Former Detective Admits Stealing From Charity Named After His Son

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — A retired police detective who co-founded an autism charity named after his own child has been sentenced for stealing $24,000 from the non-profit organization.

Christopher Greco, a former member of the New Rochelle Police Department, pleaded guilty to the larceny charge and admitted making personal purchases using the charity’s funds for himself and his family.

Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah announced on Friday that the co-founder of Christopher’s Voice, Inc., a New Rochelle-based charity for autistic children, was sentenced after pleading guilty to stealing approximately $24,000 from the non-profit organization named after his son.

"After stealing money for more than five years from a charity he founded, this defendant has admitted his wrongdoing," Rocah said. "Thanks to the hard work of our Public Integrity and Law Enforcement Integrity Bureau this defendant is being held accountable for his criminal conduct and betrayal of trust. We were able to secure the return of the stolen funds and insured that they will be used to support a reputable organization that helps children in need."

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In addition to providing support for autistic children and their families, the charity which has inspired similar initiatives around the globe, also provided life-saving equipment to help keep those who might be prone to wandering into dangerous situations safe as well as training law enforcement in best practices in assisting vulnerable members of the community.

Greco, a 25-year veteran of the New Rochelle Police Department who retired in August 2021, pleaded guilty on Nov. 29 before Judge Eileen Songer McCarthy in New Rochelle City Court to misdemeanor petit larceny. The 52-year-old was sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge.

As part of his plea agreement, Greco paid full restitution to Christopher’s Voice, Inc., and was required to transfer the charity’s remaining funds of $49,750, which includes the restitution, to Elizabeth Seton Children’s Foundation, a Westchester-based non-profit that provides long-term care for children with severe medical conditions.

Greco is also required to file for the dissolution of Christopher’s Voice, Inc., with the New York State Attorney General’s Office, and is further prohibited from performing charitable activity and accepting any charitable donations while awaiting final dissolvement of the organization.

Greco admitted in court that he spent money intended for Christopher’s Voice, Inc., on himself and his family for personal purchases made between Jan. 1, 2018 and May 31, 2023 in the form of debit transactions, cash withdrawals and checks written to himself.

The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office arrested Greco on Sept. 21, following its investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Renee Hassel of the Public Integrity and Law Enforcement Integrity Bureau in the Trials and Investigations Division.