State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced that Ricardy Cesar, 54, of Middletown, N.Y., has been charged with Grand Larceny (felony) stemming from an investigation conducted by Investigators from the Rockland County District Attorney's Special Investigations Unit.

“Ricardy Cesar allegedly scammed more than $3,800 from the pension system by faking that he lost a check,” said State Comptroller DiNapoli.  “Due to my office’s investigation and my partnership with Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II, we uncovered his fraud, and he will now be held accountable for his actions. My office will continue to protect the pension system from fraud.”

Rockland County District Attorney Tom Walsh said: "My office and investigators from State Comptroller DiNapoli's Office investigated and arrested this individual who allegedly committed fraud against the taxpayers of New York State. I commend the hard work of our State partners in continuing to protect Rockland residents from fraud and abuse."

Ricardy Cesar was arrested on July 10, 2020, without incident based on the following facts:

On or about and between the above dates of November 15, 2018, and December 10, 2018, Ricardy Cesar stole $3,880 from the New York State and Local Retirement System. On or about November 15, 2018, Cesar submitted a request for a loan in the amount of $3,900 (minus a loan fee of $20) to the New York State and Local Retirement System. As a result of this loan request, the New York State and Local Retirement System issued a check in the amount of $3,880 payable to Cesar. On or about December 6, 2018, Cesar reported that said check was lost, and hence a stop payment was issued. As a result, the New York State and Local Retirement System issued another check in the amount of $3,880 payable to Cesar as a replacement. Despite this, on or about December 10, 2018, Cesar cashed the first check in Spring Valley, New York. Then, on or about December 13, 2018, Cesar cashed the second check in Spring Valley, New York. In sum, from on or about and between the above dates, Cesar stole $3,880 that he was not entitled to and had no permission or authority to obtain.

He was arraigned in Spring Valley Justice Court and was released on his own recognizance.