Rockland County District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe today announced that Virginio Flores (DOB 01/31/66) of 2 Cypress Street, New City, New York has been charged with one count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class “D” Felony.

In April, 2010, Flores sought to re-open a restaurant in the Village of Haverstraw that had been closed. The defendant is accused of securing three separate investors, none of whom had knowledge of each others’ terms.

Together, the investors provided Flores with more than $30,000 for the project. The victims offered financing under the belief that defendant owned the restaurant furniture and equipment and held a valid New York State liquor license. In reality, Flores did not own the restaurant furnishings or equipment, and did not hold a license to sell liquor.

According to the charges, the unsuspecting victims did not have full knowledge of each other’s involvement and were not given a “full picture” of the terms of the business agreements. The alleged scheme made it possible for Flores to secure funding for the restaurant without investing any of his own money.

The arrest of the defendant resulted from an investigation conducted by the Rockland County Special Investigations Unit.

Flores was arraigned last night in the Town of Haverstraw Justice Court by the Honorable Judge John K. Grant. He was released on his own recognizance and due to return to court on June 15, 2011.

If convicted, the defendant faces up to seven years in prison.

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