Creative sentencing for pizzeria owner

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - A judge handed down a creative and community-minded sentence to the owner of a popular Elmwood Avenue pizzeria convicted of tax fraud.

Rather than sending him to prison, State Supreme Court Justice Russell Buscaglia ordered Joseph Jacobi to deliver 12 sheet pizzas to the City Mission, once a week for the next year. Jacobi who owns Casa-Di-Pizza, pleaded guilty to grand larceny back in August for withholding more than $104,000 in state taxes.

Buffalo City Mission employee Joshua Demps said, "Whatever meal they had planned on cooking for the day, it's canceled. We've got pizza today and everyone's got a smile on their face, so they just love it. You can't go wrong with pizza!"

Justice Buscaglia left the toppings up to Jacobi.