Mineola, NY - July 11, 2018 - Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced that a former treasurer for the Carle Place Fire Department was sentenced to five years’ probation for stealing more than $50,000 from the department over the course of four years. He has also paid restitution in the amount of $54,053.33.
William Weingarten, 66, pleaded guilty before Judge Robert Bogle on February 22 to Grand Larceny in the Second Degree (a C felony).
“Beginning in 2014, this defendant systematically raided the bank accounts of the Carle Place Fire Department and squandered the money on iTunes and a NASCAR membership,” DA Singas said. “This money was intended for live-saving services, yet his greed persisted for more than three years. I thank the members of the Carle Place Fire Department for helping bring this rogue member to justice.”
DA Singas said that between January 1, 2014 and September 24, 2017 the defendant, a former treasurer for the Carle Place Fire Department, allegedly used his department-issued credit card to make unauthorized purchases totaling $54,053.33. Most of the purchases consisted of Apple iTunes charges. Additional purchases were made to pay for a NASCAR membership, automobile parts, gasoline, electronics and meals at restaurants.
Before resigning as treasurer, Weingarten served for 22 years with the department. As treasurer, his duties were to maintain the books, issue checks and make deposits for the department.
The fire department’s board referred this case to the NCDA on September 21, 2017, based upon its review of an external audit of the department’s finances.
Deputy Chief of DA Singas’ Public Corruption Bureau, Robert L. Cavallo is prosecuting this case. The defendant is represented by Peter Rubin, Esq.