Former Bookkeeper Charged With Stealing From Employer

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — A former bookkeeper for an architectural restoration firm faces a felony charge for stealing from the company that employed her. Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino Jr. announced Patricia Hunt, 70, of New Rochelle, was arraigned Thursday in Mount Vernon City Court on one count of second-degree grand larceny, a felony.

Authorities said Hunt, a former bookkeeper for Artisan Restoration Co., Inc., and E. Gargiulo Interior & Exterior Restoration Co., Inc., on East Kingsbridge Road in Mount Vernon, stole more than $300,000 by writing checks on the business and personal accounts of Enrico Gargiulo to “cash” and depositing the money into her accounts or cashing checks without permission or authority to do so.

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

Police said the thefts took place over the course of six years, from Jan. 14, 2011, to August 14, 2017. Hunt was fired by the company in the summer 2017 after 20 years of employment there.

After her arraignment, Hunt was released on her own recognizance. Her next court appearance is scheduled for May 2.

If convicted, she he faces up to 15 years in state prison, the district attorney's office said.

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