Thornwood Man Charged in Rent Scam Aimed at Immigrants
A Thornwood man was arrested last week for operating a scam targeting mainly the immigrant community throughout northern Westchester by promising apartments for rent but taking the victims’ money.
Jeffrey Pena was arraigned Aug. 16 in Mount Pleasant Town Court on eight counts of scheme to defraud, a Class E felony, after he surrendered to Mount Pleasant police earlier that day, according to the office of Westchester County District Attorney Anthony Scarpino.
Authorities alleged that Pena posted hand-written flyers in local businesses or told people he had an available apartment to rent and asked for rent money up front. Pena took between $1,700 and $3,600 from his victims and then never rented apartments to them, the criminal complaint stated.
The incidents for which Pena is charged occurred from May 2017 until last month.
Pena was released on bail that was set at $5,000 bond or $2,500 cash and ordered to surrender his passport. He’s scheduled to return to Mount Pleasant Town Court on Sept. 27.
This is the second scam uncovered this summer in the local area that was intended to defraud immigrants, resulting in an arrest and felony charges against the suspect. In early July, a Rockland County man was arrested for ripping off three immigrants $3,000 each in Mount Kisco on promises that he would them green cards.
The district attorney’s office cautioned immigrants to be aware of their rights under the law and that they have the right to live without being victimized regardless of status.
Scarpino said personnel from his office would meet with people anywhere they feel comfortable and speak with them in any language if they feel they have been victimized.
“Because immigrants are often exploited for their vulnerability, we believe they should know their rights and seek help without fear of reprisal,” Scarpino said in a statement last Friday. “Most importantly, we want to make sure immigrants know they can reach out to our office whether they are victims of a crime or witnesses to a crime.”
To contact the district attorney’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, call the hotline at 914-995-1616. Translators are available. The office can also be reached by sending an e-mail to oia@westchesterda.net.
For more information, including to view or download the office’s brochure regarding Immigrant Affairs, visit www.westchesterda.net.
Martin has more than 30 years experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, including a frequent focus on zoning and planning issues. He has been editor-in-chief of The Examiner since its inception in 2007. Read more from Martin’s editor-author bio here. Read Martin’s archived work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/martin-wilbur2007/