Councilmember Kristy Marmorato's Weekly Newsletter

Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato

Dear Neighbors,

This week, we continued our commitment to supporting our community members in celebrating St. Patrick's Day, hosting NYC Taxi and TLC at our office, and honoring and celebrating NYPD 49th Precinct! It is always a joy to engage with our amazing community and ensure we keep providing valuable events that meet the needs of our constituents.

In this newsletter, you will find details about the district events that took place this week, along with information on various upcoming events we have planned.

It is an honor to represent you in the New York City Council and continue fighting to keep our community safe, healthy, and prosperous!

Sincerely,

Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato

District 13, Bronx

Happy Purim!

March 13th, 2025, Hope everyone had a joyous and meaningful Purim! May this special holiday have brought happiness, laughter, and a sense of togetherness.

As we celebrated with costumes, treats, and the reading of the Megillah, may kindness have been spread and joy shared with those around us. Wishing all a Purim filled with love, light, and blessings! 

NYC Taxi and TLC Office Event

It was a pleasure hosting NYC Taxi at our office last Thursday! The event provided an excellent opportunity for the residents of District 13 to ask questions, get assistance, and engage directly with the services that impact their daily lives.

A big thank you to the TLC for collaborating with us and helping to offer valuable support to our community. Your partnership truly makes a difference, and we look forward to more opportunities to work together!

Celebrating NYPD 49th Precinct

Celebrating 40 years of dedicated service by the NYPD 49th Precinct and honoring those who continuously go above and beyond the call of duty was truly an inspiring event.

Councilwoman Marmorato was honored to present proclamations to Lt. Daniel Mallick, recognized as Supervisor of the Year, and Frank Cirigliano, who was named Civilian of the Year. Their commitment and hard work are a testament to the excellence that the 49th Precinct represents.

A heartfelt congratulations to all the Medal Day recipients for their outstanding contributions. Your dedication to our community is deeply appreciated and truly deserving of recognition!

Cloud Cloud SEALED!

Last Friday, Cloud Cloud was sealed by the Sheriffs, marking an important moment of collaboration and community effort.

This is a true example of what community partnership looks like in District 13—working together to make our neighborhoods safer and stronger.

A huge thank you to the NYC Sheriff's Department and Pelham Parkway Friends for their invaluable assistance in making this happen. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Art Show at P.S. 14! 

Last Friday, walking into P.S. 14 felt like stepping into the Met itself! The atmosphere was incredible, with so much creativity and talent on display.

This year's art show went above and beyond, not only showcasing stunning works of art but also featuring a live rock band and a very special mascot, which added an extra layer of excitement and fun to the event.

A sincere thank you for the invitation and the wonderful opportunity to experience such beautiful art and community spirit!

Glam, Glitter, and Groove Card Party at P.S. 175

I had the pleasure of stopping by P.S. 175's Glam, Glitter & Groove Card Party at Scavello's on the Island on Friday evening.

Though the visit was brief, the vibrant energy of the community and the strong dedication everyone has towards supporting our students.

It's heartwarming to see such enthusiasm for a great cause.

A big round of applause to the PTA and all those involved for putting together such an amazing event!

St. Patrick's Day

Festivities and Celebrations! 

St. Patrick's Day Luncheon

We had an incredible time on Saturday celebrating with our seniors at the Silver Beach St. Paddy's Luncheon! This year we were proud to partner with the Irish Hearts Center to bring books and a touch of Irish Culture to our community. It was a fantastic celebration filled with great food, wonderful company, and plenty of Irish Spirit.

Celebrating Irish Heritage

 

A fantastic Saturday afternoon was spent at the Celebration of Irish Heritage with Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson at the Wicked Wolf.

As a proud Irish-American, it was an honor to celebrate the contributions of our community, particularly recognizing James "Jimmy" Patrick McSherry – a beloved figure in Throggs Neck and a true pillar of our district.

Events like this serve as a wonderful reminder of the deep roots and rich traditions that make our district such a unique and special place.

NYC DOT Saves the Day!

A tripping hazard at the intersection of Miles and E. Tremont was promptly fixed in under 12 hours after we reached out yesterday afternoon!

This quick turnaround is a great example of agency efficiency—swift, effective, and always keeping the community's safety and well-being at the forefront. We truly appreciate the responsiveness and dedication shown in addressing this issue so swiftly.

Thank you for your commitment to making our community safer!

