Scott Greene appeared Monday before a judge in Central Islip to answer to a 21-count indictment that includes six counts of grand larceny as a hate crime.
Greene, who was arrested in January, was released on his own recognizance.
Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota says the alleged incidents occurred in Farmingville, Medford and Coram.
"This defendant has used the authority of his badge for purely a thief's motive," said Spota.
Greene was arrested in an undercover sting operation after authorities allege he was caught on surveillance tape taking $100 from an envelope on the front seat of a car driven by a Hispanic undercover detective.
"He would either pat them down and take their wallets from them or he would ask them for identification and they would give him their wallets," Spota said.
Prosecutors say they have evidence to prove that Greene stole from at least 7 different drivers during 6 different traffic stops. They say they believe he's been doing this since at least 2010.
"I am urging others to contact us, members of the Hispanic community, who have been similarly victimized," said Spota.
Irma Solis with Make the Road New York helped several of the alleged victims come forward to police.
"Those who were willing to come forward, they did so because they were tired and they wanted to make sure the officer received the punishment he deserved," said Solis.
Defense attorney Tim Mazzei had no comment.
If you would like to report a related incident to the Suffolk County District Attorney, call 631-775-2077.
