Tag:

Financial Fraud

4x Felon, Central PA Home Healthcare Worker Accused Of $2K+ Fraud: Police 4x Felon, Central PA Home Healthcare Worker Accused Of $2K+ Fraud: Police
4x Felon, Central PA Home Healthcare Worker Accused Of $2K+ Fraud: Police A home healthcare worker – who is also a convicted felon – is accused of defrauding a sick, elderly woman out of over $2,000, Mount Joy police announced on Monday. Akai Jesus Rosario, 38 of Mount Joy, was working as a caretaker for a woman who was completely dependent on his care when he allegedly committed fraud and neglectful abuse, according to the police release on May 6.  While working for the woman between Nov. 2023 and Jan. 2024, he gained "access [to] her online accounts and complete unauthorized transfers totaling over $2,000.00 to his own accounts," the police stated in the r…
Former Manager Takes Plea Deal After Stealing Over $44K From Library In Westchester Former Manager Takes Plea Deal After Stealing Over $44K From Library In Westchester
Former Manager Takes Plea Deal After Stealing Over $44K From Library In Westchester The former business manager of a public library in Westchester has taken a plea deal after stealing tens of thousands of dollars from her workplace.  Mamaroneck resident Mary Soto, age 62, pleaded guilty to defrauding the Mamaroneck Public Library on Wednesday, April 24, according to library officials. Earlier Report - Update: Former Business Manager Steals Over $44K From Mamaroneck Library, DA Says Her plea bargain includes a $43,900 fine and 3 years probation, officials added. According to the Westchester County District Attorney's Office, between May 2016 and February 20…
'Pig Butchering' Scams: Police In CT Warn Of Fraudulent Investment Schemes 'Pig Butchering' Scams: Police In CT Warn Of Fraudulent Investment Schemes
'Pig Butchering' Scams: Police In CT Warn Of Fraudulent Investment Schemes Authorities are warning Connecticut residents to be wary of complex investment scams targeting victims through online platforms such as dating apps and social media.  In an announcement on Tuesday, March 26, Connecticut State Police warned that there has been an increase in "pig butchering" scams involving scammers convincing victims to invest money into a fake trading platform.  According to state police, the scammer will first contact the victim through dating apps, social media, or professional networking platforms. They will then build trust with the victim over several weeks …
Jury Finds Marilyn Mosby Complicit In Illegally Claiming COVID-19 Funds Jury Finds Marilyn Mosby Complicit In Illegally Claiming COVID-19 Funds
Jury Finds Marilyn Mosby Complicit In Illegally Claiming Covid-19 Funds A former top prosecutor in Maryland will face prison time after crying wolf about financial "hardships" during the COVID-19 crisis, authorities announced. On Thursday, a federal jury convicted embattled former Baltimore State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby on two founds of perjury in connection to her withdrawing of funds from the city's Deferred Compensation Plan, citing a shortfall during the pandemic while she was still in office. Prosecutors said that between May 2020 and December 2020, Mosby submitted claims for both a $40,000 and $50,000 withdrawal from the Compensation Plan, though at the …
ELDER ABUSE: Financial Advisor Swiped $75K, Neglected 90-Year-Old Woman In His Care: NJ AG ELDER ABUSE: Financial Advisor Swiped $75K, Neglected 90-Year-Old Woman In His Care: NJ AG
Elder Abuse: Financial Advisor Swiped $75K, Neglected 90-Year-Old Woman In His Care: NJ AG A financial advisor from Verona abused his authority over a 90-year-old client's finances, stealing $75,000 while neglecting her care and well-being and letting her bills pile up, state authorities charged. John Boston, 47, tried to hide his hiring to manage the woman's affairs and assets, they said. He never told his employer and ignored a federal Financial Industry Regulatory Authority requirement to register the victim as a client, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a joint announcement with Interim Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Al Garcia. After obtaining durable fin…
South Jersey Woman Stole $675K In Investment Scheme: Prosecutor South Jersey Woman Stole $675K In Investment Scheme: Prosecutor
