Mineola, N.Y. – Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced the arrest of the Former President of the Hempstead Schools Civil Service Association (“HSCSA”) for allegedly stealing $90,651 from the Union’s bank account.
Annette Greer, 54, of Hempstead was arraigned today before Judge Maxine Broderick and charged with Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (a D Felony). The defendant was conditionally released to probation and is due back in court October 22. If convicted of the top charge, she faces a maximum of 3-½ to 7 years in prison.
“The members of the Hempstead Schools Civil Service Association entrusted this defendant with their union dues to represent and support them, but instead she allegedly pocketed their money for her personal use,” DA Singas said. “I thank NYSUT for their investigative work and HSCSA for their cooperation throughout this investigation.”
DA Singas said that from 2013 through June 2017, Greer was the President of HSCSA. As President, she had unfettered access to the union’s bank account, which was funded by dues paid by the HSCSA union members. Greer had complete control over the union checkbook until July 2016.
In June 2017, the defendant left office, and a new President of the HSCSA was elected and found discrepancies with the union finances. Following a review by New York State Unified Teachers - a federation of more than 1,200 local unions - it was discovered that from August 2014 through June 2017 the defendant allegedly made unauthorized check payments, purchases, and withdrawals that totaled $90,651.18.
When she made the withdrawals, Greer said the money was used for scholarship programs, cell phone payments, retirement plaques, barbeques, and other union expenses. Instead, she allegedly pocketed the money for herself.
Fifty-three unauthorized cash withdrawals totaling more than $50,000 were allegedly made during the thefts, and one $1,500 unauthorized scholarship payment was made to her son– who allegedly did not attend college.
The Hempstead Schools Civil Service Association and the New York State Unified Teachers filed a complaint with the NCDA in January 2018, and an investigation immediately commenced.
Senior Assistant District Attorney Mayra Ivelisse Lopez of DA Singas’ Labor Unit is prosecuting this case. Ronald Jay Bekoff, Esq. represents the defendant.
The charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.
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