Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Flaherty, Jr. announces that 38-year-old Jill Hart of Williamsville has pleaded guilty to six counts of Burglary in the Third Degree in State Supreme Court before the Honorable Penny M. Wolfgang.

Hart, formerly a licensed real estate agent, admitted that she unlawfully entered numerous homes throughout Erie County under the guise of showing the homes to clients who did not exist.  Upon entering the homes, Hart admitted that she looked to steal whatever narcotic painkillers she could find inside the homes.  

Hart admitted to unlawfully entering homes in Amherst, Cheektowaga, Clarence, Eden, Lancaster, and West Seneca.  She faces up to seven years in state prison on each of the six burglary counts when she is sentenced.  The Court recommended Hart to the Judicial Diversion drug treatment program.

Acting DA Michael Flaherty stated, "This case highlights the need for all citizens of Erie County to go through their medicine cabinets and properly dispose of any unused painkillers."  He added that the Court's recommendation to the Judicial Diversion program will hopefully enable Hart to obtain the help she needs. 

The case was investigated by the Erie County District Attorney's Office Chief Criminal Investigator Joseph Riga and Criminal Investigator Mary Gugliuzza. 

Credit also goes to various local real estate agents and companies, as well as the Buffalo Niagara Association of Realtors for their assistance with the investigation.  

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Paul E. Bonanno, Chief of acting DA Flaherty’s Special Investigations Bureau.