DA: Long Beach Firefighter Deceived City on Boiler Contract

A former Long Beach firefighter was arraigned Friday after he submitted a bid to install a boiler using false information, according to the Nassau County District Attorney’s office.

Jay Gusler, 52, of Long Beach, was arraigned on several felony and misdemeanor charges, including grand larceny, identity theft, and forgery, before Judge Frank Gulotta, the DA said.

In May 2013, Gusler submitted a bid to Long Beach officials to install a boiler at the city’s recreation center, the DA said. Gusler was awarded the project since his bid was $1,000 less than another that the city had received from an Atlantic Beach-based company, the DA said. Gusler used the name of a licensed heating and plumbing company without its permission. He also included false information on the bid, the DA said.

Although Gusler submitted an invoice using the name of his now-defunct company, the client paid the company listed on the bid. That company received a check for $11,400, which was then handed over to the defendant, officials said.

The boiler, however, was improperly installed and Long Beach City had to pay extra for repairs.

Gusler, who was employed at the Long Beach Fire Department, has been suspended without pay, according to Long Beach City Manager Jack Schnirman.

Gusler’s arraignment ”continues this administration’s zero tolerance policy for individuals who attempt to scam Long Beach taxpayers -- employees or otherwise,” said Schnirman in a statement. “Jay Gusler is being immediately suspended without pay from his position in the City’s paid fire department, and further administrative action will be taken from there. We continue to work closely with the District Attorney’s office to root out potential corruption issues at their source.”

Gusler’s charges include third-degree grand larceny, first-and third-degree identity theft, second- and third-degree forgery, first-degree offering a false instrument, and second-degree criminal impersonation. Gusler, represented by Joseph LoPiccolo, faces up to seven years in prison if convicted of the top charge, officials said.

He is due back in court on Feb. 23.

Photo via NCDA

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