A former fiscal officer for a Brooklyn-based charity has been hit with a 21-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to wire fraud charges related to embezzlement of more than two million dollars from the non-profit organization. Marcia Joseph was formerly a trusted senior fiscal officer at the unnamed charity that strives to assist New Yorkers with employment and education. As per the details released in the case, Joseph's devious activities spanned nearly 17 years, during which she siphoned $2,339,700 by funneling the funds to a fake company she controlled. The sentencing was mandated by United States District Judge Eric N. Vitaliano, with Joseph also ordered to pay both restitution and forfeiture in the amount of $2.3 million.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York highlighted the serious nature of Joseph's crimes. "By stealing from a charity she was entrusted to serve, the defendant shamefully diverted resources from those in need to line her own pockets," United States Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr. stated.
In addition to the breach of trust, the amount stolen is substantial, given the charity’s role in providing support for education and employment services. The FBI, which conducted the investigation, detailed Joseph’s misuse of her position and access within the organization. "For nearly two decades, Joseph selfishly prioritized her extravagant lifestyle at the expense of those who truly needed the financial aid," said Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge at the FBI New York Field Office, in a press release. The FBI continues its efforts to protect vulnerable groups from fraudulent activities.
Jocelyn E. Strauber, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (DOI), emphasized the seriousness of the case. Strauber emphasized that being a senior fiscal officer comes with the duty to act in the organization's best interests, a duty abused by Joseph as she generated fake documentation to cover her tracks during her long-term scheme. "DOI thanks our law enforcement partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the FBI for their commitment to protect the City’s precious resources for the benefit of their intended recipients," Strauber told the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Details from the court filings reveal that Joseph's fraudulent activities involved over 500 fictitious invoices which lied about services supposedly provided in connection with a New York City Department of Education program focusing on students and job training in shelters. The embezzled funds covered personal expenses, including mortgage, credit card payments, car expenses, and luxury shopping. The case was managed by the Public Integrity Section of the U.S. Attorney's Office, with Assistant United States Attorney Eric Silverberg leading the prosecution, while Assistant United States Attorney Claire S. Kedeshian handled forfeiture issues, and Assistant United States Attorney Daniel Saavedra assisted with restitution matters.
