A New Rochelle contractor appeared in New Rochelle City Court Thursday on new charges for allegedly stealing money from his workers.

Artemio Fuerte, the owner of Fuerte Construction Services, allegedly stole more than $50,000 in wages from five of his workers during a three-year period. "Some received bounced checks, some received no pay at all," said Richard McSpedon, with Westchester-Putnam Central Labor Body, outside of the courthouse. "How do you go home to your family and try to put food on the table?" This is not Fuerte's first run in with the law. In 2024, he was sentenced to three years probation and fined for failing to pay more than $30,000 to eight workers. In 2025, legislation was introduced to fight wage theft. New York State Senate Bill S2078, introduced by state Sen. Shelly Mayer, would suspend any employer who steals wages from doing business with the state for up to two years. "New York state Sen. Shelly Mayer has championed this legislation along with many of her colleagues. They understand that wage theft is a crime, and that protecting workers and their dignity is truly God's work," said Ed Coke, with the Building & Construction Trade Union. In the latest offense, Fuerte was charged with grand larceny, scheme to defraud, and failure to pay wages when due. News 12 contacted Fuerte's attorney's and is waiting to hear back. Fuerte is expected back in court later this month.