“SNAP and EBT fraud harms New Yorkers in need of assistance and the New Yorkers whose tax dollars fund these essential programs,” said District Attorney Bragg. “As alleged, this conspiracy created fraudulent merchant processing accounts for fraudulent delis and paid themselves by repeatedly swiping stolen EBT cards at point-of-sale systems associated with those accounts. The defendants allegedly tracked the timing of benefit funds and drained accounts before the legitimate SNAP recipient could buy food and other necessities, eventually stealing more than $7 million. I thank our law enforcement partners at DOI for their work in putting a stop to this fraud.”

“Michael D’Antoni allegedly scammed three older New Yorkers out of hundreds of thousands of dollars by lying about an investment opportunity,” said District Attorney Bragg. “We allege he took advantage of them after building rapports and gaining their trust. We urge New Yorkers to exercise caution when making investments, and to only do so through trusted institutions and licensed brokers. If you are a victim of an investment scam, please call us at 212-335-8900. If you are an older New Yorker who has been scammed, you can also call 212-335-9007.”

“Juan Valoy has been sentenced to a state prison term for scamming and exploiting New Yorkers looking for housing. Those who take advantage of Manhattanites looking for stable housing during New York’s housing crisis will be held accountable,” said District Attorney Bragg. “If you are a victim of a rental scam, please call our Housing & Tenant Protection Unit at 212-335-3300, or email danyhousing@dany.nyc.gov, regardless of your immigration status.”

“Shelter residents trusted David Aguero, a housing specialist, to help them secure stable places to live. As alleged, Aguero broke their trust and stole thousands of dollars from them,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Those who take advantage of New Yorkers desperate for homes in the midst of our housing crisis will be held accountable. This is an ongoing investigation. If you or someone you know may be a victim, please call us at 212-335-3600, regardless of your immigration status.”

“New Yorkers trusted Juan Valoy to rent them apartments. He broke that trust by pocketing their money, leaving them without homes,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Juan Valoy is facing time in state prison for his harmful conduct. Manhattan is facing a housing crisis, and we will prosecute those who exploit it for their own advantage”