DA VANCE ANNOUNCES SENTENCING OF ACCOUNTANT WHO STOLE MORE THAN $1.2 MILLION FROM ELDERLY CLIENT
“Elder abuse is among New York’s fastest growing crimes,” said District Attorney Vance. “Barry Palczewski took advantage of an elderly woman, who had led a remarkable life, by stealing more than $1 million during her final years. I urge anyone who suspects they or a loved one may be the victim of elder abuse to contact my office by calling (212) 335-9007.”
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, PALCZEWSKI was a fiduciary accountant at the law firm that had been entrusted to handle the victim’s finances. As such, the defendant oversaw the victim’s bank accounts and had access to her personal checks. From 2008 through 2010, the defendant stole more than 100 checks from the victim’s personal checking account, forged in the name of the victim’s attorney, and made them payable to himself. The proceeds of the theft were used to pay the defendant’s rent, fund his consulting business, pay for hot tub repairs, and were deposited into his personal checking account. In total, PALCZEWSKI stole approximately $1.2 million.
The victim passed away in May 2012 at the age of 97.
Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Loewy, Chief of the Elder Abuse Unit, prosecuted this case under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Thomas Wornom, Chief of the Special Prosecutions Bureau, and Executive Assistant District Attorney David Szuchman, Chief of the Investigation Division. Elder Abuse Coordinator Melanie Chan and Supervising Financial Investigator Peter Chicola assisted with the investigation.
District Attorney Vance thanked NYPD Detective Walter Lynch, from the Midtown North Precinct, and Michael Reich, Esq., on behalf of the Queens County Public Administrator.
Defendant Information:
BARRY PALCZEWSKI, D.O.B. 6/4/1958
Oyster Bay, NY
Convicted:
- Grand Larceny in the First Degree, a class B felony, one count
Sentenced:
- 2-to-6 years in state prison