Aug 27, 2008 7:26 pm US/Eastern
Police: L.I. Man Faked Robbery To Pay Off Mortgage
BABYLON, N.Y. (CBS) ―
He said he was robbed at first, but a Long Island truck driver later admitted to police he made up the story, hoping to keep the money himself.
The reason? Investigators say it was simply so he could pay off his mortgage.
The delivery driver from HLA of Farmingdale claimed he was robbed at gunpoint while transferring a large amount of cash into the truck's safe before he was locked inside.
But after many hours of questioning, police say Cesar Ramirez, a Copiague homeowner, suddenly changed his tune.
"Certainly it was emotional on his part. He told us he was strapped for cash, behind on mortgage payments, and that is why he decided to steal from his employer," said Suffolk Det. Sgt. Robert Doyle.
Police say thousands were recovered from Ramirez's home, his children telling CBS 2 they had heard their father discussing his mortgage problems with their mother.
The entire incident played out in Babylon Village, with several merchants along Main Street having a front row seat to the drama that played out before them.
"The guy looked shaken. At first I believed the whole thing. He was with police, next to the church there," said Christine Chamos, who runs the WindSport Shop in the Village.
"Unfortunately this man had to pay his mortgage and resorted to that kind of action, kind of sad," said Suzanne McGaley, another merchant.
Ramirez's employers and many co-workers are outraged and say overtime is always offered, and that Ramirez could have asked for financial help. The District Attorney says Ramirez has never been arrested before.
Ramirez is being held on $45,000 bond, and is due back in court tomorrow.
Police say that by January, year-end statistics may indicate just how many crimes are blamed on the economy.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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