Head Of Long Island Based 'Human First' Accused Of Stealing From Developmentally Disabled
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- State and federal prosecutors have charged the head of a Long Island non-profit agency with looting grant money meant for the developmentally disabled.
The indictment alleges that top executives stole hundreds of thousands of dollars to pay for a lavish lifestyle that included a second home, and cosmetic surgery.
As CBS2's Valerie Castro reported, Nassau County based Human First is in the crosshairs of both federal and state prosecutors.
They alleged the non-profit organization's executive director Wafa Abboud conspired with two others to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxpayer money meant to fund programs for the developmentally disabled.
The indictment accuses Abboud of putting down a $340,000 down payment on a second home, and then hundreds of thousands more to pay for renovations.
Prosecutors alleged that Abboud and an assistant transferred bank accounts to conceal the funds belonging to Human First.
Neighbors who have been observing the renovation of the home that prosecutors said Abboud purchased with money meant for the disabled, reacted with contempt.
"Absolutely reprehensible, that's disgusting. I guess they'll need to shut that down," Anna Kaplan said.
No one answered the door at Abboud's primary residence on the nearby and exclusive neighborhood of Shore Road, nor was anyone to be found at the Garden City home of Marcelle Bailey, the employee that prosecutors charge helped Abboud carry out the scheme.
Workers at the home under renovation were still rewiring the house which is getting a new upstairs and roof. They were stunned to hear of the indictment and not sure if their work would continue.
East Rockaway resident Ellen Wallach said she has been trying to get a job Human First and is shocked at the charges that Abboud used the money to pay for cosmetic surgery and take expensive trips.
"It's absolutely horrible. People are not getting the services they need," she said.
No one would go on camera at Human First except to say the organization is cooperating with the investigation and services to the disabled continue.
The indictment charges Abboud and Bailey used an outside consultant to hide the income and did not pay taxes on it either.
