NIAGARA FALLS —
New York State Park Police have charged six people in connection with a scam that involved the theft and re-sale of tickets from both the Cave of the Winds and the Maid of the Mist attractions.
Their arrests were announced on Friday after an investigation that included assistance from the New York State Police.
Park Police investigators said they discovered an organized ring of individuals that were stealing Discovery Pass tickets.
Detectives said the ring would then resell the tickets to a local tour guide who then resold the passes to operators of two local tour companies.
The tour companies involved in the scam were identified as Blue Water Tours and Over the Falls Tours.
New York State Park Discovery Passes allow tourists to experience the major attractions in the Falls for one low price.
Investigators said Robert E. Harris, 25, and Roderick L. Haslip, 50, both of the Falls, were each charged with petit larceny and criminal possession of stolen property.
Also charged with criminal possession of stolen property were Christopher Hromowyk, 32, of North Tonawanda and Joseph J. Marino, 60, of Fort Erie, Ontario.
Detectives charged Demetrius L. Barber, 31, of the Falls, with grand larceny.
Richard Whitney, 48, of Lewiston, was charged with criminal possession of stolen property, as well as second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and possession of marijuana. There was no immediate explanation for the drug and traffic charges facing Whitney.
Along with the six arrests, the investigation led to four local tour guides being charged with a violation of the Niagara Falls City Ordinance for operating a tour without a tour guide license.
Investigators charged Thomas J. Markovich, 57, of North Tonawanda, Michael P. Herb, 45, of Tonawanda, Jason R. Lizardo, 32, of Niagara Falls, and Lori L. Johnson, 45, of Niagara Falls, Ontario with being unlicensed tour guides.
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Niagara Falls State Park attraction admission scam leads to arrests
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