St. Patrick's Day Mass and Breakfast

What an unforgettable day Sunday was in Throggs Neck!

We had a fantastic time celebrating Irish heritage, walking in the St. Patrick's Day Parade, and witnessing the incredible spirit of unity as District 13 came together for our annual celebration. It was truly heartwarming to see so many familiar faces all enjoying the festivities and honoring our rich traditions.

A huge thank you to the Throggs Neck Benevolent Association for once again hosting such an amazing parade. Your dedication and hard work make this event a true highlight of the year, and we are so grateful for all the effort that goes into making it such a success!

Throggs Neck St. Patrick's Day Parade!

What an unforgettable day Sunday was in Throggs Neck!

We had a fantastic time celebrating Irish heritage, walking in the St. Patrick's Day Parade, and witnessing the incredible spirit of unity as District 13 came together for our annual celebration. It was truly heartwarming to see so many familiar faces all enjoying the festivities and honoring our rich traditions.

A huge thank you to the Throggs Neck Benevolent Association for once again hosting such an amazing parade. Your dedication and hard work make this event a true highlight of the year, and we are so grateful for all the effort that goes into making it such a success!

St. Patrick's Day Lunch with

Cardinal Timothy Dolan!

On Monday, St. Patrick's Day, a wonderful lunch was held with His Eminence Cardinal Timothy Dolan at his residence—an event that has become one of the highlights I eagerly look forward to each year. It’s always such an honor to join together with friends, family, and community members in celebration of both our faith and our heritage.

As a proud Catholic and Irish American, this occasion holds special meaning for me. It provides a chance to reflect on the rich traditions that have shaped both my faith and cultural identity, making it a truly memorable and cherished experience every year.

Clean Up Highlight! 🧹

A big thanks and shoutout to DSNY for taking the lead in the cleanup efforts throughout District 13! Their hard work and dedication to keeping our neighborhoods clean are truly appreciated.

ACE then came in to give it that final touch, ensuring that our streets remain spotless and inviting for everyone who calls this community home. Let’s continue to work together to maintain the beauty of our streets and take pride in our community. Every effort counts, and together we can make District 13 a place we can all be proud of! 🏊‍♀️Lifeguard Recruitment 🏊 Free Tax Prep Services  Upcoming Events

Councilwoman Marmorato 718-931-1721

District13@council.nyc.gov

High-Ranking MS-13 Leader Arraigned in Long Island Federal Court on Terrorism and Racketeering Charges After His Arrest in Mexico

 

Defendant, Who Was Added to the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List in February, Was a Founding Member of the Transnational Criminal Organization’s Ranfla en las Calles Leadership Structure

Earlier today, a high-ranking leader of La Mara Salvatrucha, also known as MS-13, was arraigned on a four-count indictment charging him, along with a dozen other high-ranking MS-13 leaders, with directing the transnational criminal organization’s unlawful activities in the United States, El Salvador, Mexico, and elsewhere over the past two decades.

Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales, also known as Veterano de Tribus, 47, of Ahuachapán, El Salvador, and Veracruz, Mexico, had been a fugitive for nearly three years and was added to the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List last month. He was arrested on March 18 at the San Ysidro Port of Entry in San Diego, California. Roman-Bardales had been located and arrested by Mexican authorities in Veracruz on March 17, and after it was determined that he was an El Salvadoran citizen with no valid status in Mexico, he was expelled from Mexico.

“MS-13 is a terrorist organization and this case reflects the Department of Justice’s ironclad commitment to putting terrorists behind bars,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Members of MS-13 and similar groups should live in fear knowing that we will hunt them down, prosecute them, and deliver swift American justice for their heinous crimes.”

“The prosecution in the Eastern District of New York of this international fugitive, who is one of the most senior leaders of the MS-13 in the world, is another momentous step in the dismantling of this evil criminal enterprise, whose bloodshed and reign of terror traverses all boundaries,” stated U.S. Attorney John J. Durham for the Eastern District of New York. “Thanks to the relentless and brave work of U.S. law enforcement, he will soon face reckoning in a courtroom on Long Island where his transnational criminal organization has impacted so many communities.”

