Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr., today announced the guilty plea of PHILIP PORTELLI, 33, to Grand Larceny in the Third Degree. PORTELLI, a former custodian at Edward A. Reynolds West Side High School, submitted time sheets to the Department of Education on a friend’s behalf for nearly two years, though the friend did not work at the school. The fraud cost the Department of Education nearly $105,000.

“Criminal acts by public employees not only drain much-needed funds from our City, but also erode the public’s trust in government,” District Attorney Vance said. “This Office remains committed to fighting public corruption at all levels, so the people of New York can maintain confidence in their public servants.”

Restitution has been made in the case for the full amount of the Department of Education’s economic loss.

District Attorney Vance thanked New York City Department of Investigation Commissioner Rose Gill Hearn for her department’s work on the investigation. District Attorney Vance also thanked the Special Commissioner of Investigation for the New York City School District Richard J. Condon, Deputy Commissioner Gerald P. Conroy, and Senior Investigator Robert A. Caiati for their work on the investigation. District Attorney Vance also thanked the New York City Department of Education for their cooperation.

Assistant District Attorney Peirce R. Moser handled the prosecution, under the supervision of Major Economic Crimes Bureau Chief Richard Weber and Deputy Chief Adam Miller.

Defendant Information:

PHILIP J. PORTELLI, 10/18/1976
355 East 88th Street, New York, NY

Charge:

Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class D felony, one count, punishable by 2 1/3 to 7 years in prison