WHITE PLAINS, NY – On Thursday, March 27, the MTA announced the arrest of Tom Shabani, a Metro-North Railroad cashier with 24 years of service, after he was charged with grand larceny in the second degree.
The arrest stems from an internal audit that uncovered Shabani had removed more than $206,000 from a counting room without authorization. Shabani, who was responsible for handling funds from ticket vending machines, was arrested on Tuesday, March 25, and arraigned in White Plains City Court on Wednesday, March 26. He was released on his own recognizance following the arraignment.
The investigation, led by the MTA Police Department (MTAPD), revealed that Shabani used his position to take the funds over an unspecified period of time. In a statement, Justin Vonashek, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Metro-North, emphasized that the employee was immediately relieved of duty without pay and disciplinary actions are pending.
Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace expressed her concern over the theft, calling it an “extraordinary breach of trust,” especially when the crime involved a public official. She added that the swift prosecution of the case serves as a deterrent for others who might consider similar actions.
Shabani’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 16. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