As set forth in court filings, Roman-Bardales and his co-defendants are part of MS-13’s command and control structure, consisting of the Ranfla Nacional, Ranfla en Las Calles, and Ranfla en Los Penales. They exercise significant leadership roles in the organization’s operations in El Salvador, Mexico, the United States, and throughout the world. Roman-Bardales was himself a founding member of the Ranfla en las Calles, and oversaw the “Western Zone” of MS-13 in El Salvador. In the related case of United States v. Henriquez, et al., a grand jury in the Eastern District of New York previously indicted 14 members of the Ranfla Nacional, who functioned as MS-13’s “Board of Directors.” Formal extradition requests have been submitted by the United States and remain pending for 11 of those defendants who either are or were in custody in El Salvador.

As further alleged, the defendants have engaged in a litany of violent terrorist activities aimed at influencing the policies of the government of El Salvador (GOES) and at obtaining benefits and concessions from GOES; targeting GOES law enforcement and military officials; employing terrorist tactics such as the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and grenades; operating military-style training camps for firearms and explosives; using public displays of violence to intimidate civilian populations; using violence to obtain and control territory; and manipulating the electoral process in El Salvador.

Further, these defendants authorized and directed violence in the United States, Mexico, and elsewhere as part of a concerted effort to expand MS-13’s influence and territorial control. As the leaders of the MS-13 transnational criminal organization, these defendants were an integral part of the leadership chain responsible for supervising MS-13 cliques in the United States that engaged in extreme violence, including countless murders, attempted murders, assaults, and related offenses. For example, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York has prosecuted hundreds of MS-13 leaders, members and associates for carrying out more than 80 murders in the Eastern District of New York between 2009 and the present.

Several of these defendants, including Roman-Bardales, coordinated MS-13’s expansion into Mexico (the Mexico Program), at the direction of the Ranfla Nacional, which was a coordinated effort to maintain MS-13’s continuity of operations in response to law enforcement pressure previously exerted by the United States and GOES. Additionally, Roman-Bardales and the Mexico Program forged alliances with Mexican cartels, and engaged in narcotics trafficking, immigrant smuggling, extortion, kidnappings, and weapons trafficking. As alleged in the indictment, the MS-13’s Mexico Program murdered some migrants bound for the United States, including suspected members of the rival 18th Street gang and MS-13 members attempting to flee MS-13 in El Salvador without permission. Drug trafficking was an important part of MS-13’s moneymaking operation, especially in Mexico, and the defendants used MS-13’s large membership in the United States to generate financial support for MS-13’s terrorist activities in El Salvador.

Roman-Bardales is charged with racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to provide and conceal material support and resources to terrorists, narco-terrorism conspiracy and alien smuggling conspiracy. Today’s proceeding was held before U.S. District Judge Joan M. Azrack. Roman-Bardales was ordered detained pending trial in the Eastern District of New York. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison or the possibility of the death penalty.

This case was brought by Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV), which was created to combat MS-13 and is comprised of U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country, including the Eastern District of New York; the Eastern District of Texas; the Southern District of New York; the District of Massachusetts; the District of New Jersey; the Northern District of Ohio; the District of Utah; the Southern District of Florida; the Eastern District of Virginia; the Southern District of California; the District of Nevada; the District of Alaska; and the District of Columbia, as well as the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and the Criminal Division. Additionally, the FBI; HSI; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service; the U.S. Bureau of Prisons; and the U.S. Agency for International Development, Office of Inspector General have been essential law enforcement partners and spearheaded JTFV’s investigations.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America and an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

The FBI’s San Diego Field Office is investigating the case, with valuable assistance provided by the Suffolk County Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Diego. The Justice Department thanks its Mexican law enforcement partners.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justina L. Geraci, Paul G. Scotti, and Megan E. Farrell for the Eastern District of New York are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Kerryanne Ucci and Automated Litigation Specialist Michael Compitello.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Comptroller Lander, Congresswoman Meng, Assemblymember Rozic, Council Members Lee & Ung Call on Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice to Cancel Contract for Fresh Meadows Wyndham Hotel

 

A contract review by Lander’s office–in advance of MOCJ’s potential renewal, which the Comptroller’s office would review for approval or rejection–found nepotism and graft

In a review of the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice (MOCJ)’s contract with Housing Works that includes the Wyndham Garden Fresh Meadows hotel, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander uncovered nepotism and graft that led to million dollar increases and enriched the hotel owner, Weihong Hu.

Hu was indicted earlier this year in a kickback scheme involving City contracts with allegations that included bribing the CEO of Exodus Transitional Community, which originally held the Housing Works contract intended to house people transitioning off Rikers Island. Hu fundraised for Mayor Eric Adams.

