BREWSTER, N.Y. (AP) – Those who worked with an upstate building inspector and ex-cop known as a stern enforcer of rules say they’re shocked at charges that he sold real New York driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants.

Former Brewster mayor John Degnan told The Journal News that the grand larceny charges filed Thursday against Robert Serino, if they’re true, shake “everything I believe about human nature and doing the right thing.”

As Brewster’s building inspector and code enforcement officer he cracked down on illegal housing and went after local merchants who sold ID cards to immigrants. Mayor James Schoenig says Serino gave out tickets for overgrown grass and garbage pails left in the street.

A woman who said she was Serino’s wife told the newspaper to direct questions to her husband’s lawyer. Kevin MacKay of the law office of Serino, MacKay and Berube says Serino is innocent.

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