Metro-North Worker Arrested For Skimming $206K From Kiosks: MTAPD

WHITE PLAINS, NY — A Westchester-based Metro-North employee has been charged with the theft of hundreds of thousands of dollars of public funds, according to MTA police.

On Tuesday, Tom Shabani, a Metro-North Railroad cashier and 24-year employee based out of White Plains, responsible for handling money received from ticket vending machines, was arrested and charged with second-degree grand larceny, police said.

Following an internal audit, an investigation by the MTA Police Department (MTAPD) found that in the course of his duties, Shabani removed approximately $206,000 from a counting room without authorization, officials said.

"After we uncovered this crime and following the MTAPD investigation, this employee has been relieved of duty without pay pending additional disciplinary action," Metro-North Railroad Executive Chief Operating Officer Justin Vonashek said. "Metro-North has no tolerance for any betrayal of responsibility to safeguard public funds for the people of New York. We have taken steps to ensure security measures are reinforced."

Shabani was arraigned in White Plains City Court on Wednesday, where he was released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to return to court on April 16.

The case is being prosecuted by Westchester County District Attorney's Office Bureau Chief William Dyer Halpern and Senior Assistant District Attorney Renee Hassel.

"Any theft of public funds represents an extraordinary breach of trust, especially when such theft is alleged to have been committed by a public official," Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace said. "New Yorkers need to have confidence in their public servants. Our swift prosecution of this case should serve as a warning to anyone considering stealing from the public coffers."