Secured 24 Bosses Fined $400K for Wage Theft from School Guards

New York – The relentless pursuit of justice by the state’s top law enforcement has culminated in a landmark victory for New York City school guards. Attorney General Letitia James announced today that her office has secured $400,000 from Secured 24, LLC and its two principal owners, charging them with systematic wage theft.

Secured 24, a security services firm contracted by non-public schools in the city, was caught skimming hundreds of thousands of dollars meant for wages and benefits. An investigation revealed that over 100 school guards were denied their rightful supplemental pay between 2016 and 2018, while Secured 24 pocketed extra funds from schools under the guise of providing full compensation.

‘Secured 24 illegally withheld earned wages and benefits from New Yorkers who risked their safety for others,’ Attorney General James sternly stated. ‘My office will always protect workers from wage theft and ensure employers meet their legal obligations.’

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) launched its probe after the New York City Department of Investigation (DOI) discovered Secured 24’s fraudulent payroll records. Former employees confirmed they were not receiving the required supplemental benefits, prompting DOI to refer the case to OAG for further investigation.

DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber echoed Attorney General James’ sentiment: ‘Companies who deprive their workers of lawful wages should take notice that we will hold them accountable.’

The two principal owners of Secured 24 are now required to pay $200,000 each in restitution over a two-year period, restoring the total $400,000 to eligible guards. This serves as a stark reminder: ‘If you want to contract with the city, pay your employees correctly and follow our rules,’ DCAS Commissioner Louis A. Molina emphasized.