HUNTINGTON STATION, NY – May 21, 2026
Just weeks after Huntington Matters spotlighted a growing sleight-of-hand scam targeting local businesses, Suffolk County Police have now secured arrest warrants for a man accused of carrying out similar thefts in Huntington Station.
The case connects directly back to Huntington Matters Weekly Update Episode 4 podcast, aired April 3, when the Neighborhood Watch segment featured Facebook surveillance footage and concerns shared by local business owners about a man using distraction tactics to confuse cashiers and steal money during transactions.
At the time, Huntington Matters shared surveillance video from Huntington Station’s beloved Forest Pork Store after owner Silvana warned neighbors and fellow business owners that one of her young cashiers had been targeted. The episode also included footage from Bagels 101 in Middle Island showing similar distraction tactics during a transaction involving a $50 bill.
“This guy’s been doing this everywhere,” June Margolin of Huntington Matters said during the episode. Members of Huntington Matters Community Forum commented with reports of similar incidents in Dix Hills, Deer Park, Bay Shore and communities farther east across Long Island.
Police Say Suspect Wanted in Two Local Incidents
Now, Suffolk County Police Department 2nd Precinct Crime Section detectives say 41-year-old Louis Pagano of Shirley is wanted in connection with two larceny incidents that investigators allege used the same type of distraction tactics seen in the surveillance videos shared online.
According to police, the first incident occurred January 3 at Urban Air in Dix Hills. Investigators allege Pagano requested change for two $100 bills, pocketed part of the returned cash during the exchange, then falsely claimed he had received incorrect change, causing the business to lose approximately $80.
Police say a second incident occurred March 20 at Deli Pupuseria Salvadorena on West Jericho Turnpike in Huntington Station. Detectives allege the suspect purchased a beer, distracted the employee during the cash exchange, pocketed some of the money and then claimed he had been shorted, resulting in the employee unknowingly handing over an additional $40.
As per Inspector Markus Rivera of the Suffolk County Police Department 2nd Precinct, “This is an ongoing investigation possibly involving other precincts.”
Police Release Vehicle Photo Alongside Wanted Alert
The May 19 wanted alert released by Suffolk County Police included an image of the suspect along with a surveillance photograph of a white sedan believed to be connected to the incidents.
Police are asking anyone who recognizes Louis Pagano, recognizes the vehicle, or knows his whereabouts to contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers.
Huntington Matters Encouraged Businesses to Report Incidents
During the April 3 Weekly Update, Huntington Matters urged business owners not to feel embarrassed if they had fallen victim to similar scams.
“Please do not be embarrassed,” Dana Richter of Huntington Matters said during the episode. “He’s doing it to everybody.”
“Now he’s in real trouble,” Margolin said during the broadcast. “Because our 2nd [Precinct] detectives now have this and they are relentless.”
Advice for Local Businesses and Cashiers
The April 3 segment also shared advice for business owners and employees handling cash transactions:
- Keep the original bill visible until the transaction is fully completed
- Count change back clearly into the customer’s hand
- Train staff on distraction-based scam tactics
- Encourage employees to slow transactions down if a customer begins creating confusion during an exchange
Police are encouraging any business owners who may have experienced similar “short change” incidents to contact investigators and file reports.
How to Report Information
Anyone with information can:
- Call 1-800-220-TIPS
- Submit a tip through the P3 Tips mobile app
- Visit www.P3Tips.com
All calls, text messages and online submissions will remain confidential.
This investigation is being handled by Suffolk County Police Department 2nd Precinct Crime Section detectives.
Video surveillance and police images courtesy of local businesses and Suffolk County Police Department. Huntington Matters video by June Margolin.
