Williston Park, NY - October 18th, 2013 -  Crimes Against Property Squad detectives report the arrest of a Holbrook man for grand larceny and criminal impersonation that occurred in Williston Park on Wednesday, 07/24/13 at 3:15 P.M.

According to detectives, while in front of 374 Hillside Ave., Jose Ruela, 44, of Holbrook, met with a female victim, 44, whom he met on a dating website, identified himself as a U.S. Marshal, a retired NYPD police officer and gave her a fictitious name. The defendant convinced the victim to lend him $3200 because his vehicle had been repossessed.  In exchange for the cash, the defendant gave the victim a fraudulent check that was signed by the defendant.  He also gave the victim a title to a vehicle he no longer owned as collateral.  On 08/02/13 the defendant told the victim to cash the check when she asked for her money back.  When the victim attempted to cash the check she was informed by the bank that it was fraudulent.

Crimes Against Property Squad detectives arrested the defendant on Thursday, 10/17/13in front of his residence.  Ruela is being charged with Grand Larceny 3rd Degree, Possession of a Forged Instrument 2nd Degree, Criminal Impersonation 1st Degree and will be arraigned on Friday, 10/18/13 in First District Court, Hempstead.