Former Employee Pleads Guilty to Stealing Over $1 Million from Parish and Medical Office

A former employee at a local parish and a medical office has pleaded guilty and admitted to stealing over $1 million from the organizations. Lisa A. Noble, 44, also known as Lisa Prynn, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to the charges brought against her, according to the Erie County District Attorney's Office.

Noble confessed to stealing approximately $465,000 from St. Amelia's Parish and over $500,000 from a City of Tonawanda audiology practice. The thefts occurred over a period of time with Noble making unauthorized purchases using St. Amelia's debit card, issuing fraudulent checks to herself, and stealing cash deposits while working as a business manager at the church from April to September last year. The stolen funds were allegedly used for personal expenses such as concert tickets, travel, and lodging.

Noble even used around $20,000 of the stolen money to travel to Kansas City for a Taylor Swift concert, arriving in style in a limousine.

Noble's actions came to light when she was placed on administrative leave by St. Amelia's Parish on September 15 after the theft was discovered. She was subsequently terminated from her position the following week. The embezzlement from the audiology practice took place from 2016 to 2021 while Noble worked there as an office manager.

"This defendant brazenly stole nearly a million dollars from two former employers to fund her extravagant lifestyle then fled the area in an attempt to evade prosecution," said Acting Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane. "Today, I am pleased to announce that she has pleaded guilty to the indictment with a commitment from the judge that she will serve a significant period of incarceration."

Noble pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including second-degree grand larceny, first-degree falsifying business records, third-degree grand larceny, and second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument.

As part of her plea agreement, Noble has signed confessions of judgment to pay restitution to both victims. She has been ordered to pay $465,424.19 to St. Amelia's Parish and $890,723.08 to the audiology practice.

Noble now faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. Her sentencing is scheduled for July 25, and she remains held without bail.