Funeral Director Arrested on Three Felony Charges

(Binghamton, NY) On April 13^th,2009 the Broome County Government Security Division Case Integrity Unit charged Gary Pucedo, (DOB 10-29-63) of 1905 Watson Boulevard, Endwell, NY with three felonies: Grand Larceny of the 3^rd degree in violation of Section 155.35, of the Penal Law a Class D Felony; with one count of the offense, Offering a False Instrument 1^st Degree in violation of Section 175.35, and with one count of the offense of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument 2^nd Degree in violation of Section 170.25 of the Penal Law, a Class D Felony. Mr. Pucedo of the Pucedo Funeral Home, appeared in the Binghamton City Court on Thursday, April 30, 2009 at 9am where he plead not guilty to the above charges. He was released on his own recognizance pending further court action.

Upon receiving a complaint, the Broome County Security Case Integrity Unit began an investigation in to the reimbursement of the local funeral home. The complaint alleged that the Pucedo Funeral Home located in Endwell, NY conducted a funeral service in 2007 and received payment from the surviving family members in the amount of $5,100 on August 15^th,2007. On August 20^th, 2007 the Broome County Department of Social Services received a written contractual agreement from Pucedo seeking reimbursement for the same funeral services. Based upon this request, and without the knowledge the family, the Department of Social Services authorized and paid $3,255.80 for burial costs to Pucedo.

The results of the investigation determined that the contract dated August 14^th, 2007 and submitted to Broome County Department of Social Services on August 20^th, 2007 contained false information pertaining to funeral services rendered as well as a forged signature. The investigation demonstrated that the August 14^th, 2007 contract was generated, completed and submitted to Social Services without the knowledge or consent of the family. Purportedly, Pucedo received $3,255.80 from the Department of Social Services which he was not entitled to based upon these false submissions.

The Department of Social Services provides assistance to indigent families. Please see accompanying documentation for reimbursement amounts.

Posted: 5/7/2009 1:14 pm

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