Posted on: November 22, 2024 12:25 PM

Share : Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp

Two former employees of Brooklyn based non profit charged with fraud and bribery offenses

Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, an indictment was unsealed charging Gary DSilva, also known as “Pankaj DSilva,” Jonathan Velazquez and Luis A. Camarena with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, bribery and money laundering, as well as substantive counts of wire fraud and federal-program bribery, for their roles in a yearslong kickback scheme.  The defendants were arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon.

“These defendants misappropriated public funds through a brazen kickback scheme,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “When corrupt employees siphon public funds to line their own pockets, the neediest New Yorkers bear the brunt.  My Office will relentlessly pursue those who try to compromise the integrity of our community organizations.”

DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said, “These employees of a City-funded nonprofit participated in an illegal kickback scheme, enriching themselves by stealing from their employer, an entity providing critical services to New Yorkers in need, as alleged in the indictment.  Theft of precious public funds deprives deserving members of our community of resources and I am thankful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the FBI for their shared commitment to protect those funds for the benefit of their intended recipients.”

These illegal payments took the form of payments to credit cards in the names of DSilva and Velazquez and their spouses and payments to shell companies registered to DSilva’s spouse.  In one email obtained during the investigation, Camarena, DSilva, and Velazquez discussed how they would divide the “profit” from the business the Vendor received from the Organization among themselves.     

The charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

From DOJ