The two workers got caught after Buffalo parking commissioner Kevin Helfer noticed that the digital pay stations the city uses were making more money than the old quarter-fed machines, according to court documents. An investigation was launched and video surveillance footage showed that Bagarozzo was stealing from the old meters on a daily basis.
After being questioned by the FBI, Bagarozzo admitted to the thefts, which constitute a federal crime, and was arrested in December of 2011. A search of his home turned up $40,000 in cash stashed in his bedroom ceiling.
Since Bagarozzo and Charles were arrested, yearly parking meter revenue in the city has increased by $500,000.
That’s a good chunk of change! (har! har! har!)