Florida Woman Pleads Guilty To Defrauding Holocaust Survivor Of $2.8 Million In Connection With Romance Scam

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that PEACHES STERGO pled guilty before United States District Judge Edgardo Ramos in connection with her years-long scheme to defraud an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor of his life savings.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Peaches Stergo stole the life savings from an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor who was just looking for companionship.  This conduct is sick – and sad.  Using the millions in fraud proceeds, Stergo lived a life of luxury, purchasing a home in a gated community and a Corvette, taking vacations at hotels like the Ritz Carlton, and buying thousands in designer clothing, while at the same time causing her elderly victim to lose his apartment.  Thanks to the hard work of the FBI and this Office, Stergo is being held accountable for her fraud.”

As alleged in the Indictment:

From at least in or about May 2017, up to and including at least October 2021, STERGO engaged in a scheme to defraud an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor (the “Victim”) of over $2.8 million, which was his life savings. 

STERGO met the Victim on a dating website approximately six or seven years ago.  In or about early 2017, STERGO asked the Victim to borrow money to pay her lawyer, who she claimed was refusing to release funds from an injury settlement.  After the Victim gave her the money, STERGO said the settlement funds had been deposited into her TD Bank account.  In reality, bank records show STERGO never received any money from an injury settlement.

Over the next four and a half years, STERGO continued her lies.  She repeatedly demanded that the Victim deposit money into her bank accounts.  She claimed that if he did not, her accounts would be frozen and he would never be paid back.  In total, the Victim wrote 62 checks — totaling over $2.8 million — that were deposited into one of two of STERGO’s bank accounts.   

In furtherance of the fraud, STERGO created a fake email account, intended to appear as if it belonged to a TD Bank employee.  She also created fake letters from a TD Bank employee and fake invoices.

While the Victim lost his life savings and was forced to give up his apartment, STERGO lived a life of luxury with the millions she received from the fraud: she bought a home in a gated community, a condominium, a boat, and numerous cars, including a Corvette and a Suburban.  During the course of the fraud, STERGO also took expensive trips, staying at places like the Ritz Carlton, and spent many tens of thousands of dollars on expensive meals, gold coins and bars, jewelry, Rolex watches, and designer clothing from stores like Tiffany, Ralph Lauren, Neiman Marcus, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes.

STERGO, 36, of Champions Gate, Florida, pled guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.  In connection with the guilty plea, STERGO agreed to pay $2,830,775 in restitution and to forfeit the same amount, along with over 100 luxury items she purchased with fraud proceeds, including Rolex watches, designer purses and clothing, and large amounts of gold and jewelry.

The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.  Sentencing has been scheduled for July 27, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Wave Hill Events May 4-May 11

 

It’s time to be present in the moment—join us at Wave Hill this weekend and absorb the peaceful atmosphere. Take a stroll through the gardens on a guided garden walk and let yourself fall into the beauty of the season.

If you visit as a family, be sure to join the Family Art Project. Create art inspired by the migratory birds passing over Wave Hill each spring–it’s guaranteed to be an enjoyable experience for kids and adults alike.

                                                                            

Family Art Project: Painting to Migratory Birdsongs 

Sat, May 6, 2023, 10AM–1PM 

Sun, May 7, 2023, 10AM–1PM 

Free with admission to the grounds

Meet at Wave Hill House                                                                                                                                            Migrating birds pass over Wave Hill each spring, singing and warbling as they go. Some even stop here and treat us to a birdy concert! With the music of migratory birds for inspiration, craft colorful bird creations to fill the sky. 

Registration not required. 

The program takes place indoors in the Kerlin Learning Center located on the lower level of Wave Hill House. Please note the following important COVID-related information to ensure everyone’s safety: 

• Approximately nine families will be able to participate at a time, based on the time each family arrives. 

• If capacity is full when you arrive, we will provide a “come back” card so you will have first entry for the next session. 

• Each family will receive its own set of materials and cleaning will happen in between seating participants. 

