Steven D. Vitalo

Key Points

• Criminal Charges: Steven D. Vitalo, a 29-year-old resident of Herkimer, New York, was arrested in November 2023 for Grand Larceny in the 3rd degree and Falsifying Business Records in the 2nd degree, related to a scheme involving theft at a Lowe’s store.
• Prior Incident: In 2012, Vitalo faced charges of criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree in Nassau County, New York, as a mechanic.
• Professional Background: LinkedIn identifies Vitalo as the owner of Central Plumbing & Drains in the Utica-Rome area, though no further details confirm the business’s operations or legitimacy.
• Lack of Cybercrime Connection: Despite the cybercriminal.com link, no evidence directly links Vitalo to cybercrime activities based on available data.
• Legal Status: In the 2023 case, Vitalo was released on his own recognizance and was scheduled to appear in court on November 21, 2023. No updates on the case outcome are available.
• Reputation Concerns: The pattern of alleged theft-related activities across a decade raises questions about trustworthiness in professional dealings.

Overview

Steven D. Vitalo is a 29-year-old individual from Herkimer, New York, identified through various sources as having a history of legal issues related to theft and falsifying records. According to a LinkedIn profile, Vitalo is the owner of Central Plumbing & Drains, a business purportedly operating in the Utica-Rome area of New York. However, no detailed information about the company’s operations, scale, or legitimacy is publicly available, and the LinkedIn profile provides minimal insight into its activities.

Vitalo’s public record is primarily defined by two documented legal incidents: a 2012 arrest in Nassau County for possession of stolen property and a 2023 arrest in Herkimer for grand larceny and falsifying business records. These incidents suggest a pattern of alleged dishonest behavior, though no convictions are explicitly confirmed in the available data. The absence of detailed business records or customer feedback for Central Plumbing & Drains limits the ability to assess Vitalo’s professional credibility fully.

The reference to Vitalo on cybercriminal.com suggests a potential investigation into cyber-related activities, but no specific details from that source confirm such involvement. This report relies on verified sources to piece together a clearer picture of Vitalo’s background and activities, focusing on documented legal and professional information.

Allegations and Concerns

Steven D. Vitalo has been linked to two significant legal incidents, both involving allegations of theft-related crimes:

1. 2023 Grand Larceny and Falsifying Business Records:
   • Incident: On November 3, 2023, New York State Police arrested Vitalo for stealing merchandise valued at $5,521 from a Lowe’s store in Herkimer, New York. He allegedly used the self-checkout system to avoid paying for items and switched barcodes to pay less for others.
   • Charges: Grand Larceny in the 3rd degree (a Class D felony) and Falsifying Business Records in the 2nd degree (a Class A misdemeanor).
   • Details: The scheme involved manipulating barcodes to underpay for items, indicating premeditated fraudulent behavior. Vitalo was arraigned in Herkimer Town Court and released on his own recognizance, with a scheduled court appearance on November 21, 2023. No further updates on the case outcome are available.
   • Concern: The scale of the theft ($5,521) and the deliberate nature of the barcode-switching suggest a calculated approach, raising red flags about trustworthiness in business or financial dealings.
2. 2012 Possession of Stolen Property:
   • Incident: In January 2012, Vitalo, then a mechanic, turned himself in to Nassau County Police after being charged with criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree, a Class D felony.
   • Details: The arrest followed investigations by the Nassau County Police Department’s Internal Affairs Unit and Public Corruption Bureau. Vitalo was suspended without pay from his role as a mechanic, though the specific nature of the stolen property is not detailed in available sources.
   • Concern: This earlier incident, occurring over a decade ago, indicates a history of alleged dishonest behavior, potentially pointing to a recurring pattern.
3. Cybercrime Allegation (Unsubstantiated):
   • The source link (cybercriminal.com/investigation/steven-d.-vitalo) suggests an investigation into Vitalo for cybercrime-related activities. However, no specific details from this source or other credible outlets confirm involvement in cybercrime. The lack of corroborating evidence makes this allegation speculative at this stage.
   • Concern: While the reference raises suspicion, the absence of concrete evidence limits its weight compared to the documented theft-related charges.

Customer Feedback

No direct customer feedback, reviews, or testimonials about Steven D. Vitalo or Central Plumbing & Drains are available in the public domain based on the sources consulted. The LinkedIn profile for Vitalo does not include endorsements, recommendations, or detailed descriptions of services provided by his business.

• Positive Feedback: None found. The absence of positive reviews or client testimonials for Central Plumbing & Drains makes it difficult to assess the quality or reliability of Vitalo’s professional services.
• Negative Feedback: No specific customer complaints are documented, but the lack of visible reviews could itself be a red flag, as legitimate businesses typically have some online presence or client feedback, even if minimal.
• General Observation: The absence of feedback may indicate that Central Plumbing & Drains is either a small-scale operation, not actively operating, or deliberately low-profile, possibly to avoid scrutiny given Vitalo’s legal history.

