“Courtney Ramirez abused her taxpayer-funded role at ACS to steal gift cards intended to reward children who completed a leadership program. She took advantage of her leadership position at an agency that seeks to help children facing immense challenges and used their gifts for herself,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Alongside our partners at DOI, we will continue to root out fraud in Manhattan and make sure government officials who abuse their power will face accountability.” 

“Penny Bradley not only stole more than $750,000 from investors, she forged their signatures to obtain an $11.5 million loan in an attempt to cover up the theft,” said District Attorney Bragg. “In order to perpetuate her fraud and continue to live beyond her means, she also stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from a second company that invested in her supposed townhouse renovations. I thank the jury for its service on this complex case, and the prosecutors who secured a conviction that underscores our commitment to prosecuting all forms of embezzlement and protecting the integrity of the lending market in New York City.” 

“As alleged, the very person tasked with ensuring his employer’s compliance with laws and regulations broke them time after time to line his pockets at the company’s expense,” said District Attorney Bragg. “We hold people in positions of power – including sworn attorneys with solemn ethical obligations – to the highest standards and will not tolerate fraud at New York businesses’ expense.”

“Shatina Howell allegedly took advantage of tenants in the buildings she managed by breaking their trust and pocketing the money that was intended for rent. She abused her position of authority to exploit New Yorkers who are older adults, veterans, and disabled,” said District Attorney Bragg. “We urge anyone who believes they may be a victim of this sort of fraud to contact our Housing and Tenant Protection Unit at 212-335-3300 or Danyhousing@dany.nyc.gov.”