Syracuse, NY - A Cicero man admitted in court today he stole more than $15,000 in unemployment benefits to which he was not entitled. Robert R. Helm, 49, of Flat Car Circle, pleaded guilty before County Judge Anthony Aloi to a felony count of third-degree grand larceny. He admitted stealing the unemployment benefits from November 2008 through August 2009. Aloi...
Syracuse, NY - A Cicero man admitted in court today he stole more than $15,000 in unemployment benefits to which he was not entitled.
Robert R. Helm, 49, of Flat Car Circle, pleaded guilty before County Judge Anthony Aloi to a felony count of third-degree grand larceny. He admitted stealing the unemployment benefits from November 2008 through August 2009.
Aloi promised Helm a sentence of five years’ probation but said Helm will be required to pay restitution of up to $15,364. Sentencing is Sept. 23.
The prosecution of the case had been delayed after Helm suffered serious leg injuries April 5 when he was struck by a vehicle on the Interstate 81 bridge over Route 11 in Salina.
Authorities said Helm had gotten out of a vehicle to retrieve a piece of furniture that had fallen from a homemade trailer hauling his belongings when he was struck by a pickup truck.
Aloi recently issued a warrant for Helm’s arrest when he missed a court appearance, but defense lawyer William Kurtz told the judge Helm has been in and out of the hospital and rehabilitation for his leg injuries and wasn’t aware of that other court date.