By Stephen T. Watson
The Buffalo News
TONAWANDA, N.Y. — A former Town of Tonawanda paramedic accused of taking medication from the drug deposit container at Police Headquarters has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge.
Jeremy Pecoraro, 40, pleaded guilty Wednesday in Grand Island Town Court to attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance, the Erie County District Attorney’s Office reported.
The Town of Tonawanda man was sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge, which requires him to stay out of trouble, get a job and complete counseling over the next 12 months.
Pecoraro and fellow paramedic Jon Cinelli were placed on leave in March following an investigation into missing prescription narcotics from the drop-off box in the Police Headquarters lobby.
Cinelli was suspected, police said previously, after officials observed him violating regulations that require two paramedics empty the drug bin. An investigation then implicated Pecoraro, who was found in possession of pills on March 22, authorities said.
Both men were fired in late March. Charges remain pending against Cinelli, 52, of Grand Island.
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