Update: Third Arrested for Defrauding National Grid

Suffolk County Police arrested a third man in connection with the

John Glaser, 53, Lindenhurst, and Ralph Bianco, 53, Farmingdale, were previously charged with one count of second-degree grand larceny and 11 counts of first-degree identity theft. Glaser allegedly pushed through false energy efficiency rebates submitted by Bianco, a heating and air-conditioning technician.

Police said the third suspect, Michael Castronovo, 41, Franklin Square, owned Star General Contracting and put efficiency upgrades on rebate applications that were not actually preformed. Business owners had no knowledge that their business information was being used to apply for the rebates nor did they request any work to be done.

Suffolk County Police Identity Theft Unit detectives charged Castronovo with nine counts of identity theft and one count of grand larceny.

Police estimate estimated Castronovo stole approximately $78,680 based on his activities.

Police said the scam has generated fraudulent applications to National Grid totaling more than $1 million.

Suffolk’s Identity Theft unit believes there are up to 60 other business locations that may have been scammed.