Tag:

Grand Larceny

Athletic Director At School District In NY Accused Of 'Sextortion' Of Teen Athletic Director At School District In NY Accused Of 'Sextortion' Of Teen
Athletic Director At School District In NY Accused Of 'Sextortion' Of Teen This story has been updated. An athletic director at a school district in Westchester County has been arrested and charged in connection with allegedly extorting a teenager to send sexually explicit images and videos. Thomas James Puccini, 28 years old and employed as the Interim Director of Physical Education, Health, and Athletics by the Eastchester Union Free School District, was arrested on Friday, Nov. 1. He was charged with felony grand larceny in the fourth degree and was arraigned in White Plains City Court by the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office. Puccini has been pla…
Fire Company Financial Secretary In Region Admits Stealing $17K, DA Says Fire Company Financial Secretary In Region Admits Stealing $17K, DA Says
Fire Company Financial Secretary In Region Admits Stealing $17K, DA Says A financial secretary for a fire company in the region has admitted to stealing more than $17,000 from the department.  Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler announced on Friday, Nov. 1, that Lynn T. Simpson, age 43, of Wallkill, pled guilty to grand larceny in the Third Degree in connection with the theft of $17,947 from the parade fund of the Washington Heights Fire Company in Middletown.  As part of the plea agreement, Simpson will repay all the stolen money, Hoovler said. The department was scheduled to host a parade in September 2023, which includ…
Woman From Region Nabbed Twice In 24 Hours For Stealing Vehicles, Police Say Woman From Region Nabbed Twice In 24 Hours For Stealing Vehicles, Police Say
Woman From Region Nabbed Twice In 24 Hours For Stealing Vehicles, Police Say A woman from the region who was released on an appearance ticket after allegedly stealing a vehicle was arrested again 24 hours later after stealing another car. The incident occurred in Sullivan County on Sunday, Oct. 27, in Monticello. According to Sullivan County Sheriff's Office Undersheriff Eric Chaboty, Lindsay Houck, age 28, was arrested early in the morning after she stole a 2006 Jeep that was gassing up at the Mobil Station on Raceway Road in Monticello.  Houck allegedly drove the vehicle to the Sheriff’s Office complex on Old Route 17, drove across the lawn and hit a fire hy…
$50K Fraud: Ex-Employee In Capital Region Used Company Credit Card For Over Year, Police Say $50K Fraud: Ex-Employee In Capital Region Used Company Credit Card For Over Year, Police Say
$50K Fraud: Ex-Employee In Capital Region Used Company Credit Card For Over Year, Police Say A Capital Region woman has been charged with alleged grand larceny for using a company credit for personal items. Rensselaer County resident Kimberly A. Neumann, age 53, of Troy, was arrested on Wednesday, Oct. 23. According to New York State Trooper Stephanie O'Neil, an investigation determined that Neumann worked for the company and allegedly used the company's corporate credit card to make purchases unrelated to the business's needs from the summer of 2023 until the summer of 2024 without permission or authorization.  O'Neil said these purchases were reportedly for Neumann's g…
NY Woman Cleans Out Bank Account To Fraudster Posing As Federal Agent, Police Say NY Woman Cleans Out Bank Account To Fraudster Posing As Federal Agent, Police Say
NY Woman Cleans Out Bank Account To Fraudster Posing As Federal Agent, Police Say A months-long investigation has led to the arrest of a man who authorities say impersonated a federal agent and used fear and intimidation to convince a Long Island victim to hand over money. On Friday, Oct. 25, the suspect, Om Parkash, age 31, of Queens, was charged with second-degree grand larceny (a Class C felony). In late July of 2023, Parkash contacted the victim in Sag Harbor stating she was involved in a fraud scheme involving large amounts of money, according to New York State Police.  From there, Parkash advised the victim she would have to give money to “federal a…
