Ramapo’s chief building inspector has been indicted on 188 counts, including charges of grand larceny and falsifying business records, officials from the Rockland County District Attorney’s office announced Wednesday.
Anthony Mallia, of Airmont, faced charges of grand larceny, tampering with public records, falsifying business records, issuing a false certficate and official misconduct, authorities said.
The 52-year-old allegedly stole over $150,000 in a yearlong scheme to falsify building permits and building permit applications.
Officials said Mallia allegedly approved building permit applications that grossly underestimated the cost of construction, resulting in him undercharging contractors throughout 2015.
The phony records were filed with the town’s Building, Planning and Zoning department, which shorted fees legally owed to the town.
Building permit fees are determined by the value of the construction project, officials said.
Mallia is also accused of overcharging the Moleston Fire District $75,000 for a building permit.
His arriagnment on the indictment is pending. If convicted, authorities say he could face up to 25 years in state prison.
The investigation is ongoing.
Ramapo has become notorious for problems with local officials. A councilman resigned as part of a plea bargain; four officials including the town supervisor face federal criminal and SEC charges.
The building inspector was arrested; the state Education Department accused the fire inspector of not performing his job.
The East Ramapo Board of Education unaccountably forgot to swear in the only female member on the mostly Hasidic board, and another of its members was accused of using a false in-district address.