• Unvaccinated visitors are encouraged to wear a mask inside. 

Wave Hill House is located along a paved route with moderate changes in grade. The building is wheelchair-accessible. There is an accessible, ground-level entrance at the front of the building with a power-assist door. The restroom on the ground level is all-gender and ADA-compliant. Additional ADA-compliant restrooms are available on the lower level, which can be accessed by elevator. 

  

Public Garden Highlights Walk 

Sun, May 7, 2023, 2–2:45PM 

Free with admission to the grounds   

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide--come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Severe weather cancels. 

Registration is not required for this drop-in event. Public Garden Walks are most appropriate for adults or young adults. Not intended for groups; groups should sign-up for Private Garden Tours. 

Questions? Please email us at information@wavehill.org or call 718.549.3200 x251.   

Garden Highlights Walks follow a variety of routes along mixed-material pathways and varying elevations. Accessible routes are available as requested; please indicate your need to Wave Hill staff at the Greeter Desk in the Perkins Visitor Center.   

 

Plant “Pick-of-the-Day" 

Thu, May 11, 2023, 12–12:30PM 

Free, and admission to the grounds is free on Thursdays
Meet at Perkins Visitor Center 

A Wave Hill Garden Guide shares the most notable plants or garden features of the day on this bite-size walk. Severe weather cancels. 

Registration is not required for this drop-in event. Guided garden walks are most appropriate for adults or young adults. Not intended for groups; groups should sign-up for Private Garden Tours. 

Questions? Please email us at information@wavehill.org or call 718.549.3200 x251.   

Plant “Pick-of-the-Day" walks follow a variety of routes along mixed-material pathways and varying elevations. Accessible routes are available as requested; please indicate your need to the Wave Hill staff at the Greeter Desk in the Perkins Visitor Center.   

HOURS: 10AM–5:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday.

 

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at wavehill.org.

Yonkers Man Sentenced To 35 Years For March 2011 Murder

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that DARNELL KIDD, a/k/a “Black,” a/k/a “Donney,” a/k/a “Donney Black,” was sentenced to 35 years in prison for the murder of Jonathan Johnson, 21, on March 18, 2011, in White Plains, New York.  On November 16, 2022, KIDD was convicted of one count of murder through the use of a firearm, following a jury trial before U.S. District Judge Nelson S. Román, who imposed today’s sentence.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “This lengthy investigation is yet another example of this Office’s commitment to prosecuting those who perpetuate gun violence and rob residents of New York of their peace and safety.  We will continue our all-hands-on-deck approach with our law enforcement partners to identify and punish those who commit violent and brutal gun offenses.”

According to the evidence at trial and statements made in public court proceedings and filings:

On March 18, 2011, DARNELL KIDD and his co-defendant MARCUS CHAMBERS murdered Jonathan Johnson by shooting him during an armed robbery for marijuana in White Plains.  In advance of the robbery, CHAMBERS arranged by phone to purchase three ounces of marijuana from Johnson.  Intending to instead rob Johnson, CHAMBERS and KIDD met with Johnson in or near Johnson’s car, which was parked on a suburban street in White Plains.  During the course of the robbery, KIDD drew a loaded gun and fired it, killing Johnson.  KIDD and CHAMBERS then fled from the scene of the murder.   

In addition to his prison term, KIDD, 31, of Yonkers, New York, was sentenced to five years of supervised release.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the White Plains Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) Westchester Safe Streets Task Force, which comprises Special Agents and Task Force Officers from the FBI, United States Probation Office, New York State Police, New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Westchester County Department of Public Safety, Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, New York City Police Department, Yonkers Police Department, Mount Vernon Police Department, Peekskill Police Department, Greenburgh Police Department, New Rochelle Police Department, White Plains Police Department, Clarkstown Police Department, and Ramapo Police Department.  Mr. Williams also thanked the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office for its assistance in this matter.

