BUFFALO, N.Y. — A former Western New York woman will spend several years in prison for stealing over $1 million from a local church and an audiology office.
Lisa A. Noble, aka Lisa Prynn, 44, was sentenced in State Supreme court to 8-19 years in prison as a second felony offender.
In June 2024, Noble pleaded guilty to all counts in the indictment, which included both crimes:
- Four counts of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree (Class “C” felonies)
- Three counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree (Class “D” felonies)
- One count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (Class “D” felony)
- Three counts of Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree (Class “E” felonies)
Investigators from the Erie County District Attorney's Office say between April 2023 and September 2023, Nobel stole $465,000 from St. Amelia's Church in Tonawanda while working as a business manager. She admitted to making multiple unauthorized purchases using the church's debit card, issued fraudulent checks to herself and stole cash deposits. Officials say Noble used the money to buy concert tickets, travel, lodging and other personal expenses.
Noble was placed on administrative leave after the theft was uncovered, and later fired following an internal audit.
“This defendant brazenly stole nearly a million dollars from two former employers to fund her extravagant lifestyle then fled the area in an attempt to evade prosecution. Today, I am pleased to announce that she will serve a significant period of incarceration for these crimes,” said Acting Erie County DA Mike Keane.
“As a community, St. Amelia Catholic Church and School are thankful to the Erie County District Attorney's Office for all of their efforts as it pertains to this case. As a community we are relieved to see justice served as we continue to recover from this horrible violation of trust,” said Rev. Michael P. LaMarca.
Noble also pleaded guilty stealing more than $500,000 from 2016-2021 from an audiology practice she worked at as an office manager in the City of Tonawanda.
A fugitive warrant was issued after Noble left New York State. She was arrested by US Marshals in North Caroline and returned to WNY to face prosecution.
As part of her plea, Noble agreed to pay restitution to both St. Amelia's and the audiology practice. So far, she has not paid back any money.