Nassau Couple Stole $185,000 From Ailing Uncle: DA

An Oceanside couple was arrested today and charged with stealing $185,000 from an ailing uncle who was hospitalized after a stroke, the district attorney said.

According to Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas, Philip and Debilyn Neidecker, both 47, stole the life savings of Philip's uncle after they were given his power of attorney following a stroke he suffered in 2014. They were both charged with second-degree grand larceny, two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument and third-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument. They were released on probation and are due back in court on Jan. 31. If convicted, they each could face five to 15 years in prison.

“The defendants are accused of stealing the life savings of a relative who had recently suffered a stroke and allegedly used that money to pay for concert tickets, vacations and a $10,000 Sweet 16 party for their daughter,” Singas said. “Stealing from the vulnerable and infirm is particularly reprehensible and I encourage anyone who is aware of someone being exploited in their own families and communities to contact my office.”

According to Singas, on Jan. 22, 2014, the couple received the power of attorney for Philip Neidecker's 64-year-old uncle, who was hospitalized and recovering from a stroke. The next day, Singas said that the couple used their power of attorney to pen a new back account in the uncle's name, without his permission, at NEFCU, where Debilyn Neidecker worked as a customer service representative.

From Jan. 23, 2014 through Aug. 15, 2017, Singas said that the couple withdrew $138,000 from the uncle's bank account without his permission and deposited it into the NEFCU account. During that same time, Singas said they also opened a NEFCU credit card in his name, without his permission, and charged nearly $30,000 of expenses to it, as well as opened up a car loan in his name for $16,232.

Singas said that the couple used about $10,000 of the money they stole to throw a Sweet 16 party for their daughter. They also spent money on college tuition, vacations, concert tickets and rent, Singas said.

In October 2017, Neidecker's two aunts took over as power of attorney after they realized payments were not being made to the uncle's assisted living home. The Nassau County DA began an investigation shortly after that.

Photos courtesy Nassau County District Attorney's office