Buffalo man accused of stealing historical letters from museum

A man associated with several museums and libraries across western New York has been arrested and charged with stealing at least five historical documents from the Buffalo History Museum.

Federal prosecutors said Daniel J. Witek, 50, of Buffalo, also is accused of trying to sell the letters to Lion Heart Autographs in New York City.

U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. said Witek is charged with mail fraud and faces up to 20 years in prison.

Lion Heart Autographs describes itself on its website as an "internationally recognized dealer of important autographs and manuscripts specializing in art, history, literature, music and science." Its clients range from Harvard and Yale universities to the U.S. Library of Congress.

In a statement announcing Witek's arrest, Hochul indicated his office is looking for more information about Witek and possible other thefts.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo said any public or private collectors of rare books, letters or artwork who believe items may be missing from their collections should contact the FBI's Buffalo field offices at 716-856-7800.