The contract is set to expire on June 30, 2025. If MOCJ were to renew the contract through June 30, 2028, an indicted individual, affiliated entities, and related individuals could reap nearly $20 million more in City funds.

Comptroller Lander, Assemblymember Rozic, and Councilmember Lee strongly urge MOCJ to cancel the contract, rather than renew it, given the public corruption associated with it. Renewal would be subject to review—approval or rejection—by the Comptroller’s office.

Fresh Meadows Wyndham Lease Increase 

The Comptroller’s office’s review revealed that Housing Works was required to pay Hu’s hotel a minimum monthly fee of $542,177.07, more than double the amount for another comparable hotel site for $241,873.33. In addition to having a higher monthly fee than the other hotels, the monthly fee for Hu’s Fresh Meadows hotel increased from $521,946.67 to $542,177.08, a $20,230.41 increase effective January 1, 2024; as a result, for the 18-month period starting January 1, 2024 until the end of the Agreement on June 30, 2025, Hu is set to receive an additional $364,147.38. If the City were to extend the contract until June 30, 2028, Hu stands to gain an additional $19,518,375 in City funds from the increase in monthly rate. 

Subvendor Nepotism 

Under the agreement, services at the hotels, including the Wyndham Hotel, must include food. Information filed with the Comptroller’s office indicate that at least one of the food subvendors was Meiqiao LLC, a catering business operating out of the same address as the Wyndham Hotel. According to public records and vendor disclosure forms, Meiqiao’s CEO is Lan Mei, a relative of Hu and a named individual who reimbursed donors to Eric Adams in violation of campaign finance law. 

Improper Contract Increase 

The Comptroller’s office found that MOCJ self-registered two increases to the contract amount, cumulatively valued at $9,118,440, in possible violation of the City’s procurement rules and the City Charter. MOCJ registered the first increase of $6,078,960 in February 2024 and the second increase of $3,039,480 in January 2025. 

“Hotel owner Weihong Hu stands to gain millions of dollars through a shady contract with outlandish lease payments and nepotistic double-dealings with the food caterer,” said Comptroller Brad Lander. “Ripping off funds meant to provide housing to people transitioning off Rikers is obscene. My office joins local elected officials, who rang the alarm on this, in calling on the Mayor’s Office to immediately halt its plans to renew this contract because doling out $20 million to an individual indicted for fraud against the City is an abuse of taxpayer dollars.”

“With continued ethical and safety concerns, the City’s contract with the Wyndham Garden Hotel has proven to be a failure. With new revelations about its ties to an indicted associate of the Mayor, it’s clear that this agreement cannot be allowed to continue. As I have said from the start, taxpayer dollars should not be funneled into a contract mired with corruption and mismanagement,” said Assemblywoman Nily Rozic. “My office has long partnered with local elected officials and community leaders to advocate for greater oversight and accountability, and we will continue pushing to ensure this contract ends.”

“The Wyndham Hotel has a history of problems,” said U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens). “These include troubles with safety, transparency and oversight, issues that have long been unacceptable. I have called for the hotel’s contract to be terminated, and I join my government colleagues in renewing this demand, especially with continuing concerns and new revelations. It is time to act.”

“Our offices have long echoed the community’s frustrations with this Administration’s mismanagement and lack of transparency regarding the Wyndham Hotel,” said Council Member Linda Lee. “Given the ongoing public safety concerns and the recent discovery of troubling, unethical financial ties between the Administration and the hotel’s owner, it is unacceptable for the City to renew this contract, further undermining the integrity of the procurement process. In these uncertain times, the Wyndham Hotel’s contract must be terminated immediately to help restore the community’s trust in our city’s government.”

“Not only has this hotel raised issues in the community for years, the decision to allow it to operate as a shelter raised a number of red flags related to transparency and good governance. Residents were forced to suffer the quality-of-life issues this hotel created at the same time the operator was profiting from their hard-earned tax dollars,” said Council Member Sandra Ung. “I hope this report from the Comptroller’s Office is just a first step in bringing a resolution to this longstanding issue.”

Previously in March 2022, Comptroller Lander denied the Exodus Transitional Community contract, which included services provided at this site due to an unlicensed security subcontractor. In December 1, 2022, as a result of five separate investigations into Exodus’ CEO Julio Medina, MOCJ transitioned services being provided under that contract to other vendors including HousingWorks and directed that HousingWorks continue to provide the services at the same locations through leases with the four hotel sites including the Wydham Garden Fresh Meadows.

