FARMINGVILLE, N.Y. (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) — A Long Island woman was indicted on Wednesday on charges related to the theft of approximately $440,000 from her vulnerable elderly parents that she used to gamble at Jake’s 58 Casino in Islandia, prosecutors said.
The investigation showed that between April 2017 and November 2018 Elizabeth Motti, of Farmingville, stole a total of $440,063 from her parents’ bank accounts by using debit cards to make withdrawals at ATM machines located nearby Jake’s 58 Casino.
The ATM withdrawals amounted to $355,046, and Motti is also accused of making cash withdrawals from their accounts to the amount of $85,017.
At the time, Motti’s parents were under her care and living with her after her mother had surgery, officials said.
The defendant was arraigned on the indictment charging her with second-degree grand larceny, a class C felony, on Wednesday.
“Our elder community is at increased risk for fraud and theft,” Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said. “We want to place those who choose to exploit our vulnerable populations on notice that if you are caught, you will be held accountable.”
Motti was released on her own recognizance. Current state law dictates that the offense for which Motti was indicted is non-bail eligible, meaning that prosecutors cannot ask for bail.
The defendant will return to court on April 18 and is being represented by the Legal Aid Society of Suffolk County.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.