NY state tax worker accused of stealing identities, running up $200,000 on others’ accounts

NY tax worker accused of stealing IDs, $200K

TROY, N.Y. — A former New York state tax department worker is accused of stealing the identities of taxpayers and running up more than $200,000 in fraudulent charges on their accounts.

Prosecutors say the confidential information gathered by Walter Healey included credit card and Social Security numbers. The illicit charges are dated between 2006 and 2008.

Healey pleaded not guilty Wednesday to four counts, including identity theft. The 63-year-old Troy resident says he’s retired and last worked in October. His lawyer says he cooperated with investigators.

New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo brought the case. His office says tax officials are notifying more than 2,000 people across the state whose information was breached.