Fake Fire Marshal Defrauds Multiple Nassau Businesses: Police

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY — A Manhattan man has been arrested after police said he visited businesses in Nassau County while posing as a fire marshal, firefighter and fire investigator and defrauded those businesses out of bogus fees and fines.

Michael Carrion, 57, of West 143rd Street in Harlam, conducted fraudulent inspections and provided phony invoices for inspection fees and fines at businesses in New Hyde Park, Rockville Centre, Valley Stream and Great Neck, Nassau County police said. The incidents began in February 2020 and lasted through August 2022.

• Feb. 22, 2020: Gourmet Bake Shop, New Hyde Park. Carrion presented an invoice for $476.90 after the inspection and collected payment, police said.
• Feb. 18, 2022: Sobol Restaurant, Rockville Centre. After the inspection, Carrion took a payment of $476.60, police said.
• Feb. 18, 2022: Dunkin', Rockville Centre. Carrion collected $230 after the inspection, police said.
• March 19, 2022: Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen, Valley Stream. Carrion presented invoices for $970.70 after the inspection and collected payment, police said.
• Aug. 31, 2022: AAC Convenience Store, Great Neck. Carrion presented invoices for $1,070 after the inspection and collected payment, police said.

Carrion faces multiple charges including fourth-degree grand larceny, second-degree scheme to defraud, second-degree criminal impersonation, and petit larceny. He was scheduled to appear in Hempstead district court Wednesday.

Anyone who feels they may have been a victim were asked to call Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS or 911 for immediate assistance.