Final Pantry Theft Suspect Retires

William D'Imperio has retired from his position with the Town of Harrison, becoming the last of the six employees suspected of stealing from the food pantry either to be fired, resign or retire.

The Harrison Town Board approved the retirement Wednesday night. D'Imperio, 60, will receive his full pension and health care benefits.

According to the New York State Constitution, since D'Imperio has worked for the town for more than 30 years, his pension could not be taken away regardless of how his employment ended. He will also have healthcare coverage because he had worked for more than 10 years, according to Harrison Village Attorney Robert Paladino.

Whether he was fired or retired would have made no legal difference for the town, the attorney said.

Harrison had to hear charges against D'Imperio in accordance with the CSEA Foreman's collective bargaining agreement. D'Imperio's retirement makes those future hearings unnecessary. 

D'Imperio's resignation was effective March 15. He had been since Feb. 17. 

"Whatever happens now, he is no longer a town employee," said Paladino. 

Police say William D'Imperio along with his mother Florence D’Imperio, 90, Joseph Arcara, 54, Jack Arcara, 48, Adam Straface, 26, and Sherry Toplyn, 58, from the Harrison Food Pantry from late December 2010 to January 2011. The six were caught on tape during a two month investigation, police say.

All six of the employees were and suspended without pay two days later. Florence D'Imperio and Toplyn, both part time employees, resigned that week. The Joseph Arcara, Jack Arcara and Straface on March 3.

Florence D’Imperio and Joseph Arcara face for their alleged role in the thefts. In addition to the felony charges, Florence D’Imperio faces a misdemeanor official misconduct charge along with eight counts of petit larceny. Joseph Arcara faces six counts of petit larceny. Toplyn and Jack Arcara face five counts of petit larceny; William D’Imperio faces two counts and Straface faces a single count.

Florence D’Imperio served as Harrison Meals on Wheels Treasurer and was the Harrison Citizen of the Year in 2001. William D’Imperio was a supervisor in the Harrison Parks Department who worked with Joe Aracara, Jack Arcara and Straface. Toplyn had organized and operated a new  program at the . 

All of the suspects are due in Harrison Court April 12.