Security company employees say paychecks bounced, owed nearly a month's pay

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Employees at a security company with offices in the Bronx say they haven't been paid in almost a month. "Aug. 16 was the last time we were able to cash a check with this company," says Sherelle Carter, a former employee. "We need help, we need assistance. And we need it now." Workers based at the Bronx branch of Westech Security & Investigation Inc. say their last payday was Aug. 30, but when they tried to deposit those checks, there were insufficient funds to cash them. That has left some of their accounts in the red, while workers are owed hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. On Tuesday, they showed up to their Throgs Neck offices for replacement checks they say they were promised. "We decided today to come pick up a check which they told us they'd have it," said Antonio Gonzalez, another Westech employee. "We're here, everybody's here. No money, no check, no company." The Westech offices on East Tremont Avenue were closed Tuesday afternoon. A note taped to the door said the closure was temporary, due to "unforeseen circumstances." The employees' frustration caught the attention Council Member Kristy Marmorato, whose office is in the same building. "This is the second time that these individuals are here to pick up their checks and the company is not being responsive and not paying these people," said Marmorato. "And I'm very upset for them and I'm here to advocate for them." Council Member Marmorato is now working to connect Westech workers with the Attorney General's Office. The New York Department of Labor says they are aware of complaints and are looking into the issue. News 12 made multiple attempts to reach Westech and is still awaiting a response. "