Second Squad Detectives report the arrest of a Queens man for Attempted Grand Larceny that occurred on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at 5:00 pm in Hicksville.
According to detectives, a male entered G and J Dry Cleaners 2 Incorporated. The male portrayed himself as a Code Enforcement Inspector for the Town of Oyster Bay. He was wearing an orange vest and displayed identification that included his photo and a Town of Hempstead seal.
The male notified the business that their sign was in violation of the town’s ordinances and threatened fines in excess of $5,000 dollars if they were not addressed within 72 hours. The male issued fraudulent “Notice of Violation” paperwork that contained the seals for Nassau County, Town of Hempstead and Town of Oyster Bay. The victim was also provided with a phone number for a business called FastSigns in Wantagh, to correct the
violation. The victim called the business and was given a $2,200 dollar estimate to rectify the violation.
It was determined that John Garland, 54, visited 114 businesses and claimed their business signs were in violation.
Defendant Garland is charged with Scheme to Defraud 1st Degree, Attempted Grand Larceny 2nd Degree, two (2) counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument 2nd Degree and Criminal Impersonation 2nd Degree. He will be arraigned on Saturday, September 10, 2022 in First District Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead.
Detectives request anyone who feels they may have been the victim of a similar incident to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.
