LI Woman Pilfered Millions From NYC Firm To Fund Lavish Life: Feds

MASSAPEQUA, NY — A Long Island woman was arrested today and charged with multiple crimes after federal prosecutors said she bilked more than $4 million from her company and its clients in Manhattan, then spent that money on her own lavish lifestyle.

Carmen Miranda, also known as Millie Miranda, 50, of Massapequa, was charged with wire fraud, bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted, she could face up to 30 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “For years, Carmen Miranda allegedly pilfered funds from her employer and clients for her own benefit," said Damian Williams, the United States attorney for the Southern District of New York. "She used the stolen funds to live a lifestyle she could not afford, purchasing expensive trips, luxury items and throwing lavish parties. Her dishonesty led to serious disruptions in her employer’s and its clients’ businesses. Miranda’s arrest and prosecution should send a message to anyone engaging in fraudulent conduct that they will be found and prosecuted.”

According to prosecutors, Miranda was the account manager at a small business management firm that worked with clients in the entertainment industry. From December 2014 through January 2022, prosecutors say embezzled funds from the company and its clients.

Prosecutors say that she added herself as an authorized user of two company credit cards, used credit cards issued to other employees, and wrote checks and sent electronic transfers out of clients' accounts.

Miranda used the stolen money to make payments to a cosmetic surgeon, on her children, and to pay for expenses like tuition, travel, her wedding, an anniversary party and luxury items from Jimmy Choo, prosecutors said.

To conceal the theft, prosecutors say Miranda transferred money between the accounts of different clients. In total, she stole more than $4 million, according to prosecutors.