Crime & Safety

Westchester DA: Former NYPA Worker Stole $2,900 from Utility

Raymond Encarnacion of the Bronx allegedly used gas cards issued by the New York Power Authority to $2,918 in personal fuel purchases.

A Bronx man is scheduled to appear in court next month after he allegedly charged more than $2,900 on gas cards issued from the New York State Power Authority in White Plains without authorization, the Westchester County District Attorney announced Wednesday.

Raymond Encarnacion, 30, of the Bronx, was charged with fourth-degree grand larceny, a felony, for allegedly taking Power Authority issued gas cards designated for work and using them for his own personal use.  The theft allegedly took place between Aug. 2, 2012 and Nov. 8, 2013.

“This defendant, as alleged in the complaint, showed a brazen disregard not only for his employer, but also for all New York taxpayers,” Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore said. “His continuing use of the gas cards, as if he was legitimately entitled to the fuel, only adds to the larceny.”

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Raymond allegedly racked up $2,918.14 in unauthorized charges while employed as a service assistant with the Power Authority  . Authorities said the theft was detected following an audit by the Power Autority.

The state Office of the Inspector General alerted the District Attorney’s Office after the theft was discovered.

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“This arrest demonstrates that we will hold state employees accountable for acts contrary to their public service and responsibilities,” said New York Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott.  “I will continue to work with our state agencies and prosecutors and combat such fraud and abuse.”  

Encarnacion was arraigned with bail was set at $2,000, cash or bond. His next court date is Feb. 26.

He faces a maximum sentence of four years in state prison.

Assistant District Attorney Brian Conway, Deputy Chief of the Public Integrity Bureau is prosecuting the case.


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