BUFFALO, N.Y.- The former mayor of Dunkirk is facing charges of wire fraud after federal prosecutors say he stole campaign contributions for personal use.
U.S. Attorney William Hochul Jr. says that between January 2003 and June 2012, Richard Frey, 83, of Dunkirk solicited and received several large campaign contributions from local businesses and businesspersons. Frey would then cash the checks for personal use or deposit them into one of his personal bank accounts, Hochul's office says.
Prosecutors also say Frey did not disclose these contributions on campaign finance reports, nor did he provide the FBI with accurate information when asked about the money.
Frey has been charged with 12 counts of wire fraud and one count of making a false statement to the FBI. If convicted, Frey faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
