Man Arrested for Stealing From Nassau Shopping Center Owner: District Attorney

Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced that a New York City man was arrested Tuesday for allegedly stealing money from the owner of a commercial shopping mall in Hewlett and using it for personal expenses.

Leon Austern, 69, was arrested by NCDA investigators and charged with one count of second degree grand larceny. District Court Judge Joseph Girardi conditionally released Austern to probation and he is due back in court on Aug. 23. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum of 5 to 15 years in prison.

“This defendant allegedly stole more than $300,000 in rent and tax payments made by law-abiding businesses, and used the illicit profits for personal purposes,” Singas said. “Fraudulent schemes such as these are concerning, especially when they involve a manager who has an extra expectation of responsibility.”

Singas said that Austern was the manager of a strip mall shopping center with five commercial tenants owned by Harbro Realty Co., LLC. For his services, he was entitled to receive 3.5 percent of the gross rents collected from tenants.

Beginning May 3, 2010 to Dec. 18, 2012, Singas said that Austern allegedly embezzled $327,273.80 from Harbro by diverting checks drawn by their tenants for rent and taxes to two bank accounts that he created in the name of Harbro. The accounts were opened secretly without the permission of the corporation.

Austern allegedly spent the money to pay for personal expenses including loan payments, insurance, legal fees, investments, restaurants, health related products, food, beverages, gasoline, household appliances, pool maintenance, utilities and storage fees.