South Jersey Woman Stole $675K In Investment Scheme: Prosecutor A 59-year-old woman from South Jersey has admitted to defrauding a woman out of $600,000 and then stealing her identity, authorities said. Wei Song, 59, of Egg Harbor Township, faces 16 years in New Jersey State Prison under her plea agreement on money laundering and identity theft charges, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office. This case involved a multi-year social engineering scheme that resulted in financial losses of over $600,000 from one victim and over $75,000 in identity theft damages, the prosecutor said. The defendant preyed upon the victim, convincing he…
NJ Broker Scammed Grieving Army Families Out Of $3.5 Million In Death Benefits, Feds Charge NJ Broker Scammed Grieving Army Families Out Of $3.5 Million In Death Benefits, Feds Charge
NJ Broker Scammed Grieving Army Families Out Of $3.5 Million In Death Benefits, Feds Charge Families of soldiers killed in war lost nearly $3.5 million to a merciless financial counselor from New Jersey who exploited their grief, federal authorities have charged. Caz Craffy, 41, worked for the United States Army when he defrauded two dozen Gold Star families who trusted him out of death benefits, U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Philip R. Sellinger said on Friday, July 7. Craffy – also known as “Carz Craffey” – “took advantage of his role as an Army financial counselor, using lies and deception to steer their investments in a way that would make him money,” Sellinger said during a new…
NY Law Requiring Businesses To Warn Customers Of Gift Card Scams Takes Effect NY Law Requiring Businesses To Warn Customers Of Gift Card Scams Takes Effect
NY Law Requiring Businesses To Warn Customers Of Gift Card Scams Takes Effect Leaders in New York have given consumers another tool in their belt to help fend off would-be fraudsters. New legislation that went into effect on Tuesday, June 20, requires businesses that sell gift cards in New York to post a notice warning customers about gift card scams. Notices must be posted near where any gift card or gift certificate is displayed or sold. The law was introduced by Long Island State Sen. Kevin Thomas, a Democrat whose 6th Senate District covers central Nassau County. Thomas chairs the senate’s Consumer Protection Committee. “I am happy to see the Department of St…
York Charter School CEO Who Stole US Gov't Funds Won't Have Jail York Charter School CEO Who Stole US Gov't Funds Won't Have Jail
York Charter School CEO Who Stole US Gov't Funds Won't Have Jail A charter school's CEO and President who pleaded guilty to stealing funds from a federal grant program that was meant for the school where he worked— won't go to jail, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced on Thursday, June 23, 2023. Leonard Hart of Mount Wolf, the former CEO and principal of Lincoln Charter School in York admitted to nearly 20 false and fraudulent reimbursement requests between 2018 and 2020, on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, according to a previous release by the US Department of Justice. Hart "obtained by fraud and misapplied approximate…
Weapons, Drugs Seized Following Gang Unit Investigation In Bowie, Police Say Weapons, Drugs Seized Following Gang Unit Investigation In Bowie, Police Say
Weapons, Drugs Seized Following Gang Unit Investigation In Bowie, Police Say Three suspects are in custody after the Prince George's County Police Department completed a months-long investigation into gang activity throughout the region. Weapons, cash, and drugs were seized by members of the department's Strategic Investigations Division-Gang Unit who have been tracking purported members of the "GMF Crew," according to authorities. The investigation was launched months ago as the agency probed the trafficking of guns and drugs in Prince George's County. During a search and seizure at a home in the 4000 block of Windflower Way in Bowie, police say that they recover…
$500K Scheme: Putnam Valley Man Stole From Retirement Accounts $500K Scheme: Putnam Valley Man Stole From Retirement Accounts
