Donald McBride allegedly used inconsistent font style and size while forging the certificates
MINEOLA, N.Y. – Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced that a Lynbrook-based contractor has been arrested for allegedly forging Certificates of Liability in Nassau County.
Donald McBride, 39, of Smallwood, N.Y., was arraigned yesterday before District Court Judge Paul Meli on two counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the 2nd Degree (a D felony).
The defendant was conditionally released to probation and is due back in court August 17. If convicted, the defendant faces up to 7 years in prison.
“Contractors who disregard the law and forge paperwork have no place doing business in Nassau County,” DA Singas said. “My office will continue to work to hold them accountable for their crimes.”
DA Singas said that between December 2014 and December 2015, the defendant was hired by the victim to complete work on various commercial properties located in Valley Stream and Lynbrook. The work was completed in November 2015.
In anticipation of an audit by the New York State Insurance Fund, in or about May 2015, the victim’s accountant requested the defendant provide him with Certificates of Liability, which prove general liability, workers’ compensation, and employers’ liability insurance coverage and the defendant agreed to do so. However, the accountant did not receive the Certificates of Liability until May 2016 – at which point the victim had incurred additional insurance premiums totaling $6,528.08 based on the defendant’s lack of insurance.
The Certificates of Liability that were submitted, were later determined to be forgeries by the defendant’s insurance company because of inconsistent font style and size and other irregularities having to do with policy numbers. The insurance company stated that the defendant never possessed any valid insurance coverage in connection with the complainant’s construction jobs.
The NCDA received the case in September 2016 after a complaint was filed by the victim.
Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Contreras of DA Singas’ Government & Consumer Frauds Bureau is prosecuting this case. The defendant is represented by Guy Allen, Esq.
The charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.