A man who worked as a firefighter and paramedic is accused of stealing from homes he knew were unoccupied because the resident was taken to the hospital.

Devvan A. Farina, 39, of Albany, has been charged with felony counts of second-degree burglary, second-degree attempted burglary and grand larceny as well as misdemeanors of criminal mischief and attempted petit larceny.

Police said the alleged incidents took place while Farina was employed by the Albany County Sheriff’s Office as a paramedic and the city of Troy as a firefighter.

Farina was arraigned in Bethlehem Town Court and sent to Albany County Jail in lieu of bail of $20,000 cash, $40,000 secured bond or $60,000 partially secured bond.

A preliminary hearing is set for Friday at noon and another court date was scheduled for March 5 at 4 p.m. in Bethlehem Town Court.

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of a burglary involving Farina is asked to contact police. Bethlehem residents are asked to contact the Bethlehem Police Department detectives at 518-439-9973. Troy residents should contact the Troy Police Department at 518-270-4772.

The Albany County Sheriff’s Office, Troy Police Department, Capital Region Crime Analysis Center and New York State Intelligence Center assisted in the investigation.

Troy Mayor Carmella Mantello issued a statement about the matter. 

“We are aware of an alleged incident in the Town of Bethlehem involving a member of the Troy Fire Department,” she said. “At this time, we are reviewing the information to determine the appropriate course of action. This incident is extremely concerning if true. This type of behavior does not represent the principles of the Troy Fire Department.”