by Jerry Burke
Police Officer Roy McComb arrested bank teller Anthony Debonis, 21, of West Hempstead last Thursday afternoon at his place of work, the HSBC Bank on Dogwood Avenue in Franklin Square, after a complaint was filed against him.
According to Det. Lawrence Sheinberg, the bank itself discovered Debonis' alleged forgeries. "We got the call from them and made the arrest," Sheinberg said.
Police believe that Debonis forged withdrawal slips on six separate occasions and removed the funds from the elderly woman's account. He is currently under arrest for an alleged withdrawal that took place on March 6.
Charges against Debonis include third-degree grand larceny, second-degree forgery, first-degree identity theft and first-degree falsification of business records.
The HSBC Bank would not comment on the incident. At press time the police were not able to say if any of the money was recovered, and the possibility of more charges against Debonis had not been ruled out.
Debonis, who was arraigned in First District Court on Friday, could not be reached for comment.
