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Ex–New York State Trooper Who Staged Shooting Gets 6 Months, 5 Years’ Probation, $289K Restitution

Prosecutors cite a sympathy‑seeking hoax that triggered a costly manhunt.

Overview

  • Thomas Mascia, 28, was sentenced in Nassau County to six months in jail and five years’ probation, with court‑ordered mental health treatment.
  • The court imposed $289,511 in restitution to repay overtime costs from the regionwide search launched after his false report.
  • Mascia pleaded guilty in May to tampering with physical evidence, falsely reporting an incident, and official misconduct, and he resigned from the State Police in January.
  • Investigators found he shot himself at Hempstead Lake State Park, planted .22‑caliber shell casings on the Southern State Parkway, and hid the rifle later recovered at his home.
  • His parents pleaded guilty to weapons offenses tied to a home search; the father received five years’ probation and the mother a conditional discharge.