Teen Runaway Nabbed For Stealing Cars, Burglary, Theft, Police Say Teen Runaway Nabbed For Stealing Cars, Burglary, Theft, Police Say
Teen Runaway Nabbed For Stealing Cars, Burglary, Theft, Police Say A 16-year-old runaway in the region has been nabbed for allegedly stealing two vehicles, burglary, and theft. The arrest occurred in Ulster County on Tuesday, Oct. 22, in the town of Lloyd. According to Lloyd Police Chief James Janso, the Lake Katrine teen was charged after a month-long investigation found the boy allegedly stole two vehicles, entered a residence, stole a cell phone and iPad, and took alcohol from a convenience store in Highland. The teen was charged with Burglary Grand larceny, fourth-degree Grand larceny, third-degree, two counts Petit larceny. Janso said as an adolesc…
$5.78M Scam: NY Attorney Admits Defrauding 48 Victims In Real Estate Transactions $5.78M Scam: NY Attorney Admits Defrauding 48 Victims In Real Estate Transactions
$5.78M Scam: NY Attorney Admits Defrauding 48 Victims In Real Estate Transactions A New York attorney has admitted to running a scheme to defraud victims of nearly $6,000,000. Long Island resident Daniel Boldi, age 49, of Garden City acted as settlement agent and bank attorney in multiple property sales on Long Island and embezzled millions of dollars of his clients’ escrow and home loan funds, according to Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly. The scam involved 46 separate real estate transactions between September 2020 and January 2024, Donnelly said. Boldi pleaded guilty to 13 counts of grand larceny in the second degree (a Class C felony) and o…
Welfare Fraud Task Force In Region Nabs Alleged Violators Welfare Fraud Task Force In Region Nabs Alleged Violators
Welfare Fraud Task Force In Region Nabs Alleged Violators Four recipients of welfare benefits in the region were nabbed for a variety of alleged crimes ranging from selling a SNAP card to failing to report income. The four were charged in Sullivan County from August to October by the Sullivan County Welfare Task Force. The four include: Sage Pere, age 26, of Monticello, was charged on Friday, Aug. 23, for criminal use of a benefit card. It is alleged that Pere sold her SNAP benefit card, issued by the Sullivan County Department of Social Services, for $50 cash. The card had $100 worth of benefits on it. Pere was processed and released …
Man Posing As Attorney Scams Thousands From Victim, NY State Police Say Man Posing As Attorney Scams Thousands From Victim, NY State Police Say
Man Posing As Attorney Scams Thousands From Victim, NY State Police Say A man from the region has been accused of posing as an attorney and targeting victims, including one he allegedly scammed out of thousands of dollars. The New York State Police have reported that an investigation has revealed that Northern Westchester County resident David Karaca, 56, of Somers, impersonated a lawyer in a virtual Alcoholics Anonymous group based in Los Angeles.  Karaca, also known as David Radcliffe and David Corazza, defrauded a victim of $7,500 for legal fees despite not being a licensed attorney, said police. Karaca has been charged with grand larceny, a Class…
Man From Region Nabbed For Commercial Burglary, Police Say Man From Region Nabbed For Commercial Burglary, Police Say
Man From Region Nabbed For Commercial Burglary, Police Say A man from the region has been charged with two counts of burglary for allegedly breaking into the same business twice and stealing property. The incidents occurred in Sullivan County at the Taam Eden Baker at Mountain Square Mall in Monticello on Tuesday, Aug. 27, and Thursday, Aug. 29. According to Monticello Police Lt. Mark Johnstone, Ishmiel Agapito, age 24, of Monticello, was charged on Monday, Sept. 2, following an investigation. Johnstone said Agapito was caught on surveillance forcing his way in through a rear door and stole property from inside the business.  He was cha…
Ex-NY Attorney Who Stole $800K From Clients Gets Prison Time Ex-NY Attorney Who Stole $800K From Clients Gets Prison Time
