Hamburg man admits to stealing over $342k from deceased relative’s estate

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A Hamburg man pleaded guilty Tuesday to grand larceny after he stole $342,036 from a deceased relative over the course of nearly seven years, the Erie County District Attorney’s Office announced.

Starting in September 2016, 62-year-old Craig Arno, the executor of the will, transferred money from a deceased relative’s account into his own personal bank, account according to officials. The money was intended to be donated to local charities. The theft continued until August 2023.

Arno was charged with second-degree grand larceny and first-degree offering a false instrument for filing. He faces a maximum of 15 years in prison when he is sentenced on Sept. 27.

Arno was released on his own recognizance.

Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.