Cops: Brewster Man Stole Wallet

A Brewster man is facing misdemeanor and felony charges after he walked out of the Rite Aid in Carmel with a woman's wallet, which staff handed him because they thought it was his, police said.

Carmel Police Officer Stephen McCabe arrested Steven Pirraglia, 48, after the Wednesday evening incident. Cops charged him with petit larceny, a misdemeanor, and fourth-degree grand larceny, a felony.

Pirraglia is alleged to have surrendered the wallet—which was missing $370— after police contacted him.

McCabe initially responded to the store on a report of a stolen wallet, according to a statement from Carmel Police. When he arrived, he reportedly learned that a man had attempted to buy several items, but that he did not have his wallet with him. He subsequently left the establishment to retrieve it.

"At this time a customer found a wallet and turned it in to an employee of Rite Aid," Chief Mike Johnson said. "Thinking that the wallet belonged to Mr. Pirraglia,the employee gave the wallet to Mr. Pirraglia, who re-entered the store. Apparently, a female customer had inadvertently forgotten it near the cash register while making an earlier purchase. She reentered the store and advised the employees of her loss. The description of the wallet was the same wallet that was given to Mr. Pirraglia."

Authorities say they used video footage from the store to identify Pirraglia. He responded to department headquarters after police contacted him. When he turned over the wallet, it was missing $370, according to officials.

Police released Pirraglia pending a Nov. 13 appearance in Carmel Justice Court.