Ex-NY Attorney Who Stole $800K From Clients Gets Prison Time A former New York attorney is heading to prison after confessing that he stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from his clients. Former Long Island resident Douglas Valente, age 57, now of Florida, was sentenced to between one and four years in prison in Suffolk County Court on Thursday, Aug. 22. Prosecutors said Valente, the former principal attorney at the Valente Law Group in Stony Brook, stole more than $800,000 from three former clients by taking money from his escrow account. Earlier Report: Former NY Attorney Stole Nearly $1M From Clients, DA Says Among the victims was a cl…
Man Robs Hudson Valley Burger King After Coupon Is Rejected, Police Say Man Robs Hudson Valley Burger King After Coupon Is Rejected, Police Say
Man Robs Hudson Valley Burger King After Coupon Is Rejected, Police Say Police in the region are looking for a suspect who allegedly assaulted a Burger King clerk and robbed the restaurant after they refused his coupon. The incident occurred in Ulster County at the Burger King on Route 9W in Highland on Sunday, July 21, around 6:45 p.m. According to Lloyd Police Chief James Janso, the man entered the restaurant after an argument at the drive-thru window over a coupon or the cost of his meal, pushed the clerk to the floor, and stole their cell phone before breaking open the cash register and making off with an undisclosed amount of cash.  Janso said the ma…
Owner Set Fire To Butcher Shop In Capital Region For Insurance Payout, Police Say Owner Set Fire To Butcher Shop In Capital Region For Insurance Payout, Police Say
Big Body Butcher Shop Owner Cody Shields Charged With Arson Sympathizers donated thousands after his popular butcher shop went up in flames, but it turns out the owner himself was to blame, police said. Washington County resident Cody Shields, age 33, of Argyle, was arrested on suspicion of arson Wednesday, July 24, in connection with a fire that destroyed his Albany County business, The Big Body Butcher Shop in Colonie. The Central Avenue business was gutted when flames broke out in the early hours of Wednesday, June 7, 2023. Earlier Report: 'I'm Devastated': Community Rallying For Colonie Butcher Shop Destroyed By Fire Shields called 911 …
2 Suspects Posing As Law Enforcement Nabbed In Hudson Valley $27K Phone Scam 2 Suspects Posing As Law Enforcement Nabbed In Hudson Valley $27K Phone Scam
2 Suspects Posing As Law Enforcement Nabbed In Hudson Valley $27K Phone Scam Two suspects from New Jersey posing as law enforcement authorities in New York were nabbed after allegedly scamming residents out of $27,000. The Hudson Valley incident occurred in Dutchess County on Tuesday, June 18, and Wednesday, June 19. According to Capt. John Watterson of the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, Vivek B. Shingarakhia, age 24, and Kishan Gajera, age 31, both of Jersey City, in connection with the investigation into a phone scam that was reported to the Sheriff’s Office, Wednesday, June 19. Watterson said the victims reported to sheriff’s deputies that they susp…
23-Year-Old Assaults, Holds Victim Against Will In Hours-Long Capital Region Dispute, Cops Say 23-Year-Old Assaults, Holds Victim Against Will In Hours-Long Capital Region Dispute, Cops Say
23-Year-Old Assaults, Holds Victim Against Will In Hours-Long Capital Region Dispute, Cops Say A 23-year-old man from the region is facing over a half dozen charges after allegedly holding a victim against their will and assaulting them in a dispute that lasted hours. Jacob Muniz, of Albany, was arraigned on assault and related charges in Albany County Court on Monday, June 17. An investigation by New York State Police found that Muniz physically assaulted and injured the victim while holding them against their will at a New Scotland resident, police said. The altercation began on the evening of Tuesday, June 11, and lasted until the following morning, according to investigators. Tr…
New Employee Steals Over $8K From Capital Region Business, Police Say New Employee Steals Over $8K From Capital Region Business, Police Say
