Police: Commack Man Stole Identities And Credit Cards To Pay For Heroin, Gambling Addictions

WEST BABYLON, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Police have arrested a Long Island man who they said swindled close friends and family in order to support heroin and gambling addictions that cost thousands of dollars.

According to police, Michael Katcher, of Commack, used his 21-year-old daughter's personal information and the information of a long-time friend to open several phony businesses and credit cards.

Authorities identified the fake companies created by Katcher as TAK Transportation, Charmwood, and McKewens Limousine.

Police said between July and November of last year, Katcher also used his friend's New York City-based limousine company to steal customers' credit card information.

In addition, Katcher is accused of stealing more than $255,000 to support a $2,000 a week heroin habit and a $100,000 a year gambling habit.

Police said the 44-year-old is also being sued by numerous victims on Long Island and New York City for stealing more than $650,000 using a similar scheme.

Katcher is charged with three counts of identity theft, six counts of forgery, and two counts of issuing a bad check, police said. He's expected to be arraigned in First District Court in Central Islip on Wednesday.