Mount Pleasant Man Accused Cheating Immigrants With Rent Scam

MOUNT PLEASANT, NY — A Mount Pleasant man is accused of cheating immigrants in northern Westchester.

Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr. announced the arraignment of Jeffrey Pena of Thornwood on charges related to a rent scam targeting the immigrant community and others in Northern Westchester. Pena was arraigned Thursday in Mount Pleasant Town Court on eight counts of Scheme to Defraud, a class E felony.

It’s alleged that Pena posted hand-written flyers in local businesses or told people he had an apartment available to rent. He asked for rent money up front. According to the felony complaints, Pena took between $1,700 and $3,600 from his victims and then never rented apartments to them. The earliest incident date for which Pena is charged is in May, 2017, and the most recent was in July, 2018.

Pena surrendered to Mount Pleasant Police Thursday and was later arraigned. Bail was set at $5,000 bond or $2,500 cash. He was released on bail and ordered to surrender his passport. His next town court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 27.

Once again, the District Attorney’s Office reminds immigrants of their rights under the law.

It’s important for immigrants to know that all Westchester County residents have the right to live without being victimized by anyone and know they can report a crime committed against them or report a crime they have witnessed without fear­--even if they don’t speak English, don’t understand the laws of the U.S., or are residing in the U.S. without legal status. Our office is here to help. We will meet with people anywhere they feel comfortable and speak with them in any language.

“Because immigrants are often exploited for their vulnerability, we believe they should know their rights and seek help without fear of reprisal.” Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr. said. “Most importantly, we want to make sure immigrants know they can reach out to our office whether they are victims of a crime or witnesses to a crime.”

Contact DA's Office of Immigrant Affairs:

Call the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Hotline at (914) 995-1616. Translators are available.

The Office can also be reached by sending an e-mail to oia@westchesterda.net. For more information, view or download our brochure about Immigrant Affairs. The brochure is available in Spanish and English.

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