BRONX WOMAN WHO CLAIMED TO BE A REAL ESTATE BROKER ARRESTED FOR THE SECOND TIME IN TWO MONTHS ON CHARGES OF STEALING FROM CLIENTS SEEKING APARTMENTS TO RENT
Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today that a 53-year-old woman was arrested and charged with stealing more than $20,000 from families seeking apartments to rent, some of who were recipients of assistance through the New York City Housing Authority’s Section 8 Rental Voucher Program.
Cecilia Casabuena, of 4915 Broadway, Manhattan, was taken into custody at her home by Bronx District Attorney Detective Investigators.
Casabuena was charged with multiple counts of grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, criminal impersonation, and other offenses including one count of scheme to defraud in the first degree. Casabuena is facing a maximum sentence of up to 7 years imprisonment on each count if convicted of the most serious felony offenses, three counts of Grand Larceny in the 3rd degree and three counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 3rd degree.
These most recent charges involve ten victims between February 1, 2008 and October 31, 2009. The charges are the result of an ongoing investigation which could result in additional charges being filed
It is alleged that the defendant misrepresented herself as a licensed real estate broker or agent for several Bronx based realty companies. She would attract clients either as a result of ads placed in the Spanish language newspaper El Diario or through personal referrals. Casabuena allegedly promised to obtain apartments for these clients and collected security deposits and fees upfront, which averaged a little over $2000 per client. The complainants said they never received leases or keys to the apartments and that the defendant failed to return their money despite numerous requests.
Casabuena was first arrested on similar charges involving another victim last November 2, 2009. That case is still pending. Subsequent to the November arrest, Univision News / Channel 41 aired an investigative news report about people seeking apartments who were being victimized. As a result of that report numerous potential victims have since come forward including some of those whose allegations led to today’s arrest.
Casabuena, who was released on her own recognizance last November, today was ordered held in lieu of posting $500,000 bond or $250,000 cash bail. She was also required to surrender her passport. Casabuena was arraigned before Acting State Supreme Court Justice Ralph Fabrezio.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Megan Mellem of the Arson/Auto/Economic Crimes Bureau.
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