Crime & Safety

Bookkeeper Sentenced For Stealing From Former Boss

She was also order to pay her former employer restitution.

Patricia Hunt, 71, of New Rochelle.
Patricia Hunt, 71, of New Rochelle. (Westchester County DA's Office)

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — A New Rochelle bookkeeper will be going to state prison for stealing from her former employer. Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino Jr. said Thursday that Patricia Hunt, 71, of New Rochelle, was sentenced to two to six years on her plea to second-degree grand larceny, a felony.

Because she did not pay restitution, the judge also signed an order and judgment of restitution for the benefit of Enrico Gargiulo in the amount $375,825.88.

In addition to the theft, prosecutors said, Hunt abused the trust of her victim, the company's owner.

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Authorities said Hunt, a former bookkeeper for Artisan Restoration Co., Inc., and E. Gargiulo Interior & Exterior Restoration Co., Inc., in Mount Vernon, stole in excess of $300,000 by writing checks on the business and personal accounts of Gargiulo to "cash" and deposited the money into her accounts.

The company restores churches and other buildings with a focus on architectural millwork, stained and leaded glass, painting and marble.

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The thefts took place over the course of six years, beginning Jan. 14, 2011, to Aug. 14, 2017, police said.

Hunt was fired by the company in the summer of 2017 after 20 years of employment there.

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