New Employee Steals Over $8K From Capital Region Business, Police Say A woman from the region is accused of stealing thousands of dollars from her new employer. Rensselaer County resident Sinead Corrigan, age 42, of Troy, was arrested Monday, May 6, on suspicion of felony grand larceny. Her arrest came a month after a Saratoga County business owner in Wilton contacted New York State Police in early April about an alleged theft. Troopers determined that Corrigan, who began working at the company in January, allegedly stole merchandise and cash totaling over $8,500. Investigators did not identify the business involved in the alleged theft. Corrigan surrender…
'Microsoft' Scammer From Capital Region Cons Woman Out Of $8K, Police Say 'Microsoft' Scammer From Capital Region Cons Woman Out Of $8K, Police Say
'Microsoft' Scammer From Capital Region Cons Woman Out Of $8K, Police Say A man from the region conned an unsuspecting victim out of thousands by posing as a Microsoft employee, police said. Ming Shan Zhu, age 33, of Albany, was arrested on suspicion of grand larceny Tuesday, May 14, following a multi-agency investigation. Bethlehem Police said they were contacted by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office in Florida after someone called a woman there claiming they worked for Microsoft. The scammer told the victim they needed $8,500 in Lowe’s gift cards in order to repair her computer. The woman then went to the retailer and bought 17 gift cards worth $500 each and gav…
NY Man Who 'Lived Large' Off $1 Million Ponzi Scheme Sentenced NY Man Who 'Lived Large' Off $1 Million Ponzi Scheme Sentenced
NY Man Who 'Lived Large' Off $1 Million Ponzi Scheme Sentenced A former New York investment broker has received a lengthy stay in prison for running a million-dollar Ponzi scheme. Long Island resident Rand Heckler, age 67, of Glen Cove, was sentenced to up to seven-and-a-half years in prison on Wednesday, May 15, the Nassau County District Attorney (NCDA) announced. Heckler was an investment broker in 2015 when he began his scheme, recommending that his friend and his friend’s son that they invest in a hedge fund of stocks and securities that Heckler was managing. Original Story - $1 Million Ponzi Scheme: Glen Cove Investment Broker Pleads …
Welfare Fraud Task Force Makes 2 Arrests In Region Welfare Fraud Task Force Makes 2 Arrests In Region
Welfare Fraud Task Force Makes 2 Arrests In Region Two women from the region have been nabbed for alleged welfare fraud. The arrests occurred in Sullivan County in Monticello on Friday, April 12, and Thursday, April 25. According to the Sullivan County Welfare Fraud Task Force, the following arrests were made:  Drewcilla R. Noel, age 31, of Monticello, was arrested on Friday, April 12, and charged with grand larceny and theft of services. It is alleged that Noel utilized Medicaid Medical Transportation services on various dates beginning June 2023 and continuing through December 2023 with multiple transportation compan…
Scammer Caught Red-Handed With $36K Taken From Woman From Region, Police Say Scammer Caught Red-Handed With $36K Taken From Woman From Region, Police Say
Scammer Caught Red-Handed With $36K Taken From Woman From Region, Police Say A man was captured in the region after allegedly scamming a woman out of $36,000. The incident occurred in Sullivan County on Wednesday, May 1 in the village of Liberty. According to Chief Steven D'Agata of the Liberty Police, the department received a call from a 76-year-old resident who said the money had been taken from her as part of an elaborate scam. The woman told officers that what appeared to be a virus appeared on her computer. Shortly after she received a phone call from a man claiming to be from an anti-virus company and he would help her. D'Agata said the man, identified as H…
Capital Region Man Sells Stolen Car To Dealership, Police Say Capital Region Man Sells Stolen Car To Dealership, Police Say
Troy Man Sells Stolen Car To Malta Dealership: Police Talk about a lemon. A man from the region is facing charges after allegedly selling a stolen vehicle to a dealership. Rensselaer County resident Mousse Saiid, age 42, of Troy, was arrested on Friday, April 26, on grand larceny and related charges. New York State Police said a Saratoga County car dealership located in Malta contacted troopers in early April 2024 saying they had purchased a vehicle that turned out to be stolen from New York City in the previous December. An investigation found that Saiid used a fraudulent title to sell the vehicle to the dealership for more than $30,000, a…