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on Brush Fires Across the State

 

State Has Deployed Resources to Respond to Fires in Rockland, Orange, Schoharie and Otsego Counties

Annual Prohibition on Residential Brush Burning in Effect to Prevent Wildfires

 Governor Kathy Hochul provided an update on brush fires burning across New York. The Governor has deployed a multi-agency response in collaboration with local first responders and continues to provide resources and respond to fires in Rockland, Orange, Schoharie and Ostego counties, among several other communities.

"Given the dry and warm conditions over the past few days, we have seen an increase in wildfires in multiple counties and are responding quickly," Governor Hochul said. "I encourage all New Yorkers to stay vigilant and thank all our first responders, partner agencies, and neighbors who are working to contain these fires and protect our communities."

Dry weather and lack of green vegetation resulted in dangerous conditions that fuel wildfires. In the last week alone, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers, New York State Police Aviation, local fire departments and trained volunteers responded to nearly 20 wildfires that burned more than 400 acres in communities across the state. Video footage available here: Richmondville Fire; Blooming Grove Fire; Shinhollow Fire.

Officials from the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services' (DHSES) Office of Emergency Management and Office of Fire Prevention and Control remain on the ground in Rockland, Orange, Schoharie, and Otsego counties to support response and resource coordination, including the deployment of generators to support operations in Orange County. Additionally, the Office of Fire Prevention and Control has opened the State Fire Operations Center and activated the state's Fire Mutual Aid Plan. This will allow for the delivery of additional firefighting resources from communities statewide upon request.

Rockland County – Haverstraw Beach and Hook Mountain

The initial fires were divided across three areas: Conger, Stony Point, and next to the railroad. The Conger Fire is under control and assets are being released, but hot spots remain. Westchester County helicopter continues to drop water on it. Stony Point Fire is nearly out and responders continue to hit remaining hot spots. Fires along the railroad are out. The area will be reassessed tomorrow morning. The structures that were reportedly on fire were a residence, a shed, and fencing. Train traffic still stopped.

Orange County - Blooming Grove and Deer Park

There are two fires in Orange County. The fire in Blooming Grove is slow moving and has burned approximately 85 acres with 65 percent contained. State agencies are on site and first responders are aiming to have the fire 100 percent contained by end of operations today. Eighteen fire departments are responding from within the county and four out-of-county fire departments are assisting. Round Hill Elementary School was closed today as a precaution due to smoke conditions.

The fire in Deer Park has burned approximately 150 acres and is currently 75 percent contained. Four local fire departments in the county are assisting as well as one from Pennsylvania. First responders expect to have the fire fully contained by tomorrow afternoon, depending on the weather.

Schoharie and Otsego County - Richmondville

The Richmondville fire is contained. The Incident Command Post closed at 6 p.m. tonight and State Forest Rangers will continue to patrol the fire to ensure it stays contained and mop up hot spots. Trains are still required to travel between 10 to 15 miles per hour out of an abundance of caution to prevent sparking additional fires.

Ontario County - Springwater

The Springwater fire at Old South Bald Hill Road has burned 50 acres. Local officials have this fire 98 percent contained.

New Yorkers are reminded that the annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning lasts through May 14. Open burning of debris is the single-largest cause of spring wildfires in the state. DEC enforces the annual brush burning ban to prevent wildfires and protect communities during heightened conditions for wildfires. For more information, go here. The Fire Danger Map for the 2023 fire season can be found on DEC's website and is updated with the latest fire conditions.

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "DEC's elite crews of Forest Rangers and trained volunteers are responding to wildfires across the state, and with our local firefighters, are putting themselves in harm's way to protect our homes and natural resources. New York State thanks everyone responding, particularly the volunteers, for their hard work. This weekend and every day through May 14, I implore all New Yorkers to respect the prohibition on brush burning and help keep our first responders and communities safe."

