MINEOLA, N.Y. – Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced the arrest of a Queens man for allegedly stealing medical devices valued at approximately $34,000 from the Surgical Intensive Care Unit for Northwell Health System in Manhasset where he was employed as a nurse.
Rafael Hung, 42, was arraigned yesterday before Judge Elizabeth Fox-McDonough and charged with Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (a D felony). The defendant was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court June 7. If convicted, he faces 2-1/3 years to seven years in prison.
“Nurses are hardworking professionals entrusted with an essential role in our healthcare system, but this defendant allegedly betrayed that trust and stole medical devices to make a quick buck,” DA Singas said. “Stealing from medical providers drives up the cost of care for everyone, and this prosecution sends a clear message that thefts like these are not victimless and come with serious consequences.”
DA Singas said that in November 2016, a Northwell manager received information that medical devices, including the Alaris infusion pump and AccuVein vein finder were being sold on eBay and shipped from an address in Oakland Gardens, Queens. An internal Northwell investigation determined that the devices had been stolen from the health system, and that between August 8, 2016 and February 16, 2017, the defendant allegedly stole the devices in his backpack from the Surgical Intensive Care Unit for Northwell Health System in Manhasset, where he worked. Northwell Health System investigators informed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of the matter and referred the case to the NCDA.
The defendant began his employment at the Surgical Intensive Care Unit in March 2011, but has since been terminated. If the defendant is convicted, the New York State Department of Health will determine whether or not to revoke his nursing license.
The NCDA thanks Northwell Health System and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for their assistance on this case.
Senior Assistant District Attorney Heidi Bausk of DA Singas’ Financial Crimes Bureau is prosecuting this case. The defendant is represented by Rex Whitehorn, Esq.
The charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.
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