Robert Simmonds, 56, charged with stealing approx. 39 paychecks of 18 employees while working as an area supervisor in Hicksville
MINEOLA, N.Y. – Acting Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced the arrest today of a Queens man who allegedly stole over $20,000 in paychecks written to 18 fellow employees while working for a security company as an area supervisor.
Robert Simmonds was arrested by DA investigators and will be arraigned later today on charges of Grand Larceny in the 3rd Degree (a D felony) and 10 counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the 2nd Degree (a D felony). If convicted, Simmonds faces a maximum sentence of 2-1/3 to seven years in prison.
“This company did the right thing by notifying my office of suspected criminal activity,” Acting DA Singas said. “We will continue to work with any person, or company, regarding complaints of theft or any other crime to ensure that those in positions of authority do not abuse the trust placed in them.”
Acting DA Singas said that between March 28, 2014 and Aug. 8, 2014, Simmonds allegedly stole approximately 39 paychecks totaling $21,198.30 from 18 employees of a U.K.-based security company.
The investigation began when managers of the security company contacted the DA’s office and reported that an employee notified them that he never received several of his paychecks over an approximate 15-month period.
Upon further inquiry by the company, it was discovered that two more employees had also not received some of their paychecks, and that the company’s bank records showed that the missing paychecks were deposited into a bank account in the name of Simmonds.
After an investigation was opened by the DA’s office, an additional 15 employees were identified as having had their paychecks stolen by Simmonds. The investigation was conducted with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Service.
At the time of the alleged theft, Simmonds was working as an area supervisor at the company’s office in Hicksville. Simmonds worked for the company for approximately seven years before being terminated.
Assistant District Attorney Mary Ruddy of Acting DA Singas’ Government and Consumer Frauds Bureau is prosecuting the case. Simmonds is represented by Toni Marie Angeli, Esq.
The charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.