Freeport Tax Preparer Stole $2M Through False Returns, Covid-19 Relief Fraud, DOJ Says
A Long Island tax preparer is facing federal charges for allegedly orchestrating a massive $12 million fraud scheme.
Damaris Beltre, 57, of Freeport, was indicted on wire fraud and related charges in Central Islip federal court on Wednesday, March 12, after filing hundreds of false tax returns and stealing COVID-19 relief funds, prosecutors alleged.
Beltre ran multiple tax preparation businesses where she falsely inflated tax refunds for clients, claiming fake dependents, fraudulent sick leave, and fuel tax credits, according to prosecutors. She allegedly charged a percentage of …
Car Theft Ring: 13 Gang Members Stole Dozens Of Cars, Credit Cards In Suffolk County, DA Says
Thirteen alleged gang members have been indicted in Suffolk County for their involvement in a massive vehicle theft and fraud ring, prosecutors announced Tuesday, March 4.
The group, associated with the Hempstead/Freeport-based gang “5-L” or “CC Boyz,” targeted cars across Suffolk County between February 2023 and August 2024, stealing 15 vehicles, breaking into 52 more, and taking 75 credit cards, which they used to make more than $40,000 in fraudulent purchases, prosecutors alleged.
The suspects traveled from Nassau County to Suffolk County late at night or early in the morning, looking fo…
'Buy One, Get One' Fugitive Fraudster Duo Caught At Stafford Hotel, Sheriff Says
A wanted Virginia man didn’t realize he was getting arrested—and neither did his friend, who turned out to be wanted as well, deputies said.
Stafford County Sheriff’s deputies were called to Affordable Suites of America on Woodstock Lane shortly before 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27 after a tipster spotted Christopher Culbertson, 45, of Warrenton, who was wanted in Prince William County for multiple larceny and fraud charges, authorities said.
When deputies arrived, they found Culbertson casually packing his belongings into a car, unaware that his stay was about to be taken into custody. …
Philadelphia Man Who Stole Dead Classmate’s Identity To Get Passport, Gun Permit Sentenced
A Philadelphia fraudster who spent decades living under a dead classmate’s identity—scamming his way into a driver’s license, insurance, and even a gun permit—has pleaded guilty, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced on Friday, Feb. 7.
Anthony Percell, 56, admitted in Philadelphia County Court to stealing the identity of a former classmate who died in 1986 and using it to apply for a concealed carry firearms permit, obtain a Pennsylvania driver’s license, and file a fraudulent workers’ compensation claim, authorities said.
Now, he’s headed to prison.
Under a plea deal, Percel…
State Workers Steal Debit Card Info From Disabled Residents In Clifton Park, Police Say
Three New York State employees are accused of stealing money from developmentally disabled residents in the Capital Region.
The women, all employees at the Capital District Developmental Disabilities Services Office (DDSO) in Clifton Park, were arrested on suspicion of fraud and larceny-related charges following an investigation by the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday, Jan. 26.
Officials identified the defendants as:
Lashea Pettway, 30, of Schenectady
Jessie Gabriel, 34, of Schenectady
Christin McGrath, 45, of Selkirk
An investigation found that all three women stole debit card …
