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A Huntington Town security guard from Selden faces felony burglary and grand larceny charges for allegedly swiping landscaping tools from the town and selling them for profit.
New Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said Robert Chura, 29, broke into a town tool room and stole thousands of dollars worth of hedge trimmers, chainsaws and leaf blowers. He then allegedly sold the equipment to Patchogue’s Leonel Hernandez.
Chura in court on Thursday was arraigned on two felony charges, third-degree burglary and third degree grand larceny. He was also charged with official misconduct, a misdemeanor. His next court date is Jan. 26.
Hernandez, 34, is scheduled to be arraigned on Jan. 24 for criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, a felony.
“Instead of safeguarding town property, Mr. Chura allegedly took advantage of his position to steal items from the town to financially benefit himself,” said Tierney, who took office earlier this month. “Thanks to the work of the Suffolk County Police Department, this individual will now have to face the consequences of his actions.”
Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison said Chura’s arrest “is a reminder that no one is above the law.”
“Chura took advantage of his position by burglarizing town property and stealing tools to make a profit at the taxpayer’s expense,” the commissioner said. “I commend Second Squad detectives who worked collaboratively with the Town of Huntington and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office to quickly make this apprehension.”
The stolen equipment was valued at $3,700. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Sean Buckley of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Public Integrity Bureau, the district attorney’s office stated.
Above image: Facebook
