A longtime MTA worker was arrested Tuesday, authorities said.
Tom Shabany, a cashier on the Metro North Railroad who worked for White Plains and logged 24 years on transport, was charged with a second grand theft when Westchester County District Attorney Susan Kakers described it as an “extraordinary violation of trust” on Wednesday.
According to the felony complaint, the employee's suspicious sticky finger scheme began on September 21, 2024 and continued until March 12.
Shabani, who was supposed to process the money he received from the ticket vending machine, said he pocketed hundreds of thousands of dollars and blew away cash for personal expenses.
He was arrested by MTA police on Tuesday and the following day at White Plains City Court before he was released on his own recognition.
“MetroNorth has no tolerance for the betrayal of responsibility to protect public funds for the people of New York,” said Justin Vonaschek, vice president and chief operating officer of MetroNorth Railroad. In a statement. “We have taken steps to ensure that security measures are enhanced.”
Vonashek said following an investigation by the MTA police, Shabani was released from his duty without wages where further disciplinary action was not pending.
Cacace, the top prosecutor of the county, said Shabani's “quick prosecutor” in her office was a “warning” for other workers who might try to steal public funds.
“Theft of public funds represents an extraordinary violation of trust, especially when such theft is allegedly committed by a public servant,” Democrats said in a statement.
Shabani returned to court on April 16th.
