WILLIAMSVILLE, NY – Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 64-year-old Victor P. Marinaccio, formerly of Williamsville, was arraigned this morning before Erie County Court Judge James Bargnesi on an indictment charging him with one count of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree (Class “C” felony).
It is alleged that between July 2018 and August 2022, the defendant befriended the victim and misrepresented himself in order to fraudulently obtain her life savings. The defendant is accused of using the victim’s credit cards and conducting wire transfers to steal more than $250,000. The defendant allegedly used the stolen money to pay for travel and other personal expenses.
The US Secret Service located the defendant living in a hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. The defendant waived extradition and was brought back to Western New York last week.
Marinaccio was released on his own recognizance as the charge is a non-qualifying offense for bail. At the request of the prosecutor, Judge Bargnesi ordered that the defendant, who has no permanent address, surrender his passport. A temporary order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim.
If convicted of the charge, Marinaccio faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
A return court date has not been scheduled at this time.
DA Flynn commends the US Secret Service for their work in the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Chief Candace K. Vogel of the Special Investigations and Prosecutions (SIP) Unit.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.