By Bill Carey
EMS1
NEW YORK — An FDNY EMT has been arrested and charged with stealing $600 from an undercover investigator posing as a sick patient in what the city’s Department of Investigation called an integrity test.
Luis Carrillo Jr., 43, was charged with felony grand larceny in the fourth degree, and misdemeanor petit larceny and official misconduct, PIX 11 reported. The test was performed due to previous theft allegations against Carillo.
An undercover investigator pretended to be a patient. The investigator saw Carillo take his wallet while inside the ambulance. Officials said that when the investigator was transported to Elmhurst Hospital, he noticed $690 was missing from his wallet. DOI investigators approached Carillo and found $600 in his right pocket. The remaining $90 was not found.
“This defendant took an oath to provide emergency medical assistance with diligence and compassion, but instead used his position to steal from an individual who appeared to be in need of care, according to the charges,” Department of Investigation Commissioner Jocelyn Strauber said in a statement. “The disgraceful conduct stands in stark contrast to the FDNY’s countless EMTs who act with honor and integrity every day, delivering critical care to New Yorkers in need.”
Upon conviction, the felony is punishable with up to four years in prison and the misdemeanors are punishable with a year in prison.