Couple Re-Arrested For Scamming People With Story Of Child's Funeral: DA

A Brooklyn couple has been re-arrested for allegedly scamming people and businesses in Nassau County, Brooklyn and Queens by saying they needed money to pay for a fictitious funeral for a child, as well as other charitable causes. The alleged crimes were uncovered by the Lynbrook Police Department and the Nassau County District Attorney's Office.

Vincent Fina, 29, and Brittney Schmidt, 30, were arraigned Monday before Judge Joseph Girardi and charged with first-egree scheme to defraud and endangering the welfare of a child. They were conditionally released to probation and are due back in court on April 17. If convicted of the top count, they face a maximum sentence of four years in prison.

"The defendants allegedly used the story of sick 5-year-old to con strangers into giving them money," said Nassau District Attorney Madeline Singas. "Thanks to the Lynbrook Police Department and media coverage, the defendants are now facing more charges for allegedly soliciting donations for fake causes and charities."

According to Singas, the couple was original stopped by Lynbrook detectives on Feb. 21, when they were seen entering and exiting multiple businesses with their 11-year-old son. Police said the couple told them they were collecting funds for "Gianni's Fight" -- a charity to pay for the funeral for a boy who died of a brain tumor. At the time, the detectives issued the couple a summons for solicitation without a permit and allowed them to leave.

After an investigation, detectives said the couple used the story of a boy named Gianni from Staten Island who is suffering from brain cancer, but who is not dead. The family of Gianni said the couple was not collecting money for them, and they had not received any of the $150 the couple collected. Police said they identified at least 10 people who were approached by the couple and their son on Feb. 21, some of whom gave donations.

The couple was arrested on March 3 and charged with first-degree scheme to defraud and endangering the welfare of a child.

"Our detectives conducted a fantastic investigation into these two individuals," said Lynbrook Police Chief Joseph Neve. "Together with District Attorney Singas we will hold these alleged criminals accountable for their actions."

The couple was re-arrested on Monday by the Lynbrook Police Department because of additional evidence that was allegedly uncovered by the district attorney's office. According to the district attorney, in July 2016, the couple collected money that they said was going to help kids with cancer go to summer camp. In October 2016, the DA said they and their son collected money to once again benefit Gianni from firehouses in Queens. In February 2017, the DA said they collected money for Gianni's funeral from businesses and police precincts in Brooklyn and Baldwin.

According to the district attorney, the couple collected hundreds of dollars from donors.

In addition to coaching their 11-year old son to assist in soliciting donations, the defendants allegedly kept him out of school in order to assist them in the scam.

The Nassau County District Attorney’s Office and the Lynbrook Police Department are still investigating and trying to identify additional victims. Anyone with any information is urged to call the Economic Crimes Bureau at 516-571-2149.

Photos: Nassau County District Attorney's Office