Building Manager Detained for Fraud Accused of Straw Man for Bail Then Halting Guilty Plea

Building Manager Detained for Fraud Accused of Straw Man for Bail Then Halting Guilty Plea by Matthew & Russell Lee, Patreon Substack SDNY COURTHOUSE, June 25 –A Queens building manager jailed on charges of defrauding COVID programs of $2.2 million was in criminal court in 100 Centre Street before Justice Michele S. Rodney on June 25. Inner City Press was there.  The issue was the source of her bail money. The prosecutors alleged she had used a "straw donor" with a recently opened account in Valley National Bank to pay the bail - thus, she remained detained.    Out in Jackson Heights, tenants of the buildings she managed have complained of deteriorating conditions. She herself had the air of a well-weathered tenement.    The last case of the day for Justice Rodney was also said to be the last case of the career of the Legal Aid lawyer who had it. Only his client was not all-in on pleading guilty.     He was asked about a sharp object; he said he hadn't had one, had only gotten into a physical altercation.    It's an "in concert" theory, the retiring lawyer said. In concert with his brother, who already pled guilty, Justice Rodney pointed out, that case is over. She mulled putting the change of plea proceeding over as well.     The retiring lawyer asked for more time. It was past 5:40 pm when the defendant finally, and haltingly, pled guilty. Sentencing is set for July 30, presumably with another lawyer. *** Your support means a lot. As little as $5 a month helps keep us going and grants you access to exclusive bonus material on our Patreon page. Click here to become a patron. Feedback: Editorial [at] innercitypress.com Mail: Box 130222, Chinatown Station, NY NY 10013 Other, earlier Inner City Press are listed here, and some are available in the ProQuest service, and now on Lexis-Nexis.  Copyright 2006-2026 Inner City Press, Inc. To request reprint or other permission, e-contact Editorial [at] innercitypress.com