Auburn Community Hospital released a statement to Finger Lakes Daily News regarding the arrest and subsequent arraignment of a former employee accused of stealing over $83,000 in medical supplies and selling them on eBay.
According to a story published by the Auburn Citizen, Zachary Tabone allegedly stole $83,748 worth of items, including flu tests and thermometer probes, while he worked as lead stockroom clerk from 2021 to 2023. The investigation began after hospital employees noticed a $7,611 UPS charge in December 2023. Tabone allegedly used the account to ship 379 packages, mainly to Brooklyn.
In response to our story posted on Wednesday, Auburn Community Hospital released the following statement concerning strong financial controls that identified purchasing irregularities surrounding the former employee.
“Thanks to the strict fiscal controls established to protect Auburn Community Hospital’s supplies and equipment, our finance team and purchasing department leadership identified a discrepancy, leading to an immediate internal review of past purchases.
“Our internal review showed a difference in orders isolated to one former employee. Administrators immediately contacted the Auburn Police Department. Our finance team and purchasing leadership collaborated with law enforcement. Thankfully, this level of cooperation led to the arrest of a former employee.
“Because of the great work of our purchasing department, Auburn Community Hospital continues to maintain a steady supply and adequate backup of equipment and supplies needed for our patients.
“Our system of strict controls and checks and balances worked. We will continue to collaborate closely with police and prosecutors at any time. We thank the Auburn Police Department for their efforts in bringing this to conclusion”
According to police records, Zachary Tabone was charged with second and third-degree grand larceny on July 10. The Citizen reported Tabone was arraigned in Cayuga County Court last Tuesday with his next court appearance scheduled for April 29.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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