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John Novello, 51, of Hewlett Harbor, was arrested Thursday, Sept. 5, and charged with second-degree grand larceny, four counts of third-degree grand larceny, fours counts of violation of the election law, and two counts of petit larceny, said the Nassau County District Attorney's Office.
“This defendant allegedly funded his luxurious lifestyle with contributions that donors made to support the Cedarhurst GOP and its candidates,” District Attorney Madeline Singas said. “These allegations are an outrageous betrayal of trust by a public official and party leader, and my office is committed to seeking justice.”
According to the DA's office, from January 2016 to August 2019, Novello, the Executive Leader of the Cedarhurst Republican Committee, allegedly withdrew more than $20,000 in cash from the Committee’s campaign bank account for personal use.
According to bank records, Novello allegedly withdrew cash from the account more than 40 times in amounts of up to $2,000. He also allegedly deposited some of the cash into his personal and business bank accounts, the DA's Office said.
Additionally, Novello allegedly stole more than $37,000 from donations to the committee’s annual golf tournament fundraiser and the Mayor’s Cup in 2018 and 2019. Novello allegedly transferred a total of more than $22,000 from the 2018 Mayor’s Cup donations and more than $15,000 from the 2019 Mayor’s Cup donations to personal and business bank accounts, the District Attorney said.
Novello allegedly spent the money on home mortgage payments, a trip to a winery, luxury candies, entertainment, gas, restaurants, and groceries.
In total, Novello allegedly stole more than $59,000 from the Cedarhurst Republican Committee.
Following his arrest, Novello was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court on Thursday, Sept. 26.
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