2 men charged with stealing cooking oil

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

Two men were arrested for stealing used cooking oil from a variety of restaurants in Nassau County, including several in the North Shore, on Friday, according to the Nassau County Police Department.

Melvin Howell, of Brooklyn, and Rodney Lofton, of Queens were arrested Friday after a police investigation revealed they stole used cooking oil from nine restaurants in Nassau County, according to police.

The restaurants included Leonard’s Palazzo in Great Neck, Stresa Restaurant and IHOP in Manhasset, Monster Crab and Fyhre Hibachi Sushi Lounge Restaurant in Carle Place, Mint in Garden City and the Cheesecake Factory, ChickFil-A and Benihana Restaurant in Westbury, according to ofcials.

Howell was charged with eight counts of petit larceny, grand larceny in the fourth degree, criminal mischief in the third degree and two counts of possession of burglar tools, according to police.

Lofton was also charged with the eight counts of petit larceny and grand larceny in the fourth degree, ofcials said.

The two were issued an appearance ticket and will return to court on May 2, according to police. Eforts to reach ofcials or the targeted restaurants for comment on the matter were unavailing.

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