Two Men Sentenced To 30 And 46 Months In Prison For Scheme To Defraud New York City Program For Homeless Veterans

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that JEROME WEAH was sentenced in Manhattan federal court to 46 months in prison for engaging in a scheme to defraud a program of the New York City Human Resources Administration (“HRA”), which provides cash assistance to homeless veterans of the United States armed services (“Veterans”) seeking permanent housing.  Another defendant, RUDEAN WEIR, was sentenced to 30 months in prison on March 30, 2023, for his participation in the scheme.  The sentences were imposed by United States District Judge Denise L. Cote.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Rudean Weir and Jerome Weah stole approximately $5.4 million from a New York City program intended to benefit U.S. veterans seeking permanent housing.  These sentences should send a message that individuals who abuse Government programs to enrich themselves at the expense of taxpayers will face serious consequences.”

As alleged in the Complaint, Informations, and other documents in the public record, as well as statements made in public court proceedings:

From at least October 2020 through at least May 2022, RUDEAN WEIR and JEROME WEAH submitted more than 340 fraudulent applications seeking cash assistance pursuant to the Enhanced One Shot Deal (“EOSD”) program administered by the HRA.  The EOSD is an emergency assistance program pursuant to which HRA makes a one-time cash assistance payment to qualifying individuals.  EOSD payments are often used to help individuals move out of homeless shelters and/or other temporary housing into permanent housing.  EOSD payments may be used to cover certain costs associated with the move to permanent housing, including rent, moving expenses, security deposits, broker’s fees, and payments for furniture and other household items.  The HRA also offers and administers services and programs for Veterans, sometimes referred to as “Veteran’s Initiatives.”  In connection with these services, the HRA has a designated group responsible for receiving and reviewing EOSD requests made on behalf of homeless Veterans seeking permanent housing.

Between October 2020 and May 2022, the HRA received at least 340 EOSD applications which claimed that the applicants were homeless Veterans who had entered into a lease agreement with a particular landlord (“Landlord-1”).  Each of these applications (the “Landlord-1 EOSD Applications”) claimed that a particular company provided broker’s services in connection with the lease agreement (“Broker Company-1”).  HRA paid approximately $5.4 million in EOSD payments and broker’s fees pursuant to the Landlord-1 EOSD Applications.

The Landlord-1 EOSD Applications were fraudulent.  Landlord-1 and the Veterans did not, in fact, enter into the lease agreements submitted to HRA in connection with the Landlord-1 EOSD Applications, and Broker Company-1 did not provide real estate brokerage services to either Landlord-1 and/or the Veterans.  The Veterans identified in the Landlord-1 EOSD Applications were not homeless and typically did not live in New York City.  The Landlord-1 EOSD Applications, therefore, contained fake documentation and information and fraudulently induced HRA into making EOSD payments.

In addition to the prison terms, both WEIR, 38, of Atlanta, Georgia, and WEAH, 47, of Trenton, New Jersey, were sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $5,388,769.60.  WEIR was ordered to forfeit $3,779,489.00, including his interest in two bank accounts and six real estate properties.  WEAH was ordered to forfeit $2,179,922.60, including his interest in two bank accounts and one real estate property.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Department of Investigation.  Mr. Williams also thanked the New York City Department of Social Services and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General for their assistance.

Permits Filed For 1288 Southern Boulevard In Crotona Park East, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for an eight-story mixed-use building at 1288 Southern Boulevard in Crotona Park East, The Bronx. Located between Jennings Street and Freeman Street, the interior lot is steps from the Freeman Street subway station, serviced by the 2 and 5 trains. Abdul Kayum is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 75-foot-tall development will yield 19,781 square feet, with 19,113 square feet designated for residential space and 668 square feet for community facility space. The building will have 28 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 682 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a cellar, a 39-foot-long rear yard, four open parking spaces, and four enclosed parking spaces.

Badaly Architects is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the lot is vacant. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli's Weekly News

 

New York State Ranks 30^th in States’ Balance of Payments with Washington

The surge in federal spending in response to the COVID-19 pandemic significantly improved New York’s per capita ranking in the federal balance of payments from 49^th in 2019 to 30^th in Federal Fiscal Year 2021, according to a report released by State Comptroller DiNapoli. The report found that for the second year in a row all states had a positive balance of payments thanks to emergency federal relief aid.