21-Year-Old Armed With BB Gun Robs Duo In Capital Region, Police Say 21-Year-Old Armed With BB Gun Robs Duo In Capital Region, Police Say
21-Year-Old Armed With BB Gun Robs Duo In Capital Region, Police Say The old adage that nothing good happens after 2 a.m. rang true for two people who were robbed at gunpoint in the region. In Albany County, the two victims walked into the Cohoes Police Department at around 2:40 a.m. Monday, April 15, to report that they had just been robbed at gunpoint. The victims told investigators they had agreed to meet the suspect in a Cohoes parking lot, off Manor Avenue. During the interaction the suspect displayed a gun and stole their cell phones before fleeing. One of the victims identified the culprit as an acquaintance, 21-year-old Bryce Carpenter, of Cohoes. A…
Dating App Setup: Trio Charged In Second Ambush Robbery In Capital Region Dating App Setup: Trio Charged In Second Ambush Robbery In Capital Region
Dating App Setup: Trio Charged In Second Ambush Robbery In Capital Region Three defendants accused of luring a man through a dating app and then robbing him are now accused of targeting a second victim in the region. Both robberies occurred Sunday, Feb. 18, in Albany and Rensselaer counties, according to investigators. Troy Police said the first incident happened at around 7 p.m., near Congress and Cypress streets when a man met up with a woman he’d been messaging on a dating app. Earlier Report: Trio Uses Dating App To Lure Robbery Victim In Troy, Police Say The victim told police that the woman suggested they meet up in an alley. When he arrived, two …
Capital Region Woman Admits Stealing $300K From Father, Including Military Pension Capital Region Woman Admits Stealing $300K From Father, Including Military Pension
Capital Region Woman Admits Stealing $300K From Father, Including Military Pension A woman from the region is facing years in prison after confessing that she stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from her veteran father. Schenectady resident Elaine Perkins, age 61, pleaded guilty to grand larceny in Schenectady County Court on Monday, March 4. Prosecutors said Perkins stole more than $300,000 from her elderly father over the course of several years after he was diagnosed with dementia and named her as his power of attorney in 2018. Relatives grew concerned after the woman placed the victim in a rehabilitation home in December 2021. That’s when they started noticing tax…
Fence Builder Ghosts Several Capital Region Homeowners After Taking Thousands, Police Say Fence Builder Ghosts Several Capital Region Homeowners After Taking Thousands, Police Say
Fence Builder Ghosts Several Capital Region Homeowners After Taking Thousands, Police Say The owner of a fence building company is accused of taking thousands of dollars from area homeowners for jobs that were never completed. Schenectady County resident James Butler, age 30, of Glenville, was arrested on Friday, Feb. 23 on a felony charge of grand larceny. Glenville Police said Butler, who owns and operates “Trust a Fence,” accepted over $7,000 from a Glenville homeowner to purchase fencing material. However, the job was never finished. An investigation found several similar claims that are being investigated by the Scotia, Colonie, Guilderland, and Niskayuna police department…
Man From Region Wanted For Failure To Pay Child Support, Charged With Food Stamp Fraud Man From Region Wanted For Failure To Pay Child Support, Charged With Food Stamp Fraud
Man From Region Wanted For Failure To Pay Child Support, Charged With Food Stamp Fraud A man from the region wanted for failing to pay child support was also charged for allegedly collecting $1,000 in food stamps he wasn't entitled to. Sullivan County resident Keith Nash, age 31, of South Fallsburg was arrested on Thursday, Feb. 15 by the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office on a family court child support warrant. According to Sullivan County Undersheriff Eric Chaboty, Nash owed $1,200 in support payments. He was also wanted on a felony warrant for grand larceny for allegedly collecting $1,152 in food stamps that he was not entitled to.  Nash was arraigned in the Town of L…
