NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — A former Long Island Railroad employee who stole more than $18,000 from the transportation agency in overtime fraud has reportedly been sentenced to up to 16 months in prison.
The New York Post reports Thomas Caputo struck a deal with prosecutors and will be banned from appealing his case.
Caputo and his four other co-conspirators — other LIRR coworkers — will also be forced to pay $109,000 in restitution, according to prosecutors.
The so-called "Overtime King," Joseph Ruzzo, John Nugent and Joseph Balestra were accused of "repeatedly covering for one another's absences from work while nonetheless understanding that time sheets including the unworked hours would be submitted."
Caputo, who was arrested last year by federal authorities, reportedly made over $344,000 in false overtime fees in 2018.
In Thursday's sentencing hearing, he admitted to committing fraud — reportedly saying he "knew [it] was wrong and illegal."
James Kousouros, Caputo's attorney, said his client will repay the money he stole and "move on" with his life.
"He regrets this conduct and has agreed to repay these funds as he moves on with his otherwise unblemished and law-abiding life," Kousouros said.
