LongIsland.com

Nassau DA: Man Charged in 54-count Indictment for Stealing Credit and Debit Cards from Vehicles

Written by Long Island News & PR  |  25. September 2019

Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced that a West Hempstead man was arraigned on a 54-count indictment for allegedly stealing credit and debit cards, gift cards and cash from vehicles throughout Nassau County.
 
Alex Hines, 47, was arraigned today before Judge Helene Gugerty and charged with:
 
  • Two counts of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (a D felony)
  • Four counts of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree (an E felony)
  • 20 counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree (an E felony)
  • Three counts of Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree (an E felony)
  • Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree (an E felony)
  • Three counts of Identity Theft in the Second Degree (an E felony)
  • Ten counts of Identity Theft in the Third Degree (an A misdemeanor)
  • Eleven counts of Petit Larceny (an A misdemeanor)
Bail was continued at $100,000 bond or $50,000 cash and the defendant is due back in court on October 7. If convicted of the top count, he faces a maximum of 3-1/2 years to seven years in prison.
 
“For more than a year, this defendant broke into cars across Nassau County and allegedly stole more than $10,000 during this crime spree,” DA Singas said. “Thanks to great detective work this defendant was apprehended and will now be accountable for his alleged crimes. This case is a reminder to lock your car doors and to take any items of value with you before you leave your car.”
 
DA Singas said that, from February 2018 through April 2019, the defendant allegedly broke into 13 locked and unlocked cars and stole credit cards, debit cards, gift cards, cash and other items from the vehicles. The defendant allegedly used the cards at CVS, Home Depot, Rite Aid and 7/11 stores to buy gift cards he that he sold for cash to purchase drugs and food.
 
The crimes allegedly occurred outside victims’ homes and CVS stores in Oyster Bay, Hicksville, Valley Stream, Syosset, Bethpage, Rockville Centre, East Meadow, Roslyn, Franklin Square and Hempstead.
 
In many instances, the cards, wallets and other items such as cell phones were left out in plain view in parked cars or glove compartments, consoles and on the floor. If the vehicle was locked, the defendant allegedly shattered a window to gain entry to the vehicle.
 
In total, the defendant allegedly stole more than $10,000.
 
Following an investigation, the defendant was arrested on May 11 by Nassau County Police Department Detectives.
 
The public is advised not to leave items of value inside their cars, even if the vehicle is parked overnight outside their homes and locked.
 
If you feel you may have been a victim of this defendant, contact your local police precinct.
 
Senior Assistant District Attorney April Montgomery of DA Singas’ Financial Crimes Bureau is prosecuting this case. Lori Golombek, Esq. represents the defendant.
 
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Copyright © 1996-2024 LongIsland.com & Long Island Media, Inc. All rights reserved.