Villager accused of skimming over $420K

Christopher Cortese, 54, of McGann Court in Rockville Centre, was arrested Monday and charged with grand larceny, accused of stealing $429,000 from the company where he used to work.

Cortese was the chief financial officer of South Carolina-based Kainos Partners Holding Company LLC, which owns and operates Dunkin' Donuts franchises in New York and other states. He was hired in May 2005 and fired in February 2009, following the company's own investigation into financial irregularities.

According to Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice, Cortese embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars from Kainos, spending $53,500 on a home office, $60,000 on gift cards and more than $100,000 on trips, meals and other expenses. Cortese also used the money to "hire" two girlfriends, according to the D.A.'s office, paying one woman $110,000 for technical consulting services she never provided, making the first payment on a lease for a Mercedes-Benz for her and securing health and dental benefits for her even though she didn't work for the company. He is also accused of spending $20,000 on a second girlfriend for services she never provided.

"We're reviewing the charges," said Alex Bateman, Cortese's attorney, "and I don't think it would be appropriate to say anything else about the case until we get a better understanding of what the charges are about."

Bateman said that Cortese pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognizance after his arraignment.

"The level of this defendant's deception, arrogance and sheer greed is shocking," Rice said. "He has proven himself to be no more than a common thief, and my office will continue to aggressively pursue those who abuse the trust of their employers to fatten their own wallets."

Cortese is due back in court on April 6. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison.

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