CRIME WATCH Former Tex Mex worker arrested, accused of five city burglaries

Glen Cove resident Arlin Velasquez, 26, was arrested by Glen Cove Police Detectives Brian Glennon, Christopher Paolillo, Theodore Karousos and David Milanese on Jan. 24 for a string of break-ins. The crimes which occurred between Nov. 23 and Jan. 21, targeted Glen Cove businesses.

All of the burglaries occurred in the early morning hours. Police allege that Velasquez would kick in the front glass door of the business and then remove money from the cash registers.

Velasquez had been fired in June 2022 from one of the restaurants, Tex Mex, at

214 Glen Cove Ave., when he was caught stealing from the business. Tex Mex was burglarized on three different occasions.

Velasquez is charged with four counts of burglary, five counts of criminal mischief and criminal trespass. He was arraigned on Jan. 26 at the First District Court in Hempstead.

The following businesses were burglarized: Tex Mex Restaurant, 214 Glen Cove Ave. on Nov. 23, 30, Dec. 6; Villa Meci Pizzeria, 214D Glen Cove Ave., on Dec. 6; and Sids All American Burger and Ice Cream, 80 Glen Cove Ave. on Jan. 21.

Once the “community spouse” invokes their right to refuse, and all of the other myriad requirements of the Medicaid application are met, the state Medicaid program must pay for the care of the institutionalized spouse.

After Medicaid has been granted, the county may institute a lawsuit seeking to recover the cost of care from the refusing spouse. Nevertheless, there are a few reasons why spousal refusal makes sense, even in light of this risk. First, in many instances, the county never invokes this right. Secondly, these lawsuits are often settled for signifcantly less than the cost of care provided. Thirdly, the payment to the county can sometimes be deferred until the community spouse dies. As one county attorney told us when agreeing to such an arrangement, “the county is going to be around for a long time”. Finally, even though the county may seek recovery, it is only for the Medicaid reimbursement rate and not the private pay rate. For example, if the private pay rate is $18,000 per month, which is what you would have to pay, the amount Medicaid has to pay is generally a quarter to a third less. The county may only pursue you for the amount they actually paid.

Tim Baker/Herald

Richnerlive donates funds for a good cause

The EAC Network — a Garden City-based social service agency that empowers, assists and cares for people in need — receives a $2,000 donation from RichnerLive. The money was from a portion of ticket sales from last year’s Herald Excellence in Healthcare Awards Gala, which honored heroes and leaders within the health care industry. Neela Mukeriee Lockel, EAC’s president and chief executive, along with Robert Stricoff — the group’s chief development officer — accepted the donation from Herald Community Newspapers publisher Stuart Richner and RichnerLive executive director Amy Amato. From left, Herald Community Newspapers deputy editor Jeffrey Bessen, Stricoff, Richner, Amato, executive editor Michael Hinman, and Lockel. To find out more about EAC — and how to donate — visit EAC-Network.org.

Glen Cove Hospital Emergency Dept is proud to be recognized as a Guardian of Excellence by Press Ganey!

The Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award is a health care industry symbol of achievement. Fewer than 5% of all Press Ganey clients reach this threshold and consistently maintain it for the one year reporting period. Press Ganey partners with more than 10,000 health care facilities, including more than half of all U.S. hospitals, to measure and improve the patient experience.

Glen Cove Hospital is among the nation’s best for acute rehabilitation — and we don’t stop there. From achieving national recognition in nursing and patient experience to being named an Age - Friendly Center of Excellence, we’re proud to offer our community a level of care that exceeds expectations.

Northwell.edu/GlenCoveBest

Northwell.edu/GlenCoveBest