MINEOLA, N.Y. – Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced the arrest of a couple from Oceanside for allegedly stealing nearly $185,000 from the husband’s uncle who was hospitalized after suffering a stroke.
Philip and Debilyn Neidecker, both 47, were arraigned today by Judge Eileen Goggin on charges of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree (a C felony), two counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree (a D felony) and Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Third Degree (an A misdemeanor). The defendants were conditionally released to probation and are due back in court January 31. If convicted of the top count, the defendants face a maximum sentence of five to 15 years in prison.
“The defendants are accused of stealing the life savings of a relative who had recently suffered a stroke and allegedly used that money to pay for concert tickets, vacations and a $10,000 Sweet 16 party for their daughter,” DA Singas said. “Stealing from the vulnerable and infirm is particularly reprehensible and I encourage anyone who is aware of someone being exploited in their own families and communities to contact my office.”
DA Singas said that on January 22, 2014, the defendants allegedly obtained a power of attorney for the 64-year-old uncle of Philip Neidecker while he was hospitalized, recovering from a stroke. On January 23, 2014, the couple allegedly used the signed power of attorney to open a new bank account in the victim’s name, without his consent, at the NEFCU where Debilyn Neidecker worked as a customer service representative.
From January 23, 2014, to August 15, 2017, the defendants allegedly withdrew a total of $138,000 from the victim’s Bank of America account, without his permission, and deposited the money into the NEFCU account. During that time, the couple also allegedly opened a NEFCU credit card in the victim’s name, without his permission, charging nearly $30,000 of expenses, and opened a car loan in his name for $16,232.
Approximately $10,000 of the stolen money was allegedly spent on a Sweet 16 party for the couple’s daughter. The couple also allegedly spent stolen money on college tuition, vacations, concert tickets and rent.
In October 2017, the victim’s two sisters took over as power of attorney after they realized payments on his assisted living residence were not being made. The NCDA began an investigation shortly thereafter.
Senior Investigative Counsel Vickie Curran of DA Singas’ Financial Crimes Bureau is prosecuting this case. Philip Neidecker is represented by Nathan DeCorpo, Esq. and Debilyn Neidecker is represented by Legal Aid.
The charges are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.
###