An Amherst man, accused of threating and extorting money from a Williamsville doctor, has entered a plea deal with federal prosecutors. Gary Drago, 58, pleaded guilty Monday to witness tampering and failing to file an income tax return.The U.S. Attorney's Office says Drago worked at the medical practice on Wehrle Drive from 2013-2017. However, he eventually started taking additional money from the business without working. When confronted by the doctor, Drago would threaten force or physical and reputation harm.
Specifically, in 2017, authorities say Drago went to the doctor's office, sent his patients away and forced the doctor into his car, where he repeatedly struck him and threatened him with a pistol. Prosecutors say Drago took nearly $130,000 from the doctor, whose name was not released.
Drago faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine at his sentencing in June.
(The Associated Press contributed to this story.)
