EXECUTIVE AT BUFFALO MUNICIPAL HOUSING AUTHORITY CHARGED WITH BRIBERY AND WITNESS TAMPERING

BUFFALO, N.Y.-- A Complaint filed by the FBI in Buffalo charges John J. Fischer Jr., age 48 of Getzville, NY, the Administrator of Capital Improvements for the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority with three violations, namely bribery, extortion and witness tampering, announced U.S. Attorney Terrance P. Flynn of the Western District of New York. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Martin J. Littlefield stated that a Complaint and Affidavit charges the defendant with using his official position with the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority in order to intimidate a contractor of the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority to make certain roof repairs on a private home in Sanborn, New York—work unrelated to the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority. The Affidavit alleges John J. Fischer Jr. offered to issue "change orders" in pending contracts with the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority in order to reimburse the contractor for the private work. In addition, the defendant is charged with attempting to corruptly persuade potential witnesses against him after he became aware of the FBI investigation.

The charges are the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the FBI under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Laurie J. Bennett and Special Agents of the the Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Rene Febles. Assistant United States Attorney Martin J. Littlefield will oversee prosecution of the matter.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.