Woman Indicted for Stealing Thousands from 100-Year-Old Man
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said on Thursday that a Bronx woman was indicted for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars from a 100-year-old man after gaining his trust.
Accused Thief Used Power of Attorney
Rosalind Hernandez, 56, was charged with one count each of second-degree and third-degree grand larceny after stealing more than $350,000 from her victim. According to court documents, Hernandez gained the man’s trust enough to pilfer his savings between July 26, 2023, and June 2, 2024.
How the Theft Occurred
The defendant was a superintendent in the man’s Chelsea apartment building. Over time, she got to know the victim, who lived on his own in the apartment, and the pair ultimately became friends. As the man became frailer, Hernandez suggested he give her power of attorney, a legal document that grants a person authority to act on someone else’s behalf.
Victim’s Financial Information
The man agreed and gave Hernandez access to his bank account and credit cards. At one point during the relationship in 2023, the victim became seriously injured from a fall and was not expected to recover, court documents explained. Hernandez then accompanied the man to see his family, though it is unclear where the destination was outside of NYC.
Personal Spending
Hernandez used the victim’s checkbook, bank card, and credit cards to make personal transactions totaling over $6,000. This included purchasing lingerie and clothing, a haircut and a subscription to an entrepreneurship training program for herself and her niece. Prosecutors added that she also created her own Lyft ride-sharing account with his card and made over $900 worth of trips.
Victim’s Discovery
The man realized what was happening when he recovered from his injuries, returned to NYC and regained access to his financial accounts.
Potential Sentence
The maximum sentence on grand larceny in the second degree is 5 to 15 years.
Prevention and Reporting
The D.A.’s office urges anyone older than 60 who thinks they may be a victim of a similar crime to call its Elder Abuse Unit at 212-335-9007 or email eau@dany.nyc.gov.
Conclusion
This case highlights the importance of being cautious when giving someone power of attorney or access to one’s financial information. It also emphasizes the need for law enforcement to take action against those who prey on vulnerable older adults.
FAQs
Q: What is power of attorney?
A: Power of attorney is a legal document that grants a person authority to act on someone else’s behalf.
Q: How did the defendant gain the victim’s trust?
A: The defendant was a superintendent in the man’s apartment building and became friends with the victim, who lived on his own.
Q: What was the total amount stolen?
A: The defendant stole more than $350,000 from the victim.
Q: What is the potential sentence for grand larceny in the second degree?
A: The maximum sentence is 5 to 15 years.
Q: How can I report suspected elder abuse?
A: You can call the D.A.’s Elder Abuse Unit at 212-335-9007 or email eau@dany.nyc.gov.
