Gordon Haas, Greenport High teacher, arrested in theft at Southold restaurant, cops say

A Greenport High School teacher faces a larceny charge, accused of stealing $575 from a patron's wallet at a Southold restaurant, then dumping the wallet and the victim's iPhone in a toilet tank, Southold Town police said Tuesday.

The victim had mistakenly left the two items in the restroom of the Founders Tavern restaurant and bar about 1 p.m. Saturday, and, shortly afterward, Gordon Haas confessed to the victim that he took the money, said Det. Sgt. John Sinning.

Haas, 54, of East Marion, was arraigned Sunday on a charge of fourth-degree grand larceny, police said.

The Greenport Board of Education scheduled an emergency meeting Tuesday afternoon, but it was not clear if Haas' arrest was discussed. The district superintendent and board president could not be reached.

Sinning said the victim went back to the restroom to look for his wallet and iPhone but did not see them.

Tavern owner Eric Russell said the victim asked him to call police and the staff hunted for the missing items, until the victim found them in soaking wet in the toilet tank, without the cash inside.

Russell said he then told his staff and the patrons that he was going home to get his laptop so he and the victim could review the tavern's surveillance footage.

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While he went to get his computer, Russell said, Haas confessed to the victim and others.

When the restaurant owner reviewed surveillance footage, he saw Haas using the restroom shortly after the victim left, Sinning said.

The money was returned to the victim, police said.

Haas could not be reached Tuesday.