Wallkill man accused of stealing med supplies for crooked home biz

A Wallkill man is accused of stealing more than $3 million worth of medical supplies. Police say 32-year-old Francisco Velez Jr. was arrested Tuesday for stealing from St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx,

News 12 Staff

May 29, 2014, 6:59 PM

Updated 3,794 days ago

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A Wallkill man is accused of stealing more than $3 million worth of medical supplies.
Police say 32-year-old Francisco Velez Jr. was arrested Tuesday for stealing from St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx, where he worked as a technician. Investigators say they found medical equipment like scopes and surgical staples, which cost about $2,500 a box, inside his home. Police say the investigation revealed Velez was selling the supplies on the Internet through eBay and to some private contractors.
Velez also owns the Havana House Cigar Lounge and a building on West Main Street in Middletown. Police are now investigating if Velez used his cigar business to invest his profits on the stolen items. Police also believe he may have used some of the money to purchase a home and a new Hummer.
Velez has been charged with interstate transportation of stolen property. He is awaiting arraignment in Manhattan Federal Court. Authorities say more charges are expected to follow.