Read the full letter: https://comptroller.nyc.gov/reports/letter-to-the-mayors-office-of-criminal-justice-re-housing-works-inc-contract-for-justice-involved-emergency-short-term-and-transitional-housing/

Safer Streets: Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on the State's Continued Progress to Drive Down Gun Violence

Shooting Incidents With Injury in Communities Participating in the State’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) Initiative Declined During the First Two Months of the Year After Reaching Lowest Level on Record in 2024

Shooting Incidents With Injury Decreased 18 Percent in January and February Compared to Those Two Months in 2024

Governor’s Budget Proposal Invests $370 Million To Support Local and State Law Enforcement Initiatives, Youth Employment Programs and Community-Based Organizations That Increase Opportunity for Individuals and Families, and Strengthens Neighborhoods

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that gun violence in communities participating in the State’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative declined during the first two months of the year after reaching its lowest level on record in 2024. Shooting incidents with injury decreased 18 percent in January and February, compared to those two months in 2024, and 18 fewer individuals were harmed by gunfire. The Governor’s Fiscal Year 26 Executive Budget Proposal continues record-level funding to further improve public safety and invests $370 million to support local and state law enforcement initiatives, youth employment programs and community-based organizations that increase opportunity for individuals and families and strengthen neighborhoods.

“Reducing gun violence and implementing programs to make our streets safer is critical to ensuring that all New Yorkers feel safe and are protected from harm,” Governor Hochul said. “The initiatives we've implemented to eliminate gun crimes are working, and we will continue to invest in law enforcement and community based programs until each and every New Yorker is free from gun violence.”

The 18 percent decline reflects 61 shooting incidents with injury reported in January and February 2025, compared to 74 during those two months last year, and the number of shooting victims decreased by 21 percent (68 vs. 86). The 28 police departments participating in GIVE report roughly 90 percent of violent crimes involving firearms and 85 percent of violent crime reported outside New York City.

The Rochester and Buffalo police departments each reported 10 fewer individuals injured by gun violence, the most significant decreases reported. Shooting incidents with injury, shooting victims and shooting homicide data for each of the 28 GIVE agencies are available on the State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) website. In addition to the collective decrease in gun violence in GIVE communities, the New York City Police Department reported a 27 percent (111 vs. 151) decrease in shooting incidents through March 16, 2025.

Preliminary index crime reported by police departments and sheriffs’ offices outside of New York City showed an 8 percent decrease from January through September 2024 vs. 2023, the most current data available. There are seven index crime categories that are used to gauge overall crime trends: four violent (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and three property (burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft). Violent crime declined by three percent and property, eight percent. In the five boroughs, data reported by the NYPD showed a 2 percent reduction in 2024 compared to 2023.

To date, State Police have seized 318 guns in 2025. In 2024 and 2023 respectively, State Police seized 1,706 and 1,463 guns.

Governor Hochul's $370 million investment to reduce and prevent gun violence and strengthen communities disproportionately impacted by crime includes, but is not limited to, the following programs and initiatives administered by DCJS:

• $50 million through the Law Enforcement Technology grant program, which provides funding so police departments and sheriffs’ offices can purchase new equipment and technology to modernize their operations and more effectively solve and prevent crime.
• $36 million for GIVE, which funds the 28 police departments and district attorneys’ offices, probation departments and sheriffs’ offices in 21 counties outside of New York City.
• $21 million for the SNUG Street Outreach Program, which operates in 14 communities across the State: Albany, the Bronx, Buffalo, Hempstead, Mount Vernon, Newburgh, Niagara Falls, Poughkeepsie, Rochester, Syracuse, Troy, Utica, Wyandanch and Yonkers. The program uses a public health approach to address gun violence by identifying the source, interrupting transmission and treating individuals, families and communities affected by the violence.
• $18 million in continued support for the State’s unique, nationally recognized Crime Analysis Center Network, and $13 million in new funding to establish the New York State Crime Analysis and Joint Special Operations Command Headquarters, a strategic information, technical assistance and training hub for 11 Centers in the State’s network, and enhance existing partnerships and expand information sharing with the New York State Intelligence Center operated by the State Police, the locally run Nassau County Lead Development Center, and the State’s Joint Security Operations Center, which focuses on protecting the State from cyber threats.
• $20 million for Project RISE (Respond, Invest, Sustain, Empower) in 10 communities to support mentoring, mental health services, restorative practices, trust building, employment and education support and youth development activities, among other programs and services that address trauma resulting from long-term exposure to violence, build resilience and strengthen youth, families and neighborhoods.

