NEW YORK — An 18-year veteran of the NYPD was hit with more than 300 counts of grand larceny and forgery for allegedly submitting fake invoices totaling $5,800, authorities said.
Detective Michael Bazerman, who was in charge of a wiretaps and surveillance squad at the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, surrendered to the 1st Precinct at 8:45 a.m. Wednesday, sources told DNAinfo.com New York.
The 40-year-old married father of two was arraigned in Manhattan Supreme Court and released on his own recognizance. The Bronx DA's office was appointed special prosecutor in the case to avoid the appearance of impropriety, since Bazerman was on the Manhattan DA's squad.
"It is alleged that between 2009 and 2011 Bazerman submitted falsified and forged petty cash reimbursement invoices to the Manhattan District Attorney’s office where he was assigned to the DA’s Squad," the Bronx DA's office said in a statement.
Bazerman — who joined the NYPD in 1995 — had been placed on modified duty at the Manhattan DA's office earlier this year during the investigation, sources said.
Bazerman insisted that he bought the equipment and turned it over to the DA's office, but blamed poor accounting practices for its loss, sources said.
"Detective Bazerman faithfully and loyally served this city and we ask the public to withhold judgment," James Moshella, an attorney for Bazerman, said in a statement.
The Manhattan DA's press office said it "has been recused" from the investigation and referred all questions to the Bronx DA.
