New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman speaking at New York Law School. Image credit: CityLaw

Schneiderman announces one-year jail sentence and $5 million settlement with major New York City landlord who fraudulently refinanced loans and committed tax fraud. On October 3, 2017, New York State Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced the sentencing of landlord Steven Croman who owns more than 140 apartment buildings across Manhattan. In June 2017, Croman pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Third, Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree and Criminal Tax Fraud in the Fourth Degree. Croman was sentenced to serve one year at Rikers Island. As part of his guilty plea, Croman also agreed to a $5 million tax settlement with the State. (more…)

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman speaking at New York Law School, March 18, 2014. Image credit: CityLaw

Schneiderman announces settlement with New York City landlord accused of harassing rent-stabilized tenants. On May 4, 2017, New York State Attorney General Eric. T. Schneiderman announced that a settlement had been reached between the State and several companies controlled by Sassan “Sami” Mahfar and Sina Mahfar. The companies owned four residential buildings on Manhattan’s Lower East Side—22 Spring Street, 102 Norfold Street, 113 Stanton Street, and 210 Rivington Street. The Attorney General alleged that the companies and their principals the Mahfars had engaged in illegal methods to harass rent-regulated tenants, including dangerous construction work, failing to provide essential services, and hiring a relocation company that used illegal tactics to coerce buyouts. (more…)

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman speaking at New York Law School. Image credit: CityLaw

A New York City landlord was indicted for mortgage fraud scheme in Lower Manhattan, stemming from tenant harassment investigation. On April 6, 2017, New York State Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced the indictment of Dean Galasso, a New York City landlord. Galasso was indicted on six felony charges in relation to an alleged scheme to fraudulently obtain a multi-million-dollar mortgage to finance the acquisition of a rental building. Galasso faces one count of Grand Larceny, two counts of Forgery, two counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, and one count of Falsifying Business Records. If convicted, Galasso could face up to 25 years in prison. (more…)