A Wading River woman was arrested last week for accepting bribes and falsifying paperwork for a license application through her job at the Suffolk County Department of Labor, Licensing and Consumer Affairs.
In January, Brianna Hassett had a job as an office assistant when, acting in concert with another individual, she allegedly accepted a cash bribe and falsified an application for a home improvement license.
In exchange for the bribe, Hassett allegedly provided questions and answers to the proficiency exam, which requires passing for Suffolk County to give a vocational license.
Hassett also allegedly falsified insurance information on a license application in exchange for another cash bribe. She allegedly participated in these acts while acting with Esteban Bermudez, 35, of Hampton Bays, who does not work for Suffolk County. Hassett and Bermudez were arrested on February 13.
The following day, Hassett, 33, of Wading River, was arraigned before Acting County Court Judge Edward J. Hennessey for two counts of third-degree bribe receiving, which are Class D felonies; one count of first-degree falsifying business records and one count of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing, both Class E felonies; and one count of official misconduct, a Class A misdemeanor.
Hennessy ordered Hassett to be watched by the Department of Probation’s Pre-Trial Supervision unit while the case is pending. Hassett was released from jail without bail due to her charges being considered non-bail-eligible following New York State law.
“The allegations in this case represent a shocking violation of the public trust, as this defendant is accused of placing her own greed ahead of her duty as a public servant, “ said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney, “My office will not tolerate corruption in any government agency or department.”
“Thousands of county employees work hard every day to serve the public with the highest of integrity. When someone is found to have violated the trust of the public and their colleagues, my administration will not hesitate to work with the District Attorney to have them prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said County Executive Ed Romaine. “I want to thank the District Attorney and our law enforcement for their swift action. I have directed our Department of Labor to undertake an extensive review of this employee’s work to ensure all permits filed are complete, accurate and meet all legal requirements.”
Hassett is expected back in court on March 12 and may face three-and-one-half to seven years in jail if she is convicted on the top count.
Bermudez, 35, of Hampton Bays, was given a desk ticket appearance and is due for an arraignment on March 5. He faces between one and four years in jail if he is convicted on the top count.
Anyone who believes that they have been a victim of Hassett may call the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office at (631) 853-4626.