STATEN ISLAND, New York — A Metropolitan Transportation Authority employee faces fraud charges after he allegedly presented altered Staten Island Railway pay stubs and tax documents to a local family court, according to court documents and law enforcement officials.
Curtis Richardson, a 42-year-old resident of the St. George neighborhood, was taken into custody following the execution of an arrest warrant in court on May 7. He faces two counts of offering a false instrument for filing alongside two counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument. Investigators allege Richardson submitted the altered documentation between November 9, 2022, and June 26, 2023, with the intent to deceive the Family Court of the State of New York. The paperwork involved forged Staten Island Rapid Transit Operating Authority pay stubs and W-2 forms.
A law enforcement source stated that Richardson works within the Staten Island Railway division of the MTA at the ferry terminal. The source indicated that the defendant allegedly modified his W-2 forms and earnings statements hoping a family court judge would reduce his required child support payments.
During his initial arraignment, Richardson entered a plea of not guilty to all charges and was released on his own recognizance. While online court data identifies him as Richardson, the formal indictment from the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office spells his surname as Richarson. Records show the defendant previously appeared in court on May 7 and May 27.
Defense attorney Paul Pricey Martin stated that he is currently reviewing the discovery materials and engaging in discussions with prosecutors, expressing hope for a resolution that serves the best interests of everyone involved. An MTA spokesperson did not provide a comment prior to publication. Richardson is next slated to appear before Justice Alexander B. Jeong on June 29 in the Supreme Court of New York in St. George.
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