DA: Oceanside Gym Owner Indicted for Stealing from Clients

An Oceanside gym owner was indicted by a grand jury for making unauthorized charges on client credit cards, according to the Nassau County District Attorney’s office.

Thomas Donovan, 39, of Island Park, was formally charged Thursday with first-degree scheming to defraud, two counts of first-degree falsifying business records, and third-degree grand larceny, the DA said. The charges stem from his arrest in December, officials said.

Nassau County Police said Donovan took credit card account information from his clients at 5 Star Boxing in Oceanside and used it to buy more than $30,000 of merchandise, cops said. He and an unnamed accomplice crossed Nassau and Suffolk Counties making purchases in November and December, police said.

According to the DA, his accomplice would bring items to the Pro Desk at Home Depot and give employees a fake name and number of a contractor. The employees would then call the number and Donovan would answer, give them credit card information, and complete the purchase, the DA said.

Police executed a search warrant and found an loaded .25 caliber pistol that had been defaced, officials said. For this, he was also indicted for second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and criminal possession of a firearm, the DA said.

If convicted on the top charge, Donovan faces a minimum sentence of 3 1/2 years in prison, the DA said. He is due back in court Feb. 10.

“Customers should be able to enroll in automatic monthly credit card payment plans without worrying about the unauthorized use of their personal financial information,” Acting DA Madeline Singas said. “I encourage any other patrons of this defendant’s business who suspect unauthorized charges were made to their accounts to contact my office’s Tipline immediately.”

Anyone believing they are a victim can call the tip line at (516) 571-7755.

Photo via NCPD

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