Contractor Accused Of Ripping Off $10K From Homeowner In Region Contractor Accused Of Ripping Off $10K From Homeowner In Region
Contractor Accused Of Ripping Off $10K From Homeowner In Region A 21-year-old contractor from the Capital Region has been charged with allegedly ripping off a homeowner of a $10,000 deposit after he failed to perform work on the victim's home. Saratoga County resident Michael T. Maralett, of Greenfield, was charged with grand larceny and traffic violation on Thursday, Feb. 1, said Trooper Stepanie O'Neil of the New York State Police. According to O'Neil, on Thursday, Jan. 25, State Police received a complaint from a Saratoga County resident. The investigation determined the victim allegedly met with Marlett, the owner and operator of ATQ Contracting LLC…
Man Nabbed For Allegedly Holding Knife To Face Of Clerk In Region To Rob Convenience Store Man Nabbed For Allegedly Holding Knife To Face Of Clerk In Region To Rob Convenience Store
Man Nabbed For Allegedly Holding Knife To Face Of Clerk In Region To Rob Convenience Store A 37-year-old man from the region was nabbed for an alleged armed robbery in which he held a knife in the face of a convenience store employee as he and another man stole money and cigarettes. Sullivan County resident Bryan E. Robinson, age 37, of Monticello was arrested on Monday, Feb. 5 for the robbery that took place on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, at the Citgo convenience store located at 41 Forestburgh Road in the Village of Monticello. Robinson was arrested as a result of an ongoing investigation into an armed robbery that found he and the second man entered the convenience store…
Capital Region Firefighter Stole From Hospitalized Patients' Homes, Police Say Capital Region Firefighter Stole From Hospitalized Patients' Homes, Police Say
Capital Region Firefighter Stole From Hospitalized Patients' Homes, Police Say He was sent to help them, but police say a paramedic from the region stole from his patients after they were hospitalized. Albany County resident Devvan Farina, age 39, of Albany, was arrested on multiple felony charges, including burglary, on Tuesday, Feb. 6. Bethlehem Police said Farina stole from multiple homes while working as a paramedic for the Albany County Sheriff’s Office in Bethlehem and a firefighter for the city of Troy. He targeted homes that he knew were unoccupied after the residents had been taken to the hospital, police said. It was not immediately clear how many people we…
Duo's Stolen Joyride Ends In Pursuit, Crash In Capital Region, Police Say Duo's Stolen Joyride Ends In Pursuit, Crash In Capital Region, Police Say
Duo's Stolen Joyride Ends In Pursuit, Crash In Capital Region, Police Say A 17-year-old boy and a second defendant are accused of stealing a car and leading police on a chase before crashing in the region. The Saratoga County incident began around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30, when a resident reported their car stolen from the driveway of their Saratoga Springs home. Officers spotted the vehicle a short time later on Circular Street and initiated a traffic stop, but the driver refused to pull over. They pursued the car for nearly three miles before the driver lost control and crashed on Jones Road in the town of Wilton. The driver and a passenger then fled on foo…
Bookkeeper Accused Of Stealing $1M From Her Boss In NY Bookkeeper Accused Of Stealing $1M From Her Boss In NY
Bookkeeper Accused Of Stealing $1M From Her Boss In NY A woman who was a longtime bookkeeper for a New York business has been accused of stealing more than $1 million from the company. On Long Island, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced the indictment of Domenica Giordano, age 39, of Islip Terrace, accused of grand larceny in the first degree for allegedly embezzling more than $1 million from All Systems Maintenance, a commercial plumbing business located in Bay Shore. According to the investigation, Giordano was employed as a bookkeeper for approximately 17 years.  In May 2020, the owner…