BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Authorities say a New York City man has been sentenced to five years in prison for his role in scamming more than $2.5 million from a national home improvement retailer.

The U.S. attorney's office in Buffalo says 52-year-old Kenneth Cassidy, of Brooklyn, was also sentenced Tuesday to pay restitution of nearly $2.65 million.

Cassidy was convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Prosecutors say during a four-year period beginning in 2012 he opened more than 170 fraudulent Lowe's accounts receivable accounts throughout the U.S. using bogus checks.

After opening an account, Cassidy purchased goods until the funds were depleted. Four of the accounts were opened in western New York.

Authorities say Cassidy and others used the fraudulent accounts to make more than $2.6 million in purchases from various Lowe's stores.

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