A Buffalo man is accused of taking parishioner offerings while volunteering at a Buffalo church.
Frank Winiarski, 67, of Buffalo, was arraigned on a charge of third-degree grand larceny (Class “D” felony) Wednesday morning before Buffalo City Court Judge Phillip Dabney, Jr.
He’s accused of taking about $3,000 from the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Amherst Street in Buffalo. According to the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Winiarski, between Aug. 1 and March 3, took money given by parishioners during the offering by tampering with the collection bags.
Winiarski is scheduled to return on April 16 for a felony hearing. He was released on his own recognizance as the charge is a non-qualifying offense for bail. If convicted of the highest charge, Winiarski faces a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison.