LI Police Officer Accused Of Stealing $200K From Fellow Officer To Buy Vehicle, Pay Off Credit Cards: DA

OAKDALE, NY — An Oakdale resident, who is also a Nassau County police officer, has been accused of stealing a $200,000 investment from a fellow officer for his own personal expenses, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said.

According to the investigation, between February 2024 and June 2024, Leonard Cagno, 39, of Oakdale, a Nassau County police officer and owner of the private company BW Media Consulting, LLC, reportedly solicited an investment in BW Media from a fellow officer recovering from a serious illness, Tierney said.

Cagno reportedly falsely claimed the funds would be used as an investment in the business, the DA said.

It was subsequently discovered that Cagno unlawfully spent the officer's money on various personal expenses, including purchasing a vehicle, paying off credit card debt, making payments toward his home, subscribing to OnlyFans, gambling, and dining at restaurants, Tierney said.

The records obtained as a result of the investigation indicate that, within just two months of receiving the $200,000, Cagno spent the entirety of the investment, the DA said.

On Wednesday, Cagno was arrested and taken into custody; he was arraigned before Acting County Court Judge Jennifer A. Henry and charged with second-degree grand larceny, a Class C felony, Tierney said.

Judge Henry ordered Cagno released on his own recognizance because his charge is considered non bail eligible under current New York State law, meaning prosecutors cannot ask for, and judges cannot set bail, the DA said.

Cagno is due back in court on October 22, and he is being represented by John Manley, who was not immediately available for comment.

"The allegations here represent a shocking abuse of the essential trust that exists between fellow police officers," Tierney aid. "This defendant is alleged to have preyed uponthat trust for his own financial gain, and in so doing, violated one of the most important bonds inlaw enforcement."

If you believe you have been victimized by Leonard Cagno, call the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office at 631-853-4626.