$500K Scheme: Putnam Valley Man Stole From Retirement Accounts A former financial advisor from the Hudson Valley has been convicted of participating in a scheme to steal from a retirement fund sponsored by a labor union for law enforcement employees.  Putnam County resident Andrew Brown, age 55, of Putnam Valley, was convicted of defrauding members of the Law Enforcement Employees Benevolent Association (LEEBA), a labor union for law enforcement officers employed by New York City, the US Attorney's Office for Southern District of New York announced on Wednesday, May 31.  Brown, along with former LEEBA President and New York State Tr…
$260K Stolen From Victim's Bank Account By Saratoga Springs Power Of Attorney, Police Say $260K Stolen From Victim's Bank Account By Saratoga Springs Power Of Attorney, Police Say
$260K Stolen From Victim's Bank Account By Saratoga Springs Power Of Attorney, Police Say A man from the region tasked with looking after the finances of another is facing charges after allegedly stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from them. Saratoga County resident Ivan Gerdwagen, age 65, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested Sunday, April 16, following an investigation by New York State Police. It came days after troopers were first contacted with a complaint that over $260,000 was missing from the victim’s bank account, according to police. Investigators determined that Gerdwagen, who was acting as the victim’s power of attorney, stole the money between August 2022 and J…
Embattled Nassau Rep. George Santos 'Proudly' Announces Re-Election Bid: 'We Need A Fighter' Embattled Nassau Rep. George Santos 'Proudly' Announces Re-Election Bid: 'We Need A Fighter'
Embattled Nassau Rep. George Santos 'Proudly' Announces Re-Election Bid: 'We Need A Fighter' Just 104 days after taking office, embattled New York Congressman George Santos “proudly” announced that he is running for re-election. Santos, whose 3rd District represents parts of Nassau County and Queens, made it official in a statement released Monday, April 17, in which he touted his re-election campaign as being “about TAKING BACK our country and restoring greatness back to New York.” Related Report: Nassau Rep. George Santos Confesses To Defrauding Brazilian Clerk Of $1,300 In Clothing: Report The freshman Republican, age 34, claimed he’s already made “significant efforts” to fulf…
$52M Scheme: Highland Mills Resident Among 10 Charged By Feds $52M Scheme: Highland Mills Resident Among 10 Charged By Feds
$52M Scheme: Highland Mills Resident Among 10 Charged By Feds Ten people have been charged in connection with a massive scheme to defraud a leading cargo airline based in New York of tens of millions of dollars in revenue and the services of its employees, federal authorities announced. The 10 charged are: Connecticut resident Abilash Kurien, age 45, of Wilton in Fairfield County; Hudson Valley resident Carlton Llewellyn, age 55, of Highland Mills in Orange County; Long Island resident Robert Schirmer, age 58, of Port Jefferson Station; Queens resident Patrick Lau, 43, of Flushing; Lars Winkelbauer, age 47, of Bangkok, Thailand; Skye …
Westchester Caseworker Accused Of Stealing More Than $300K From Client Westchester Caseworker Accused Of Stealing More Than $300K From Client
Westchester Caseworker Accused Of Stealing More Than $300K From Client A Westchester County caseworker who resides in Connecticut faces numerous charges after allegedly stealing more than $300,000 from a 95-year-old woman suffering from dementia whom she had been taking care of.  Fairfield County resident Chantel Chenault, age 46, of Danbury, was indicted on multiple charges on Friday, March 24 for stealing from the elderly woman under her care in Westchester, according to New York Attorney General Letitia James.  According to officials from James's office, Chenault became the woman's caseworker in 2017 and was employed with the Westch…
Jersey Shore Cyberthief Swipes $300,000 From Bergen Retiree's Account: It Happens A Lot Jersey Shore Cyberthief Swipes $300,000 From Bergen Retiree's Account: It Happens A Lot
