NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – A building superintendent has been indicted for allegedly stealing over $350,000 from a 100-year-old tenant after obtaining power of attorney prosecutors announced Friday.
Rosalind Hernandez, 56, of the Bronx, faces charges of grand larceny, according to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg Jr.
Court documents state that Hernandez, while employed as the building superintendent, stole more from the victim between July 26, 2023, and June 2, 2024.
“The victim relied on Ms. Hernandez for help, yet after gaining his trust, she allegedly betrayed him and stole his hard-earned money for personal greed,” Bragg said. “Those who prey on vulnerable older adults will be held accountable.”
Prosecutors say Hernandez befriended the man, who was living alone in the building. As he aged, she suggested he grant her power of attorney to help manage his affairs. The man agreed, giving her access to his bank accounts and credit cards.
In the summer of 2023, the man suffered a serious fall and was not expected to recover. Hernandez accompanied him on a trip to visit his family and returned to New York City with his checkbook, bank card, and credit cards. The man had tasked her with selling his apartment and settling his affairs in exchange for $100,000.
While the man was with his family, Hernandez allegedly wrote large checks totaling over $450,000 to two individuals unknown to the victim. She also used his debit and credit cards for personal expenses, including lingerie, clothing, a haircut, and a subscription to an entrepreneurship program for herself and her niece. Additionally, she used the victim’s card to fund her Lyft account, racking up more than $900 in rides.
The theft came to light when the victim, who recovered from his injuries, returned to New York and discovered the unauthorized transactions in his financial accounts.