Village trustee, two others charged with removing election signs

East Rockaway village trustee Bruno Romano, 49, was among three men who were ordered to appear in court to answer petit larcency charges for an incident occured on October 30 in Valley Stream.

According to Fifth Precinct Police, two individuals, who were at the intersection of N. Central Avenue and the Southern State Parkway ramp posting political signs for Democratic candidate Kristen McElroy — who is running for Hempstead Town Supervisor against incumbent Kate Murray — said that they observed a man taking the signs and driving away in a silver pick-up truck, heading southbound on Central Avenue.

A short time later, police said, they located the vehicle in the parking lot of 1805 N. Central Avenue. Arrested along with Romano were Stephen Koumos, 23, of Malverne, and Howard Schwartz, 41, of Valley Stream.

“I am innocent of these charges and expect to be completely exonerated,” said Romano, in a statement to the Herald, calling it an “unfortunate situation and a pending legal matter.” Romano was first elected as village trustee in March 2002 and is currently serving his second term. He has lived in East Rockaway for more than 40 years

All three defendants are charged with Petit Larceny, a misdemeanor, and were released on desk appearance tickets. They are to return to First District Court in Hempstead on Nov. 19.