Accused sex abuser:money behind charges

EAST AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) - People have trusted him to help them with their finances, but police in Amherst say Kenneth F. Lee, 50, lived a double life. Lee is facing multiple charges of sexual abuse and police say he preyed on children.

Amherst Police say the financial advisor sexually abused multiple girls between 6- and 8-years-old.  "It's always the person you never expect. They don't look like a bad guy so to speak," said Amherst Police Lt. Joe LaCorte.

Lt. LaCorte says Det. Mark Pitirri and Det. Cindy Herberger spent eight months interviewing children and other potential witnesses after receiving the initial tip.

"Whenever a child is involved, especially when it's as heinous as this, it compounds the crime. They're so innocent. Yes, it does get to us," Lt. LaCorte said.

Lee, who was vice president of a local company until recently, says the charges aren't true. He claims money is the reason he's charged with sexually abusing children.

"They're [the charges] false. And they have to do with some people trying to get money from me," Lee said, "They were trying to get some money. Yes, they asked for money.”

Lee's online company biography, which has been since been taken down, listed his community involvement as working with young adults at the Buffalo Catholic Diocese, United Way of Buffalo investment coordinator for youth programs, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation fund raising, South Amherst Rotary Club, and work with the Town of Amherst board.

Lee says the charges don't have anything to do with his community work.  "I think it was because I insulted some people. More politics," he explained.

"There's never been any incidents. I've done a lot for this community without incident. And that's it," he added.

Lee says he's devastated. He wouldn't elaborate on why he believes he's being accused for political reasons, or for money, or who's doing it. He says his lawyer, noted defense attorney Joel Daniels, advised him not to share those details.

He has two children of his own, whom he says he's very close with.  He wants other parents to know that the charges are untrue.  "The parents who know me know the truth," Lee said. "I would never in a million years do anything to hurt anybody."

Police charged Lee with multiple counts of course of sexual conduct against a child and first degree sexual abuse. After he was arraigned, Lee was released from jail on his own recognizance. He's due back in court later this month.