TOWN OF HUNTINGTON EMPLOYEE ARRAIGNED FOR STEALING TOWN PROPERTY

(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – A Town of Huntington security guard was arraigned today for stealing tools from the town and selling them for profit, announced Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney.

“Instead of safeguarding town property, Mr. Chura allegedly took advantage of his position to steal items from the town to financially benefit himself,” said Tierney. “Thanks to the work of the Suffolk County Police Department, this individual will now have to face the consequences of his actions.”

“The arrest of Robert Chura is a reminder that no one is above the law,” said Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison. “While working as a security officer for the Town of Huntington, Chura took advantage of his position by burglarizing town property and stealing tools to make a profit at the taxpayer's expense. I commend Second Squad detectives who worked collaboratively with the Town of Huntington and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office to quickly make this apprehension.”

Robert Chura, 29 of Selden is charged with burglary in the third degree (D Felony); grand larceny in the third degree (D Felony) and official misconduct (A misdemeanor). His next court date is Jan. 26.

Chura allegedly broke into a tool room that he did not have access to, or permission to be in while he was on duty to steal three hedge trimmers, two chainsaws, and two leaf blowers worth $3,700 and sold them to Leonel Hernandez of Patchogue.

Hernandez, 34, is scheduled to be arraigned on Jan. 24 for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree (E Felony).

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Sean Buckley of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Public Integrity Bureau.

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Criminal complaints and indictments are merely accusatory instruments.

Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one is above the law.

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