4 Guilty Pleas in Food Pantry Theft Case

Four former Harrison town employees have admitted in court to stealing from the Harrison Food Pantry at least once during a two-month stretch from Dec. 2010 to Jan. 2011.

Joseph Arcara, Jack Arcara, William D’Imperio and Florence D’Imperio each pleaded guilty to a single count of petit larceny. They will pay a $1,000 fine and a $205 surcharge, but will avoid jail time, accepting a one year conditional discharge—the same plea agreement that  on May 10.

The same plea offer has been made to Adam Straface, but his attorney said in court today that his client has not accepted the resolution. Straface was granted a recess until June 28. 

Joseph Arcara and Florence D’Imperio had faced . In addition, Florence D’Imperio had faced eight counts of petit larceny and Joseph Arcara faced six counts. Jack Arcara faced five counts of petit larceny, while William D'Imperio faced two. 

Straface was originally charged with a single count of petit larceny.

Joseph Arcara admitted in court to stealing food items from the pantry on Dec. 20, 2010. Jack Arcara admitted to doing the same on Jan. 3, 2011.

"This was very important for the clients, to put this whole thing behind them," said Bruno Gioffre, who is representing Joseph and Jack Arcara, adding that moving on at this point is also a good thing for the Town of Harrison.

"Ultimately both clients have criminal convictions and paid a significant fine, well above the value of anything they've taken," he said. "I think they have essentially paid for their crimes."

Florence D’Imperio admitted to stealing a green shirt and multiple food items on Jan. 13, 2011. William D'Imperio admitted to stealing two loaves of bread from the pantry on Jan. 26, 2011. Florence D'Imperio, a 91-year-old former Harrison citizen of the year, refused to comment while she left the courtroom.

The six employees were with taking clothes and food from the Harrison Food Pantry. The charges came after Harrison Police conducted a two-month investigation. A surveillance video allegedly shows at least some of the defendants stealing from the pantry.

All six of the accused had been working for the town to some extent at the time of their arrests. Florence D’Imperio had served as Harrison Meals on Wheels treasurer but resigned in February. Toplyn had worked as a part-time clerical worker and also resigned soon after her arrest. William D’Imperio was a supervisor in the Harrison Parks Department and worked with Joseph and Jack Arcara as well as Straface. on March 17, after the  on March 3.

The  delivers food to about 80 low-income Harrison families and accepts cash donations from local organizations on an on-going basis.

Updates will be added to this article.