Former Buffalo State Official Pleads Guilty to $26,000 Theft Scheme

A former high-ranking official at Buffalo State College has confessed to a brazen scheme that saw him pilfer more than $26,000 in school funds, sending ripples of disbelief through the campus community. John W. Pignataro, 53, of Cheektowaga, entered a guilty plea to third-degree grand larceny, admitting to the extensive misuse of a college credit card for personal enrichment.

For over four years, between January 2017 and August 2021, Pignataro, who served as an assistant director of facility services, systematically exploited his position.

Investigators uncovered that he made more than 100 unauthorized purchases using a credit card issued by the State University of New York (SUNY) — a card meant exclusively for official college expenditures. Instead, it funded his private lifestyle, leaving taxpayers and the institution footing the bill.

Erie County District Attorney John J.

Flynn highlighted the serious breach of trust involved in the case. "This defendant, in a position of authority, knowingly and repeatedly defrauded Buffalo State College, diverting essential funds meant for educational and operational purposes into his own pockets," Flynn stated. The sheer volume and duration of the illicit transactions underscore a deliberate pattern of criminal behavior rather than an isolated incident.

Pignataro's plea means he now faces a daunting legal future.

He could be sentenced to a maximum of 2 1/3 to 7 years in state prison, a stark reminder of the severe consequences for white-collar crime. Beyond potential incarceration, the court has mandated that he pay full restitution for all the stolen funds, ensuring that the college is compensated for its losses.

This restitution is a critical component of the judicial process, aiming to restore what was unlawfully taken.

The case serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of rigorous financial oversight and accountability within public institutions. As Buffalo State College continues to recover from this significant financial breach, the community awaits the final sentencing, which will bring a definitive close to a saga of betrayal and illicit gain.