Flushing Man Charged With Theft In Home Improvement Scam
Thursday, October 17, 2024, 6:15 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
WOODLAND PARK, NJ.- Following an investigation by Detectives of the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit, a 42-year-old Flushing, New York, was charged in connection with allegedly bilking an elderly Passaic County resident out of hundreds of thousands of dollars in a home improvement scam.
According to Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M.Valdez, Abba Cohen, 42, of Flushing, Queens, was formally charged on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, with one count of second-degree Conspiracy to Commit Theft by Deception; one count of second-degree Receiving Stolen Property; and one count of second-degree Money Laundering.
Cohen was taken into custody without incident and processed on the charges. Following his first appearance in Passaic County Central Judicial Processing Court, he was released on pretrial monitoring conditions pending future court proceedings in Passaic County Superior Court.
Investigation Uncovers Stolen Funds
The charges stem from an investigation that began on April 25, 2024. During an ongoing investigation, Detectives received a report that Cohen had received approximately $425,000 of stolen funds deposited into his personal bank account as payments for a home improvement scam that was committed on an elderly Woodland Park, New Jersey resident.
If convicted at trial, Cohen faces between five and up to ten years in New Jersey State Prison for each charge. In addition to the term of incarceration, Cohen would be required to make restitution to the elderly victim.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office asks anyone with additional information regarding this investigation or other incidents involving Mr. Cohen to contact the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-370-PCPO.
“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”
