David Martinez, 58, of Cheektowaga, New York, pleaded guilty on Apr. 22 to embezzlement by union officials before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Martinez served as president of the International Association of EMTs and Paramedics, Local 394 from December 2019 through March 2024. During his tenure, he took approximately $87,542 by writing checks to himself, making electronic transfers for personal use, and using union debit cards for unauthorized purchases. According to the plea agreement outlined in court documents, none of these funds were used for legitimate union purposes.
"BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that David Martinez...pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer to embezzlement by union officials," DiGiacomo said in the announcement.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno following an investigation conducted by the Department of Labor Office of Labor-Management Standards under Jonathan Russo's direction at the Boston-Buffalo District Office.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of New York prosecutes federal criminal violations and handles civil cases on behalf of the United States while collecting government debts; it covers 17 counties with offices located in Buffalo and Rochester according to its official website. The office operates under the United States Department of Justice according to its official website and employs about 120 federal prosecutors and support staff according to its official website.
Sentencing for Martinez will be scheduled at a later date.
