BRIEF: Insurance agent admits stealing from two clients [The Buffalo News, N.Y.]

Dec. 18--An Amherst insurance agent who pleaded guilty Friday to stealing $227,350 from two elderly women spent some of the money to make payments on a boat and a Mercedes, said Erie County District Attorney Frank A. Sedita III.

Lowell Chick, 65, pleaded guilty to two counts of fourth-degree grand larceny before Erie County Judge Kenneth F. Case.

Chick admitted to obtaining powers of attorney from the two women, both of whom are now deceased.

He used $78,065 from one of the women, and $149,285 from the other, a prosecutor said in court. He will lose his insurance license. Chick could receive up to eight years in state prison and $10,000 in fines when he is sentenced March 14 on the two felony counts.

He remains released on his own recognizance but surrendered his passport.

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