Overview of Leonard Cagno's Arrest and Charges
Leonard Cagno, a 39-year-old officer with the Nassau County Police Department from Oakdale, New York, was arrested on charges of second-degree grand larceny on September 17. Suffolk County prosecutors allege that Cagno, under false pretenses, convinced a colleague to invest $200,000 into BW Media Consulting, LLC, claiming the funds would be used for legitimate business purposes.
Alleged Misuse of Investment on OnlyFans and Other Expenses
Instead of adhering to the investment's intended purpose, Cagno is accused of diverting the funds for personal use. Noteworthy among the expenditures are payments made to OnlyFans, a popular content subscription service. The misappropriated funds were also allegedly used to purchase a new car, pay off personal credit card debts, and cover costs associated with dining and gambling activities.
Impact and Repercussions within the Police Department
The actions attributed to Cagno have led to his suspension from duty without pay. His alleged conduct has been described by Suffolk District Attorney Ray Tierney as a "severe violation of the fundamental bonds within law enforcement," betraying the trust of a fellow officer. This case is currently being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Patrick Rooney of the Public Corruption Bureau, with the Public Corruption Squad undertaking the investigation.
Company Background and Legal Proceedings
BW Media Consulting Inc., which is registered in New York and has been listed under Cagno's name since February 2020, remains active. Cagno, who has served in the Nassau police department since 2015, pleaded not guilty in front of Suffolk County Court Judge Jennifer Henry. He was released on his own recognizance, and his court proceedings are set to continue on October 22. If convicted, Cagno could face up to 15 years in prison for this Class C felony.
