Shocking Theft: NYC Doorman Allegedly Swindles $478K from Elderly Resident!
An Upper West Side doorman named Alfredo Mateo, 38, has been accused of stealing nearly $480,000 from a retired teacher and her husband. The teacher had moved into a nursing home due to incapacitation, and later, she passed away.
Prosecutors in Manhattan allege that Mateo began targeting the woman while she was under a court-ordered guardianship. Her husband was still living at their apartment at 380 Riverside Drive until he died in September 2022.
The very next day after the husband’s death, Mateo allegedly started depositing the first of 26 checks he had taken from the teacher.
Most of these checks were written to him from the victim’s bank account. He is also accused of stealing $3,000 from the husband’s account. While draining their savings, Mateo allegedly schemed to take more money from the teacher’s annuity and pension, which she earned from her years of service as a city educator.
According to prosecutors, Mateo found a retirement form mailed to the apartment that contained the teacher’s personal information.
Between May 5, 2023, and October 12, 2023, he allegedly submitted five false forms to the Teachers’ Retirement System using her details. Two of these forms were submitted after the teacher had died in July 2023.
These actions led to the payout of her annuity, and she attempted to switch her direct deposit to Mateo’s bank account. He is also accused of stealing several pension checks that were sent to the teacher after her death.
Mateo allegedly tried twice to call the Teachers’ Retirement System to change the phone number on her account. After failing the first time, he reportedly tried to alter his voice to sound like the 91-year-old woman. In total, prosecutors say that Mateo stole an astounding $477,685.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg commented on the case, stating, “Those who take advantage of the access entrusted to them to target older community members and steal from hardworking New Yorkers will be held accountable.
” Mateo is facing seven felony counts, including second-degree grand larceny, second-degree criminal possession of stolen property, first-degree identity theft, and second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument.
Attempts to reach Mateo for comment were unsuccessful. His lawyer, James Magee, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
This case has raised serious concerns about the exploitation of elderly individuals, especially those who are vulnerable due to health issues or lack of close family support.
Financial crimes against seniors are becoming increasingly common, with perpetrators often being people in positions of trust like caregivers, family members, or, in this case, a doorman.
Residents of the Upper West Side neighborhood expressed shock upon hearing the news. Many are reconsidering how much trust they place in people who have access to their personal information and homes.
Building management teams may need to implement stricter oversight and background checks to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Legal experts note that Mateo’s charges are severe and could lead to significant jail time if he is convicted. Second-degree grand larceny is a Class C felony in New York State and can carry a prison sentence of up to 15 years. The additional charges of identity theft and possession of forged instruments add to the potential penalties.
The case also highlights potential vulnerabilities in the systems designed to protect retirees’ benefits.
Mateo’s ability to submit false forms and attempt to reroute pension payments suggests that verification processes may have gaps. Organizations like the Teachers’ Retirement System might need to review their procedures to prevent fraud.
Families of elderly individuals are encouraged to stay actively involved in managing their loved one’s finances. Regularly reviewing bank statements, setting up transaction alerts, and having open discussions about financial matters can help detect and prevent unauthorized activities.
Community organizations and law enforcement agencies stress the importance of reporting any suspicious behavior. Educational programs aimed at seniors can provide valuable information on how to protect themselves from fraud and exploitation.
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As the investigation continues, the community is watching closely to see justice served for the retired teacher and her husband. Their story serves as a sad reminder of the risks that vulnerable individuals face and the need for collective vigilance to protect them.