A New Rochelle contractor is facing new charges for allegedly stealing over $50,000 in wages from day laborers, authorities announced.
Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace stated that 40-year-old Artemio Fuerte, owner of Fuerte Construction Services LLC, was re-arrested and charged with felony second-degree grand larceny, felony first-degree scheme to defraud, and five misdemeanor counts of failure to pay wages under labor law.
Fuerte was arraigned in New Rochelle City Court and released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to return to court on March 12.
Cacace emphasized, “Deliberately withholding wages from your employees is not a bookkeeping trick, it is a crime.” She pledged support for the labor community and enforcement of fair wage practices.
According to the complaint, between September 2022 and October 2025, Fuerte allegedly stole approximately $51,720 from five employees. Examples include:
A worker performing demolition, painting, and carpentry between February and September 2024 was allegedly underpaid or paid with bounced checks, resulting in an estimated $19,583 owed.
Another employee, with a daily rate of $160, was allegedly not fully paid for labor between September 2022 and October 2025, resulting in an estimated $8,400 owed.
The investigation was led by the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office in collaboration with the New York State Department of Labor. The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant DA Emily-Rowe Smith of the Economic Crimes Bureau, with forensic assistance from Michael Frenza.
Fuerte faces serious legal consequences if convicted, highlighting the county’s commitment to enforcing labor laws and protecting workers’ rights.
