New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced that Ricardy Cesar, 54, of Middletown, N.Y., pleaded guilty in Rockland County Court before Judge Larry J. Schwartz to petit larceny for stealing nearly $4,000 from the New York State & Local Retirement System (NYSLRS).

Cesar was sentenced to a one year conditional discharge and 75 hours of community service, and was ordered to pay back the money.

“Mr. Cesar tried to fake a lost check in an effort to scam the state’s retirement system,” DiNapoli said. “Thanks to my partnership with District Attorney Walsh, Mr. Cesar has been convicted and will repay the money he stole.”

"Today's announced plea by Mr. Cesar is another example of a joint effort by law enforcement to bring closure to an investigation,” Walsh said. “I applaud the professionalism of those who investigated this case. My office will continue to work with local, state and federal agencies to prosecute those who commit crime."

Cesar was arrested on July 20 after he requested a loan from the NYSLRS, then claimed the $3,880 check was lost to get another check for the same amount.

Since taking office in 2007, DiNapoli has committed to fighting public corruption and encourages the public to help fight fraud and abuse. New Yorkers can report allegations of fraud involving taxpayer money by calling the toll-free Fraud Hotline at 1-888-672-4555, by filing a complaint online at [email protected], or by mailing a complaint to: Office of the State Comptroller, Division of Investigations, 14th Floor, 110 State St., Albany, NY 12236.