The New York State Police, the State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance and the State Office of Victim Services also will receive funding through that $370 million allocation.

In the Fiscal Year 26 Executive Budget Proposal, Governor Hochul allocated an additional $35 million for the next round of the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes grants to increase safety and security of organizations at risk of hate crimes or attacks because of their ideology, beliefs, or mission; nearly $41 million to improve the public safety response to intimate partner violence and improve services for victims and survivors; and doubling funding for rape crisis centers to $12.8 million.

 

Former Art Advisor Lisa Schiff Sentenced To 30 Months In Prison For Defrauding Clients

 

Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that LISA SCHIFF, a Manhattan-based art advisor focused on contemporary art, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison by U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken for perpetrating a multi-year scheme in which she defrauded the clients of her art advisory business of approximately $6.5 million in connection with the purchase and sale of approximately fifty-five artworks.  

Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “For five years, Lisa Schiff breached the trust of her art advisory clients by diverting millions of dollars to pay her own business and personal expenses, and to fund a lavish lifestyle. Because of Schiff’s lies, and her illusory art advisory scam, Schiff will now serve a substantial sentence in prison.”    

According to the Information, plea agreement, and statements made in court:

From 2018 through May 2023, SCHIFF engaged in a scheme to defraud clients of her art advisory business, Schiff Fine Art (“SFA”) by diverting her clients’ funds—profits from the sale of her clients’ artworks or payments they made to purchase artwork—to pay her own personal and business expenses. SCHIFF advised clients regarding the purchase and sale of artworks and bought and sold artworks on behalf of clients in exchange for a commission. In her role as an art advisor, SCHIFF acted as an intermediary between art galleries and auction houses, and her clients, who were art collectors. Typically, when SCHIFF’s clients bought or sold artworks, payments were routed through SCHIFF’s business, SFA. In addition, when SCHIFF sold artworks on behalf of a client, she often had custody or control of the artworks to coordinate the sale. At times, SCHIFF, through SFA, also sold artwork on consignment on behalf of artists and other galleries.   

Starting in about 2018, SCHIFF began defrauding her clients in two ways: not remitting payments to her clients when she sold their artwork while not disclosing to her clients that their artworks had, in fact, been sold; and not purchasing artworks on behalf of clients despite representing to her clients that she would purchase certain artworks on their behalf using their funds. Instead of using client funds as promised, SCHIFF diverted her clients’ money to pay her business and personal expenses. SCHIFF lied to her clients and galleries in furtherance of her fraud scheme. For example, when defrauding clients in connection with selling their artwork, SCHIFF at times lied to clients, claiming she had not sold the artwork, or the buyer was delayed in making the payment and SCHIFF still had custody of the artwork when, in fact, SCHIFF had sold the artwork, received payment from the buyer, and delivered the artwork to the buyer. When defrauding clients in connection with purchasing artwork on their behalf, SCHIFF lied to galleries from which she was supposed to purchase artwork on behalf clients, blaming delays in payment on clients when, in fact, clients had already paid SCHIFF for the purchase of the artwork and she had diverted the funds for her own use. In 2020, SCHIFF considered admitting to at least two of her victims that she had stolen millions from them, drafting letters of confession to them, but she never sent the letters and instead continued to defraud these two victims and others for three more years. Over approximately five years, SCHIFF defrauded at least 12 clients, one artist, the estate of another artist, and one gallery, collectively, of at least approximately $6.5 million. During her fraud, SCHIFF lived lavishly and incurred substantial debts, which she paid in part using her victims’ diverted funds.

In about May 2023, SCHIFF could no longer conceal her scheme due to mounting debts. SCHIFF confessed to several clients that she had stolen their money.

SCHIFF, 54, of New York, New York, was sentenced to two years of supervised release. SCHIFF was further ordered to pay forfeiture of $6,408,538.20 and restitution of $9,147,789.26.

Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Art Crime Team.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Illicit Finance and Money Laundering Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cecilia Vogel and Jennifer Ong are in charge of the prosecution.