Friday, May 26, 2023
Vol. 83, No. 21
$1
SERVING PLAINVIEW, HICKSVILLE, AND LEVITTOWN
Hicksville couple charged with Covid fraud
LIFE JACKET DISTRIBUTION
With the start of boating season upon us, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilman Tom Hand, Councilwoman Laura Maier and Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato joined with the New York State Police Chiefs Association in distributing over 500 free lifejackets and safe boating guides to children, at John Burns Park in Massapequa on Saturday, May 13th. New York law requires that all children under 12 years of age wear a USCG–approved Type I, II, or III PFD while on board any vessel less than 65 feet in length (including canoes, kayaks, and rowboats) unless they are in a fully enclosed cabin.
Composting pilot program
Residents of Oyster Bay who are looking to protect the environment and interested in composting are invited to take part in a pilot program which will take place throughout the summer. Participants will test the use of a compost bin in their backyards, and will
be asked to complete weekly surveys. Participants will receive a discounted price for a compost bin. The organic waste of Oyster Bay residents ends up in landfills — however, decomposing organic waste releases methane. Methane, both highly flammable and a
potent greenhouse gas, damages the environment and contributes to anthropogenic climate change. In an effort to create a composting system in Oyster Bay, a group of high-school students aim to collect data on composting through See page 12
The Mid-Island Times & Levittown Times is Published every Friday by Litmor Publishing Corp. Periodical Postage paid at Hicksville, N.Y. 11801 Tel 931-0012. USPS 3467-68 Postmaster: Send Address Changes to: The Mid Island & Levittown Times 821 Franklin Ave., Suite 208, Garden City, N.Y. 11530. Meg Norris Publisher
Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced on May 18th that a couple from Hicksville has been charged with allegedly submitting fraudulent paperwork and obtaining more than $12,000 in rental assistance funds to which they were not entitled that were administered. The funds were part of a COVID relief program through the Town of Oyster Bay. Michael Arbassio, 65, and Eileen Dantini, 61, were arraigned on charges of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (a D felony) and six counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree (an E felony). The defendants pleaded not guilty and were released on their own recognizance. If convicted of the top count, the defendants face up to 2-1/3 to 7 years in prison. “During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, renters across Nassau County struggled to make payments, and needed government intervention to ease their hardship and ensure they could make ends meet,” said DA Donnelly. “The defendants took advantage of these programs, allegedly stealing more than $12,000 in rental assistance funds by submitting fraudulent paperwork claiming the couple were in a landlord-tenant agreement.” DA Donnelly said, according to the charges, Arbassio and his long-term girlfriend, Dantini, were tenants in a Hicksville home for approximately 10 years and paid monthly rent to a landlord. It is alleged that on September 29, 2021, defendant Arbassio electronically submitted a Tenant Application to the Oyster Bay Emergency Rental Assistance Program (“ERAP”), listing the Hicksville address, his email address, and cell phone number. ERAP used federal funds to assist residents of the Town of Oyster Bay who experienced pandemic-related housing difficulties. The program was administered on behalf of the Town of Oyster Bay by the Long Island Housing Partnership (LIHP). Arbassio allegedly stated on the ERAP application submitted to LIHP that Dantini was his landlord and that he was in arrears in rent to her. The District Attorney said that Arbassio and Dantini also submitted addiSee page 12
Rotary Club holds Day of Service PAGE 8 Town honors poster contest winner PAGE 4