Jersey Shore Cyberthief Swipes $300,000 From Bergen Retiree's Account: It Happens A Lot An unemployed cyberthief from the Jersey Shore swiped more than $300,000 from an elderly Lodi resident’s retirement account after stealing the victim’s identity, authorities charged. Joseph Bilotta, 65, hijacked the online account, along with others in New Jersey and Maryland, “to fund his lifestyle,” Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said. Lodi police notified members of the prosecutor’s Financial Crimes Unit of the account takeover scheme in 2021, Musella said. They arrested Bilotta on theft charges following an investigation and sent him to the Bergen County Jail only to have a judg…
Employee In 'Financial Despair' Admits To Killing Former Boss After Being Fired In MD Employee In 'Financial Despair' Admits To Killing Former Boss After Being Fired In MD
Employee In 'Financial Despair' Admits To Killing Former Boss After Being Fired In MD Officials in Montgomery County announced that a Rockville man will face life in prison after he admitted to killing his 66-year-old boss in 2021. On Friday, Feb. 24, Billy Phillips, 38, pleaded guilty to murder and other charges for his role in the violent death of his former manager, Bethesda resident Geoffrey Biddle, 66, nearly two years ago. Specifically, Phillips pleaded guilty to: First-degree murder; home invasion; Armed robbery; Use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. According to court documents, on June 24, 2021, investigators received a report of a missing person at Pay…
Business Partner Killed Jennifer Brown After 'Scam Restaurant Jig' Was Up, MontCo DA Says Business Partner Killed Jennifer Brown After 'Scam Restaurant Jig' Was Up, MontCo DA Says
Business Partner Killed Jennifer Brown After 'Scam Restaurant Jig' Was Up, MontCo DA Says The 33-year-old "friend" and business partner who reported 43-year-old Jennifer Brown as missing has been charged in her death, authorities in Montgomery County announced Thursday, Feb. 9. The motive? A "scam restaurant jig" that said Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele said was about to be up. Blair Watts, of Royersford, is booked at the Montgomery County lockup on first-degree murder charges in the Limerick mom's death, Steele said. Beginning in August 2022, Brown and Watts were planning on opening a restaurant in Phoenixville together in hopes of being in business by th…
DoorDash Driver From Mechanicsburg Learns His Fate In 'Gays For Trump' Impersonation Scam DoorDash Driver From Mechanicsburg Learns His Fate In 'Gays For Trump' Impersonation Scam
DoorDash Driver From Mechanicsburg Learns His Fate In 'Gays For Trump' Impersonation Scam A Central Pennsylvania DoorDash driver will face prison time after threatening to kill a US Congress member in addition to impersonating members of the Trump family online to raise funds for a made-up political organization, federal officials said.  Joshua Hall, 23, of Mechanicsburg, was sentenced to 20 months in prison as well as three years of probation for both threatening a member of Congress and impersonating some of former President Trump's family members, according to Damien Williams, US Attorney for the Southern District of New York.  On Monday, Aug. 29, 2022, Hall pl…
'Human Piece Of Garbage' Scams Yorktown Woman Out Of $2K, Police Say 'Human Piece Of Garbage' Scams Yorktown Woman Out Of $2K, Police Say
'Human Piece Of Garbage' Scams Yorktown Woman Out Of $2K, Police Say Although a woman from Northern Westchester unfortunately lost $2,000 to a scammer, it could have been much worse, police said. It all started when a woman from Yorktown was contacted by a "human piece of garbage" who claimed to be tech support from Google or Microsoft, and told the victim that he needed to access her email and bank accounts to prevent a virus from compromising them, Yorktown Police said in a post on Wednesday, Dec. 14.  As part of the ruse, the victim purchased close to $2,000 in gift cards on three separate days and then sent scanned pictures of these cards to the sca…
Celebrity Jeweler From Upper Darby Convicted Of Selling Counterfeit Rolexes: Feds Celebrity Jeweler From Upper Darby Convicted Of Selling Counterfeit Rolexes: Feds
