EMT Accused Of Stealing During Undercover DOI Integrity Test
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- An emergency medical technician working for the New York City Fire Department was arrested on charges of stealing $280 dollars, according to a statement released by the Department of Investigation.
Donald Vasquez, a 35-year-old from Brooklyn, allegedly stole the money from an investigator who was working undercover as part of an integrity test. He has been charged with a number of class-A misdemeanors including, official misconduct, petit larceny and possession of stolen property.
Recent theft allegations resulted in the test being conducted on Tuesday morning.
1010 WINS Reporter Al Jones Reports
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Department of Investigations Commissioner Rose Gill Hearn explained to CBS2's John Slattery how Vasquez's job responsibilities could put him in an easy position to commit these crimes of oppurtunity.
"He is in close proximity and has access to wallets and pocketbooks and watches and jewelry and so forth," she said.
As part of the sting operation, Vasquez was directed to retrieve a patient's identification from an empty bedroom after an emergency call in a Brooklyn apartment.
The patient was actually an undercover investigator and surveillance footage allegedly showed Vasquez stealing money from a wallet and an envelope.
DOI Commissioner Rose Gill Hearn spoke out against the alleged theft Tuesday.
"Stealing money from an individual in a vulnerable situation is a fundamental breach of an EMT's duty. The conduct outlined in these charges is antithetical to the diligence and care shown by the many EMTs who help injured people
every day in this city," she said.
Vasquez, who has been employed as an EMT since 2004, could be facing up to a year in jail if he is convicted. He is currently suspended without pay.
Do you have information regarding a similar incident? Call the DOI at (212) 825-5959 and let us know about it in our comment section...
