Deer Park Man Indicted for Theft of Over $157,000 from Chabad of Roslyn

A Deer Park resident faces serious criminal charges after allegedly stealing more than $157,000 from a Roslyn Heights religious and educational institution that serves families throughout the North Shore community.

Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly announced Tuesday that Rami Mohamad was indicted for allegedly taking control of a bank account belonging to the Chabad of Roslyn and conducting nearly 350 unauthorized transactions through debit charges and check fraud.

The Chabad of Roslyn, located in Roslyn Heights, operates as both a house of worship and community center, offering educational programming for children and families in the area. Like many faith-based organizations on Long Island, the Chabad relies on donations and careful financial management to fund its programs and services.

According to the district attorney’s office, Mohamad gained unauthorized access to the organization’s bank account and systematically drained funds through hundreds of separate transactions. The alleged theft represents a significant financial blow to an institution that depends on community support to maintain its operations and educational initiatives.

The case highlights the vulnerability of nonprofit organizations, including those serving educational missions, to financial crimes. Many smaller community organizations operate with limited staff and may lack the robust financial oversight systems that larger institutions employ, potentially making them targets for fraud.

Religious institutions like the Chabad often provide after-school programs, Hebrew school classes, holiday celebrations, and other educational activities for local families. The theft of such substantial funds could impact the organization’s ability to maintain these programs and serve its community members.

The indictment comes after what was likely an extensive investigation into the financial irregularities. Nearly 350 unauthorized transactions suggest a pattern of systematic theft over a period of time, rather than a single incident.

For nonprofit organizations across Long Island, this case serves as a reminder of the importance of financial controls and regular account monitoring. Educational and religious institutions that rely on public trust and donor contributions must maintain transparent financial practices and implement safeguards to protect their resources.

The alleged crime also represents a breach of trust within the community. Organizations like the Chabad of Roslyn depend on the integrity of those who have access to their financial systems, whether employees, contractors, or volunteers.

As the case moves forward through the Nassau County court system, the Chabad of Roslyn will need to focus on recovering from this financial setback and ensuring such incidents cannot happen again. The organization’s leadership will likely need to reassure donors and community members that proper controls are now in place.

The indictment represents the formal charging phase of the criminal justice process. Mohamad was arraigned following the indictment, though details about his plea and bail status were not immediately available.

This case underscores the broader challenges facing community institutions in protecting themselves from internal financial crimes while maintaining the open, trusting environments that allow them to serve their communities effectively.

Source: Long Island Press