Corrupt City Hospital Worker Stole $64K From Bellevue: DA

NEW YORK CITY — A high-ranking official who stole tens of thousands of dollars from New York public hospitals faces conspiracy charges after a whistleblower tipped off the city, prosecutors announced Monday.

Eugene Roberson, 54, stands accused of funneling $64,000 in New York City Health + Hospital Corporation funds into his private accounts, according to the Manhattan District Attorney’s office.

Roberson allegedly used his position as contracts director to get free parking at a Bellevue garage and deposited more than two years’ of rent checks from the hospital’s Moonstruck cafe into his own bank account, according to prosecutors.

The cash in question was spent on shopping sprees, travel and Roberson’s rent, prosecutors contend.

Roberson, who managed vendor contracts at five city hospitals, was charged after a city employee tipped off the Department of Investigations, said Commissioner Margaret Garnett.

“Stewards of City funds must be held to the highest possible ethical standards,” said District Attorney Cyrus Vance.

“As alleged, this Director of Contracts shirked his duties and padded his pockets with money intended to pay rent to New York City Health + Hospitals.”

Roberson was indicted in Manhattan Supreme Court on charges of public corruption, grand larceny and criminal possession of a forged instrument, prosecutors said.

The New York City Health + Hospitals press office did not immediately respond to Patch’s request for comment.