Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 42-year-old Vincent Van Vliet of Lima, N.Y. pleaded guilty this afternoon before State Supreme Court Justice Mark A. Montour to one count of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree (Class “E” felony).

The defendant admitted that he stole a total of $98,958.00 from a client while working as an ice skating instructor between December 1, 2018 and December 1, 2019. The victim paid the defendant with checks, which he deposited into his account through mobile banking. The defendant would then alter the checks and make additional unauthorized mobile deposits into his bank account.

As part of his plea today, the defendant agreed to pay full restitution to the victim.

Van Vliet faces a maximum of four years in prison when he is sentenced on Friday, June 11, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. He was released on his own recognizance as the charge is non-qualifying for bail.

DA Flynn commends the Amherst Police Department for their work in the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Brian P. Dassero of the DA’s Special Investigations and Prosecutions (SIP) Unit.