A New York City emergency medical technician (EMT) was arrested Wednesday and charged with stealing money from an undercover agent posing as a patient, according to local authorities.
Corona’s Luis A. Carrillo Jr., 43, allegedly stole $600 from an undercover agent while an ambulance was transporting an alleged patient to Elmhurst Hospital in Queens around 3:26 a.m. , “Charged for grand theft in the fourth degree,” Class E felony, misdemeanor and public misconduct, both of which are class A misdemeanors. New York City Department of Investigation (DOI) statement Released Thursday. Investigators reportedly found $690 of the $1,100 marked bills in the wallet missing after delivering it to the hospital. Other investigators stopped an ambulance leaving the hospital and recovered $600 from Carrillo’s right front pocket, but were reportedly unable to recover the remaining $90. They immediately arrested Carrillo. (Related article: Woman allegedly steals from police officer who collapsed in driveway and continues to waste money)
A New York City paramedic has been arrested and charged with stealing $600 from an undercover agent posing as a sick patient. https://t.co/ocAXXJG1HY
— ABC News (@ABC) August 3, 2023
The sting operation was a integrity check stemming from an alleged theft involving New York City Fire Department (FDNY) officials, according to a statement. If convicted, he could face up to four years in prison for a class E felony and up to one year in prison for each class A misdemeanor. He was reportedly suspended from a job he had held since October 2012, worth an estimated $59,534 a year.
“The complaint alleges that the defendant swore to provide emergency medical assistance in a diligent and compassionate manner, but instead used his position to steal from individuals believed to be in need of care. This dishonorable accusation stands in stark contrast to the myriad of FDNY paramedics who act with honor and integrity every day to provide critical care to New Yorkers in need,” said DOI Director. said Jocelyn E. Strauber of
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, who is prosecuting the case, thanked the DOI for its work and said the office will hold the defendants accountable.
