Long Island crime and courts briefs

PLAINVIEW

Lawyer accused of theft

A Plainview attorney is accused of stealing money from a Brooklyn couple who hired him to represent them in a lawsuit, Nassau prosecutors said.

Matthew Kogan, 40, was arrested Wednesday on a felony charge of third-degree grand larceny, the Nassau County district attorney's office said.

Kogan took settlement money meant for the couple and deposited it in his account. If convicted, he faces up to 2 1/3 to 7 years in prison. He was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court April 29.

LINDENHURST

Forgery charges in drug case

A Lindenhurst man faces forgery charges after twice presenting a fake prescription to buy oxycodone, Nassau County police said Wednesday.

Jose Jovanne Delacruz, 22, of 14 Newark St., was arrested at his home Tuesday on two counts of possession of a forged instrument.

He was remanded on a bail of $2,500, cash or bond, at his arraignment Wednesday at First District Court in Hempstead. He is due back in court Friday.

Police said Jovanne Delacruz used a forged prescription on Nov. 15 last year to purchase oxycodone from Hempstead Drugs, at 397 Fulton Ave. in Hempstead.

On Dec. 26, he tried again to use a forged prescription at the same store, but the pharmacist found it to be fake, did not fill the prescription and notified police, according to a news release.

Jovanne Delacruz was arrested after an investigation, police said.