr. announces the arraignment of 46-year-old Nicholas Schaefer of Buffalo before State Supreme Court Justice Penny Wolfgang on charges of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class "D" non-violent felony and Criminal Tax Fraud in the Third Degree, a class "D" non-violent felony, for failing to file his relevant sales tax returns. 

Schaefer was the owner/operator of Coach's Corner Bar, located at 615 Hopkins in Buffalo.  Between December 1, 2013 and March 1, 2015, Schaefer stole $14,129.52 in sales tax collected on behalf of the state to keep his bar afloat.

Schaefer, who was released on his own recognizance, has been employed by the City of Buffalo as a parking enforcement officer since the bar closed in June 2015.

He faces a maximum sentence of 2 1/3-7 years in state prison, if convicted.

Acting DA Flaherty commends the investigative work of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

Assistant District Attorney Gary M. Ertel is prosecuting the case.

As all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.