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Former Arts Council director pleads guilty to grand larceny
Updated: August 21, 2010, 10:16 AM
Celeste Lawson, the former executive director of the Buffalo and Erie County Arts Council, pleaded guilty Tuesday to third-degree grand larceny and repeatedly failing to file state income taxes for stealing at least $25,526.12 in council funds to finance her casino gambling.
Erie County Judge Michael F. Pietruszka allowed Lawson, 58, of Auburn Avenue, to remain
free pending her Oct. 12 sentencing, but he refused to give her a sentencing commitment.
Earlier: Probe targets Arts Councils ex-director
Erie County District Attorney Frank A. Sedita III launched an investigation after Lawson was
fired from her arts post in January for placing personal charges on an arts counsel credit
card. Sedita wouldn't say today whether he will recommend Lawson get the maximum seven-year prison
term she faces on her guilty plea.
Lawson declined comment as she left the downtown courtroom.
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