Man Tried To Scam More Than 100 Nassau Businesses As Code Enforcer: PD

NASSAU COUNTY, NY — A Queens man was arrested on Friday after police say he tried to scam more than 100 businesses across Nassau County.

According to police, John Garland, 54, entered G and J Dry Cleaners 2 Incorporated, located at 212 W. Old Country Road in Hicksville, on Sept. 7. Police say he was wearing an orange vest and had identification that included his photo and the Town of Hempstead seal.

Police say Garland claimed he was a code enforcement inspector for the Town of Oyster Bay, and told the business owner that their sign was in violation of town ordinances. He threatened the business with a $5,000 fine if the sign was not addressed within 72 hours, police said.

Garland issued the business fake "Notice of Violation" paperwork that had the seals of Nassau County, the Town of Hempstead and the Town of Oyster Bay, police said.

The dry cleaner owner was given the number of a business called FastSigns, located at 392 N. Wantagh Avenue in Bethpage, police said. The business owner was given an estimate of $2,200 to fix the fraudulent violation.

Police say an investigation found that Garland visited 114 businesses and told them their signs were in violation.

Garland is charged with first-degree scheme to defraud, second-degree attempted grand larceny, two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument and second-degree criminal impersonation. He was arraigned on Sept. 10 and released on his own recognizance.

Police ask anyone who thinks they may have been a victim of this scheme to call Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.