Tag: office manager theft

A Brightwaters resident has been charged with allegedly stealing more than $230,000 from her employer and also collecting over $40,000 in unemployment benefits while still employed, officials said Friday.

Christa Ramos now faces second-degree grand larceny and other charges, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney.

“Stealing from a small business is not just a crime against one employer; it’s a crime against the backbone of our economy and the fabric of our community,” Tierney said in a written statement. “My office is committed to holding individuals accountable who exploit small businesses for personal gain.”

Tara Laterza, an East Moriches-based attorney representing Ramos, was not immediately available for comment.

Investigators say that between December 2018 and June 2023, Ramos worked as an office manager at Northeast Electrical Contractors, where she was responsible for paying the company’s bills. But during that time, Ramos allegedly began writing checks to herself totaling approximately $230,398 without authorization from the company’s president or vice president. These checks were reportedly deposited into her personal bank account and used for personal expenses, according to the DA’s office.

Further investigation revealed that Ramos allegedly collected unemployment insurance benefits while working full-time at Northeast Electrical Contractors. Authorities claim she repeatedly informed the New York State Department of Labor that she was unemployed during this period. As office manager, Ramos handled the company’s mail, which allegedly enabled her to conceal the unemployment benefit payments from her employer. In total, she is accused of fraudulently obtaining more than $40,000 in taxpayer funds.

Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro ordered Ramos held on $100,000 cash, $200,000 bond or $500,000 partially secured bond while the case is ongoing. Ramos is due back in court on Nov. 18.

If convicted of the top count, Ramos faces up to 15 years in prison.