Two residents of Hicksville, Michael Arbassio, aged 65, and Eileen Dantini, aged 61, were arraigned on Wednesday, May 17, on charges of filing false documents in order to claim tens of thousands of dollars in COVID relief money. The District Attorney's office has taken up the case and is pursuing legal action against the accused.
According to the charges, Arbassio and Dantini had been residing together as tenants in their Hicksville residence for the past decade, dutifully paying their monthly rent. However, a shocking revelation came to light when Arbassio allegedly submitted an application for the Oyster Bay Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) on September 29, 2021. This federal program aimed to provide aid to Oyster Bay residents struggling with housing insecurities brought about by the pandemic.
In a surprising twist, Arbassio listed Dantini as his landlord on the application and falsely claimed to be in arrears in rent payments to her. To support their deceit, the couple submitted fraudulent paperwork, including a counterfeit lease agreement and a Rental Arrears Affidavit allegedly signed by Dantini herself, as reported by the District Attorney's Office.
Between December 2021 and January 2022, Dantini and Arbassio managed to receive a staggering $12,800 in rental assistance funds through the ERAP. Their audacious scheme unraveled in April 2022 when Arbassio attempted to submit the fraudulent paperwork again, claiming he still owed rent to Dantini. This prompted an investigation that ultimately revealed the couple's Hicksville home was, in fact, owned by an entirely different individual.
As a consequence of their alleged actions, both Arbassio and Dantini are facing serious charges, including third-degree grand larceny and first-degree offering a false instrument for filing, with six counts against them. However, during their arraignment, the couple pleaded not guilty and were subsequently released on their own recognizance.
The accused duo is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, May 23, to face these charges. If found guilty of the top charge, they could face a sentence ranging from two and one-thirds to seven years in prison, according to legal experts.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and integrity when it comes to disbursing and utilizing funds designated for COVID relief programs. Authorities are committed to identifying and prosecuting those who attempt to exploit such aid initiatives, ensuring that resources are rightfully allocated to those who are genuinely in need.
As the legal proceedings continue, the residents of Hicksville and the wider Long Island community will be closely watching to see how justice unfolds in this troubling case of alleged fraud against a vital program meant to assist those affected by the ongoing pandemic.