A Carle Place woman has been charged with allegedly stealing $25,000 by using a New York State tax refund check that was reportedly forged.
Based on an investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (DTF), on August 15, 2023, a fraudulent New York State tax check for $41,236 was allegedly deposited into Takisha Rainey’s account. She allegedly obtained the check from an individual who contacted her on social media and then deposited it into her Navy Federal Credit Union account.
On August 17, Rainey made two cash withdrawals totaling $25,000 at a Navy Federal Credit Union branch office located at the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Surveillance footage obtained by OAG revealed Rainey allegedly making cash withdrawals from her bank account. Navy Federal Credit Union then flagged the check as fraudulent and debited Rainey’s account in the full amount of $41,236.
Rainey was arraigned on November 13 before Nassau County Supreme Court Judge Terence Murphy on a three-count indictment for Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the First Degree, Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree. If convicted, Rainey faces a maximum sentence of up to 15 years in prison.
These charges are part of an ongoing investigation.
“This fraudulent scheme stole from New York taxpayers and deprived the state of resources used to provide health care, education, and other critical services,” said Attorney General Letitia James. “I will not tolerate any attempt to steal from our state. My office will continue to investigate this fraud scheme to hold all those who participated accountable.”
“Individuals who try to steal tax refunds from honest New Yorkers must be held accountable,” said DTF Executive Deputy Commissioner Michael Shollar. “I commend the dedicated work of our NYS Tax Investigators, and thank Attorney General James and her office for their diligent efforts in bringing tax criminals to justice.”