Celebrity Jeweler From Upper Darby Convicted Of Selling Counterfeit Rolexes: Feds A Philadelphia jeweler who has done business with famous musicians and pro athletes was convicted for selling phony merchandise at his South Street store, authorities say.  Dimitre Hadjiev, the 41-year-old proprietor of Ice Fire Jewelry, was found guilty of trafficking counterfeit goods and financial fraud at a trial in federal court, said US Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero in a statement.  Hadjiev, who has been photographed with Philly rapper Meek Mill and one-time 76ers great Andre Iguodala, was "knowingly buying and selling" counterfeit Rolexes at his store since at least 20…
Police In Westchester County Warn Of Scammers Pretending To Sell Fake Sweatshirts Police In Westchester County Warn Of Scammers Pretending To Sell Fake Sweatshirts
Police In Westchester County Warn Of Scammers Pretending To Sell Fake Sweatshirts The Westchester County Police Department is warning people of scammers pretending to sell fake sweatshirts online.  The scheme usually consists of Facebook messages or message replies from a "changing cast of characters" where the fake account posts a link to an online store to purchase hooded sweatshirts with the department's patch on them, according to an announcement from the  Westchester County Police Department.  The link and name of the false online store will often change, which police said is a common hallmark of a scam.  The fake accounts that post the links wi…
NY AG Suing Donald Trump, 3 Of His Children For Financial Fraud NY AG Suing Donald Trump, 3 Of His Children For Financial Fraud
NY AG Suing Donald Trump, 3 Of His Children For Financial Fraud New York's Attorney General announced that she has filed a $250 million civil lawsuit against Donald Trump and three of his adult children for financial fraud. The AG, Letitia James, said in a press conference in New York City just before noontime on Wednesday, Sept. 21 that Trump "repeatedly and persistently" misstated the value of assets. "The complaint demonstrates Donald Trump inflated his net worth by billions of dollars," said James, who also named Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump, and Eric Trump in the suit.  The 222-page complaint details 23 examples of inflating asset…
Peekskill Police Issue Alert For Mailbox Thieves Stealing Checks Peekskill Police Issue Alert For Mailbox Thieves Stealing Checks
Peekskill Police Issue Alert For Mailbox Thieves Stealing Checks Police issued an alert to Northern Westchester residents about thieves who are stealing checks from a curbside mailbox in the area. The Peekskill Police Department announced on Friday, Sept. 9, that investigators believe suspects are stealing checks from the United State Post Office curbside mailbox located at 738 South St. in Peekskill. "Please do not place mail containing checks in the curbside mailbox located outside in front of the Peekskill Post Office," police said. "It appears that checks are being stolen from this particular curbside mailbox and the thieves are using them for i…
Trustee Convicted Of Stealing $100K From PA Bar With Expired Liquor License Trustee Convicted Of Stealing $100K From PA Bar With Expired Liquor License
Trustee Convicted Of Stealing $100K From PA Bar With Expired Liquor License A 51-year-old woman was convicted of stealing more than $100,000 from the Pennsylvania bar she worked at for more than a decade, authorities said. Vycky Macri, of Reading, was found guilty Friday, Sept. 9 of theft by unlawful taking and failure to make required disposition of funds, according to the Berks County District Attorney's Office. An investigation into Macri was launched in February 2020, after detectives received a complaint relating to the discovery of financial irregularities at the Shillington Social Quarters. Macri has been affiliated with the bar since 2008. During her …
Saratoga Springs Woman Stole $50K From Veteran, VA's Office, Feds Say Saratoga Springs Woman Stole $50K From Veteran, VA's Office, Feds Say
Saratoga Springs Woman Stole $50K From Veteran, VA's Office, Feds Say A Capital District woman who was trusted to manage the finances of a legally incompetent veteran is accused of misappropriating tens of thousands of dollars. Saratoga County resident JoAnne Natalie, age 64, of Saratoga Springs, appeared in federal court in Albany Thursday, July 21, where she was arraigned on charges of stealing from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and misappropriating funds. Natalie was released pending a trial before US District Judge Glenn Suddaby. Federal prosecutors are seeking to have Natalie forfeit $50,174, the amount she allegedly stole. If convicted, she…
