(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Christa Ramos, 57, of Brightwaters, was indicted for Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, and other related charges, for allegedly stealing over $230,000 dollars from her employer.
“Stealing from a small business is not just a crime against one employer; it’s a crime against the backbone of our economy and the fabric of our community,” said District Attorney Tierney. “My office is committed to holding individuals accountable who exploit small businesses for personal gain.”
According to the investigation, between December 2018 and June 2023, while working as an office manager at Northeast Electrical Contractors, Inc., Ramos was responsible for paying the bills associated with the company. Instead of simply paying the bills, Ramos allegedly began writing checks to herself totaling approximately $230,398 without any authorization from the company’s President or Vice President. Ramos then allegedly deposited these checks into her personal bank account and used the funds for her own personal expenses.
Further investigation revealed that Ramos was also allegedly collecting unemployment insurance benefits while she was employed full-time for Northeast Electrical Contractors, Inc. While employed, Ramos allegedly made repeated representations to the New York State Department of Labor that she was unemployed. In her role as office manager, Ramos was responsible for handling the company’s mail. As a result, she was able to conceal the fact that she was allegedly collecting unemployment benefits from her employer. In total, Ramos allegedly stole more than $40,000 in taxpayer funds.
On October 17, 2025, Ramos was arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro for one count of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a Class C felony, three counts of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, Class D felonies, and three counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, Class E felonies.
Justice Ambro ordered Ramos held on $100,000 cash, $200,000 bond, or $500,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Ramos is due back in court on November 18, 2025 and faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted on the top count. She is being represented by Tara Laterza, Esq.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Patrick Waters of the Financial Crimes Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Thomas Speciale of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Financial Crimes Unit.