NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) — A Goodwill executive in Brooklyn is accused of embezzling nearly $2.3 million from the non-profit company on Wednesday.
Marcia Joseph, 57, was arrested on charges of wire fraud, according to according to prosecutors from Eastern District of New York attorney.
"As alleged, Joseph lined her pockets with millions of dollars that she stole from a charity," Breon Peace, attorney for the Eastern District of New York said. "Money that should have gone to support those with employment and educational needs instead was used to pay for the defendant's personal expenses, including mortgage payments, spa treatments, home remodeling, and landscaping."
Joseph is alleged to have set up a fake company named Prestige Business Services, which was shown as a provider of specialized services on behalf of Goodwill.
While the court documents did not specify the non-profit organization, sources close to the case confirmed that it was Goodwill, the Daily News reported.
Over 16 years, Joseph allegedly channeled more than $2.3 million from Goodwill into this fake company, misusing the funds for personal expenses.
Among the alleged expenses were roughly $235,000 for mortgage payments; $207,000 to cover credit card bills; $98,000 for car installments; $45,000 on Amazon; and significant amounts on home renovations, spa treatments, landscaping, luxury goods, and more.
Joseph also allegedly made almost $100,000 in cash withdrawals, gifted about $16,000 to close associates, and wrote checks totaling approximately $50,000 to herself from Prestige's account, according to prosecutors.
Joseph was released on a $50,000 bond.
If convicted she may face imprisonment for up to 20 years.
