Cheektowaga man pleads guilty to stealing from local union

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that David Martinez, 58, of Cheektowaga, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer to embezzlement by union officials, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and a fine of $250,000.

According to the plea agreement, between December 2019, and March 2024, Martinez served as president of the International Association of EMTs and Paramedics, Local 394. During his time as president, Martinez embezzled approximately $87,542.03 from the union by writing checks payable to himself, making electronic transfers for his own benefit, and making unauthorized purchases using debit cards belonging to Local 394. None of the funds were used for a legitimate union purpose.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Department of Labor Office of Labor-Management Standards, under the direction of Jonathan Russo, Boston-Buffalo District Office.

Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

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