Risk Considerations

Engaging with Steven D. Vitalo or Central Plumbing & Drains carries several potential risks based on the available information:

1. Reputational Risk:
   • Factor: Vitalo’s documented legal issues, including felony charges in 2012 and 2023, could tarnish the reputation of any individual or business associated with him.
   • Impact: Associating with someone with a history of alleged theft and fraud may deter clients or partners who prioritize trustworthiness and integrity.
   • Likelihood: High, given the public nature of the arrests and charges reported by credible news outlets.
2. Legal Risk:
   • Factor: Vitalo’s unresolved 2023 charges and prior 2012 arrest suggest potential ongoing legal entanglements. If convicted, he could face imprisonment or fines, disrupting any business operations.
   • Impact: Clients or partners may face delays, financial losses, or legal complications if Vitalo’s legal issues interfere with his ability to fulfill contracts or obligations.
   • Likelihood: Moderate, as the outcome of the 2023 case is unknown, but the pattern of charges increases the risk of future legal issues.
3. Financial Risk:
   • Factor: The lack of transparency about Central Plumbing & Drains’ operations, combined with Vitalo’s history of alleged theft, raises concerns about financial reliability.
   • Impact: Clients risk non-delivery of services, potential fraud, or financial disputes if engaging with an unverified business run by someone with a history of dishonest behavior.
   • Likelihood: Moderate, due to the absence of evidence confirming active fraud in his business but heightened by his legal history.
4. Operational Risk:
   • Factor: The lack of verifiable information about Central Plumbing & Drains suggests it may not be a fully operational or reputable business.
   • Impact: Clients may encounter substandard service, unfulfilled contracts, or difficulty contacting the business for support.
   • Likelihood: High, given the absence of online presence or reviews for the company.

Business Relations and Associations

• Central Plumbing & Drains: Vitalo is listed as the owner of this business on LinkedIn, but no additional details about its operations, employees, or clients are available. The business lacks a website, public reviews, or listings in business directories, which is unusual for a legitimate service provider.
• No Known Partnerships: No specific partnerships, affiliations, or professional associations are documented in the sources. Vitalo’s LinkedIn profile does not mention collaborations with other businesses or individuals.
• Professional Isolation: The lack of visible business connections may indicate that Vitalo operates independently or keeps a low profile, possibly due to his legal history.

Legal and Financial Concerns

1. 2023 Legal Case:
   • Details: Arrested on November 3, 2023, for Grand Larceny in the 3rd degree and Falsifying Business Records in the 2nd degree. The charges stem from stealing $5,521 worth of merchandise from a Lowe’s store by manipulating self-checkout systems and barcodes.
   • Status: Arraigned in Herkimer Town Court and released on his own recognizance. Scheduled to return to court on November 21, 2023. No updates on convictions or case resolution are available.
   • Financial Impact: If convicted, Vitalo could face fines, restitution, or imprisonment, potentially affecting his ability to operate a business.
2. 2012 Legal Case:
   • Details: Charged with criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree in Nassau County, New York. Vitalo turned himself in and was suspended without pay from his mechanic role.
   • Status: The outcome of this case is not documented in available sources, leaving uncertainty about whether charges were dropped or led to a conviction.
   • Financial Impact: The suspension without pay likely caused financial strain at the time, and the incident may have long-term reputational effects.
3. No Bankruptcy Records: No public records indicate bankruptcy filings by Vitalo or Central Plumbing & Drains.
4. Unpaid Debts: No specific reports of unpaid debts are documented, but the lack of financial transparency about Vitalo’s business raises concerns about potential undisclosed liabilities.

Risk Assessment Table

Expert Opinion

Steven D. Vitalo presents a complex case due to his documented legal troubles and limited professional transparency. The two theft-related incidents (2012 and 2023) suggest a pattern of dishonest behavior, which is a significant concern for anyone considering business dealings with him or Central Plumbing & Drains. The 2023 case, involving a sophisticated scheme to manipulate barcodes, indicates premeditation and a willingness to engage in fraudulent activities, which could extend to his professional conduct. The earlier 2012 charge, while less detailed, reinforces this pattern, as it also involved a felony-level offense.

Pros:

• Potential Expertise: As the owner of a plumbing business, Vitalo may have technical skills in the trade, though no evidence confirms the quality of his work.
• Local Presence: Operating in the Utica-Rome area could make him accessible for local clients, assuming the business is active.

Cons:

• Legal History: The 2012 and 2023 charges cast doubt on Vitalo’s trustworthiness, particularly in financial or contractual matters.
• Lack of Transparency: The absence of verifiable information about Central Plumbing & Drains, such as a website, reviews, or business registrations, suggests it may not be a fully operational or reputable entity.
• Unsubstantiated Cybercrime Link: While cybercriminal.com references Vitalo, the lack of corroborating evidence makes this claim speculative, but it still adds to the uncertainty surrounding his activities.

Cautionary Advice:

• Avoid Business Engagements: Until more information confirms the legitimacy of Central Plumbing & Drains and Vitalo’s legal status, engaging with him carries significant risks. Clients should seek established, transparent service providers with verifiable reviews and no criminal history.
• Verify Legal Status: If considering hiring Vitalo, request documentation of his business license, insurance, and references, and check court records for updates on the 2023 case.
• Monitor Online Presence: The lack of customer feedback or an online footprint for Central Plumbing & Drains is a red flag. Legitimate businesses typically have some digital presence, even for small operations.
• Exercise Due Diligence: For any potential partnership, conduct a thorough background check, including criminal and financial records, to mitigate risks associated with Vitalo’s history.

In conclusion, while Vitalo may operate a plumbing business, his legal history and the lack of transparency about his operations make him a high-risk individual for business dealings. The absence of cybercrime evidence does not fully clear suspicion, as his theft-related charges already undermine his credibility. Proceed with extreme caution and prioritize alternatives with stronger reputations and documented reliability.

Key Citations

• New York State Police Newsroom: Herkimer Man Arrested on Grand Larceny Charges
• WIBX 950: Upstate NY Man Arrested Following Alleged Scheme at Local Lowes
• CNY Homepage: Herkimer Man Arrested on Grand Larceny Charges
• Patch: Nassau County Mechanic Charged with Possessing Stolen Vehicle
• LinkedIn: Steve Vitalo Profile
• Cybercriminal.com: Investigation on Steven D. Vitalo