A Manhattan building superintendent has been indicted for allegedly stealing over $350,000 from a centenarian resident of the Chelsea apartment building where she worked. The superintendent, Rosalind Hernandez, 56, is accused of abusing her position as the man's power of attorney to siphon funds from his bank accounts, as reported by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.
According to the indictment, the relationship between Hernandez and the 100-year-old man, who has not been named, began as a friendly association. It eventually evolved into a fiduciary one when Hernandez suggested she be granted Power of Attorney to manage the elderly man's affairs. The indictment alleges that Hernandez, using this newfound authority, proceeded to swiftly abuse it by conducting unauthorized financial transactions. The theft occurred between July 26, 2023, and June 2, 2024, with Hernandez accused of writing large checks to third parties and making personal purchases using the victim's bank accounts.
"Rosalind Hernandez allegedly stole over $350,000 dollars from a 100-year-old man who entrusted her with his Power of Attorney. The victim relied on Ms. Hernandez for help, yet after she befriended him, she allegedly broke his trust and stole his hard-earned money for her personal greed," said District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. in a statement obtained by the Manhattan DA's office. He further emphasized the commitment to holding those accountable who prey on vulnerable older adults and urged potential victims to reach out to the Elder Abuse Unit.
The alleged victim had conferred with Hernandez the responsibility to manage his finances after suffering a serious injury from a fall. It was during his recuperative stay with family that Hernandez is charged to have egregiously helped herself to his funds. Documents state that the expenditures included personal shopping sprees for lingerie and clothing, a haircut, a subscription to an entrepreneurship training program, and using the man's debit card to fund over $900 in Lyft rides. The DA's office states that the theft came to light once the elderly man had recovered from his injuries and re-established control over his financial accounts. Hernandez is facing charges of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree and Grand Larceny in the Third Degree.
Assistant D.A. Raphaelle Monty, Deputy Chief of the Elder Abuse Unit, is handling the prosecution, with supervision from Assistant D.A.s Jeanine Launay and Shannon Lucey, and Executive Assistant D.A. Justin McNabney. The DANY Squad's Sergeant Robin Castillo and Detective Daniel Roth, along with Alexandra Welch, the Elder Abuse Senior Investigative Analyst, have also been acknowledged for their assistance in the case. As this legal process moves forward, the indictment serves as a stern reminder of the vulnerabilities that can accompany age, and the solemn duty to protect and respect those whom time has worn, but not withered.
