Second Squad detectives report the arrest of a Queens man for attempted grand larceny that occurred on Wednesday, Sept. 7, at 5 p.m. in Hicksville.
According to detectives, a male entered G and J Dry Cleaners 2 Incorporated, located at 212 W. Old Country Rd. The male portrayed himself as a Code Enforcement Inspector for the Town of Oyster Bay. He was wearing an orange vest and displayed identification that included his photo and a Town of Hempstead seal.
(Photo courtesy of the Nassau County Police Department)
The male notified the business that their sign was in violation of the town’s ordinances and threatened fines in excess of $5,000 dollars if they were not addressed within 72 hours. The male issued fraudulent “Notice of Violation” paperwork that contained the seals for Nassau County, Town of Hempstead and Town of Oyster Bay. The victim was also provided with a phone number for a business called FastSigns, located at 392 N. Wantagh Avenue, to correct the violation. The victim called the business and was given a $2,200 dollar estimate to rectify the violation.
It was determined that 54-year-old John Garland visited 114 businesses and claimed their business signs were in violation. Garland is charged with first-degree scheme to defraud, second-degree attempted grand larceny, two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument and second-degree criminal impersonation. He was arraigned on Saturday, Sept. 10, in First District Court located at 99 Main St. in Hempstead. Detectives request anyone who feels they may have been the victim of a similar incident to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-8477.
-Submitted by the Nassau County Police Department
