Food Pantry Theft Suspects Due in Court Tuesday

The six Harrison town employees accused of stealing from the local food pantry are due to appear in Harrison Court Tuesday morning, they face charges ranging from misdemeanor petit larceny to felony burglary.

When the group , felony burglary charges were added against Florence D’Imperio and Joseph Arcara in addition to previous charges of petit larceny. Jack Arcara, Adam Straface, William D’Imperio and Sherry Toplyn all face misdemeanor charges of petit larceny. Florence D'Imperio is also charged with official misconduct, a misdemeanor.

Police say the suspects stole food and clothing from the pantry in front of surveillance cameras at least once between Dec. 20, 2010 and Jan. 26, 2011. All have pleaded not guilty to all charges and obtained council. 

Since all six employees have either resigned, retired or been fired from their positions with the town. 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 and worked with Joe and Jack Arcara as well as Straface. Toplyn had organized and operated a new  program for the last six months. 

Florence D’Imperio and Toplyn resigned from their part-time positions days after their arrests. The Harrison Town Board  Joseph Arcara, Jack Arcara and Straface on March 3, and on March 16.

This week, days before the suspects are due to appear in court, video surveillance of the alleged thefts . It is unknown what, if any, affect this will have on the trial moving forward. 

The misdemeanor larceny charges could carry up to a year in prison if the six are convicted. Florence D’Imperio and Joseph Arcara could face up to seven years in prison if convicted of the felony burglary charge.

The suspects are due to appear at 9:30 a.m., check back with Patch later in the day for updates.