$60K 'Predatory Scheme' Targeting Victims Seeking Affordable Housing Leads To Indictment In Westchester

YONKERS, NY — A scheme to bilk those struggling during a historic housing crisis has been foiled by investigators.

Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced the arrest of 52-year-old Norma Tirado, of Yonkers, on ten counts of third-degree grand larceny, and one count of first-degree scheme to defraud.

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She was arraigned on Thursday in Yonkers City Court, and released on her own recognizance. Tirado is scheduled to return to court on May 20.

Prosecutors say that the charges stem from Tirado accepting thousands of dollars each from at least ten different victims in exchange for finding them either Section 8, rent-controlled, or low-income housing. However, Tirado never fulfilled the victims' requests for housing, despite accepting over $60,000, according to investigators.

"Our office remains committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community," Cacace said. "In this case, the defendant's predatory scheme took advantage of hard-working people simply trying to find a place for their families to live. This reprehensible behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated."

The investigation was handled by the Westchester County DA's Office Criminal Investigators, and is being prosecuted by ADA Sheila Horgan of the Public & Law Enforcement Integrity Bureau.