Subway swipe peddlers aren’t stealing from the MTA, New York Court of Appeals rules

Subway scammers who sell discounted MetroCard swipes to riders aren't stealing from the MTA, the state highest court ruled Tuesday. The Court of Appeals overturned the petit larceny conviction of Joseph Hightower, 28, who swiped a rider into a midtown station for a fee. The court indicated a lesser charge — unauthorized sale of MTA services — would be more appropriate.