“New York’s per capita ranking jumped because of pandemic funding for fiscal recovery, economic support, Medicaid and vaccine manufacturing contracts,” said State Comptroller DiNapoli. “This significant improvement reflects short-term measures, however, not enduring policy changes. As the temporary aid winds down, the underlying trends are likely to return, with New York reverting to getting far less from Washington than it sends.”  

Read the Report

Value of IDA Projects Grew 10% in 2021 to $126 Billion

New York’s 107 local Industrial Development Authorities (IDAs) reported 4,324 active projects with an aggregate value of $126 billion in 2021, a 10.4%, or $11.9 billion, increase compared to 2020, according to a report released by State Comptroller DiNapoli. The number of IDA projects increased by 1.5%.

School & Municipal Audits

Village of Stamford – Claims Audit
Village of Stamford – Pool Capital Project Planning and Monitoring
Village of Waverly – Parks and Recreation Department Financial Activities
Wyandanch Union Free School District – Budget Review

ALSO IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK

_{Note: Some news links may require a paid subscription.} 

• Report: Federal pandemic aid sent more money back to New York
  
  
• State comptroller: OPWDD failed to provide timely pandemic-era guidance
  
  

• New Yorkers with disabilities face persistent challenge, audit finds
  

• DiNapoli: Value of IDA projects grew 10% in 2021 to $126 billion
  

• New York Common Commits $1.3 Billion to Sustainable Program

Tweet of the Week
Tom DiNapoli @NYSComptroller

In Wake of Attacks on Reproductive Health Care, Governor Hochul Vows to Fight to Protect Abortion Rights

 

Governor Joins with Attorney General James, Senator Gillibrand, and Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins to Fight Back Against Attacks on Fundamental Reproductive Rights

State Stockpiling 150,000 Doses of Misoprostol, Working to Further Protect Access to Medication Abortion

 In the wake of multiple attacks on abortion access — including a federal court ruling in Texas restricting access to abortion medication and Florida’s passage of a 6-week abortion ban — Governor Kathy Hochul today joined with Attorney General Letitia James, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and other legislative and advocate leaders to vow to continue fighting to protect abortion rights.

"This has been a dark week for women across the country," Governor Hochul said. "While anti-choice extremists believe that they should decide what is best for your own health, I will never stop fighting back – standing shoulder to shoulder with our federal, state and local partners -- to ensure that abortion remains safe, legal and accessible in our state. For anyone who needs access to reproductive health care, New York will always welcome you with open arms.”

Since the United States Supreme Court issued the Dobbs decision last year, stripping away reproductive rights from millions, Governor Hochul has led the fight to ensure accessibility for all who seek abortion care. In addition to creating a nation-leading $35 million fund to support abortion care, Governor Hochul worked with the Legislature to pass six new nation-leading laws to protect and support providers and patients.

Governor Hochul earlier this week announced that the State will stockpile the abortion medication Misoprostol as part of ongoing efforts to protect access to abortion. At the Governor's direction, the New York State Department of Health will immediately begin purchasing Misoprostol in order to stockpile 150,000 doses, a five-year supply, in order to meet anticipated needs. Governor Hochul also announced that if the abortion medication Mifepristone is taken off the market, the State will commit up to an additional $20 million to providers to support access to other methods of care.

To further safeguard access to abortion medication, Governor Hochul is also working with the Legislature on new legislation to require private insurers to cover Misoprostol when it's prescribed off-label for abortion and to ensure that no provider is charged increased medical malpractice coverage rates or loses coverage due to prescribing Misoprostol off-label.

In addition to stockpiling abortion medication, Governor Hochul has also proposed several actions to protect access to abortion care and support abortion providers as part of her proposed FY 2024 Executive Budget, including expanding abortion access on SUNY and CUNY campuses.