Former Buffalo Lawmaker Indicted

BUFFALO, NY—U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that former City of Buffalo Common Council Member Brian C. Davis, 41, was indicted by a federal grand jury on four counts of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds. The charges carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell T. Ippolito, Jr., who is handling the case, stated that the defendant is accused of diverting more than $40,000.00 in City of Buffalo discretionary funds for his own use and the use of others. As a Common Council Member between 2006 and 2010, Davis was responsible for distributing discretionary funds for public benefit purposes. According to the Indictment, he instead funneled those city funds through not-for-profit pass-through agencies and personal friends and ultimately to himself. Neither the defendant, nor his associates, were entitled to any of the discretionary funds.

“This indictment should serve as a reminder that public officials are in a position of trust and that taxpayers funds are not intended for personal gain but for the public good,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul.

The indictment is the result of an investigation by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation under the direction of Richard W. Kollmar.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.