Erie County District Attorney Elizabeth Hirz announced today that two former county employees have been charged in connection with the alleged theft of county-owned computer equipment while serving in supervisory roles.
The investigation began in July 2025 after Erie County Controller Kyle Foust referred the matter to the Erie County Detective Bureau. The probe focused on Jeff Cudicio, Director of County IT, and Nicholas Reynolds, County Library IT Supervisor.
Detectives conducted interviews, reviewed financial and accounting records, and executed authorized searches of computer and electronic data. The investigation revealed that Cudicio allegedly removed high-value graphic cards from county computers and replaced them with lower-value cards from employees’ personal equipment. The county-owned cards were then installed in home computers for personal use. One of these cards was later recovered from Reynolds’ personal computer. The alleged conduct occurred between February and July 2025.
Cudicio faces multiple charges, including Unlawful Use of a Computer, Theft by Unlawful Taking, and Receiving Stolen Property. Reynolds is charged with one count of Receiving Stolen Property. Cudicio was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Alison Scarpitti and released on his own recognizance. A preliminary hearing for both defendants is scheduled for February 4, 2026.
As with all criminal cases, these charges are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.