A Town of Hempstead official was indicted Thursday morning on 11 different charges, including grand larceny, for allegedly stealing tens of thousands of dollars from a GOP committee.
John Novello, the deputy commissioner of the Town of Hempstead Buildings Department, was indicted at the Nassau courthouse in Mineola.
Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas says that Novello, 51, is accused of stealing nearly $60,000 from the Cedarhurst Republican Committee over the course of three years.
Novello, who holds a prominent position in the committee, allegedly withdrew cash from the committee's bank accounts for personal use. He's also accused of depositing some of that money into his own bank account.
The DA says Novello used the money to fund trips to the Hamptons, his mortgage, entertainment and other things.
Novello was arraigned Thursday. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years behind bars.
Novello also recently served as chief of staff to Rep. Melissa Miller.
Miller did not comment specifically about the allegations, only saying his employment ended in June of this year.