Former MTA Worker Admits to Long Island Stolen Truck Rampage

A former New York City transit worker has admitted to stealing a bucket truck taking it on a rampage through a Long Island neighborhood, pulling down a dozen utility poles and knocking out power to thousands.

Prosecutors say Joel Grasman pleaded guilty Wednesday to criminal possession of stolen property, criminal mischief and criminal tampering.

The 52-year-old electrician is expected to receive one to three years in prison when he's sentenced May 13.

Authorities say Grasman caused up to $3 million of damage last summer after he stole the truck from a MTA facility in Queens and drove it around Elmont.

Defense attorney Peter Menoudakos had earlier asked the court that Grasman receive a medical evaluation, saying his client "was not in his right state of mind."


Most power was restored by Tuesday afternoon.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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