In New York City, a civilian worker for the New York Police Department has been charged with
identity theft. According to reports, Anthony Bonelli, was an official for the NYPD's pension fund. While working for the NYPD, he stole computer data that would allow him to steal the identities of 80,000 current and retired police officers throughout the city.
Bonelli allegedly managed to get into a secret backup data warehouse in Staten Island last month. After entering the warehouse, he walked out with 8 tapes that contained the social security numbers, bank account information and related confidential material.
Today, the NYPD plans to send out letters to the 80,000 police officers that may have had their identities compromised. They are offering these officers help and resources should they discover that their identities have been stolen or that fraudulent activity has occurred.
46 year old Bonelli was the NYPD's pension funds director of communications. Even though he was an official, he was not allowed to have access to the warehouse in Staten Island where back up data is stored on tapes, similar to VHS tapes.
Police report that Bonelli was able to get past the warehouse's guard on February 21, 2009. He then unplugged the surveillance camera and stole the tapes.
If you have been charged with a
theft crime in
New York, click here to find a
criminal defense attorney!
