A Suffolk County woman was sentenced to three to six years in prison after admitting she stole more than $230,000 from her employer and fraudulently collected unemployment benefits while working full time.
Hauppauge, NY – A Brightwaters woman has been sentenced to three to six years in state prison after pleading guilty to stealing more than $230,000 from her employer and fraudulently collecting unemployment benefits while employed, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.
Christa Ramos, 57, was sentenced Tuesday after previously pleading guilty to one count of second-degree grand larceny, three counts of third-degree grand larceny, and three counts of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing.
Prosecutors say office manager stole for years
According to prosecutors, Ramos worked as an office manager for a Deer Park business between December 2018 and June 2023. As part of her duties, she was responsible for paying company bills.
Investigators said Ramos wrote checks to herself totaling approximately $230,398 without authorization, deposited the funds into her personal bank account, and used the money for personal expenses.
Authorities also alleged Ramos falsely claimed she was unemployed while collecting New York State unemployment insurance benefits despite working full time.
Unemployment fraud concealed
Prosecutors said Ramos’ position as office manager gave her access to the company’s mail, allowing her to conceal notices regarding the fraudulent unemployment claims from her employer.
According to the district attorney’s office, Ramos improperly collected more than $40,000 in taxpayer-funded unemployment benefits.
“Stealing from a small business is an attack on our local economy and the communities these businesses support,” Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said. “My office will continue to ensure that those who exploit small businesses for personal gain are held responsible.”
In addition to the prison sentence, Suffolk County Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro ordered Ramos to pay more than $230,000 in restitution to her former employer.
Key Points
- A Brightwaters woman was sentenced to three to six years in prison for stealing more than $230,000 from her employer.
- Prosecutors said she also fraudulently collected over $40,000 in unemployment benefits while working full time.
- The court ordered Ramos to pay more than $230,000 in restitution.
Related: Brightwaters, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Christa Ramos, Grand Larceny, Suffolk County
Sources: Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Suffolk County Supreme Court.