A former business manager for two Western New York parishes has admitted to orchestrating a sophisticated theft scheme that siphoned more than $82,000 from local church coffers. Keith M. Call, 63, formerly of Grand Island and now a resident of Phoenix, Arizona, entered a guilty plea in Erie County Court, marking a significant development in a case that has shaken the local Catholic community.
In a report verified by Lake Erie Times, Call pleaded guilty before Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan to two counts of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree. The charges stem from his tenure managing the financial affairs of two prominent Roman Catholic parishes within the Diocese of Buffalo: St. Mary’s in Swormville and Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Williamsville.
Financial Misconduct at St. Mary’s of Swormville
The investigation into Call’s activities revealed a pattern of unauthorized spending and cash diversion at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church. Between May 2024 and August 2025, Call exploited his position to misappropriate $23,408.63.
According to court records, the theft involved:
- Diverting cash proceeds from various parish fundraisers.
- Making unauthorized personal purchases on church accounts.
- Opening and utilizing a gas credit card for personal use without the knowledge or consent of parish administration.
Embezzlement at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The scale of the theft was even more pronounced at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church in Williamsville. Over a concentrated period between May 2025 and August 2025, Call siphoned $59,043.27 from the parish funds.
Prosecutors detailed a fraudulent check-writing scheme where Call issued numerous payments to himself. These checks were deceptively recorded as legitimate business expenses or employment-related reimbursements to mask the ongoing embezzlement. The total financial impact across both institutions is summarized below:
| Parish Location | Total Stolen | Primary Method |
|---|---|---|
| St. Mary’s (Swormville) | $23,408.63 | Fundraiser cash & Unauthorized purchases |
| Nativity of the BVM (Williamsville) | $59,043.27 | Fraudulent self-issued checks |
| Total Restitution Paid | $82,451.90 | N/A |
Audit Discovery and Legal Consequences
The discrepancies were uncovered during an internal audit initiated by the Diocese after Call resigned from his post in August 2025. Investigative journalist William Strasmore noted that the swift discovery of these “financial irregularities” highlights the increasing rigors of parish oversight in the Western New York region following years of diocesan restructuring.
As a condition of his plea agreement, Call was required to pay full restitution. Court officials confirmed that the total sum of $82,451.90 has been returned to the affected churches. While the financial debt has been settled, Call still faces legal ramifications for the felony convictions.
Currently released on his own recognizance, Call is scheduled to return for sentencing in May. He faces a maximum of four years in state prison. For more updates on this case and other local news, stay connected with Lake Erie Times.
Disclaimer: The content provided by Lake Erie Times is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional legal or financial advice.
