A Port Authority maintenance supervisor is accused of falsifying records to collect unearned wages and providing false employment information to a financial institution, according to prosecutors.
A Port Authority of New York and New Jersey employee has been charged following an investigation that allegedly uncovered fraudulent time records and false employment information used for personal gain.
Hudson County Prosecutor Wayne Mello announced that Noah Nieves, 53, of Pennsylvania, was arrested June 9 by members of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Unit.
Investigation focused on payroll records
Nieves is charged with third-degree theft by deception and third-degree tampering with records.
According to prosecutors, the investigation was conducted in coordination with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Office of the Inspector General.
Investigators allege Nieves falsified records related to his work schedule in order to receive compensation for hours he did not actually work.
“The investigation found the defendant falsified the reporting of his working hours to receive pay he did not earn,” the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office said.
Prosecutors allege false information provided to bank
Authorities said the allegations extended beyond payroll records.
Investigators also claim Nieves provided false information regarding his employment status to a financial institution for personal benefit.
“The defendant, who is employed as a maintenance supervisor, additionally provided a financial institution with false information about his employment status for personal benefit,” prosecutors said.
Officials did not disclose the amount of money allegedly involved in the scheme.
Arrest made in Secaucus
Nieves was arrested at the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office facility in Secaucus.
After processing, he was released pending his initial court appearance.
No further details regarding the investigation have been released.
As with all criminal defendants, Nieves is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
• Port Authority employee Noah Nieves, 53, has been charged with theft by deception and tampering with records.
• Prosecutors allege he falsified work-hour records to collect pay for time not worked.
• Investigators also claim he provided false employment information to a financial institution for personal benefit.