Former assembly candidate charged with petit larceny in alleged mail theft case

SCOTIA, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A former candidate for New York State Assembly is facing a criminal charge for allegedly stealing mail. Joe Mastroianni turned himself in to Scotia police on Thursday and was issued an appearance ticket for one count of petit larceny.

The claims surfaced after Ring camera video appeared to show Mastroianni removing a campaign mailer for his opponent Angelo Santabarbara and replacing it with his own. Santabarbara was declared the winner in the 111th assembly district by earning more than 60 percent of the vote.

Schenectady County Democratic Chairman Frank Salamone, who shared the video with NEWS10, said: "Now that Mr. Mastroianni has been charged with a crime, it is even clearer that he must resign his seat on the Rotterdam Town Board. In addition, his colleagues on the Rotterdam Town Board must also demand his resignation for the benefit of all Town residents."

Santabarbara said he trusts the criminal justice system and will refrain from further comment as it is a legal matter. NEWS10 reached out to Mastroianni for a comment on the case. Last week, he said he was cooperating with the investigation and looks forward to a resolution.