The president of a Connecticut collection agency has been arrested and charged with second-degree larceny after he was accused of collecting and not remitting more than $6,000 from individuals after the client had terminated an agreement.
Robert Catalano of American Billing & Collections Inc. of Newington, Conn., is facing six counts of second-degree larceny of a person age 60 years or older, which is a class C felony. Each count is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $10,000.
St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center allegedly canceled a contract it had with Catalano’s company, but he continued to collect on the accounts. His firm collected more than $6,000 from patients and their spouses who thought they were making payments on debts owed to the hospital.
The hospital filed a complaint against Catalano and his company with the Connecticut Department of Banking back in 2016, which kickstarted the investigation that led to his arrest yesterday, according to a published report. The Banking Department referred the complaint to the Office of Chief State’s Attorney for criminal investigation.
Catalano was released on a $6,000 surety bond. He is due back in court on July 24.
