Md. Man Charged In N.Y. With Dominican Charity Scam

NEW YORK (AP) -- Prosecutors say a Maryland man posed as a diplomat from the Dominican Republic in a fund-raising scam brought to light by a New York state senator.

Francisco Alberto Gautreaux Calcano was under arrest Friday and awaiting arraignment on charges including grand larceny.

It wasn't immediately clear whether the Frederick, Md., resident had a lawyer.

The Manhattan district attorney's office says Calcano, 42, got more than $15,000 by falsely claiming he was raising money to ship fire trucks and other needed vehicles to the Dominican Republic. Prosecutors say he pretended to be a Dominican embassy staffer and even Ambassador Roberto B. Saladin.

Prosecutors say state Sen. Adriano Espaillat became suspicious and called authorities after Calcano contacted his office. Espaillat says he can't discuss details of the case.

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