Is it Stealing to Keep Something You Find

My question involves criminal law for the state of: New York
So about 2 weeks ago i found a last camera during work, i work in a zoo. The camera has no names or identifiable addresses to return it to the owner. So i left it where i found it and did my job. The day ended and the camera was still there i took it instead of taking it to lost and found. yesterday, they called my boss and asked if the zoo found any lost blue camera. my coworker snitched on me cause we were using the camera after work that day at a bar. Is this stealing? the only poof that they have that i have the camera was my co workers words against mine? can they prove im guilty with word against word? they cant make me being in the camera? now they are withholding my paycheck. thats unlawful

They cannot withhold your paycheck, but they can absolutely legally fire you.

Yes, it's stealing. Why on earth would you think that it wasn't? You took something you knew didn't belong to you.

Wanted to check if i could be caught. well its his words against my words would that work if it went to court?

Sure. It depends who is the more credible.

And seriously - do NOT go into court saying "Wanted to check if I could be caught". We both know that's a crock, and we both know that you had no intention of returning the item.

ill give it back to much hassle. oh so even in word against word without evidence they can still win if there more creditable?

Of course.

- Camera is lost at the zoo.
- You suddenly are in possession of an identical camera.
- You and co-worker used it at a bar afterward, and you basically told the coworker where you found the camera.....

So testifying in court against you will be: The owner of the camera, your coworker, your supervisor....
Vs. You.

3 against 1......

And I wonder if the camera owner is like me - and still has the receipt for the camera, along with a record of the serial number? Yes, even those little cheap $100 digitals have a serial number someplace.....