Another City of Buffalo employee has pleaded guilty to stealing money from parking meters.Francis Tonolone, 33, worked as a city coin collector and meter mechanic for about ten years, starting in 2003. During that time, the U.S. Attorney's office says Tronolone stole around $9,000 dollars in coins that would have gone to the city treasury. He is the third Parking Enforcement employee to be convicted.
One worker, James Bagarozzo, stole more than $200,000 was sentenced to 30 months in prison this past summer. Another, Lawrence Charles, took more than $10,000 and was sentenced to six months. A fourth person is also charged.
"It really is significant, particularly if you total up the amount of money allegedly stolen by the four different employees, we would now be northwards of a quarter-million dollars," Hochul told WBFO News Friday.
Hochul says Tronolone will cooperate with the ongoing investigation as part of his plea agreement. He faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
