NEW YORK — A Mahopac man is facing federal charges after allegedly falsifying hundreds of gas pipeline safety inspections in Westchester County and New York City, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.
Michael Vasconcellos, 44, and an accomplice from North Carolina are accused of claiming they completed safety inspections that were never actually performed. The duo allegedly falsified paperwork to support their claims and collected payments for the uncompleted work.
Federal prosecutors say the scheme involved pipeline safety tests, which are critical for public infrastructure and safety. The false records reportedly affected numerous locations across the region.
Vasconcellos has been charged with one count of wire fraud, a serious federal offense that carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted.
The investigation is ongoing, and prosecutors emphasize the serious risk to public safety caused by the fraudulent activity.
