Fake Lawyer Sentenced for Stealing $31,000 from 'Client'

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — A City Island man has been sentenced to prison for stealing money from a New Rochelle resident under the guise of being a lawyer.

Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino Jr. said Tuesday that Daniel Stern, 52, of Cross Street, was sentenced to two to four years in state prison after being convicted of third-degree grand larceny, a felony.

Police said Stern, falsely representing himself as an attorney, stole abou $31,000 from Joseph Bonnano of New Rochelle.

According to the charges, Stern told Bonnano he was an attorney and would represent him during the purchase of a piece of property.

To that end, Stern received a $40,000 down payment from Bonnano Sept. 21, 2015, at the victim’s house.

Bonnano video recorded the transaction without Stern knowing.

Stern used about $31,000 of the money for his own personal use, authorities said.

Forensic accounting showed the victim withdrew $40,000 from the bank, but Stern did not deposit the cash into a bank account.

Stern gave back $9,000 to Bonnano, and, police said, admitted to the theft of the original amount.

A judgment and order of restitution in the amount of $31,000 was issued in favor of Bonnano.

Photo caption: Daniel Stern. Photo credit: Westchester County District Attorney's Office.