Syosset Man Sentenced For Role In $12 Million Ponzi Scheme Targeting Nearly 50 Victims Syosset Man Sentenced For Role In $12 Million Ponzi Scheme Targeting Nearly 50 Victims
Syosset Man Sentenced For Role In $12 Million Ponzi Scheme Targeting Nearly 50 Victims A New York man was sentenced for his role in a $12 million Ponzi scheme that targeted nearly 50 victims from throughout the region and the nation between 2015 and 2017. Long Island resident Matthew Eckstein, age 52, of Syosset, was sentenced on Monday, July 11 to three-and-a-half to 10-and-a-half years in prison. Eckstein originally pleaded guilty to the charges on September 26, 2019, but later withdrew his plea. A new indictment was secured in August 2020, but court closures related to the COVID-19 pandemic further delayed the case. “This defendant preyed upon seniors and hard-working men…
'Serial Swindler' In Frederick County Admits To Duping Three Romantic Partners, Families: AG 'Serial Swindler' In Frederick County Admits To Duping Three Romantic Partners, Families: AG
'Serial Swindler' In Frederick County Admits To Duping Three Romantic Partners, Families: AG A Maryland man with a checkered history will spend at least a decade behind bars for swindling former romantic partners and their families, the state’s Attorney General announced. Frederick County resident Joseph Carlini, 43, of Monrovia, pleaded guilty in Circuit Court to theft and violation of a Securities Order in three cases involving his former paramours. As part of his guilty plea, Carlini is set to be sentenced to 38 years in prison with all but 10 years suspended, followed by five years of supervised probation upon his release. Carlini was also ordered to pay restitution in the am…
Ex-Treasurer Stole Thousands From Jersey Shore Charity For Disadvantaged Students: Prosecutor Ex-Treasurer Stole Thousands From Jersey Shore Charity For Disadvantaged Students: Prosecutor
Ex-Treasurer Stole Thousands From Jersey Shore Charity For Disadvantaged Students: Prosecutor The former treasurer of a Monmouth County nonprofit has been charged with stealing thousands of dollars from the organization, authorities said. The charity funds educational opportunities for disadvanced students, according to  Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey. Hazim Yassin, 32, of the Lincroft section of Middletown is charged with theft by unlawful taking, Linskey said. An investigation by the MCPO Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Bureau was initiated earlier this year, after the Red Bank Education Foundation performed a financial audit and identif…
CT Attorney General Issues Alert For Dating App Scams CT Attorney General Issues Alert For Dating App Scams
CT Attorney General Issues Alert For Dating App Scams Connecticut Attorney General William Tong has issued an alert about common scams residents have experienced on dating apps. Scammers often attempt to earn an individual's trust by beginning an online relationship with them in order to steal the victim's money, Tong said in an announcement on Tuesday, Feb. 22. In addition to dating apps, scammers also contact victims on social media apps, such as Instagram and Facebook. “These heartless scammers prey upon people’s loneliness, isolation and their desire to be loved,” Tong said. “Be hypervigilant when a stranger contacts you online and a…
Court Rules That Trump, Ivanka, Don Jr. Must Testify About Their Business Practices Court Rules That Trump, Ivanka, Don Jr. Must Testify About Their Business Practices
Court Rules That Trump, Ivanka, Don Jr. Must Testify About Their Business Practices Former President Donald Trump and his two eldest children have been ordered to testify as New York Attorney General Letitia James continues her years-long probe into his company’s business dealings. On Thursday, Feb. 17, James announced that she had won a major victory in her office’s civil investigation into the former president and the Trump Organization’s business practices. Earlier story - NY AG Files Motion To Block Trump Lawsuit Interfering With Her Investigation New York State Supreme Court Judge Arthur Engoron ruled that Trump, Ivanka Trump, and Donald Trump, Jr. must all appear fo…