Metro-North Employee Charged with Stealing $206K in White Plains

Tom Shabani, a 24-year cashier for Metro-North Railroad, was arrested on March 25 and charged with second-degree grand larceny for allegedly stealing over $206,000 from a counting room. The theft was uncovered through an internal audit and subsequent investigation by the MTA Police Department, revealing that Shabani removed the funds without authorization while handling money from ticket vending machines. Following his arrest, Shabani was arraigned on March 26 and released on his own recognizance, with a scheduled court appearance on April 16. Metro-North Executive Vice President Justin Vonashek emphasized the agency's zero tolerance for such betrayals of public trust and noted that Shabani has been relieved of his duties without pay pending further disciplinary action. Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace described the incident as an extraordinary breach of trust and stressed the importance of public confidence in officials. The MTA is reinforcing its security measures in light of this incident.