A building superintendent in New York City who gained recognition as a compassionate caregiver has been charged with embezzling over $350,000 from a centenarian resident of the apartment complex where she was employed, according to prosecutors.
Rosalind Hernandez, 56, worked in a co-op building with 53 units, many of which housed elderly residents. She allegedly convinced the victim to grant her power of attorney and subsequently misused his financial resources, including his checkbook, debit, and credit cards, to make unauthorized purchases amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg condemned Hernandez’s actions, stating, “The victim relied on Ms. Hernandez for help, yet after she befriended him, she allegedly broke his trust and stole his hard-earned money for her personal greed. Those who prey on vulnerable older adults will be held accountable.”
In response to these allegations, Hernandez’s attorney, Vik Pawar, declared their intention to contest the charges.
An article published by The New York Times earlier in 2023 painted Hernandez as “the unofficial companion and caregiver to the retirees, widows, and widowers” in her building located in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood. One former resident, Antonio Ruas, who was then 98 years old, credited her with keeping him from dire circumstances, stating, “If it weren’t for her, I’d be in the gutter.”
While the district attorney’s office did not confirm whether Ruas was the alleged victim, the circumstances surrounding the case suggest they may be related.
The indictment outlines that the elderly victim allowed Hernandez access to his finances as he became weaker with age. Following an injury from a fall in summer 2023, which left him with a grim prognosis, Hernandez accompanied him on a visit to see his family.
Upon returning to New York City, Hernandez brought with her the man’s checkbook, bank card, and credit cards. Prosecutors assert that he had entrusted her with the responsibility of managing the sale of his apartment and handling his affairs, with a promised payment of $100,000. However, she allegedly wrote numerous large checks to unfamiliar individuals and utilized his debit and credit cards for personal expenditures, which included travel, clothing, and a course in entrepreneurship for her and her niece.
After his recovery from the injury, the victim returned home, regained access to his bank accounts, and quickly uncovered the financial exploitation.
As a result of the indictment, Hernandez faces two counts of grand larceny and was released with an order of protection requiring her to maintain distance from the victim.